Finished theory, now what?

[Leah Miller]

Hello friends,

I just finished theory (like today!), and I can't decide what to do over the summer. Do I continue solidifying my theory (which does have a few tiny holes that could be filled) or do I begin practicing my speed building in anticipation of the Fall semester? Any advice? What was (or would have been) more helpful for you?

[Shannon Olivolo]

Can you take a speed class over Summer? Thats what I am doing. Plus you already answered one question. You have some holes in theory so definately study that! Good Luck!

[Glen Warner]

Hi, Leah!

I agree with Shannon:  Plug any holes you find in your theory.

In addition, learn the basic phrases, as discussed in this article.

Once you have those basic phrases down, read this article.  Fair warning:  The first thing it tells you is to read the first link!

In that article, you will learn about Q&A Extensions, which is where you hit your Q or A symbol and a couple of letters to get a complete question or answer, like so:

STKPWHRA will give you Q. What

Learn a few of those over the summer, and you'll be ready for the Q&A tests.

Next, learn a few JC phrases ("Ladies and gentlemen," "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," "Members of the jury," "preponderance of the evidence," "in the case," "in this case," "in that case," etc.).

I use TPHE-Z for "in the case," TPHEU-Z for "in this case," and TPHA-Z for "in that case."

Finally, it can't hurt to take a few easy books from the Juvenile section of the library and try to write a few pages of them without any errors.  Speed is not the goal; accuracy IS the goal ... so feel free to delete stuff when you make too many errors.

Good luck!