This month's quote:
"Procrastination is, hands down, our favorite form of self-sabotage"
Alyce P. Cornyn-Selby
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Editor's Note
I am writing January's newsletter on December 9th because I try never to procrastinate. Sure, there may be times where a situation comes up beyond my control where I cannot do what was planned, and that is the main reason I start projects well in advance of the planned completion date.
This month's article is about procrastinating, good study habits and test-taking tips.
Please enjoy, and, thanks for reading The Grassroots Newsletter.
Not on a soap box
Before I start this actual article, please know I am not trying to offend, upset, or otherwise alienate anyone. I do not profess to
know everyone's individual situation. I do, however, have some experience with procrastinators. I am married to one (my mother-in-law assures me he wasn't this way before going in the military), have three sons who became quite proficient in procrastination after basic training (do they actually teach Procrastination 101 in military basic training?) and two grandsons, both of whom are following proudly in their daddy's footsteps on the art of putting off forever what they can get away with before their mom threatens "No Nintendo for a month if you don't ..."
I need it yesterday!
In today's cell phone, test-messaging, microwave, hurry up world we live in today, it's easy to put things off until the last possible minute, including studying for an important exam or ordering test preparation material needed to study for that exam. I understand there will always be exceptions to a rule, but for the most part, and I am only referring to studying and obtaining preparation material for an important exam, the sooner you acquire the needed material, the more time you will have to study. The more time you prepare for the exam, the more likely you will pass.
Professional exams are different that those taken in high school or college. And they are not about the meaning of life. They are technical tests of proficiency. You should treat these exams as a part of your job. The objective of taking an exam is to pass. Your chance of achieving this is considerably reduced by poor timing.
Let's say specific materials are needed at a job site in 48 hours. Would you wait until 2 hours before the deadline to place the order? You could, but if the material did not get delivered on time, who should take responsibility for the delay? The same goes for ordering preparation materials and setting aside time for studying. It is always best to order any materials you may need to study well in advance of your exam date to ensure you will receive them in enough time to study properly.
How we work
I do not know about any other retailer or website offering preparation material for exams. I only know about Contractorexam.com. We do not have stockpiles of information setting on shelves waiting for an order to be placed. When we receive an order, our team of researchers check for any updated codes, revisions, or new references for the state and trade ordered. In the case where new references are added or codes have been revised, it may take few days to acquire the new information and add it to the database.
When we are confident all information is current, we process the order and ship it to you. We will never, in good conscience, send outdated material, as our goal is to help you pass the exam on your first try.
If an order needs to be shipped overnight, it is wise to call first to confirm there has been no updates, as the order will not be shipped until all updates have been added. If you do this, you will be assured you will receive your order when you expect it to be delivered.
Now what?
Now that you've received your study materials, how can you retain the information contained therein? Researchers state you should allot at least 30 minutes study time for each question on the exam. This means if there are going to be 100 questions on your exam, plan on a minimum of 50 hours study time, unless you are gifted with a photographic memory, which is very rare.
Study time can best be accomplished by setting aside certain times of the week devoted to only studying. Mark on a calendar the days and times of the sessions just as you would schedule a dentist appointment. A formal schedule will prevent procrastination and maintain motivation, as well as demonstrate your commitment to your goals.
There is no single best method for studying. There is only the method that works best for you. Some people need complete silence from distracting noises, others need some sound.
Have everything you need before starting the session. Getting up and down for pens, highlighters, etc., will cut into your study time. It's better to have the room slightly more cool than warm. Don't have a lamp too close to the material and place it on the opposite side of your dominate hand.
Have the right mindset to study smarter. You cannot force yourself to study. If you're distracted by something else going on in your life, such as an important deadline at work, avoid studying.
Let's face it; a lot of the material you will be studying is boring and nobody can make you interested in a subject unless you want to be interested. Have a positive attitude and inquiring mind and at the very least, you will find the information challenging. Keep thinking of the end results. Remember, professional exams are technical tests of proficiency.
Exam day
When exam day arrives, expect some anxiety. Don't dwell on it, just focus on what you have to do. Keep the fear manageable. Take slow, deep breaths and remember, this is your goal and it is attainable. The more familiar you are with the knowledge; the easier it is to cope. This gets back to getting the study material in enough time to properly study. If, after ample study preparation, there is still an answer that eludes you, mark something, anything. The only guaranteed mark for a blank answer is zero.
L'Esprit De L'Escalier
Denis Diderot wrote this phrase and is literally translated as "staircase wit." It means "One only thinks on one's way downstairs, of the smart reply one might have made in the drawing room." This simply means do not leave the examination early. Once the exam room door closes, you cannot go back. Remain in the room for the full time to give yourself the full opportunity for recall. Recheck your work or go over any answers you are not fully confident of the answer.
Sample Test Questions
1. As of 1994, employers with _____ or employers are required to comply with the ADA.
A. 25
B. 15
C. 10
D. 12
Correct answer: B
2. An employer may not ask a disabled applicant all of the following except _____.
A. The severity of the disability
B. To take a medical exam
C. The nature of the disability
D. To demonstrate ability to perform the job
Correct answer: A
3. Persons discriminated against because they have a known associate or relationship with an individual with a disability is not protected by the ADA.
A. True
B. False
Correct answer: B
4. "Undue hardship" referring to an employer complying with the ADA includes _____.
A. The cost of the accommodation in relation to structure of employer's operation
B. Action requiring significant difficulty or expense
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B
Correct answer: C
5. A special tax credit is available to help smaller employers make accommodations required by the ADA, and said employer may take a tax credit up to $_____ per year for these accommodations.
A. 2,500
B. 10,250
C. 5000
D. 10,000
Correct answer: C
6. Title II of the ADA prohibits all public entities __ from discriminating in employment against qualified individuals with disabilities.
A. Regardless of the number of employees
B. Having more than 10 employees
C. Having more than 5 employees
D. Having more than 12 employees
Correct answer: A
We are happy to be interactive in your exam preparation. If you have a particular question that is troublesome to you, take the time to send an e-mail to help@contractorexam.com. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
You may also fax your questions to (888) 567-9565 . We'll do the research for you and respond with instructions to help you understand. There is no charge for this service.
Read by intelligent construction professionals.
If you have an informative article that you would like to share, please e-mail your article to maggiemay1@ContractorExam.com. If we use your article, you will get great exposure and a link to your site. Have a great month!
Maggie, Editor
www.contractorexam.com
