INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Find the real problem, not just the symptoms that result from the problem. When defining the problem, do not consider things that are extraneous matters, only what the actual problem is. You can consider the other issues later. Become familiar with the problem and understand it fully.  For example, if your room is constantly messy, the problem might not be that you’re a messy person. It might be that you lack containers or places to put your items in an organized way. Try to be as clear and thorough as possible when defining the problem. If it is a personal issue, be honest with yourself as to the causes of the problem. If it is a logistics problem, determine exactly where and when the problem occurs. Determine whether the problem is real or self-created. Do you need to solve this problem or is this about something you want? Putting things in perspective can help you navigate the problem-solving process. Recognize the decisions you need to make and how they will contribute to solving your problem. Making decisions can help you move forward in solving your problems, so start by deciding on what to focus on, what needs to get done, and how you will go about doing it.  For example, you might have several problems to solve and need to decide which ones to tackle first. Solving one problem may ease tension or take stress off of another problem. Once you make a decision, don’t doubt yourself. Be willing to look forward from that point on without wondering what would have happened had you chosen something else. An overly-complicated problem can feel overwhelming and be difficult to solve. If there are multiple problems, break them down into smaller parts and deal with them individually. If you can break the problem down into the smallest terms, this will help you in understanding it and finding a solution.  For example, if you need to turn in many assignments to pass a class, focus on how many you have to do and approach them one by one. Try to combine and solve problems together whenever possible. For example, if you're running out of time to study, try listening to a recorded lecture while walking to class or flip through note cards as you're waiting for dinner. Familiarize yourself with the knowledge and information you already have. Then, seek out what you need. Inform yourself of all possible information, then organize it in a meaningful way. For example, if you’re trying to pass a cumulative test, figure out what you already know and what you need to study for. Review everything you already know, then start learning more information from your notes, textbook, or other resources that may help you. Come up with a Plan B (or more) so you’re not locked into one solution. Once you’ve come up with possible solutions, think about how each one would play out. Consider possible outcomes and how they would affect you and those around you. Create a best-case scenario and a worst-case scenario in your imagination. Pay attention to know these scenarios make you feel. Your resources may include time, money, effort, travel, etc. If solving the problem is a top priority, you may need to allocate more resources toward solving the problem than you otherwise would. Think about what resources you have that you can give toward solving your problem.  For example, if you have a deadline, you may skip cooking dinner or going to the gym so that you can give that time to your project. Cut down on unnecessary tasks whenever possible. For example, you might get your groceries delivered to you to save on shopping time. You can spend that time instead on other tasks.

SUMMARY: Define the problem. Make important decisions first. Simplify the problem. Outline what you know and don't know. Anticipate future outcomes. Allocate your resources.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Make sure your clothing can withstand soaking first by checking the label. Feel free to occasionally swirl the clothing around in the water during the 30 minutes.  Set a timer so you know when the half hour is up. Leaving it to soak for longer than 30 minutes won’t damage the clothing. A tougher stain might benefit from additional soaking time.
Summary: Let the clothing soak in the water for 30 minutes.

Do you simply want a phone because many of your friends have one? Are you itching to play Angry Birds or scroll through Instagram photos every hour? Unless you want a phone for logical reasons, like letting your parents know you missed the bus or checking in with your parents after chess club, you may not be ready for your own cell phone. Do you have an allowance or an after-school job? If so, are you willing to spend your own money to get a phone? If you answered yes to both questions, you may be ready for the financial obligation that goes along with having your own phone. Being responsible means staying true to your word and being honest and reliable. Do you take good care of other electronic devices and remember to charge them? Are you able to keep track of things, like your homework, musical instrument, and sports equipment? Point out specific instances when you have been responsible to show your parents you can handle a cell phone. For example, do you walk the dog every day like you said you would when you convinced your parents to get a puppy? If so, remind them that you kept your word. If you understand that you shouldn’t use your phone during class, while driving, or when speaking to someone else, you’re off to a good start. You should also realize that your phone shouldn’t be used to share inappropriate content or make fun of people. For example, using the phone to spread gossip about your classmates or texting your friends at the dinner table are not appropriate circumstances.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Consider why you want a phone. Decide if you’re willing to help pay for the phone or plan. Examine how responsible you are. Determine if you will use a phone appropriately.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you notice the stains before it has a chance to dry, you might be more likely to remove it all. Try running your clothing through a regular washing cycle in your washing machine with standard detergent. If the clothing is white, add bleach for extra washing power. New caulk stains or ones that have not completely dried may come off with a normal wash. Wet a rag or a paper towel. Press the towel firmly against the caulk, and let the moisture sink in. Dab the area again and again, and gently rub the stain out of the fabric. Try to blot as much of the caulk as possible off of the garment. After you have removed as much excess caulk as you can, wet a piece of folded paper towel with some rubbing alcohol. Blot the stain, firmly, and let the alcohol soak deep into the fabric. Dab the stain as many times as needed to remove the stain.  You may need to reapply several times to remove the stain. Add more alcohol each time. Always use a clean section of the towel. If the towel becomes overly stained and saturated with caulk, you may need to switch to another rag. Once the stain is removed, launder the garment in cold or warm water. When you remove the garment from the washer, examine the stain to make sure it's completely removed. You may have to wash it a few times to get the stain completely out. Don't place it in a dryer with any stain remaining, since the heat will set it.

SUMMARY:
Tackle the caulk stain as quickly as possible. Blot the stain with water. Dab the caulk with rubbing alcohol. Wash the clothing.