Problem: Article: For this type of DIY upgrade, you can't go wrong with a ball of natural beeswax. Beeswax can be found in most hardware stores, where it's commonly sold as a lubricant. If you're unable to get your hands on beeswax, a clear, odorless paraffin wax candle (such as a tea light) will also do the trick. Whatever type of wax you go with, just make sure it's not dyed, or you risk staining the shoe. If the shoes you're trying to waterproof are expensive or irreplaceable, you might want to use one of these products just to be on the safe side. To ensure that the wax settles properly, you'll want to start with a spotless surface. A quick wipedown will help remove dust and light debris. For older pairs that have seen a lot of action, it may be necessary to send them through the washer and dryer before you start waxing. Waxing the shoes without cleaning them first will trap dirt happens to be clinging to them. And, since they'll then be waterproof, cleaning them after the fact can be tricky. Make sure the shoes are completely dry before you proceed. If you're anticipating bad weather, it may be a good idea to wash old shoes a few days before you plan on wearing them. Before you start rubbing away, make a small mark low down on the heel or sidewall of the shoe close to the outsole and see how it looks. That way, you can make sure it won't stain. Keep in mind that much of the contrast will be eliminated after the wax melts. A colorless or off-white type of wax will be the least conspicuous and blend smoothly with the materials and colors. If you're using a colored wax, make sure it matches the hue of the shoe as closely as possible. Rub the wax back and forth vigorously to form a thick layer over any part of the shoe you want to make off-limits to moisture. Really dig in. Imagine that you're coloring with a crayon. Pay particular attention to the areas around the toe, heel, sidewalls, and laces where water has a tendency to seep in. Double check that you've coated the whole shoe. Any spots you've missed will be vulnerable to leaks. As the wax builds up, it will cause visible discoloration. Don't worrythis will disappear as soon as you apply heat. Switch on the hairdryer to let it warm up before blasting the shoes.The more intense the temperature, the faster and more completely the wax will melt. Hold the nozzle close to the surface of the shoe so that the heat is better concentrated. Go over the shoe slowly, turning it or angling the hairdryer as needed. You should notice the wax beginning to fade into the shoe almost instantly. When you've got one shoe done, move on to the other. It may take half a minute or so for the heating coils in the hairdryer to warm up enough to melt the wax. Do one shoe at a time. That way, you'll have a helpful visual reference to tell you when the wax has completely set in. As it liquefies, the wax will become integrated into the fabric, sealing the tiny openings and creating a barrier against moisture. It will then re-harden as a clear, protective layer. The finished shoe should look no different than it did before you waxed it. Look closely for any unmelted sections that you might have overlooked before you put the hairdryer up. Wax is naturally water repellent and non-penetrating, even on the most porous materials, so it won't harm the shoes to become part of their construction. All that's left to do now is see how well your experiment worked. Pour a cup of water over the toe section of the shoe. The water should bead up and roll right off. Congrats! You can now go forth fearlessly no matter how soggy it gets outside. If the water is being absorbed, you may need to apply a second and more thorough layer of wax. Be sure to wait until the shoes have dried before adding more wax. You won't be able to go swimming in your new-and-improved shoes, but getting caught in a light rain or traipsing through a snowy meadow should no longer be a problem.
Summary: Grab a hunk of beeswax or colorless candle. Clean the shoes with a damp cloth, or wash dirtier shoes. Test the wax on an inconspicuous part of the shoe. Rub the wax all over the outside of the shoe. Set the hairdryer to high heat. Wave the hairdryer over the shoe from front to back. Continue heating until the wax disappears. Test out the waterproofing.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Whether you're taking a standardized test or a classroom examination, you will likely be able to find out the format of the test beforehand. Knowing the test's format will help you study, as well as give you ideas about how to approach the materials. If you're told that there will be three essay questions, for example, that will ask you to connect the larger theme of the course to specific texts that you've read in the class, you know to begin thinking about thesis statements. Or if your instructor says that there will be 15 multiple choice questions and 15 true/false questions, you understand that your focus should be much more specific, probably focusing on facts and dates. If you're taking a standardized test such as the GRE or the SAT, there are plenty of study guides available. Almost every current study guide will have practice tests, study materials, and approaches to taking the test. Typically these guides offer simulated exams as well, so that you can simulate the examination and your performance. Your school or local library may have study guides available for use within the library. You might find used copies of these guides online for a dramatically reduced price. You can also make your own study guide by compiling your notes and homework from class. Taking practice exams is a great way to familiarize yourself with the layout of the test and the kind of questions you'll be asked. Practice answering essay questions well before your test if you have a good source of feedback available, such as a writing center or your professor has agreed to look over your essays for you. Doing so will show you what part of your essay writing you need to develop, as well as help you get comfortable answering a question in prose. The more you practice, the more efficient and quick you will become. Your instructor might give you example essay questions if you ask for them. These might include questions from previous exams or simply questions that they think would serve as good practice. Do no assume that your institution's writing center or your professor will look over practice essays for you. Instead, respectfully ask if they are willing to review your practice essays and offer feedback. Devote extra study time to working on your weakest areas. This will help you out in a few ways. You'll be better prepared for material that isn't your strong suit, and you'll also spend much less time worrying about the information when you encounter it on the exam. Additionally, by studying your weakest areas, you'll develop strategies for handling the material efficiently and quickly. A good example is the GRE's verbal portion of the examination. Many people find this component especially challenging and devote extra time to studying flash cards, as well as developing strategies for word meanings, antonyms, and synonyms. If you make your own study guide, devote a lot of it to your weakest points so that you're focusing on these areas the most when you study. Create a study schedule that is realistic and is one to which you will commit. This ensures that you're devoting enough time to studying, and also establishes a pattern for you, which will help you manage your time when you get into the actual examination. There are free study calendar templates available for download from the internet. Some printed student calendars also have a study schedule feature built in to the calendar itself.
Summary:
Find out the test's format. Get a study guide. Practice your essays. Review your weakest points. Develop a study schedule.