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Are you confident in your writing skills? If you’re worried about an upcoming essay assignment, take a look at these helpful essay writing tips from online tutor Natalie S.: I’ve been a teacher and a tutor for many years. I have the knowledge base to instruct on many topics, but the subject that students most often seek out my help for is essay writing tips. For students, writing an essay is often a daunting and even scary assignment. There tends to be a lot of emotion surrounding the act

Does your child love to write? Writing offers children not only a medium for communication, but the ability to create and use their imagination! What’s more, writing aids your child’s emotional growth and helps build the critical thinking skills necessary for success in school and in life. Writing retreats and camps can help foster these abilities. What Happens at Writing Retreats? At writing camps, children can focus on their creating writing while having fun at the same time! In a comm

Most experts agree: when you're learning how to write, reading as much as possible should be part of your daily life. And that means reading everything! Here, New Milford, NJ teacher Matthew H. explains what you can even learn from your favorite childhood books...   Children’s books are normally our first introduction to reading and writing. As kids, we listen to our parents, teachers, and other caregivers read aloud to us. Eventually, we read basic sentences on our own until we

One of the most common obstacles for a writer is the ability to come up with story ideas. Though all children, and adults for that matter, have them lodged somewhere in their brains, the trick is getting them out and on paper. So what are the best writing tips for kids to release their inner Shakespeare and develop a great plot line? Here are a few ideas to try out... Draw on real life experiences. One of the best writing tips for kids for finding great story ideas is to draw on rea

Writing fiction comes with a number of myths that keep many people from giving it a serious try. Don't them get you down! Here are a few things that you might hear about the industry as you're learning how to write fiction--and the reality behind them. 1. You Have to Be a Big Name to Write Many aspiring writers are told that unless you're Stephen King or you're famous for something else, there's no point in trying to get your work noticed. But the truth is, many publishers actively look for

Keeping a writing journal is a great way to keep your child´s mind active while they are out of school this summer. But unless you have a budding novelist in your family who is passionate about writing, your child may tire quickly of keeping a daily journal. Here are some fun, outside-of-the-box writing activities for kids that will keep your child writing all summer long! The Never-Ending Story Work together with your child to write a never-ending story that is sure to get you giggling! S

Is winter weather and Christmas impatience taking its toll on your kids – and your sanity? Get their holiday-inspired, creative juices flowing – and banish the boredom - with these fun writing prompts for kids with a winter theme… Channel some Dickens. Have your child write a poem or a story featuring three different versions of themselves getting a Christmas wish granted: one in the present, one in the past, and one in the future. Make a parody. What’s your child’s favor

Do you have the gift of the written word? There are a variety of fiction writing contests available for high school students that are an ideal way to show off your writing. Think how hard you have worked and the confidence you’ve gained in your writing. It’s time to share it with the world! Our favorite high school fiction writing contests include: Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards Skipping Stones magazine recognizes high school students that are working to promote multicultural, e

Are you getting your college applications ready? In most cases, you'll need a copy of your transcript, letters of recommendation, and the often-dreaded admissions essay. To make the process a little easier, read on as Ann Arbor, MI teacher Elaina R. shares some of the most common admissions essay topics you might run into...   College admissions essays act as the human element in the otherwise statistic-driven admissions process. Where test scores and GPAs could easily be evaluated

Writing a paper for class? Lock down an "A" with these helpful tips from San Diego tutor Natalie S... Over the course of your academic career, you will be expected to write multiple papers that will span a number of different subjects and purposes. While there are many ways to write a paper, below are a few of the common mistakes to avoid that are true for all types of papers. 1) Create a strong thesis BEFORE you start writing the paper. Do not begin the writing process without a thesis

Think creative writing is all that different from writing a research paper in class? You might be surprised! Read on as New Milford, NJ tutor Matthew H. explains...   Creative writing tips seem to be counterintuitive; how can someone tell someone else how to be creative? The truth is that the secret to writing any good creative literature is not really that different from what you need for a really great academic paper: strong structure. I tutor many students for the SAT and GRE.

You'll probably need to know how to analyze an argument properly at some point in your academic career. Here, tutor Andrew P. shares his guide to success... If you’re a high school or college student or you’re studying for your GRE, you'll probably be expected at some point to understand, restate, comment on, or discuss an author’s position assertion (strongly stated position). In this guide, I will go over analyzing an argument example and give you step-by-step directions for succ

Imagine transporting yourself into another time — pretty cool, right? This is exactly what readers get to do with the historical fiction genre. These kinds of novels invite readers to escape to a different world in a different time.  However, when it comes to writing a historical novel, it takes a lot more than just jotting down some words on the page. You have to set the scene and create a convincing setting, where you readers can immerse themselves and lose track of time. You have to m

Are your so-called “creative” writing exercises starting to seem a little mundane? Spice it up with these outside-the-box writing ideas and prompts…       1.  Explain why the chicken crossed the road. Is the chicken fleeing the alien invasion? Leaving farm life behind in favor of a more sophisticated urban atmosphere? Headed for breast reduction surgery? Going out for cocktails? Have fun with it.       2.  Describe a memorable experience from the perspective of your pet. What d

Did you know that the writing methods you choose can affect your creative process? Organization is particularly important to your writing success, allowing for a clear mind, smooth-flowing thought process, and proper story development. But how OCD do you have to be to prevent a major disaster? Keep yourself on track with these practical writing tips for kids: Clean up your act. Organizing your jumble of story ideas can help you identify the best options for a given writing project. Wading t

What are the steps to writing a book report that will earn you an "A"? Check out these helpful tips from San Diego tutor Natalie S... Every student will be expected to write a book report at some point or another in his or her scholastic career. This is a great assignment for students who want to hone reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Book reports often seem scary and overwhelming initially, however, if you follow these steps to writing a book report, you can easily and succe

Ready to try your hand at writing a screenplay? Check out these helpful tips from New York, NY tutor Lauren P...   Whether you have too many ideas or you don’t know where to begin, these storytelling tips will help you outline the framework for an unforgettable screenplay. Don’t Remake the Wheel While all stories include some level of conflict, the arguably best stories all seem to include components of what Joseph Campbell calls the Hero’s Journey. If you are not familiar wit

Writing and storytelling are great skills to teach your children. Parents and teachers alike can instill the love of storytelling in children to enhance their language skills, encourage reading, and stir their imagination. The trick, though, is to understand the roadblocks that kids may face and the storytelling techniques that help them overcome these issues. Common Roadblocks Fear of public speaking: This fear is common in adults and children alike. If you can get children comfortable

Thinking about getting back on the job hunt soon? If it's been a while since your first job interview, it might be time to revisit your resume and make some edits. To help you get started, check out these resume writing tips from Evanston, IL and online tutor Rachel M.:   So you finally decided to edit your resume. Maybe it was gathering dust under the rest of your files, or perhaps you were running out the door to your new job interview and you realized it hadn’t been edited in ov

Curious about writing creative nonfiction? Get started with these pro tips from Woburn, MA tutor Belynda C...   Creative nonfiction is a difficult genre in terms of development and writing, and yet it is one of the fastest-growing segments of the market in recent years. Memoir and personal essay were once limited to the rich and famous. These days, the Internet has made everyone a potential essayist. If you have a fascinating story to tell about your own life, you may feel daunted by

Interested in learning how to write a haiku? In this article, you'll learn about the rich history of haiku poems, and get to take a stab at writing your own. The haiku style actually originated from tanka, a short poem with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable rhythm. Tanka was originally practiced by Japanese noblemen and Buddhist priests. During the 9th-12th centuries, writing tanka became a game called "renga," where one person wrote the first three lines of the poem and another person wrote the next t

When you're given a writing assignment - but not a topic - deciding what to write about can be a challenge. Here, teacher Matthew H. shares a few unique writing topics to consider...    Virtually all students eventually will be required to write an essay on some literary piece they read in class or for homework. Normally, you will be expected to answer a specific question the teacher has posed to provoke a thoughtful response. However, sometimes you will be given the option to writ

Do you have a budding author in your home? Are you looking for tips for writing a book? Nothing is more rewarding for young writers than seeing their work in print. Your enthusiastic writer will be thrilled when all of the hard work pays off and their work is published. There are a variety of ways to get your child's work published: Create a single copy. Many parents looking for tips for writing a book with their child quickly discover that publishing a single copy is actually more affor

Worried about an upcoming writing assignment? Here, Tampa, FL tutor Anna M. reviews the steps to writing a research paper that will help you earn an "A"...   Starting as early as middle school, students are writing research papers. The first time your teacher asks you to write a research paper, you might have no clue where to start. This article will give you systematic instructions for writing a research paper. 1. The Topic The first, and arguably most important, step to writing a

If your child is struggling with writing or reading, you may be wondering if hiring a tutor will help. Here, St. Paul, MN teacher Marilyn G. shares what to expect from a tutor, and how you can continue helping your child along the way...   I have been tutoring students periodically throughout my career. I started as an academic tutor for high school home-bound students in a local school district. Since then I have worked with students from kindergarten through adult who have wanted a

Everyone enjoys a great love story -- and writing romance novels can be just as much fun as reading them! With this type of fiction, authors create an uplifting story that ends happily for the characters that readers have grown to love. Here's how to put together a fun read that shows the chemistry of the two characters and leads them toward their eventual happiness. 1. Know That Characters Come First A good romance novel is all about the two main characters. Their relationship is what the n

Editing your work is one of the most important steps to writing an essay! Create your checklist using these tips from Woburn, MA teacher Belynda C...   Editing is not simply about typos. There are many steps to writing an essay between the initial preparation, research, writing, and finally editing and proofreading your finished work. While proper spelling and grammar are important, there are other aspects to polished prose that need your attention. Some of these items include repe

Kids who love to write may be off and running once the pen hits their hand, but other children might not feel comfortable writing unless given a few creative writing prompts. Creative prompts encourage imagination and provide a jumping off point for journal entries and stories. Even children who love to write may find it easier to work from a prompt because it gives them an area of focus - and it's fun! As a parent, one of the best ways to encourage your child's love of the written word is to pr

Informational Writing. Two words bound to lose the attention of any kid (and probably just about every adult) the second they’re uttered…It’s not a phrase that’s quite conducive to awe, wonder, or excitement. And outside of battling a lack of interest, writing itself can be a tedious, frustrating, and scary process that most students do everything they can to avoid. So what can we do? How can we get past all of the barriers that children and students put up for us and for themselv

Unlike some other academic skills, the ability to write well is something that follows you from elementary school all throughout your life, particularly if you work in an office environment - so it's no wonder there's such an emphasis on it in school! From creative short stories and descriptive paragraphs in elementary school to lengthier prose and argumentative essays in high school, and then implementing those skills to write research and term papers in college, students spend a great deal

There are so many websites, books, and other resources to help you improve writing skills, study skills, and more. Here are 8 awesome ideas from San Diego, CA tutor Natalie S... Beginning and completing a piece of writing can be a scary process. To some students, it may feel like there are a lot of unknown variables. It takes a long time to outline an essay. It requires a lot of brainstorming and organization. There isn’t a specific formula. There isn’t a right or a wrong, just a subject

Are you curious about how to write an essay? If so, this post is for you. If you hate writing essays, we totally get it.  Does your stomach drop every time you hear the words “writing assignment”? Whether you’re facing a high school assignment or a college paper, the task of writing an essay can sometimes feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? And how on earth are you going to hit that lofty word count? If you’re worried about the challenges of writing an essay, you’re

Interested in trying your hand at journalistic writing? Here, Olympia, WA tutor Tali H. explains the seven simple steps for writing an article... Being a reporter has a number of benefits: you get to meet people, talk, find out about what’s going on in your community, and keep your writing skills in tip-top shape. However, it can also be difficult –especially if you’re trying to meet an upcoming deadline. Here’s a simple breakdown for writing a medium-length journalistic article

Successful writers know that a well-constructed story will grab the reader's attention from the very beginning. A strong beginning will hook readers and entice them to keep reading. There are a variety of writing styles that can be used to create an effective hook, and understanding which one of these writing styles best matches your unique voice is an important part of developing your craft. Some of our favorite ways to begin a story include: Asking a question:  The first line of the iconic

Falling behind in your freshman composition writing class? There's still time to get caught up. Keep reading for helpful tips from Machias, ME tutor and English teacher Matt M...   I have taught English composition and literature for over a decade at the college level. During that time, I’ve taught at six different universities, four domestic and two abroad. Hundreds of students have passed through my English classrooms. While nothing can ensure an A, there are many easy things stu

Whether your goal is to write the next great American novel, submit articles to your favorite website, or get ahead in your career, there are certain writing skills all authors share. Becoming an author or published writer requires dedication, reasoning, time management, problem solving skills, and vision. Fortunately, you don't necessarily need to be a born writer - all of these skills can be practiced, learned, and taught! Strong writing skills are the key to being able to communicate your vi

Lots of new (and even seasoned) writers wonder how to be successful in creative writing. When I first started my writing journey, I had lots of great ideas, but I could never get them down on paper or on a word document. I was always nervous that I was doing things wrong and couldn’t tap into my full potential as a writer. Today, I’m going to give you a few pointers on how to not only be confident in your creative writing, but how to be successful as well. What is Creative Writing? All wri

Preparing for a writing skills test? Take a look at these helpful tips from Ann Arbor, MI teacher Elaina R. to calm your nerves...   Writing skills tests are a very real part of life. They come up in grade school, in college entrance exams, and even in employment applications. Fortunately, writing skills tests are formulaic. Once you know what is on them, the prospect of taking them periodically throughout life becomes less daunting. Here are the basic elements of a writing skills te

Remember learning about writing your thesis statement? It can be difficult to get just right, even for the best writers! Here, online tutor Lourdes C. cuts through the confusion with her simple guide to how to write a good thesis: A thesis - your worst nightmare, and the second highest cause of college breakdowns, next to heartbreak. You get this every class. You think you know how to think, you think you know how to write, then your instructor gives you a handout that requires a "research-

Writing your college admissions essay can feel intimidating. How do you relay your life story and impress the admissions board in so few words? Check out the sample essay excerpts below, written by New York teacher Jasmine B., and her tips for writing your own winning essay: Writing a college entrance essay? Here are a few helpful hints, along with examples from my very own entrance essay for The Juilliard School. I applied for, and am currently a part of, the Drama Division. LET THEM

The global workplace has made communicators of us all. Irrespective of field, job level, experience, or knowing everything there is to know about getting your job done, having only specialized knowledge will not take you very far in the long run – you need to be a competent professional communicator too. While corporate communication consists of verbal, listening, and written skills, the latter tops the list as rudimentary for most jobs. Good grammar and writing skills are more than just an a

Your favorite athletes all work with coaches. A football coach creates plays and helps players adapt to the game on the field. A swimming coach analyzes individual parts of the athlete's stroke to gain more speed in the pool. A gymnastics coach finds ways for the gymnast to add more grace and power to his or her routines. Just like these athletic coaches, a writing coach or tutor is an excellent asset as you work to develop your writing and rise above the competition. Just like athletic coaches

A good story needs to be strong from the first line through the final page. It's all too easy to start strong with a great hook and an interesting set of characters, but then lose momentum along the way and stop short at the end. This can be tough for budding wordsmiths of all ages - so how can you encourage your kids and help them understand the writing techniques involved? Here are some tips for parents and private writing tutors alike... Read and discuss great literature As a parent

Although schools may be veering away from it, learning how to write a personal narrative essay can take you far in life. Learn more in this guest post by Chicago, IL tutor Samantha S...   Students, perhaps you have noticed the recent Common Core State Standard trend to veer away from such writing prompts as “What Did You Do On Summer Vacation?” Though nationwide curriculum currently mandates that best-practice instruction focuses on nonfiction, non-narrative writing, here’s why

Never be stumped again! Here, New York tutor Lauren P. shares some tips to remember tricky rules and get the spelling help you need...   To preface, not every word follows a strict spelling rule. There are always exceptions and irregular forms. Therefore, keep this in mind before memorizing any of the following rules. 1) Use funny memory tools for complicated spellings There are many creative ways to remember irregular words with double letters or an assortment of vowels. The weird