Score: If you are able to construct tests that are harder than the ones
your teacher gives you—and score well on his or hers—give yourself
an A. If you feel you know the material, but somehow don’t perform
as well as you think you should at test time, give yourself a B. If you
didn’t pass your driver’s test, let alone algebra, give yourself a C.
Your Overall Score
Once again, after you’ve rated yourself in each area, give yourself two
points for every A, one point for every B, and zero points for every
C. If your overall rating is 18 or more, excellent (give yourself an A);
13 to 17, good (give yourself a B); 12 or less, fair (give yourself a C).
Put your new score in the line “Overall study skill level” in the “Your
Starting Point” chart on page 5.
How closely did this more detailed evaluation compare with the score
you gave yourself before reading the rest of this chapter? If the latter
was wildly off the mark, it just means you aren’t as ready to toss this
book as you wanted to be! If your initial evaluation wasn’t as positive
as the more detailed one you just completed, you’re in better shape
than you thought!
Now What?
The fact that you have been honest with yourself in evaluating the
talents you bring to the study game is a big plus in your favor. Knowing
where you are strong and where you need to improve makes every-
thing else a good deal easier. Now, based on your test results, draw
up a list of your assets and liabilities—your areas of strength and
weakness. This will focus your attention on those areas that require
the most work to improve.
While I would strongly recommend you read the entire book, this
simple test has enabled you to identify the chapters you really need
to study and the specific skills that may require your continued atten-
tion long after you finish reading this book.
Chapter 1 ■ How to Start Out Right 13