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A Test for Robyn

Album: Gold Audio 12: At Home and Abroad

Episode: 170

Lesson/Theme: Procrastination; Cheating

Bible Verse: Psalm 51:17

Characters: Eugene, Whit

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: November 2, 1991

Last Air Date: August 25, 2008

Description:
Robyn Jacobs is bored with studying and wants to play a game of checkers with Melanie. But Melanie refuses because she's studying for an English test she has at the end of the week. Mel reminds her sister that Robyn also has a test, in history, at the end of the week. Robyn says that she'll cram for it on Thursday night. The next day, however, Robyn discovers that there is much more to the test than she thought. She asks Whit and Eugene for help on how to study. They offer several theories and tips, which Robyn unsuccessfully tries. Finally, the night before the test, she turns to her parents in desperation. After admonishing Robyn for procrastinating, they help her cram for the test. The next morning, Melanie tests Robyn all the way to school. Robyn discovers, to her delight, that she actually does know the material. But that afternoon when Melanie asks Robyn how she did, Robyn says she went blank. After dinner that night, Robyn is distraught. When her mother tries to comfort her, Robyn reveals the real reason for her distress, she cheated. Her mother comforts her, and the next day they figure out a solution to her dilemma. Robyn vows from now on to study for tests in advance.

Questions:
Why is it a bad idea to put off studying until the last minute? Why didn't Whit's study methods work for Robyn? Have you ever gone blank on a test? How did you handle it?