INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If your idea of the best day ever means getting as much done as possible, it helps to have an idea of all the tasks that you want to accomplish. You don't necessarily need to check off every entry on the list, but the more you're able to cross off, the more inspired you'll be to complete it. When it comes to making a list, think quality, not quantity. Don't overload the list with a ton of tasks that you know you can't possibly complete in one day. Instead, focus on a few key projects -- three or four is a good number to start with. Prioritize your list by ranking the to-do tasks in order of most important to least important. That way, if you run out of time, you'll have accomplished the most crucial tasks so you can feel really good about yourself. Sometimes, even staring at a to-do list with only a few items on it can be overwhelming. Instead of becoming paralyzed by the feeling that you can't possibly finish everything on the list, make sure that you get one key chore or project done. You'll feel so much better about yourself and your day if you've finished the most pressing task on your agenda. Pick your one task with great care. The more important it is to your life, whether it's a project that might to lead to promotion at work, an application for a college or school that you really want to go to, or the outline for a novel you hope to write, the more satisfied you'll feel at the end of the day. This may seem like a silly thing when you're thinking of having the best day possible, but getting rid of an unnecessary mess somewhere in your home or room can help boost your mood and make you more productive when it's time to work. Start with visible clutter that you see regularly, instead of a messy closet, to help reduce your stress. You don't have to take on a large decluttering project. Even if you start by cleaning off the top of your desk or a shelf on your bookcase, you'll still feel the benefits.

SUMMARY: Make a to-do list. Get one important task done. Get rid of clutter.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: The stripes on a mackerel tabby tend to be very narrow, unlike the wide, swirling stripes of the classic tabby. Mackerel tabbies typically have unbroken lines that are evenly spaced. These stripes tend to run down both sides of the body in a top-to-bottom formation. The most distinct characteristic of mackerel tabbies is the spinal pattern. The stripes that run down the length of the body all extend from a single stripe that covers the cat's spine. Because of the way the cat's body stripes branch off from the spinal stripe, some mackerel tabbies bear a slight resemblance to a fish skeleton, hence the name mackerel.
Summary: Look for thin stripes. Notice the unbroken pattern. Look at the spine pattern.

If your computer's on, open the main menu on the home screen. Select "shut down" or equivalent to turn off all power. Don't trust pushing the "power" button to turn off all power. More often than not, this only puts your computer into "sleep" mode. If your computer is currently plugged into a power outlet, unplug it. If it's a laptop, unhook it from its charger, too. Detach any other devices that are connected to the computer. If you have a laptop, turn it over. Find the battery compartment. Release its latch to remove the lid. Take the battery out and set it aside. Expect some amount of electricity to still linger within your computer after you power it off and remove the battery. Press the power button and keep it pressed down for at least ten seconds. Discharge any residual electricity that's still present. Before you open the computer and start working on its insides, put on a pair of latex gloves. Expect oils from your skin to interfere with the components' normal operation. Also, wear a pair of anti-static bracelets to prevent your fingers from discharging any static electricity, which can also damage the components. Anti-static bracelets can be purchased online or at brick-and-mortar stores like Walmart or Radio Shack. Expect dirt and dust particles to also interfere with the computer's working parts. Choose a clean area to work in. If your workspace needs to be cleaned, wait for any airborne particles to settle before you proceed with opening your computer.
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One-sentence summary -- Switch off all power. Unplug all cords and devices. Take out the battery. Hold the power button down. Wear safety gear. Work in a dirt- and dust-free environment.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This will depend on what your situation is. For example, if you did poorly on a single assignment, ask to redo it for partial credit. However, if you have a C- in the class and want to have it raised to an A- just by redoing a few assignments, your teacher will most likely say no; instead, offer to do a lot of extra credit to prove how motivated you are. It might not shoot your grade up to an A, but it'll certainly help. Instead of just doing your homework, highlight important parts and write neatly, and especially make sure that everything is legible and it doesn't look like it got mangled with by a prizefighter. This may add a few extra points, since many teachers count neatness as part of your homework grade. If you are turning in a report, it may be helpful to purchase a report cover to further demonstrate your care for your final product. Consider trying to mark someone's work whose handwriting is all but impossible to read. Think about how much extra time this must take. Sometimes opportunities for extra credit will not be so obvious, so it's important to be on the lookout and to be visibly keen. Teachers will be impressed by someone going the extra mile. Not only will you score extra credit marks, but you can make a lasting good impression on your teacher. If any of these things seem unlikely to work on your teacher, don't try them. It will be a disaster. Follow steps you're comfortable with and change/skip those you aren't. You know your teacher best, and, believe it or not, they know you too. Although extra credit can be extremely helpful, it's not meant to make up for your faults. Extra credit is designed to help bring students who have been trying in the past to further bring their grades up. It's unlikely that a teacher will assign enough extra credit to change an F to an A.

SUMMARY:
Think of a solution that seems reasonable. Maintain your high level. Be proactive and look for extra credit. Keep your expectations reasonable.