Q&A ~ With Booknut

[Jay]

Are you still recovering?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Yes, I am. But I'm definitely much better :)

[Jay]

Booknut wrote: "Yes, I am. But I'm definitely much better :)"

Awesome Booknut

[Jay]

Are you excited for the movie If I Stay?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

I'm intrigued, certainly - I haven't read the book (although I have a fair idea about what happens in it) but the movie looks interesting from what I've seen in the trailer and teasers.

[Jay]

Are you excited for season 6 of The Vampire Diaries?

What did you think of Once Upon a Time season 4?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

I'm looking forward to TVD, & I'm sure OUAT S4 is going to be brilliant, too. This added element of Frozen is sure to bring an interesting twist to the plot :)

[Sarah]

Do you have any tips on how to read during the school year?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Kitty,

Here are some tips I can give (mainly from experience!) on how to read during the school year. I hope they help!

Six School-Time Reading Tricks & Tips

#1: Read on the go.

If you're traveling to and from school by car, bus, train, etc. bring a book with you. I'm a uni student and I still use this! It's a great way of getting through your reading list and keeping yourself entertained.

#2: School related.

Find books that relate to your schoolwork so that, by reading them, you're learning facts that can help you with you're studying (so it doesn't count as 'wasting time'...not that reading is ever a waste of time!).

Some examples are books based on mythology/historical events for those doing history, Shakespeare/Tennyson or other famous playwriters and poets for english, or even a book on whatever topic you're currently studying.

You'd be surprised how much they can help.

#3: Organisation.

There's no 'miracle way' to make time to read books.

Quite honestly, I attend university four days a week, have multiple tests per week to study for + added assignments. So I can say with all honesty, it's very, very hard to find 'you' time to settle down with a good book.

The way to do so, is to plan. Set up goals. For e.g. 4-5 hours of study/finishing your essay = 1 hour of reading. Reward yourself for doing work. But make sure to prioritize the work first and foremost!

#4: Night Light.

Before I begin: sleep is important! Very important. It's also a lovely part of our everyday lives, that allows us a moment's peace from the hustle and bustle of daytime trials.

That said...it uses up a lot of hours - hours that could be spent reading!

I'm not condoning night reading, nor am I condemning it. But it is an option, albeit a more drastic one.

I've done it more than once, when I really wanted to finish a fantastic book I was halfway through reading - or when I've had a pile of books to review and needed to get through them ASAP before a deadline.

It's convenient. But you will feel like a zombie from lack of sleep the next morning!

#5: Audiobooks.

If you haven't got the time to whip out a physical book and sit down, try audiobooks. Listen to stories as you do daily activities, or travel to and from places, etc.

#6: Set realistic goals.

One's 'to-read' list can grow to be a little daunting at times!

When at school, during the school term, set realistic reading goals. Try to set aside the piles and piles of reading for the holidays or breaks. That way, not only will you have more time to read more books but you'll enjoy them far more if you're in a relaxed state of mind...rather than stressing over the mountain of homework you haven't completed yet :)


If I think of any more I'll be sure to let you know, but I hope these 6 tips have helped you a little and that you find the time to enjoy the books you wish to read <3

[νєяαℓι∂αιиє]

Kitty wrote: "Do you have any tips on how to read during the school year?"

That's a good question! And a really helpful answer Booknut! :)

[νєяαℓι∂αιиє]

Booknut wrote: "#3: Organisation.

There's no 'miracle way' to make time to read books.

Quite honestly, I attend university four days a week, have multiple tests per week to study for + added assignments. So I can say with all honesty, it's very, very hard to find 'you' time to settle down with a good book.

The way to do so, is to plan. Set up goals. For e.g. 4-5 hours of study/finishing your essay = 1 hour of reading. Reward yourself for doing work. But make sure to prioritize the work first and foremost!"


Ah, organisation, the bane of my life. :p

[Sarah]

Thanks!! I've been debating about starting a book blog. Do you have any tips for starting a blog? If I did have a book blog, I don't want to have a Twitter though:/ can you be successful without it?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

@νєяαℓι∂αιиє: *laughs* organisation is the bane of my existence, too! XD

@Kitty: No, Twitter isn't a necessity in setting up a successful book blog.

However, any social media site - Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, etc. - is a useful tool in spreading the word about your blog. Goodreads is an alternative; you can add links to your blog on your Goodreads reviews, etc. to get the word out.

Here are some tips:

Starting A Book Blog

Starting a blog is always exciting...and daunting at the same time. When I started mine, I websearched and came up with some great articles/sites that helped me learn the basics, such as:

- http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/tee...
- http://booklineandsinker.com/2011/01/...
- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... (this is a discussion thread on GR where you can ask questions and have them answered!)

When it comes to widgets, I suggest Googling what you wish to find & taking a good look at the gadgets available via Blogger. If you go to your blog's Layout page, you can press 'Add Gadget'. A whole list of gadgets you can add to your blog will pop up and you can choose which ones/how many you want. Take the time to check them all out, and to see which ones complement your blog :)

Googling widgets can add a unique aspect to your blog. For e.g. countdown widgets can be found on many sites (e.g. the author's webpage). These countdown widgets have html that can be pasted onto Blogger so the widget comes up on your blog (e.g. the countdown widgets you can see at the very bottom of my blog. If you click on them you will be directed to the webpage I found them on.)

The other thing is to spread the word about your blog. I spread the word about mine in a number of ways:
- through my reviews on GR (adding a link to my 'blog version' of that review)
- via Twitter (Tweeting links to my latest reviews)
- via other blogs (blog hopping is a great way to pick up followers. Comment on fellow book blogs and leave a link for them to kindly check out yours if they like.)


I hope these helped!

[Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse)]

Okay another school question
You don't have to write too much if you don't have time
And mine is just a vague question

So I have HSC from next week starting with English.... so I was wondering if you had any tips or pointers about 'how to not burn out' and last cramming. Or anything else for English ->like what to include for AOS or what not to include or how to get those extra marks, etc.. (I think that's the only subject we have in common lol)

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

@Sasha: I'd be more than happy to answer your questions for you :)

Before I start, though, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck for your HSC - I'm sure you'll do great and I have the utmost faith in you!

Now, for the tips and/or pointers on HSC English.

Tips For HSC English (a.k.a How To Get Through HSC English Without Totally Losing Your Mind)

Burn Outs & Cramming

This is very, very important. We need to look at the big picture, the HSC as a whole. English is not the only subject you'll be examined on. You need to spread your time, energy, patience and memory amongst multiple subjects.

That said, there are ways to avoid burning out whilst studying for a subject...as well as how to get in those final pieces of information and have them stay:

#1: Keep a strict schedule

Have a strict wake up time and sleep time. Don't deviate from the schedule. This way you'll be sure to get the necessary sleep and rest you need. Complete all study, etc. within the hours you have. Even if you're not finished, head to bed at the set time and finish off the next day. You need your rest!

#2: Break up your modules and/or AOS

Break up your study session by AOS or modules (whichever term your school uses).

(E.g.) On Saturday, revise the Belonging AOS for two hours in the morning, followed by the Pride and Prejudice AOS for two hours after lunch, then two hours of revision for the next AOS in the afternoon, and finish with the final AOS for two hours in the evening.

#3: Test yourself

The best way to revise is to test yourself in a format similar to the HSC. This can be done by:
- Doing past papers (either online/printing them off)
- Doing tests you made yourself (based on past questions/question you made up based on your AOS)
- Having someone else (friend, sibling, parent, etc.) look through your notes and make up a mock test for you to take

Any way you choose, be sure to give yourself a time limit - like in the real HSC.

#4: Speed

Time yourself. Practicing writing under a timed situation is something to do if you're not confident in your ability to complete all HSC sections within the given time.

This will help you:
- Avoid sore, painful wrists and fingers (from personal experience, it's a pain to have to finish of an essay with an inflamed wrist!)
- Finish essays, etc. within the time limit
- This allows you more time to re-read these essays and/or edit them before you hand your HSC paper in

#5: Audio

I've mention this in quite a few Q&A posts, but audio studying is such a brilliant means of feeding your brain information in new forms.

My personal pre-exam revision method using audio was:
- Reading the notes off of palm cards (with key terms/phrases highlighted)
- Whilst I was reading these, I was listening to a pre-recorded audio of me reading out these notes. I used QuickTime player on my Mac to record my voice and then transferred the audio file to ITunes and onto my IPod.
- Then, whilst traveling to the exam, I'd listen to the audio
- A quick re-read of my notes in a quiet place just before the exam started

#6: Palm Cards

A crammer's best friend ;)

I found that these were my saving grace during the HSC (especially in subjects that had loads of information). I'd summarize the info onto a set of palm cards and carry them around with me to study. Making a set of palm cards for each AOS is a great idea.

Tips on how to use palm cards:
- Make them double sided. One side will have a title/heading/question that relates to the information you'll put on the second side. This way you can test yourself.
(E.g. On side #1: 'Pride and Prejudice - Themes'.
On side #2: A list of the themes in Pride and Prejudice)
- Highlighters are great. Use them to highlight key terms/phrases on your palm cards. Studies show that certain colours help us recall information with ease. My personal recommendation is yellow highlighter.

#7: Weaknesses

Time is not a HSC student's friend - which is horrid, because time is what a HSC student needs most! A lack of time = feeling pressured and/or rushed = stress rising = breakdown = a visit to Ben & Jerry's ;)

To avoid breakdowns/pressure, here's a tip: write up a list of your weaknesses - things you're not confident in and/or you don't fully understand or remember. Whether that's:
- Remembering quotes
- Creative writing
- Essay writing
- Handwriting legibility
- A certain topic in your AOS (e.g. Pride and Prejudice themes)

Focus on these weaknesses if time is running out. In an ideal study situation, you'd want to revise everything. But if you're pressed for time, it's better to concentrate on these weakpoints, so at least you'll have a basic knowledge of everything. Then, if you have time, you can look over the areas that you already understand or you're stronger in.

#8: Re-read texts

The biggest tip for English! Yes...Sparknotes is a wonderful thing (which I'll get to later). But re-reading the texts, if you have the time and if they're relatively short, is a great study method.

Tips for re-reading AOS/prescribed texts:
- Note down the key events covered in the text
- Note down key characters
- Note down key quotes
- Note down key themes

#9: Quotes

Quotes are a big part of English - especially for essays. When looking for quotes in a prescribed text/AOS text, it's important to do the following:
- Group/look for texts under a topic. (e.g. you can group them by theme - quotes about love, sacrifice, ethics, female roles, etc.)
- Make them short and sweet: if they're too long, add a (...). They shouldn't be longer than 2-3 sentences, unless you're memorizing poetry. (e.g. "It is a truth (...) a man of good fortune must in want of a wife.").
- Don't use every quote you memorise! The biggest mistake HSC English students make is trying to use quotes they've memorised in places they don't fit. Only use quotes if you're 100% sure they're relevant to the essay question.

#10: The World Wide Web

The web is full of easy-to-understand English study guides and text summaries. Here are some good sites to check out:
- Cliffnotes: http://www.cliffsnotes.com/
- Sparknotes: http://www.sparknotes.com/
- PinkMonkey: http://www.pinkmonkey.com/index2.asp
- Schmoop: http://www.shmoop.com/
- BookRags: http://www.bookrags.com/#gsc.tab=0


#11: Creative Writing

Ah, the creative writing section! It's hard to actually 'prepare' for the CW section, because you never know what the stimulus will be. But there are ways of preparing the aspects you do have control over.

Tips on writing a creative piece (Only use these if the stimulus matches up. Otherwise, write up a fresh piece/lines/characters for the CW section on the day)
- Write up character profiles beforehand: include a name, age, physical description and a few facts about that character. Make as many as you like (recommended: 2-4). That way you have characters you can utilize for your piece ready to go.
- Think up quotes/lines: think up a phrase that links to your AOS. (E.g.) My core area of study was Belonging. I could have made up a phrase 'How could I find _______ if I couldn't even find myself?' Make 2-3 of these and use some/all of them if they link to your piece.
- Think up plots based on your AOS: that way when you get the stimulus, you can have a ready-to-use plot. (E.g.) a plot about a girl looking for her mother. Your stimulus is a picture of a travel map and bag. You can join the stimulus with your plot to create your piece.

#12: Reading Time

In the actual HSC they will give you texts/excerpts you have to read and answer questions on. Re-read these in your reading time.

Your reading time (around 5-10 minutes, I think?) should be spent:
- Finding your questions: the exam has lists of questions, sometimes, based on the text your school chose for that module. Find the question that relates to the text you covered - you don't want to answer the wrong question.
- Take a look at the marks allocated: this can help if you're running out of time. Finish the parts worth the most marks.
- Read the texts/excerpts at least once: you can re-read them when the exam time starts. Use the reading time to do a thorough first reading.
- Take note of how many parts the exam has: you don't want to miss one!

#13: Order

People will tell you 'there's no order to the HSC exam! Do it however you like!'

The fact is...there kinda is an order.

The Board of Studies, and the people who made this exam, made it in a way that your brain slowly gets used to the information it's being fed and being asked to access.

For e.g. your HSC English exam may have 5 parts (or less/or more - depends on the number of AOS (this is just an example)).
- Excerpts based on the main AOS + multiple choice and short answer questions
- Creative Writing section
- AOS 2 essay (e.g. pride and prejudice)
- AOS 3 essay (e.g. citizen kane)
- AOS 4 essay (e.g. Shakespeare's julius caesar)

These are arranged in an order that allows your brain to 'wake up' slowly. If you complete the exam in this order, the order it's written in, it's easier. You get your mind working on the easier set of questions, and work your way up to the heavier essays.

That said, it's your choice. Some people like to get the creative writing out of the way first, followed by essays and then finish off the easy short answer question at the end. It's up to you!


I'm sure there are lots more tips I could give you, so if you do have any more questions be sure and let me know and I'll do my best to answer them for you. I hope these have helped & the best of luck to you for the HSC <3

[Jay]

Have you seen season 6 of The Vampire Diaries?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Have you seen season 6 of The Vampire Diaries?"

Not yet! But hopefully I'll get a chance to, soon.

[Jay]

Have you seen Once Upon a Time season 4?

[Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse)]

Booknut wrote: "@Sasha: I'd be more than happy to answer your questions for you :)

Before I start, though, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck for your HSC - I'm sure you'll do great and I have the utmost ..."

Thankyou SOOOO SO much for all this. This is great and thanks for writing all this down. I think this has given me some motivation to carry on and I hope I do well. This was very helpful. thanks

BTW just quick question about creative writing, if we just get a choice of three pictures as stimulus, (for example) does our story have to centre around this stimulus or can it simply be included in one part/scene of the story?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Have you seen Once Upon a Time season 4?"

The first episode, yes.

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse) wrote: "BTW just quick question about creative writing, if we just get a choice of three pictures as stimulus, (for example) does our story have to centre around this stimulus or can it simply be included in one part/scene of the story? "

It depends on the instructions.

They may ask you to refer to one (more more) of the pictures. They might ask you to base your CW piece off of one or more of the pictures. Or they could ask you to choose two of the three and write a piece about your AOS.

The wording is key.

However, I'd say that you should make the item in the picture/s (if the stimulus is a picture - it could be a quote, or something else) a key part of your story.

E.g.
- It could be a turning point (A picture of a bag = discovering the bag leads to the character's doing _______ )
- It could remind the character of something
- It could be the POV (e.g. A picture of a child. That child could be the person from whose perspective you write)

Because it's the stimulus, they will expect you to make it have a key role in the CW piece. You don't have to constantly refer to it, but it should be obvious that you've used it.

In some situations, like Extension English, they'll ask you to either refer to or embed a quote.

Embedding something means it has to be word-for-word, exactly as is given to you. The full quote must be included in your CW piece.

Referring means that it can be re-written in a different way, and doesn't have to be word-for-word.

So, to answer your question, it's ultimately up to the wording of the question/task. As long as the marker can see you have used it as a significant part of your piece, you should be fine :)

[Jay]

Booknut wrote: "Jay wrote: "Have you seen Once Upon a Time season 4?"

The first episode, yes."

What did you think?

Elsa is awesome

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Elsa is amazing! I love the casting.

[Jay]

Have you seen season 2 of The Originals?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Have you seen season 2 of The Originals?"

No, not yet.

[Jay]

Do you like Red Queen so far?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Do you like Red Queen so far?"

Yes, it's extremely intriguing :)

[Jay]

Booknut wrote: "Jay wrote: "Do you like Red Queen so far?"

Yes, it's extremely intriguing :)"

Great
I'm excited to read you're review

[Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse)]

Booknut wrote: "Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse) wrote: "BTW just quick question about creative writing, if we just get a choice of three pictures as stimulus, (for example) does our story have to centr..."

oh alright. yup THANKYOU :P

[Jay]

Did you watch the latest Pretty Little Liars episode?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Did you watch the latest Pretty Little Liars episode?"

I plan to, very soon :)

[Jay]

Booknut wrote: "Jay wrote: "Did you watch the latest Pretty Little Liars episode?"

I plan to, very soon :)"

Awesome

[Jay]

Have you caught up on The Vampire Diaries?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Have you caught up on The Vampire Diaries?"

Not yet - I've been working on catching up on OUAT.

[Jay]

Have you caught up on The Originals?

[Jay]

Are you excited for The Ruby Circle?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Have you caught up on The Originals?"

Yes.

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Are you excited for The Ruby Circle?"

I'm super excited for The Ruby Circle! It's one of my must-reads for 2015 :)

[Jay]

Do you play the game QuizUp?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Do you play the game QuizUp?"

No, but it sounds intriguing!

[Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse)]

Heyo
Im in MQ now too maybe ill see you around!
.. well granted i dont know what you look like tho.

You been to any uni parties yet?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse) wrote: "Heyo
Im in MQ now too maybe ill see you around!
.. well granted i dont know what you look like tho.

You been to any uni parties yet?"

How exciting!! And I haven't had any time to go to any parties yet, unfortunately - I've been far too busy with piles of study!

[Jay]

Did you enjoy the PLL finale?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Did you enjoy the PLL finale?"

Oh my gosh, yes! It was epic...and left me with so many questions.

[Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse)]

Booknut wrote: "Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse) wrote: "Heyo
Im in MQ now too maybe ill see you around!
.. well granted i dont know what you look like tho.

You been to any uni parties yet?"

How ex..."

Oh thats too bad, yeah uni is definately a lot of work XD
My friend and I were planning to go to the Hawaiian party.

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Sasha Ivashkov-Herondale-Jackson (Clarisse) wrote: Oh thats too bad, yeah uni is definately a lot of work XD
My friend and I were planning to go to the Hawaiian party. "

Well if you do end up going, I hope you have a great time :)

[Jay]

What do you think about Nina Dobrev leaving TVD?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "What do you think about Nina Dobrev leaving TVD?"

I think it's sad that she's leaving after all this time (she's such a big part of the show!) - but I think she's done a brilliant job acting her various roles within TVD & I'm sure she'll do just as well in any future roles elsewhere :)

[Jay]

Thanks Booknut

[Jay]

What do you think of season 6 of PLL?