QuickTips Index

What Is an Elective?
Courses that don’t fulfill a specific slot in a degree program requirement list are elective classes.

Point of View
The point of view of a book is the method and perspective for conveying the story.

One-Dimensional Character
In literature, as in life, we often see growth, change, conflict carried out in a single character. The term one-dimensional character in a book review refers to a character who lacks depth.

What Is an IRB?
If you ever conduct research and you are affiliated in any way with a public institution, you will need to send a proposal to a review board called an IRB. IRB stands for Institutional Review Board.

Using a Dash
A dash is typed by using two hyphens (minus key). You will use a dash to insert an emphatic statement in a sentence.

Using a Hyphen
Hyphens are used to indicate a line break or to join words together. See examples of hyphens used to make adjectives.

When to Use Brackets
When is it appropriate to use brackets? How are they different from parentheses? Discover rules for using one of the most confusing types of punctuation.

Icebreaker - I'll Never Tell!
This icebreaker is sure to get some laughs and to build confidence and self-esteem at the same time. What embarrassing things will your group members reveal?

Icebreaker - Wanted Poster
If your group is charged with building or making something that involves artistic talent, you can learn a lot about strengths and weaknesses of your team with this icebreaker.

Chain Reaction Icebreaker
If you need an icebreaker for a very large group, you can use the chain reaction game to get to know your members a little better. You never know what secrets you might uncover.

Icebreaker - Totem Pole
Is your study group competing with another group? If so, you might want to start off with this icebreaker that creates a bond and helps to establish a group identity.

Icebreaker - I Have a Confession!
Do you really know your study group? If you want to get your study group off to a great start, you can begin with a fun icebreaker. Find out what secrets your group members might have locked up deep inside them!

What Is Rhetoric?
Rhetoric has many definitions, and in today's society it can have negative connotations. That is why it may be confusing to you when you see that your English class is called "Composition and Rhetoric" in high school or college.

What Is a Flash Drive?
A flash drive is a small storage device that is used to transport files from one computer to another. They are slightly larger than a stick of gum, yet many of these devices can carry all your homework for an entire year!

What Is a Senior Thesis?
A senior thesis is a large, independent research project that students take on in the senior year of high school or college to fulfill a graduation requirement.

When to Cite a Source
Cite sources when necessary. How many times have you heard a teacher say this? But many students might wonder what exactly counts as a fact, and what doesn't.

Ecstasy and Your Brain
If you’ve ever seen, heard about, or read about a teenager who has suffered a brain injury from a tragic accident, you can understand the horrible consequences of dangerous behavior. You may not realize that using Ecstasy or club drugs can bring about the same results.

Your Brain and Cocaine
There is a direct link between levels of education and cocaine use. That is why it is so important for students to understand how cocaine use affects their brains and their abilities to perform in class and in testing situations.

Your Brain and Marijuana
If you think smoking pot is harmless, then think again. Many studies show that marijuana affects your ability to think and to perform, and long-term use has an extremely damaging effect on your brain's performance.

Proofreading for Confusing Words
As you know, proofreading is an essential step in preparing any written assignment. Many people depend on spell checkers to do some of their proofreading, and that is fine. But spell checkers do not find many mistakes. One error that spell checkers can’t help you with is word mix-ups.

How to Write a Graduation Speech
A valedictory is a speech that is delivered at the graduation ceremony. The speech is usually performed by the valedictorian or a student leader. It is a farewell speech, but it is also provides an inspirational message.

Recognizing Sentence Fragments
If you get confused by the technical definition of a sentence, you can going with your gut instinct. An incomplete sentence leaves you feeling empty. It just doesn’t leave you feeling satisfied. This is because—no matter how long they are—sentence fragments just don’t express a complete idea.

How to Clear Your Mind
After hours of reading and studying, our brains can lock up in a state of overload. Discover how to clear your mind and unclog your head.

Science Projects
Did you have a great science fair experience that you'd like to share? On the other hand, maybe you tried an experiment that ended up in disaster! If you would like to share your science project idea, fill in the information and send it in.

10 Tips for Multiple Choice Questions
The multiple choice question is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It looks so innocent--but it can be a killer! Discover a few tricks of your own with these tips for answering multiple choice questions.