Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Lay briquettes in a charcoal chimney.

Answer: About 3 pounds (1.4 kg) will be enough to fill most chimneys, and for most grills. Your chimney may also have a fill line. If so, use that as a guide.  A charcoal chimney is basically a metal cylinder with a grate at the bottom, holes in the side, and a handle on the side. You place the charcoal inside, light it efficiently and safely, then pour the briquettes in your grill when they're ready. Lighter fluid can be dangerous and is not necessary if you use a charcoal chimney.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Get a mug or small bowl. Grease the bottom and sides. Break the egg directly into the bowl. Add a tablespoon of milk. Whip it with a fork. Cover the bowl. Microwave the egg. Stir and add toppings. Cook it for another 30 seconds. Scoop the egg onto a plate.

Answer: Any microwave-safe mug or bowl will work fine. Dip a paper towel in a little bit of vegetable or olive oil and smear the oil around the inside of the bowl. You could also spray the mug or bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Melting butter into the bowl is another option. Be careful so you don't break the yolk. You can use cream if you prefer creamier scrambled eggs. Mix up the yolk, the white and the milk until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth. Use a microwave-safe plate or a paper towel. Place it in the microwave and cook it for 45 seconds, then remove it from the microwave. Remove the cover and stir the mixture to fluff up the eggs. Add a tablespoon of shredded cheese, a small handful of scallions, or another topping if you'd like. Check to see that the egg is set. If it still looks runny, give it another 15 seconds. Use a fork to fluff it up. Your scrambled egg is ready to eat.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Vary your tasks throughout the day. Ask for more opportunities. Focus on the positive. Eliminate distractions. Seek feedback. Take breaks. Be aware of your strengths.

Answer: People tend to lose motivation on the job out of sheer boredom. The brain functions best when it is subjected to stimulation and differentiated activity. Try to organize your day so that you’re working on different tasks or projects for a few hours at a time. This will help keep you engaged and break the monotony of your routine. If your job consists of only one or two tasks, it’s easy to become bored and unmotivated. Ask your boss for more responsibility. Take on a new project or see if you can collaborate with coworkers to get a different perspective on your work. This will not only broaden your skill set and keep you stimulated, but will also show your boss that you have initiative and drive. If you adopt a positive attitude towards yourself and your work, it will be easier for you to commit to a standard of excellence. Find a way to see the value in everything you do and give it 100%. If you remind yourself of what you do well and put effort into even menial tasks, you will have a higher sense of self-worth. Plus, doing tasks well might lead to a promotion, or a shining letter of recommendation if you’re trying to switch career paths. If you’re having trouble fixating on the positive, try writing a love letter to yourself. Though it may seem a bit overly sentimental, putting down what you love about yourself on paper gives those positive qualities a new weight. Try writing down five or six things that you value in yourself as both a person and a worker, and keep these in mind when you’re feeling low at work. It’s easy to waste time at work by checking your cell phone, social media, or your favorite blogs. Completing your work with speed and drive will boost your motivation. Commit to turning off your phone for a few hours at a time to get your work done quickly. That way, you can associate work with productivity instead of constant distractions. Work environments can be isolating, and it can often be hard to find a sense of community. Seeking out honest feedback from your superiors will not only help with your job performance, but will also allow you to create a personal connection with your colleagues. Plus, your boss will be impressed by your initiative. See the value in both positive feedback and constructive criticism. Positive feedback can help give you an ego boost and refresh your motivation to continue to perform well. Criticism, when viewed as constructive instead of negative, will help you to develop new skills and put renewed effort into your work. Nobody can be productive for eight hours straight. Taking a few breaks throughout the day will give you a much needed stress release and refocus you for impending tasks. Go for a short walk around the block to get some fresh air, stand up and stretch, grab some coffee with a coworker. Don’t make the breaks too long, but recognizing that everybody needs to clear their head from time to time will make it easier to return to your desk. While it’s great to work on your weaknesses, focusing primarily on your strengths will make you feel more successful on the job. Recognize what you are good at and put energy into completing those tasks on a daily basis. Talk to your boss or supervisor about what you think you’re good at so that they know what kinds of projects and assignments you’ll do best with.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Buy eco-friendly products. Carry a tote bag and reusable water bottle. Donate old clothes, toys, electronics, etc. Get creative before throwing things out. Recycle everything you can.

Answer:
Seek out products that do not test on animals and do not contain chemicals that require big CAUTION or WARNING notices on the label.  There are increasing numbers of products called “natural” or “organic” available, but it never hurts to look at the labels.  Choose products without excess packaging.  It was annoying enough when you had to wait for your Dad to dig out your new action figure from that plastic blister packaging; think about the excessive waste such over-packaging creates. Buy local products when available.  Maybe your area has a little candle-making factory or engraver where you can pick up a nice Mother’s Day gift.  Not only will you be helping your local economy, you will be saving the energy usage and pollution required to ship goods long distances. They don’t take up much space but can prevent a lot of waste.  Ever notice how plastic bags seem to always end up stuck in trees or on grassy hillsides, or seen news reports about the giant swirls of plastic junk floating in the middle of the oceans?  Every plastic bottle not made and plastic bag not used helps a little bit. Just because you don’t want them anymore doesn’t mean someone else wouldn’t be happy to have them.  People always seem to assume that all teens need to have the newest everything and discard perfectly good things that are no longer “cool” enough.  Prove them wrong.  Buy used and vintage items as well.  Freak out your parents by buying a shirt from their high school days and declaring it “so retro.” Can you use some parts from your broken-down old bike for your science fair project?  Or use your (or, okay, maybe your parents’) old CDs to make a collage or mobile for art class? From clothes to paper and plastic, recycle everything you can. If your municipality has a recycling program, make sure your family uses it.  Does your school make recycling convenient?  If not, isn’t that something that student councils are for?  Help turn recycling into a habit for everyone.