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The University Interscholastic League is a non-profit organization, founded in 1909. By providing students with competitive educational experiences, the UIL assists in developing student citizenship, sportsmanship, goal-setting skills, and confidence.
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Hexco's Invitational Test Dates |
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| Fall 09 |
10 Oct |
24 Oct |
7 Nov |
21 Nov |
5 Dec |
12 Dec |
| Spring 10 |
16 Jan |
30 Jan |
13 Feb |
27 Feb |
6 Mar |
13 Mar |
Hexco provides study materials for a variety of UIL subjects - for both high school and lower grades.
Invitational tests are available for many high school subjects also.
This is going to be an exciting year! We have new products and updated old ones.
Accounting Invitationals are back! We finally have writers who meet our standards and your expectations. They are experienced in the UIL arena and have successfully coached many kids to State.
Computer Applications Concepts Books for Office 2007. Excel and Access will be ready for the beginning of the school year, followed in November by Functions and Integration.
Science Mentor and Science Workbooks are ready as requested by our customers. Workbooks are available for Chemistry and Physics. The Science Mentors will work on the computer -- 250 questions in a single subject (Biology, Chemisty, Physics) gathered from old invtational practice tests.
Lower Grade Social Studies Notes and Practice Packet. We listened to your feedback (thanks everyone!) and have revised our notes and have also developed a practice packet of 6 tests with 40 questions each.
HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS
LOWER GRADE SUBJECTS
Books: These and other reference books for the student library may be purchased at Amazon.com . For a list of other books recommended for the student library, go to Other Study Resources on this website.
Dictionary Skills ~ Webster's Collegiate (private schools) and Webster's Intermediate (public schools)
High School Social Studies (2008-2009) ~ The Civil War by Bruce Caton
Literary Criticism selections (2008-2009) ~ Erewhon by Samuel Butler, selected poems by Thomas Hardy, and the drama selection Antigone by Sophocles.
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HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS
Accounting
Accounting Invitationals are available again!
We have two new writers, each with more than a decade of experience at the State level. These gifted educators not only understand the building blocks of accounting principles but also how to challenge students and guide them to success.
Practice Packets each contain 6 practice tests, answer keys, and notes to sharpen students' skills. Our regional packet is written by UIL contest director LaVerne Funderburk, this packet of 3 tests will challenge students on higher level accounting skills. Written with the exacting attention to detail that you have come to expect from LaVerne. This packet is an excellent way to prepare for the higher rungs of the UIL accounting contest.
Current Issues & Events
Notes: Written by Bobby Hawthorne, CI&E Notes is a strong foundation-builder that gives competitors a running start for the CI&E contest and builds a background for extemp debaters. With information on all of the major areas of the world, the economic backdrop of today's issues, and the political climate of the state, nation, and world, this book is designed as the core element for learning and understanding the news and developing interest in current issues. The book is comb bound and also 3-hole punched so that it may be put into a notebook. It is a living document, and as noteworthy events occur, students should add pages and notes throughout the fall and spring.
Practice Packets contain 6 practice tests with answer sheets, answer keys, and background information for essay questions. The tests included in Packet 1 are written in August to be as current as possible for the school year. Packet 2 is a collection of tests used at practice meets between October and December each year.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Notes for Team Sets (5 books).
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Computer Applications
Computer Applications Concepts Books include in-depth explanations and hands-on activities to cover all facets of this contest. Each volume is written in a tutorial fashion so that students may progress at their own rate.
Updated for Office 2007! Volume 1 - Excel Spreadsheets has been recently updated and covers advanced techniques and functions.
Updated for Office 2007! Volume 2 - Access Database has also been updated and covers facilities and applications of databases.
Updated version available Nov 2009 Volume 3 - Integration has been recently rewritten to provide the most current and useful instruction on working seamlessly within Word, Access, and Excel.
Updated version available Nov 2009 Volume 4 - Functions explains the workings of all basic functions and many of the more advanced, complex functions with explanations of how the functions are used and often the whys and wherefores of why they work the way they do.
SOLUTIONS ON CD Each CD contains the actual files used to create the tutorial activities and exercises in our Concepts books.
Computer Applications Practice Packets are a compilation of 6 actual tests written for Microsoft Office/Access/Excel for practice meets by the UIL test writers. Each test includes the test itself, a tiebreaker, answer key, score sheet, and printouts. Practice Packets are also available for Regional and State meets which include 3 exams each.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Notes for Team Sets (5 books).
Computer Science
Concepts assumes a basic level of knowledge of Java and takes your competitor to a higher level of expertise by exploring features of Java with emphasis on critical skills used in this contest. This is a great place for your competitors to start getting serious.
Practice Packets are also available for Java. They contain 6 tests which have been given at invitational meets. Several packets are currently available. All tests are written in a multiple-choice format like the official UIL tests. The regional/state packet includes 3 tests containing more challenging elements similar to those found at the UIL state and regional levels.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Notes for Team Sets (5 books).
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Journalism
Practice Packets are compiled from the Invitational practice meets written by Bobby Hawthorne. Each packet includes six tests, and these are available for each of the disciplines: Editorial Writing, Feature Writing, Headline Writing, and News Writing.
Journalism Practice Packet $63
Invitational tests are also available.
Literary Criticism
LitCrit Mentor is interactive software with 500 questions in multiple-choice format on literary terms from Harmon & Holman's Handbook to Literature. Volume 1 is currently available, and additional volumes will be added. The LitCrit Mentor operates much like our tried-and-true Spelling Mentor software, keeping up with questions missed by students on the last attempt and those questions that have ever been missed or flagged for additional study. Each installation handles up to 20 students' history records. The mentor may be installed on as many computers as you want on one campus or at one location.
LitCrit Notes is an organized guide for ALL of the reading selections for the current year's Literary Criticism contest. It is written by a former competitor who has since earned her B.A. in English and a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies. This book contains plot summaries, character sketches, commentaries on style and narrative techniques, historical considerations, and bullet points. It provides a strong foundation for interpreting the selections and for understanding many of the intricacies of the writings. For a list of current reading materials go to the Books section above.
Practice Packtes contain 6 practice tests to hone students' skills with the current year's UIL reading selections. All tests are in the format of the official UIL tests with in-depth, multiple-choice questions over literary terms, the current year's reading selections, and unfamiliar selections plus, an essay with some suggested background to watch for in grading. Packet 1 is written strictly for practice and is available at the start of the school year each fall. Packet 2 is a collection of the invitational tests given at practice meets in the fall and is available in January each year.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Notes for Team Sets (5 books).
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Number Sense
Mental Math Software is an engaging program co-authored with Don Skow, long-time Contest Director for UIL Number Sense and Mathematics. It is designed in a self-paced, tutorial format to teach students math short cuts and skills. Well over 50 mental "tricks," or short cuts, are presented with careful explanations of the workings of the skill and with exercises for each that have complete step-by step explanations. In addition, each element allows a student unlimited testing by generating problems of the same ilk for that student.
Mental Math Notes is a collection of all the explanations of the multitude of skills covered with thorough expanations as shown in the software, and printed as a hardcopy. This can be used as a stand-alone study aid, or it can be used to accompany the software.
Practice Packets contains 6 tests and answer keys. All tests were given at practice meets.
Ready Writing
The Ready Writing Concepts book is prepared by the same widely published author who writes our popular LitCrit products. With contest rules, sample topics, examples of strong and weak compositions, and explanations along the way, this outstanding book will help prepare students for challenges involved in writing interesting, organized, and convincing compositions. This encourages each student to develop his or her unique writing skills by practicing and gaining expertise.
Ready Writing Practice Packets. Each contains 12 tests, most of which were used at practice invitational meets. Each test contains two essay prompts. These challenging prompts are similar to those given on the official UIL tests. The author is Jennifer Bussey, author of our Ready Writing Concepts and our products for the UIL LitCrit contest.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Notes for Team Sets (5 books).
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Science
Workbooks are now available for Chemistry and Biology!!
Science Workbooks have been requested by our customers and so we created them. These workbooks of sample problems with step-by-step instructions and practice problems, can be used alone, but work best with the FlipCards and Concepts books.
Science Mentor & Tests are available for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each volume of the interactive software presents 250 multiple-choice questions in a single discipline from prior invitationals. Like all of our Mentor software, the program can track the progress of up to 20 students, allowing students to work problems they've never seen before or review the ones they have missed.
Concepts Books summarize and present the knowledge base essential to success in the UIL Science Contest. Three unique volumes are available: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Biology covers topics ranging from macromolecules and mellular biology to genetic variations and the organizatiotion of living things, in addition to the general basics. Chemistry covers topics ranging from formulas and equations to thermo- and nuclear chemistry and more. Physics also covers a broad range of topics which include a math toolkit in addition to the basics of motion, thermodynamics, and other general physics principles at play in our world.
Flip Cards encapsulate the information that students need to know for science success. The flip cards work like flash cards and are easy to carry. Students can augment this collection by adding their own cards.
Practice Packets include 6 practice tests in UIL invitational test format with answer sheets, keys, and relevant contest information. These are an excellent source of practice for students, giving them an accurate taste of what tests will be like at UIL Science Contests as well as providing an objective assessment of their subject knowledge.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Concepts Book/Flip Cards for Team Sets (5 books) and Science sets (1 of each subject)
Social Studies (2009-2010 topic~The Civil War)
Social Studies Notes summarize the terms, people, events, and concepts of the selected historical period for the high school UIL Contest. This year the focus is on the American Civil War. The Notes include a review of all the reading material selected by UIL, plus analysis, time lines, and summarizations. This expansive work provides the strongest possible foundation for approaching the UIL Contest material. For a list of current reading materials go to our Books section.
Practice Packets contain 6 practice tests following the format of those given at UIL meets and includes answer sheets, keys, grading rubrics, and explanatory data for grading the essay questions, and specific contest information. Tests cover the reading selections specified by UIL for the current school year.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Concepts Book for Team Sets (5 books).
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Spelling & Vocabulary
UIL Spelling Complements, available in alphabetic or difficulty sequence, contain all the dictionary work for the Word Power list for high school competitors. The dictionary definition of complement is " something that completes or makes up a whole." In this context the Complements add pronunciation(s), definition(s), part(s) of speech, and a carefully researched sentence for each word in the Word Power list so that spellers can stretch their vocabulary as well as spelling skills. Words identified for vocabulary study for the UIL high school competition have expanded definitions and etymology.
UIL Spelling Mentor Software for the high school Word Power spelling list operates like a proficient coach with the screen displaying phonetic pronunciation(s), definition(s), part(s) of speech, and a sentence for each word. Each word is spoken as dictionary information is displayed on the screen, and a click of the mouse causes the pronunciation to repeat. Features include previewing words, requesting next letter, and flagging difficult words. Maintaining a record of recently missed words and of any word that has ever been missed or flagged, the software tests and retests a student, slowly narrowing the list to the individual student's troublesome words.
Practice Packets contain 6 practice tests, with proofreading, multiple choice questions, a typical spelling test, and a tiebreaker test. Answer sheets and keys are included. Unlimited copies may be made of the tests for student practice, and a spelling coach can read the spelling test and tiebreaker for students' oral practice. These have the same mix of words as UIL invitational tests with 80% of the words from the study list and 20% from other sources. Practice tests closely approximate actual tests at invitational meets
Spelling Rules Book bears the title, Why Isn't 'Phonetic' Spelled the Way It Sounds?. This exhaustive collection of spelling rules, conventions, tricks, and rules-of-thumb is a sine qua non for competitive spellers or anyone interested in raising his or her "word consciousness." Topics are covered to help in giving educated "guesses" on whether to use -ie/-ei, -ible/-able, or -us/-ous, or other suffixes and spellings. Latin and Greek elements are presented via the encyclopedic list of roots, prefixes, and suffixes with words exemplifying usage of each. Patterns of spelling for words from many foreign languages are explained, including French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Italian. It also includes a catch-all section on other languages that have melded into English, such as Turkish, Hebrew, Russian, Portuguese, Welsh, and a few others. Of particular interest to competitive spellers are the fun lists of words, such as words whose pronunciation doesn't obviate the first letter (bdelloid, cnemial, ngege, tjaele, and the like), words derived for Greek and Roman myths, words with bizarre double letters, like kk, aa, jj, etc.
Etyma Mentor Software is for serious students seeking to augment spelling skills and expand vocabulary. It is a powerful, interactive program available for Basic Latin, Intermediate Latin, or Basic Greek. This program creates a solid basis for vocabulary and spelling skills, and gives the students the confidence to guess the spelling of an unfamiliar word while at a spelling bee or determine the definition of a Latin- or Greek- based word. Each version coaches students on 150 roots, 50 prefixes, and 25 suffixes, in either Latin or Greek. For each word part, the Latin or Greek word of origin is given with its original definition, plus four words, two of which are commonplace and two esoteric, illustrating the use of the element in English. The companion booklets called Etyma Notes contain all the same information in a printed format for use away from the computer. Each copy of the software is packaged with its corresponding copy of Etyma Notes. (Etyma Notes may also be purchased alone.)
UIL Notes- New Version contains 14,000+ words in this newly revised compendium with pronunciations and definitions. This volume was totally rewritten for advanced study for the 20% of the UIL high school level Spelling and Vocabulary contest to prepare for 20% of the words that are not on the annual list. The words are primarily vocabulary-enriching, SAT-type words from old annual study lists and from old UIL state and regional tests. With the written test comprised of 80% of the words from the annual UIL study list and 20% from other arenas, this collection provides a phenomenal study list for the words that are off list.
Invitational tests are also available, as well as discounts on the Complements Book for Team Sets (5 books).
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LOWER GRADE SUBJECTS
UIL Dictionary Skills
Practice Packets contain 5 practice tests. We offer three packets. Two packets use Webster's Intermediate Dictionary as the source; the other packet uses Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. These are available for unlimited reproduction and use on one campus. Generally, the UIL contest uses the Intermediate Dictionary, and the PSIA contest uses the Collegiate Dictionary.
Dictionary SkillsPractice Packet $55
Mental Math
Mental Math software was co-authored with Don Skow, long-time Contest Director for UIL Number Sense and Mathematics. It is designed in a self-paced, tutorial format to teach students math short cuts and skills. Well over 50 mental "tricks," or short cuts, are presented with careful explanations of the workings of the skill and with exercises for each that have complete step-by step explanations. In addition, each element allows a student unlimited testing by generating problems of the same ilk for that student.
Mental Math Notes is a collection of all the explanations of the multitude of skills covered with thorough expanations as shown in the software. This can be used as a stand-alone study aid, or it can be used to accompany the software.
Practice Packets contain 6 tests to challenge a student's ability to perform Mental Math tasks. Written in the UIL format, these tests are valuable tools for preparing studentsfor competitive math events.
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Ready Writing
Ready Writing Concepts for Lower Grades guides students in the art of expository writing and contains practical suggestions, such as examples of strong and weak essays, sections on all the critical elements, and even descriptions of pitfalls to avoid. This book prepares students to succeed, not only in this contest but as fine writers to boot!
Practice Packets for Lower Grades includes 10 practice tests, each with 2 essay prompts, contest tips, and grading guidelines
Social Studies (2009-2010 topic: Law and Government)
Social Studies Notes is a strong foundation-builder that gives your competitior a running start for the social studies contest. We have listened to the feedback we received from last year's customers and have made many improvements. It comes in two volumes containing time-lines and information on historical events for the world, U. S., and Texas. This guide is more concise and bulleted than your history books. It is not only a great source for UIL contest preparation, but also an excellent tool for the classroom. The 5th-6th grade version places emphasis on U.S. history while the 7th & 8th grade volume emphasizes Texas history.
Social Studies Practice Packet, now available!
The packet includes 6 tests of 40 questions each. The test is comprised of General questions and Law and Government questions in roughly equal proportions like the invitational tests. These questions will give students additional practice prior to participation in practice meets and the actual UIL meets.
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Spelling
Spelling Complements are available for 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 grades and contain all the dictionary work for the words in the various grade levels in the UIL Spelling List for lower grades. Each word has its pronunciation(s), definition(s), part(s) of speech, and a carefully researched sentence so that spellers can expand vocabulary as well as spelling skills. Lists are in alphabetical sequence for dictionary-type usage of the words in the list.
UIL Spelling Mentor Software operates like a proficient coach for learning all the words in the UIL Spelling List booklets for grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. The program speaks each word while displaying phonetic pronunciation(s), definition(s), part(s) of speech, and a sentence for each word. It maintains a record of recently missed words and of any word that has ever been missed or flagged by the student and allows the student to do additional study for those words and take the test again. Spelling Mentor may be installed on any number of systems on one campus and handles history records for up to 20 students on each computer.
Spelling Rules Book has the title, Why Isn't 'Phonetic' Spelled the Way It Sounds?. This exhaustive collection of spelling rules, conventions, tricks, and rules-of-thumb is a sine qua non for competitive spellers or anyone interested in raising his or her "word consciousness." Topics are covered to help in giving educated "guesses" on whether to use -ie/-ei, -ible/-able, or -us/-ous, or other suffixes and spellings. Latin and Greek elements are presented via the encyclopedic list of roots, prefixes, and suffixes with words exemplifying usage of each. Patterns of spelling for words from many foreign languages are explained, including French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Italian. It also includes a catch-all section on other languages that have melded into English, such as Turkish, Hebrew, Russian, Portuguese, Welsh, and a few others.
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