Article: If at all possible, do your studying ahead of time. Read any materials that have been distributed. Do any reading that was assigned. If you just have a general idea of the topic, spend some time researching the topic. In fact, it's a good idea to bring some notes with you, so you have something to refer back to in the discussion, particularly if you have evidence you want to discuss. Sometimes, people may not express themselves as well as they want, or you simply may not hear all of what they say. It's fine to ask for clarification, particularly if you want to provide a counterpoint. One of the benefits of group discussion is it gives you a chance to interact with people you might not normally have a conversation with. That means you have a chance to learn something new and expand your horizons. However, if you focus on sticking to what you believe, you may shut out any possibility of learning something new. When someone presents an idea that takes you aback, think a moment before responding. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes to see where they're coming from. If you don't understand something, ask a follow up question. The other person will likely appreciate that you are interested in what they have to say. A group discussion should involve everyone in the group, including yourself. When you have an opinion or a fact that's relevant to what's being said, jump in and voice what you have to say. If you're a little shy, try getting the leader's attention so you have a chance to speak. You can also ask questions to encourage discussion. When you're discussing an issue, particularly in a classroom or work setting, you'll need to have evidence or research to back up what you say. Of course, that evidence could be your experience, but you do need to be able to explain why you are presenting a certain side.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Come prepared. Get clarification about things you don't understand. Be willing to learn from others' experiences. Speak up when you have an opinion. Back up what you have to say.
Article: For this battery, you will need one unopened can of soda (any type will do), one plastic cup (6 to 8 ounces), and one 3/4-inch-wide strip of copper that's slightly longer than the height of the cup. In addition, you'll need a pair of scissors, a voltage meter, and two electrical lead wires with alligator clips at both ends. If you don't already have these materials around your house, you can purchase them at a hardware store. You can substitute the copper strip with several pieces of copper wire stuck together or bent in a zig-zag fashion to reach the desired width. Note that the cup doesn't absolutely have to be plastic. It just has to be non-metallic. Styrofoam and paper cups will also work. Discard (or drink) any soda that remains in the can. Turn it upside down in the sink and give it a few extra shakes to make sure that all the soda is out. Cut a 3/4-inch-wide strip from the side of the soda can. Ensure that's it's slightly longer than the plastic cup's height; if this isn't possible, don't worry you can just bend the top of the strip and let it hang over the edge of the cup and into the fluid. Instead of cutting the can, you may purchase aluminum strips from a hardware store. Aluminum foil is not an effective replacement for an aluminum strip; don't use it! You can skip this step if you bought the aluminum from a hardware store. If you cut the strip from a soda can, you'll need to sand off the coatings (i.e. paint, plastic) on both sides of the strip. Ensure that the strips do not touch each other. Place them across from each other not side by side or overlapping in the cup. Ideally you've cut the strips long enough that their tops sit above the soda, extending slightly past the rim of the cup. If the strips do not extend past the cup's rim, you can bend each strip lightly so that it hangs off the edge of the cup. Attach one lead wire to one metal strip by opening the alligator clip and closing it on the strip. Then, attach a different lead wire to the other metal strip, again using the alligator clip. Be careful not to let the alligator clips touch the soda. It doesn't matter which color of wire attaches to which strip. Following the instructions that come with your voltage meter, connect a lead wire from each metal strip to the voltage meter. The meter should read your battery's voltage at roughly 3/4 of a volt.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Gather your materials. Fill the plastic cup roughly 3/4 full with soda. Make sure the soda can is completely empty. Cut a strip of aluminum from the soda can. Sand the aluminum strip (optional). Place the strips into the solution. Attach lead wires to metal strips. Test the battery.
Article: Look online for a genealogy service that will trace back the origin of your last name for you. You may need to pay a small fee to get this done and provide your surname. For example, you may use Ancestry.com or GenealogyBank.com. You can also access free ancestry or genealogy databases online, though they may only give you general information. Usually, the paid services will uncover more detailed information about your last name. You can also hire a genealogist to determine the origin of your last name. A genealogist is trained to trace back your ancestors and find detailed information on the origin of your surname. Look for certified genealogists online or through your local university. Contact your grandparents or great aunts or uncles if they are still alive. Speak to older relatives on your father's side if your parents are married and you inherited your father's last name. Ask your relatives questions about the origin of your surname. They may have documents or memories that can help you find detailed information about your last name. For example, you may ask your older relatives, "Can you tell me anything about the origin of my last name?" or "Would you have any information on where our family name came from and what it means?"
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Use an online genealogy service. Hire a genealogist. Speak to older living relatives and family members for more information.