TEENS: You have taken many tests during your educational career, and you are bound to take many more. Dr. Edward Newman, who long counseled teens during his illustrious career, came up with some of the most useful suggestions I've ever seen on how students can do their very best when taking a test.

His suggestions include reading through a test and answering all the questions first that you are positive you know the answers to. This will build your confidence and focus your thinking. Next, go back and work on those questions you think you know the answers to. Answer all of these. Finally, spend the remaining time on the questions that really stump you. Compare these questions to the ones you have already answered. How might they be similar? Is there a pattern to the type of question asked? Does the subject hint at an answer?

Do everything possible to answer every question whether the test is true or false, multiple-choice or essay. Sometimes a teacher will give a student partial credit.

WE CALL IT INSPIRING

DR. WALLACE: I don't like school, because some of my teachers are always picking on me. I think this is very bad. Teachers should be paid to teach, and not to make students feel bad. I'm going to quit school when I become 16. I'll get a job, buy a car and move to California and live with my dad. — Nameless, Henderson, Nev.

NAMELESS: Teachers who demand good behavior, encourage students to do their very best and refuse to accept inferior student work are often accused of "picking on" students.

Of course there are times when most students get frustrated and wonder if becoming educated is really worth the effort. A good education is not a guarantee that a good job and a wonderful life will be attained. But it does give a graduate the opportunity to succeed more often than an individual who drops out of high school.

In your case, I feel it's time for your mother and you to meet with your counselor to discuss your "problem" with some of your teachers. Then, if possible, have Mom make an after-school appointment with your teacher to find out what your mom and the teacher can do to help you.

BE CAREFUL IN HIGH HEELS

DR. WALLACE: I just recently bought my first pair of high-heeled shoes. I wear them with jeans when I really want to dress up.

My aunt says high heels are harmful and girls shouldn't wear them. Is this true? Females have been wearing high heels for a long, long time. — Nameless, Indianapolis, Ind.

NAMELESS: Ladies' shoe styles include flats, athletic shoes and the dressy higher heels styles that are often in vogue.

The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society notes that high heels place a strain on a woman's feet by shifting weight distribution to parts of the foot that often can't handle it very well. As the height of the heel goes up, the ground contact area is progressively reduced, causing more pressure over the ball of the foot. The end result may increase the risk of foot disorders, including bunions.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Pixabay