Education «The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet»

EDUCATION


«The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet»
Aristotel


WARMING UP
How often do you take exams?
Do you consult your teacher before studying for exams?
Which subjects are difficult for you to study for?
How much time do you usually spend on preparation for exams?
What is the most effective way of succeeding in exams?


READING
STUDYING FOR A TEST
Situation: Two college students, Mary and Alexis, are studying for an upcoming sociology test.


Mary: Hey Alexis, I am glad you decided to come over to my house to study for our upcomingexam. The sociology test seems to be very difficult. I have studied all the materials, but I amstill not confident about my performance this Friday.
Alexis: Yes, this test is going to be hard, but since you have covered all the materials, youshould be adequately prepared. I have read all the chapters, but I have not studied the notes fromthe lectures. Let’s do a review starting from chapter one and then we will work our way upthrough chapter three. Does that sound OK to you?
Mary: That sounds like a good idea. Let’s start!
Alexis: Well, in chapter one, the book covers the three fundamental points of view on sociology.Do you know what these three points of view are?
Mary: Yes, I think I do. They are the Functionalist, the Conflict, and the Interactionistperspectives. Is that right?
Alexis: Yes! You got it! Good job!
Mary: Thanks, Alexis! But what does each perspective believe?
Alexis: Well, you know what the Functionalist Perspective talks about. It is the easiest toremember.
Mary: Oh yes! That one talks about how everyone has a function in society. It states thateveryone has a function in life where their collective actions will be put together for the benefitof society.
Alexis: That is correct! No need to ask, but I think you understand very well what the other twoperspectives are all about, right?
Mary: Yes, I can explain very precisely what they are. There is no need for me to do a reviewon them. Let’s finish the other chapters.
Alexis: Well, how about you quiz me on chapter two.
Mary: Sure. Well, in chapter two, the book discusses Max Weber. Who was Max Weber andwhat was his opinion on the issue of organization?
Alexis: Well, Max Weber was one of the founders of the modern study of sociology. He believed that organizing requires communication, coordination, and control.
Mary: That is correct! You are doing really well too, Alexis!
Alexis: Thanks Mary! I feel pretty good about chapter two. Let’s take a break right now andwe will finish going over the main parts of chapter three when we come back.
Mary: Chapter three is the most difficult chapter. I have read the chapter twice on top ofreviewing all my lecture notes, and it is still quite confusing. Maybe I just made a big deal out ofnothing.
Alexis: Chapter three covers quite a few different concepts. It might be better for us to writedown each concept and then carefully do a comparison of their similarities and differences. I betour teacher will ask us to write a short essay on each concept as part of the exam.
Mary: Do you think so? I better get myself prepared since we only have an hour to finish theexam. I am never good at writing as I always have difficulties putting my thoughts on paper. Ihave worked so hard to overcome this problem, but I still have not improved much. Maybe, I have a tendency of over analyzing things.
Alexis: I do not think that is your problem. It is probably a case of anxiety. Try to relax and takeit easy. Things get worse when you do not have control of yourself.
Mary: I know, I know. However, I cannot help it. It is good that you suggested we take a break.I need to have a clear mind when we start on chapter three. Let’s go find something to eat andlisten to some soothing music for a while.
Alexis: OK, Mary.

VOCABULARY
Come over to somebody’s house -birewdiń úyine barɪw
Upcoming exam – bolajaq imtixan
I am not confident about – isenimim tolɪq emes
Be adequately prepared- durɪslap tayarlanɪw
Work one’s way up- ózbetinshe islew
Good job! - bárekella!
Precisely - durɪs/anɪq
Quiz somebody -birewge soraw beriw
That’s correct! - buldurɪs
Feel good about something - bir-nárseni unatɪw
Take a break! - dem al!
It might be better to – budanda jaqsɪ bolɪwɪ mú’mkin
As part of the exam - imtixannɪń yarɪm bólegi sipatɪnda
Putting one’s thoughts on paper – pikirin jazɪw
Overcome a problem: mashqalanɪ jeniw
Anxiety - táshwish
Try to relax and take it easy -qorqpa/ tɪnɪshlan!
Have a clear mind- jaqsɪlap oylanɪp al