<div class="fr-view"><p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">When you want to do the best you can, assessments can be daunting. But don’t fear, we have some great tips for you from OU students who know from experience how to do well in essays and exams. Let’s begin with essay-style assessments</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, or scroll down to</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> go straight to the exam tips</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">&#8230;</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Tips for Essays</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h3>
<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">1. Plan, plan, plan!</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><strong>Start with planning</strong></span><strong><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span></strong><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><strong>study time into your schedule</strong></span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">,</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> especially if you are juggling other responsibilities. This will help to give you some structure, ensure you have plenty of time to get your study in, and</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> plan your work into manageable chunks</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">. We all want to avoid</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> that last minute rush </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">of having to complete an assessment in one sitting</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, and planning</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">can really help!</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><strong>Write a plan for your assessment</strong></span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">. The plan could be as brief or as detailed as you like. You could just include the main points and sections of your essay. Or you could do a more detailed plan which includes references you plan to use</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, and even roughl</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">y how many words </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">you&#8217;d like to include in</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> each section, which can help you keep to the word count and avoid going off topic. The important part is having a plan to guide you and keep you on track.</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">2. Stick to the question</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259,";335559991";:360}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Make sure you really understand the question</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">and keep it in mind throughout your assessment. You could even write a very brief answer (a sentence or two) to the question to start with, which you could keep on your desk </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">or device </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">as a reminder of the direction you want to take. Stick to the question and avoid going off topic. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">3. Read the guidance</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259,";335559991";:360}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Read the guidance notes and instructions included with your </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">assessment and</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> ask your tutor if you have any questions. Once you have drafted your assessment, come back to these instructions and check you have included what you need to.</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">4. Remember y</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">our tutor is there for you</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Make sure to keep in contact with your tutor </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">and if you have any concerns or queries, ask them – they are there to help you. If you have any questions that might be relevant to other students, why not ask in your </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">tutor group</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">?</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">5. Reference as you go! </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">There’s nothing worse than coming to the end of your draft, and </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">realising</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> you </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">have to</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> do all your references. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">So</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> make sure you reference as you go &#8211; keeping track of your sources &#8211; to make your job much easier at the end of the essay.</span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">6. Take breaks </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Regular breaks are </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">really important</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> to help clear your thoughts and give yourself a rest from studying. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">If you’re feeling really stuck, why not take a walk or do some</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><a href="https://www.oustudents.com/mindfulness-colouring" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">mindfulness </span></span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">colouring</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">and come back to your essay</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> later</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">? A fresh perspective does the world of good!</span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">7. Start small </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Take your assessment one chunk at a time</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> and set realistic goals</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">. You could focus on one paragraph, section, or number of words at a time</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">. This may help the task feel less daunting and more manageable. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">8. Sit down and write</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Don’t expect perfection straight away – it may take a few drafts before you’re happy with your work. It’s often best to just get something down on the paper and come back to it later to tidy it up. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">9. Back up your work! </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Make sure to keep saving your work and keep </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">backup</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> copies somewhere safe.</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">10. Reward yourself for your hard work </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">When you have finished a section or reached half your word count, why not reward yourself with a treat?</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> It could be your </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">favourite</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> food, watching a good film or going on a nice walk.</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Rewards are great</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> motivation to keep going, and who doesn’t love an excuse for a biscuit</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">?!</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Now it’s time for some exam tips!</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h3><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Tips for Exams</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h3>
<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">1. Use past exam papers</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Past exam papers can give you an idea of what the exam will look like and what to expect. It’s also a great opportunity to try out the style of questions you’ll be expected to answer. You can find past exam papers </span><a href="https://www.oustudentsshop.com/past-exam-papers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">2. Make good notes</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Clear and helpful</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> notes are </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">really important</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> when it comes to exams</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, as</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> you’ll need to be </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">able to know</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> and recall</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> key information q</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">uickly. You might like to handwrite or type your notes, and you might find it easier to make your notes as you go along during your module. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The key part is making sure </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">your notes</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> are clear and hold all the key information you’ll need. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">3. Time management </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Managing your time effectively is important both when you’re preparing for the exam and when you’re taking the exam. You could plan on what days you’ll revise which topics to ensure you can cover everything you need in time for the exam. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">In the exam itself,</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">you could </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">roughly plan your time</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> for each section or question (</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">e.g.</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> if you know the last question is worth the most points, make sure you have enough time for it). Past exam papers can help you practice questions and know how long they might take you. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">4. Test your knowledge</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">In assessments like exams where you might not be able to have your notes in front of you, it’s </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">really important</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> to know your stuff inside out. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">One way to do this is to w</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">rite key definitions, equations or facts on revision cards</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> (you can just use pieces of paper). You could try writing these in the form of question and </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">answer, and then test yourself or</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> ask someone else to </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">test you</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">. This </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">can help you to remember</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> what you need to know (</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">read more on &#8216;active recall’ </span><a href="https://www.brainscape.com/academy/active-recall-definition-studying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">). </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">5. Breaks and treats </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259,";335559991";:360}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">During your revision and once your exam is complete, remember to treat yourself to things you enjoy. For </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">example</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> after learning 10 definitions you could go for a walk, and after your exam you could watch your </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">favourite</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> film. This will also give you a break too. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">6. Read the questions carefully </span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">When we’re under time pressure i</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">n</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> an exam it can be tempting to power through as many questions as you can quickly. But remember understanding</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">the question and doing what is asked of you is key, so make sure you understand it before attempting to answer. Underlining key words in the question might help.</span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">7. Rest &; Refuel</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Try and get a good night</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">’s</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> sleep and a good meal before your exam – your body needs the fuel! </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">8. Try mindfulness</span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Mindfulness may help not only while you are preparing for your exam, but in the exam itself. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">If you find yourself getting anxious and stressed while studying or while answering exam questions, why not try a </span><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">short breathing exercise</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">? You can also read more on coping with exam stress </span><a href="https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education-development/education/how-can-i-cope-exam-stress" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">9. Go to your tutor with any questions</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Remember your tutor is there to help, so if you have any questions or concerns about the exam just ask. </span></p>
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<h6><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">10. Revisit your feedback</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233279";:true,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559737";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h6>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Look at your past feedback from other assessments when preparing for your exam, and you can do the same with the feedback from your upcoming exam. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Ask your tutor if you can discuss the feedback in more detail if anything is unclear to you. (Read more on learning from feedback </span><a href="https://help.open.ac.uk/learning-from-feedback" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">.)</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">You can find more information on assessments and exams on the OU website </span><a href="https://help.open.ac.uk/browse/assessments-and-exams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, and remember </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">there is support available if you’re struggling with the stress of assessments and exams. </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Take a look</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> at some </span><a href="https://www.oustudents.com/stress-buster" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">tips for </span></span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">dealing with stress</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, and get more </span><a href="https://www.oustudents.com/support" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">support</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> if you need it.</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p lang="EN-US"><strong>Best of luck!</strong></p>
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