Article: Do you find yourself doodling in your notebook at school? Would you rather draw a picture of an idea than write a paragraph describing it? Have your teachers, friends and family members praised your artistic abilities? Have they asked you to make posters, flyers or other artistic works? If so, this might be a sign you are a natural fit to become a cartoonist.  Most cartoonist positions do not require a formal education. A rich portfolio of work can be just as important -- if not more so -- than a degree. But a college education can help you connect to other cartoonists in your field, give you valuable professional experience through internships, and an opportunity to learn the latest technologies used by cartoonists.  College or art school will also give you the opportunity to study valuable skills you might need in running your own business, how to write for a comic strip in creative writing courses, and how to develop additional skills in related fields like animation or multimedia design, and journalism. Most art schools have their own requirements for compiling and submitting a portfolio, but they generally have to include 10-20 pieces of your best work (they can be unpublished). While you might be most interested in showing your cartoons, you should also include a broad range of work with multiple mediums, like paint, pastels,and photography. Keep your work in a binder with plastic sleeves protecting the work. The portfolio should be clean and easy to view. In high school, don't just keep your art locked up in your journals or notebooks. Instead, take as many art electives as you can and start building up a portfolio that you can use to apply to college.  Draw for your high school newspaper or magazine to get a sense of whether you like working for a publication. You will get into the practice of meeting deadlines and collaborating with an editor to create your cartoons. Contact your local city's newspaper to see if they need any freelance cartoon or illustration work. Maintain good grades and test scores. While you might think that an excellent academic record is not necessary to become an artist, it can be a major asset in furthering your career goals. The best art colleges and programs are very competitive; good grades will show your committee that you have the dedication and work ethic required to complete a large-scale art project. It is also worth it to study for your SAT/ACT. While some art schools only require these scores on an optional basis, they can help you earn scholarships and fellowships to fund your education. You can find study resources through the College Board's web site, including practice tests and sample questions. Do not study for the test overnight -- give yourself months to prepare. You can practice using a study guide book (often available in your local public library), by attending a prep course offered by companies like Kaplan or Pearson, or working with a private tutor. You might consider going to a university with an acclaimed school or art major within it, or you could also consider an art college to study.  Prestigious programs include the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Yale University, the University of California -- Los Angeles and the California Institute of the Arts.  Write an artist's statement. Many art colleges require an artist's statement in your application. This is similar to a personal statement, except you use it to clearly express your perspective on your art and creative process. Why do you create the art that you do? What are your objectives as an artist? Keep in mind that the artist's statement shouldn't explain to the reader how to interpret your work. Rather, use the statement to give your perspective on your art, why you believe it is important and valuable work, and how you go about creating your pieces. Prepare for an interview. Many art schools and programs admit students after interviewing them. Think of this as an opportunity to stand out to your committee and to give yourself a competitive edge over other candidates. Bring your artist's statement and your portfolio with you to the interview. You will most likely be asked questions about your philosophy as an artist and what you hope to accomplish by studying in the program. Memorize responses to these questions so you can answer them very honestly and naturally in your interview.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Determine if you have a natural talent. Prepare a portfolio. Prepare to attend art school in high school. Apply to college.
Article: Exercise is an important part of losing weight, burning calories, and maintaining health. Moderate exercise means that you are lightly sweating, breathing a bit harder (but are not out of breath), and can still talk while exercising. Moderate aerobic activity may include dancing, cycling, and brisk walking. Vigorous cardiovascular training burns calories faster, and includes jogging, circuit training, aerobic classes, resistance training, and stair climbing. One way to engage in fitness in a new way is to try a new activity.  This can be as easy as trying a new class at your local gym or trying something active outdoors. You want to make fitness fun, and there are many ways to add enjoyment to physical activity.  Hiking is a great way to burn calories and be active while enjoying some natural beauty. If you don't have hiking trails near you, consider going to a local park or somewhere you can immerse yourself in nature while you move your body. Pick up biking. Find some local bike paths and enjoy time outside. Save gas and bike to your errands, like going to the grocery store. Dancing is a great way to burn calories and learn a new skill. Many different forms of dance exist, such as ballroom, salsa, bachata, hip hop, ballet and freestyle. Check out dance classes in your area and have some fun while you burn calories.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose your cardiovascular exercise. Try a new activity.
Article: Red roses, for example, are a universal symbol of love and adoration. Similarly, geraniums and daffodils serve as a token of honor and friendship. Purple hyacinths and yellow carnations, on the other hand, can be used to console or extend sympathy for a difficult loss.   Traditionally, different colors of flowers were said to express different emotions. Red flowers signified passionate love, for instance, while white blossoms represented beauty and pink promised remembrance.  The magic of the gift of flowers lies not just in the act of giving but in the type of flowers given. If you know the person has a preference for certain colors, narrow down your search to flowers that display those hues. You have a wide array of colors to choose from—between annual and perennial species, you can find flowers that are red, yellow, blue, purple, pink, white, and practically everything in between.  Some flowers even showcase multiple shades, such as wand flower, walking iris, and harlequin blueflag.  If you don’t know your recipient’s favorite color, it’s usually best to go with a safe choice like red, pink, or white. Flowers like poinsettias and orchids are closely associated with the Christmas holidays. Likewise, warm-weather specimens with bold, bright colors like sunflowers, daisies, and peonies can perfectly capture the spirit of summer. You can find different seasonal flowers on sale year-round at the florist’s, or anywhere fresh flowers are sold. Filler plants like poms, delphinium, and eucalyptus can add depth to an otherwise plain-looking arrangement. They provide an element of delightful visual contrast, giving the eye a place to wander beyond the biggest blooms.  For a classier touch, go with an elegant filler like spiraling ivy or delicate baby’s breath.  Intersperse your secondary plants around the sides and bottom of the arrangement so they don’t draw attention away from your main flowers.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose flowers that convey a certain message. Put together an arrangement in your recipient’s favorite colors. Select seasonal varieties for timely gifts. Incorporate eye-catching filler plants.