Working through the Dreaded Word Problem!

Draw/copy a diagram if a shape, angle or other diagram is mentioned, described or shown
Find key words and all significant formulas associated with them - usually they are formulas, equations and relationships discussed recently in class
Write formula down
Start filling in information given into formulas and/or relationships of equality
Find the connection between the given information, the concepts and skills learned in the course and the answer being sought
Solve
Review question asked to see if solution is the answer or if more steps are needed
When given a diagram with missing dimension, the majority of the problems will involve finding those missing dimensions, so without worrying too much about getting to the answer quickly, piecing together the dimensions often make way for the answer to become clear.
Practice and repetition will give any student a greater sense of comfort and confidence when approaching word problems and overcoming the stigma so often attached to them:-)