Q: Literature tests can be in wildly different formats depending on the class and the instructor; they are very different from math or spelling tests. If your professor or teacher gives you the format of the test, make sure that you understand what each component of the test entails. This understanding will aid you in the study process. Here are some common literature exam components:  Definitions of literary terms or phrases Quote identifications, where you are given the quote and need to explain who said it in what context in what literary work by which author. Passage analysis Short answer questions Essay questions, either on one work or linking together multiple works If your class focuses on literary terms, such as “symbol” or “anaphora” or “free indirect discourse,” make sure that you can not only define the literary term but also provide examples of it from texts in your class. Quiz yourself with these flashcards and look for more examples of them in your assigned texts. If you have taken good class notes, rereading through your notes will refresh your memory about the important points made during class. Take note of the important ideas presented in the class, such as “coming of age” or “man vs. nature.” The ideas that stand out in your notes could potentially appear on the exam. Make a condensed study guide, pulling together the most important ideas from your notes. Use the “read-recite-review” method --read over your notes, recite what you remember from them, and then review and assess how much you retained. Understanding all of the material for a literature exam is crucial, so now is the time to look back on that confusing passage of Faulkner that you didn’t understand in class. If there’s a passage analysis on one of these confusing sections, you will be happy that you reviewed it! If your exam requires an essay, you should look through your notes and texts for potential essay topics, such as dreams, motherhood, or nature. Take note of these for potential exam questions that ask you to talk about symbols and themes across multiple texts studied. Symbols and themes are often frequent topics of literary discussion, and having a grasp of the underlying meaning in your assigned texts will prepare you even more for the exam. Ask them questions about confusing passages. Discuss what each of you thought were the important ideas throughout the class--your opinions might vary! Ask them to read-recite-review their notes to you. Hearing different opinions and points of view about the texts in a literature class will help you see the works more holistically.
A: Know the format of your test. Make flashcards of important literary terms and words. Reread your class notes. Reread confusing parts of assigned texts. Look at symbols and themes. Utilize your study group.

Q: Changes in the brain during adolescence can result in an increase in risk-taking and propensity toward experimentation with substance use (alcohol and other drugs). Specifically, adolescents are more drawn toward reinforcing stimuli – such as substances. However, the teen might also be more likely to take healthy risks such as trying new activities (sports, games, hobbies, etc). The adolescent may engage in more risk-taking behaviors. This can sometimes include dangerous situations such as fast-driving, and breaking other rules or laws. Be aware of these warning signs and risky behaviors. The ability to control impulses is not yet fully developed in the adolescent brain. Understand that your teen may not yet be able to self-monitor or have delayed gratification. Teach your child delayed gratification by helping him identify the pros and cons of engaging in a particular activity or behavior. Brain changes in the developing teenager can result in heightened emotional reactivity. This can result in teenagers experiencing more anger, sadness, loneliness, aggressiveness, and other negative emotions or behaviors.  Try to remember what it was like being a teenager, and identify a few feelings you had back then that were hard to cope with. Instead of automatically reacting emotionally, attempt to empathize with the difficulty of the youth's situation.
A: Identify increases in risk-taking. Know that impulse control may be limited. Empathize with adolescent emotions.

Q: This means learning to drive defensively and not take on a passive role when behind the wheel. In addition to traditional driver's education (which is usually a mandatory part of getting a license in the first place), you can take defensive driving courses and skill-enhancement courses if need be.  Part of learning to be a good driver is knowing the rules of the road. Don't overwhelm yourself with details on traffic laws, but do become familiar with major laws and regulations (such as right-of-way guidelines). Taking informal lessons from a friend or family member who is a safe, experienced driver can go a long way toward building your confidence, and won't cost you anything but some time and effort. Before going out on the open road, go to an open lot (such as a store parking lot on days when the business is closed) with a friend and just get used to the feeling of being behind the wheel. Once you feel comfortable enough, practice starting and stopping, turning, and signaling. If even the idea of driving slowly in an empty parking lot frightens you, begin by just sitting in the driver's seat of your car with the engine off. Eventually, start the car; over time, the basic aspects of driving won't seem so scary. These will work differently for different people, but could include things such as meditating, deep breathing, or praying. Find what works for you and do it on a daily basis. If you are naturally prone to panic attacks, this should be part of your daily routine already. If you have suffered a car accident, learning to keep calm when returning to driving is key to regaining self-confidence.  If you are in therapy for anxiety already, ask your therapist what you can do to calm yourself down in a situation where you are beginning to panic. Figuring out how to handle your anxiety before you go out on the road will be help your nerves immensely.  Keep in mind that it is rare for someone to have an accident while in the midst of a panic attack. A certain degree of anxiety can be relieved by knowing as much as possible about how your car works. If you understand the operations of your vehicle's safety features and how they can protect you in the unlikely event of a crash, you may become less scared to drive.  Know how to properly wear your seatbelt. The single biggest thing you can do to protect yourself from becoming injured during a crash is to wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts are most effective when worn low and tight across the lap and with the shoulder strap across your chest.  You may also want to consider a built-in emergency contact system, such as On Star. These systems make it easy for you to get help if you are in an accident and they will automatically send help if you can’t respond.  Most vehicle operator's manuals have sections devoted to safety features. Some even provide instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, you can ask your insurance provider for this information. When planning to go out for a drive, make sure you are well-rested. Alertness and quick thinking are critical aspects of driving safely, and you will feel less anxious if you are not tired when you get behind the wheel. Do not rely upon caffeine or other artificial alertness aids to keep you awake.  If you take medications that make you drowsy, do not drive while under their influence. Contrary to what you might expect, you could be more likely to have an anxiety attack if you try to drive while tired, as you might panic just knowing that you could fall asleep.
A:
Learn to drive well. Practice self-calming techniques. Know your vehicle's safety features. Get a good night's sleep.