INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If this is your first time trying to critically analyze a text you should choose a book that isn't too far outside of your comfort zone. It is easier for you to think deeply about a book that you are not struggling to read. Pick a book from a genre you already like or one written in a time and a place with which you are familiar. If you can, choose a book by an author you already know and like. Consult an expert. There are professionals and amateurs alike who would love to match you with a work of great literature. These include: Librarians: high school, university, or your local public library Literary teachers: your high school English teacher Literary enthusiasts: your school might have a book club Book sellers: Amazon.com can offer recommendations, but also your local independent book store. The media: The New York Times Bestseller's List, NPR, Oprah's Book Club List Before you begin reading, it often helps to have some idea of what you will encounter within the book's pages. Learn some background on the author of the book. Find out what other works they wrote and how their writing fits into conversation with the other literature of the era. You can also find useful context and helpful guidance in book reviews online. This step can help you formulate questions that you'd like to answer as you read the book. Before you read, jot down a series of basic questions and keep track of your answers. You can keep a separate notebook for your answers or you can mark your book copy in the margins with a pencil. Consider the following questions: Who is the book about? What happens to the main characters in the story? Where and when does the book take place? How does the author tell this story? Is it written from one perspective, or several? Is it told by an omniscient (or all-knowing) narrator? Or is it told by the characters themselves? You may encounter difficulty with your work, and you do not necessarily have to go it alone. There are many guides available that can offer summaries, character profiles, commentary, and more. Resources include: https://www.sparknotes.com/ https://www.cliffsnotes.com/

SUMMARY: Choose your book. Do some simple background research online. Take notes. Find your guides.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Keeping your legs bent throws off your balance even when you are on the ground. When you are in a stunt, squeeze your legs muscles as tight as they can go with your legs as straight as possible. This will help you keep your balance in the air. Locking your knees will also make it easier for your bases to hold you. If you roll onto your toes or the sides of your feet, you will throw off your balance. Keep your feet or foot flat when you are holding a stunt to maintain your balance and your body strength. This will also make it easier for the bases to keep you held up. It is important to hold each stunt position with your entire body to keep your balance and make sure you don't fall. Start with flexing your rear muscles together as tight as they can go. Then, hold your legs, arms, and torso in place by flexing those muscles as well. Try using the "pinch-a-penny" method where you imagine there is a penny in between your bum cheeks. Squeeze them tight so your imaginary penny doesn't fall out. It can be tempting to glance at the floor while you are up in the air. However, looking down can throw your balance off or even make you fall. Keep your head up and focus on something straight forward or high up. You may also seem like you lack confidence if you keep looking at the floor.

SUMMARY: Lock your knees when you are in a stunt. Keep your supporting foot flat in a stunt. Keep your entire body flexed tightly in stunt positions. Avoid looking down when you are in a stunt.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Chemically laced products wreak havoc on hair and are just bad all around. Chemicals usually dry out hair which eventually causes tangling. Using them occasionally is one thing but if you use them often you are asking for trouble. Using a leave-in conditioner will usually do the trick of counteracting chemical damage. This helps coat the open cuticle and makes it "slippery," so your hair will glide through itself instead of getting caught and tangled. If you notice that your hair is mostly tangly at the ends, it may be time for a trim. Talk to your stylist about how much length you need to take off to get your hair to a healthy point.<ref.http://urbanbushbabes.com/retaining-length-to-trim-or-not-to-trim-your-ends/</ref> This is especially helpful if you notice you have a lot of breakage or fallout every time you detangle your hair.

SUMMARY: Skip a lot of chemicals. Get a trim.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: As with cleansers, there are many different products on the market available for different skin types. You will likely need to find yours through trial and error. In general, if your skin is oily, look for exfoliating products that promise a "deep cleanse." If your skin is dry, find one that is gentle and moisturizing. Work up your face slowly, moving your fingertips in small circular motions. Gentle scrubbing microfiber towels are an alternative to massaging in by hand. Many beauty shops even sell gloves made of this material to make your routine easier. Electric-powered exfoliating tools are also popular. Inexpensive versions of these gadgets can be found at most supermarkets. Use warm water. Avoid rubbing your skin with a towel, as this can irritate and damage your skin. Your skin may be more sensitive after exfoliating. Moisturizing is especially important after exfoliating, as natural hydrating oils are often stripped away in the process. Exfoliating also removes your skin's first layer of protection. While dead, dry skin may make your skin feel rough, it does serve as a barrier over more sensitive skin underneath. Regular exfoliating helps to keep your skin soft and blemish-free. You can reduce frequency if the humidity goes up or your skin is less prone to flaking. If your skin is very sensitive, exfoliating may be too irritating and worsen dryness. Find the right balance that works for you.

SUMMARY:
Find the exfoliating product that is right for your skin. Massage the product onto your skin with your fingers. Rinse the product off and pat your face dry. Moisturize your face. Repeat twice a week before bed.