Q: Go over spelling and definition for each word. Be very systematic about this process so you cover all of your words in a timely fashion. Do not try to cram all of your studying in the night before the spelling bee! Give yourself plenty of time! Remember, though, since you don't have much time, don't focus too much on definitions! Learning roots, prefixes, and suffixes will help you understand word construction and origin much better. Word spelling will make much more sense rather than being "magic." See a chart of common roots, prefixes and suffixes at http://www.prefixsuffix.com/rootchart.php.  Roots. When looking at your words of the day, pay attention to the roots--where the word is derived from. In your dictionary, you can see the root in the etymology section of the word entry. This will usually follow the pronunciation and part of speech, but come before the definition. Many of the words we use have Latin roots, many of the words used in science and philosophy come to us from Greek, and there are others from French, Spanish, German and more. Prefixes. A prefix is a word, letter, or number attached to the beginning of a word that serves to create a derivative word. For instance: "inter" is a prefix that means between, and "rupt" is from a Latin root meaning "to break." Suffixes. A suffix is added at the end of a word to create a derivative word. For instance, "able" is a suffix meaning "capable of or tending to" that is attached to the end of words. To demonstrate, let's take the Latin "amicus" which means friend. Adding a suffix of "able" will create the new word, "amicable. The new word means "having a spirit of friendliness." Sound your words out. For instance, "a-mic-a-ble." You now know the root "amicus" and the suffix "able," so this should be easier. But remember, sounding out words won't work all the time. Some words with silent vowels or certain root words will be very challenging. Associating the word with the definition is very important to this process. When encountering a word you don't know the meaning of, use your dictionary to look it up. Also, try highlighting roots, suffixes, and prefixes -- this will help you memorize the word better. Each time you see the new word, find out how it is pronounced (see your dictionary) and then practice the correct pronunciation out loud. You may want to check with someone else and have them say the word, too. This is a good trick that will help you visualize the word as you spell it out verbally. Spelling words out in the air will also help you focus. Have a family member, friend, teacher, or anyone else that you can find read off the words to you. Then write them down or spell them out verbally. Make sure to test yourself every three days so you know how you're progressing. As with your initial test, don't try to get every word right, and don't use the full two minutes that you'll be allocated in the spelling bee. Do this quickly just to see where your strengths and weaknesses lie. The Scripps National Spelling Bee also has a webpage that will help you to test yourself online, see it at https://secure.spellingbee.com/tests/publicsample/?page=word After you've tested or quizzed yourself, examine your results to see what type of words you are getting wrong. It might be words with lots of vowels, or it might be “OUS” words, or another specific type of word. Focus on these. After two or three tests, you'll begin to get a very good idea of where your weaknesses are, and you'll be able to spend more time on those tougher words. Remove words from your rotation after 3 times if you are confident you know that word. Replace those words with more challenging words. Gradually, you will cycle easy words out and hard ones in. Rather than trying to stay up all night cramming for the bee, make sure that you do something relaxing the night before the bee, get a good night's sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the bee. Staying up late and trying to cram in last minute studying will not help you. It may even cause you to perform worse than if you used the time to rest and relax.  Try taking a relaxing bubble bath, reading a book for pleasure, or going for a walk. Go to be when you normally would, or even a little early to ensure that you are well-rested for the bee.
A: Tackle your word list one section at a time, based on your plan. Learn your roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Learn to spell in syllables. Write down each word five to ten times (depending on how much it challenges you), and also write down the definition at least once. Hear words and say words. Spell out the word with your fingers in the air. Find people to help you. Test yourself frequently. Examine your results. Target your weaknesses and adjust your word list as you progress. Rest and relax the night before the spelling bee.

Article: Try to go to group activities where you can be around people who share your interests. Shared interests give you an automatic connection to the other people you are around. You will not have to worry so much about what to talk about.   Also accept invites from friends to go different places whether you are excited about the event or not. Once you are there, you may find that you are actually having a good time. Group activities you can try include school clubs, sports teams, or volunteer activities in your community. It could be tempting to show up late to an event so that you can just blend in to the crowd. However, this will actually work against you. Arrive early to give yourself time to adjust to the surroundings and get more comfortable.  If you know the person who is hosting the event, ask if they need any help setting up. You will feel more comfortable because you have something to do.  By the time the crowd comes in, you will already feel comfortable. For example, if the party starts at 7:00 pm, get there at 6:45 pm. You may get overwhelmed or drained when you are socializing with others. This is completely normal. If possible, set a time limit for how long you will stay. Maybe you plan to go to the party for an hour and interact with people.  If you are not able to leave, try to get 10-15 minutes of alone time in a bathroom or a quiet area. You will feel refreshed after being by yourself.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Attend group activities. Arrive early. Take a break.

Q: If you are not sure that you have actually sprained your thumb, it is helpful to know what symptoms to look for. These symptoms include:  Sharp, pulsating and/or excruciating pain Swelling Bruising While you can sprain your thumb in a variety of ways, the most common causes of a sprained thumb include:  Repetitive activities that involve the thumb and put excessive pressure on its joints. Sports like basketball, volleyball, and other sports where there is a good chance that the ball will put a lot of pressure on your thumb Contact sports like rugby and martial arts. Wrapping a sprained thumb does not only help stabilize the injured thumb, but also compresses it. Compression aids in stimulating the flow of lymph fluid, which carries important nutrients to the damaged tissues surrounding the injury. Lymph fluid also removes waste from cells and body tissues which is an important function during the tissue regeneration process. Wrapping the thumb also speeds the recovery process and keeps the injury from getting worse. In order to be completely effective, the bandage must be removed, the injury left to rest, and the bandage re-applied a few times a day. In this way, the lymphatic system can complete its evacuation of the injury site.
A:
Identify the symptoms of a sprained thumb. Familiarize yourself with the most common causes of a sprained thumb. Understand why thumb wrapping is beneficial.