In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Sometimes you just need to be in the right mindset before you can pay attention. Before class starts, try looking over your homework, reading from your textbook, or looking at the previous day's notes. This can get your brain into "class mode", so that you can have an easier time focusing. Preparing yourself by getting everything that you'll need and arranging your desk can also help you focus. This will cut down on distractions, like needing to borrow a pencil because yours is out of lead. By changing your environment, or the things around you, you can actually really help yourself concentrate. This doesn't just mean getting rid of distractions, although that can certainly help too. Just sitting in a different spot may help you focus by changing what you can do from where you sit. Sitting in the front, for example, can help you focus because you'll know the teacher is watching you. Sitting away from your friends can also help, because you won't be physically able to talk with them as much. Participating in class can also help you focus. Participation keeps your mind engaged and focused on the lesson because you can't just drift off or think about something else. Anything you can do to participate, from asking questions to getting in to group projects or discussions, can really help you. Ask questions. A good way to participate in class is to ask questions. When you have a question about something you don't understand or the teacher said something and you want to know more about it, raise your hand and ask. Even just focusing enough to listen for things you might want to ask questions about can help you pay way more attention. Taking notes can help you focus on what your teacher is saying, even if you don't think you'll need the notes to study from later. If you can use the notes then even better! As your teacher talks, make an outline with a few side notes on the really complex topics. You'll find yourself focusing better before you know it. If you don't know how to take notes, we've got you covered! Sometimes you lose focus in class because you can't understand what your teacher is saying. This is normal and understandable. If you do extra research so that you can better understand your lessons, you might have an easier time paying attention. At the very least, learning outside of class can make up for the fact that you're having a hard time paying attention. You can find more information on just about any subject in various places online. You can even get some subject help from wikiHow. For example, if you're struggling with math, try going to Math is Fun or Wolfram Alpha to get more math help. Not paying attention really is a bad habit. Just like any other habit, you can break it by replacing it with other habits. Try to create a system where you focus in class, making that time just for school and learning, but give yourself times of relief where you can have lots of fun. By teaching your brain what time of the day is for what by sticking to a routine, you can train your brain to pay attention.
Summary: Prepare before class. Find a better environment. Participate in class. Take notes. Do extra research. Develop a routine.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: A heavily laden vehicle is unlikely to jackknife. Jackknifing usually occurs with empty trailers or when the weight of the load is badly distributed, providing too little traction where it's needed. The vehicle and trailer brakes are designed for a full load, and are far too powerful for an underweight trailer. When strong brakes are applied, the wheels could lock up, and cause skidding. It helps to drive a safe distance behind other vehicles and to try to anticipate what may happen ahead, allowing yourself plenty of time to pull up, especially on slippery roads and when you're going downhill. Apply your brakes while the vehicle is traveling in a straight line as you approach a curve. Slow down a little more than necessary, then release your brakes before you begin the turn. Apply a little power as you turn. This should prevent the drive wheels from losing traction. If you approach slowly enough, you'll find that you'll be able to speed up as you negotiate the curve. Downhill turns are especially prone to jackknifing. If you're going down a steep hill and wish to turn off to the left or right, don't assume that the trailer will follow you. The trailer tries to continue straight on down the hill due to its momentum and gravity. You must slow it right down or even come to a halt before turning. When you're satisfied that you've checked the trailer's momentum, then you can pull it around the corner. Brake first to slow the vehicle down as much as possible, then release the brakes in order to swerve. In this way, you'll remain in control of the vehicle. Once you've swerved, you can re-apply the brakes if necessary. If you ever need to do an emergency stop, for example, if a child runs into the road in front of your truck, don't stamp on the brake pedal. You should press it. Then press the clutch pedal to prevent the truck from traveling further. Hold the steering wheel with your hands in the 10 minutes to 2 position, keeping your thumbs out of the wheel. Press them against the rim, and lock your elbows inward. ) on a slippery surface. This could lock up the drive axle and cause jackknifing. An engine brake or retarder only acts on one axle, whereas the brakes act on all of the wheels. If you need to use the retarder to descend a hill, but the road is slippery, slow the vehicle down by braking gently first, then apply the retarder carefully. The same would apply if you were to engage a low gear. If, however, your vehicle starts to skid, take your foot off the brake immediately and correct the skid as you would with a rigid vehicle How to Control a Skidding Car. If it isn't corrected, it will be aggravated by the trailer pushing from behind and the vehicle will jackknife. Uneven brakes, worn tires and faulty suspension components increase the risk of losing control. They can sense tire skid and automatically adjust braking force to prevent wheel lockup.
Summary:
Be wary of light loads. Spread your braking over the longest possible distance, braking progressively and reducing your speed gradually. Avoid having to brake or even decelerate on a curve. If you ever need to take avoiding action, don't brake and swerve at the same time. Be very cautious about using your engine brake or retarder (exhaust brake / Jacobs brake / Telma / Voith etc. Jackknifing starts as a skid, so do your utmost to avoid skidding. Keep both tractor and trailer properly maintained. Modern anti-lock braking systems, first developed for aircraft to stop them skidding on the runway, are now fitted to heavy vehicles.