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Category: Elementary

  • Free to Disagree

    Free to Disagree

    “Free speech” is one of those phrases that you hear a lot about. Hearing those two words so many times, in so many different situations, and as the defense for one argument after another, can make it really difficult to define. Free speech means you can say and think whatever you feel. Unlike some places in the world, and many times throughout history, you are not going to be in danger for expressing yourself. Freedom of speech allows JobsPeopleDo.com to share articles on many different topics, and allows you to strongly agree or disagree with what you read.

    Throughout history, this freedom has allowed people to challenge and take down old ways of life and beliefs. We are where we stand today because humans of the past were able to say that the Earth revolves around the sun, that life as we know it came about through the process of evolution, and that people should not be divided based on the colour of their skin. Instead of trying to ban ideas that people might disapprove of, this freedom encourages discussion and challenges. In doing so, many good ideas have defeated bad ones through evidence and reasoning.

    As you may have noticed, people often talk about threats to free speech. Famous figures lose their careers due to words they shared on Twitter. Job seekers are told to be careful with what they post on Facebook in case their profile is seen by potential employers. At what point is our speech no longer free? At what point, if any, should our words be controlled? These questions complicate what at first appears to be a simple and universal concept.

    Different people will give you different answers on the matter. Ultimately, free speech allows you to have your own opinion on this and on any other issue, without having to worry that the government will place you in jail for what you say. Nevertheless, freedom of speech is not, and never has been, freedom of consequence. That same liberty gives employers the right to deny jobs to people with problematic social media posts. It gives people the right to have ideas that you may think are horrible. When that “free speech” crosses the line to “hate speech,” which is when people encourage violence against others, many feel the government must step in to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

    It is the very nature of free speech that offers hope for the future. Good ideas have often won out over incorrect and harmful opinions in the past; it is reasonable to believe we will see that continue. We live in a world of divided opinions. We also live in a world with advanced technology that, more than ever, allows people to join in public discussions. It is important that you exercise your right to free speech. It is your human right to agree or disagree with the ideas you read online, including the ones in this very article. History has taught us that the free discussion of ideas is the best way to advance humanity. Feel free to disagree.

    Sources:

    Hartford, Bruce. “Free Speech vs Hate Speech.” HuffPost. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/free-speech-vs-hate-speech_us_59985b2de4b03b5e472cefff

    Timms, Josie. “Why is free speech important?” Index on Censorship. https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2016/04/free-speech-important/

  • Security Alert: 4 Ways to Ensure Online Safety

    Security Alert: 4 Ways to Ensure Online Safety

    The Internet has afforded us numerous benefits that if we all imagine a life without it, we would have instant images of pure chaos in our mind. How will we find information for our school papers or projects without the World Wide Web? We would have to browse through various books at the library, which is time-consuming and we would not be able to meet our due dates. How can we connect with family friends who have moved to another city or country? We would have to rely on long-distance calls and worse, snail mail.

    However, as the saying goes, every rose has its thorn. While the Internet gives us the information we need and connects us with people by merely a few clicks, it also poses risks to our privacy and security if we are not careful. So how can we reap the benefits of the Net while staying safe? Here are 4 pointers to keep in mind:

    Set limits on social media.

    It’s ironic, yes, but being on social media doesn’t obligate you to be “social” with everyone who interacts with you on those websites. You should set boundaries on whose posts you like or make comments to, who you accept as friends or followers, or whose private messages or direct messages we reply to. If someone unknown messages you on Facebook or Instagram, check if you have mutual friends first; if not, avoid interacting with that person.

    Also, ensure that you are not on a public setting when you post a photo or any sensitive information. Most social media have custom settings now to help you set to whom your posts are visible to.

    Go for complex passwords and keep them updated.

    We’ve all been there. We forgot a password for an email or a website, and so we ended up choosing one simple password applicable to every account. This must be avoided at all costs as it can compromise everything that you log into. Always have different passwords for every account and change them at least once a month or every two months.

    Some people keep a list of their passwords on their phones or notebooks, but imagine if you misplace or lose these too? In this case, you really have to put your memory to good use. No ifs and buts about it. How do you remember all of them if you log into 10 or 20 sites per day? Set a theme of passwords per each month, like your favourite movie stars this month or your favourite TV shows next month.

    Be wary of free WiFi.

    Who does not want free stuff? One of the things that we welcome especially if we are under a limited data plan is free WiFi in establishments like malls and coffeeshops. However, while saving money is good, it turns bad when it leads to causing trouble to our security or privacy.

    A great way to enjoy free WiFi is to limit your use to browsing websites. If you really can’t help logging into your email or social media app while using free WiFi, ensure that you log out or sign out. Sure, it takes a bit of work and effort, but when you think of doing it to protect you, you will know it is necessary. The same is true when using public computers.

    Don’t be click-happy.

    You know those links that can reveal your spirit animal or your celebrity lookalike? Well, they are popular in social media accounts. However, they tend to be harmful especially if they lead to another link that asks for your email address and other private information.

    While it is fun to know who your celebrity lookalike is, it is not worth compromising your online identity for. Avoid clicking on these links, and go instead for legit apps.

    The Internet is a blessing to our lives, but misuse of it can lead to a curse we certainly don’t want. The next time you go online, keep the above tips in mind and you’ll have a safe online cruise.

    SOURCES:

    http://www.wired.co.uk/article/stay-safe-online-safer-internet

    https://www.webroot.com/blog/2014/08/06/8-tips-stay-safe-online/

    https://www.voanews.com/a/eleven-ways-to-keep-yourself-safe-online/2650658.html

    http://www.lbc.co.uk/news/the-news-explained/stay-safe-online-10-ways-to-protect-yourself-on-th/

    http://www.wired.co.uk/article/stay-safe-online-safer-internet

  • From Summer to School: A Survival Guide

    From Summer to School: A Survival Guide

    “Unfair” is the best way to describe it. That feeling of there being fewer sunlight hours, the weather getting cooler, and the knowledge that those long days of freedom are about to be swapped for the classroom. Just like that, summer break is done. Getting back into the school spirit is not the most pleasant of adjustments, but it does not have to be torture. It is important to get back into the school mood slowly, and to focus energy on the good things that lay ahead as opposed to the fun times being left behind.

    The best approach is to start that adjustment during the last two weeks of August. You may be sleeping and waking up at random times, so start going to bed a bit earlier each night. Planning daytrips or fun activities for early in the day can help to ensure and actually encourage an early bedtime, as well as a better morning routine. Take advantage of back-to-school sales to stock up on pens, pencils, paper, and more well before August ends. Intersperse these errands with fun but equally important shopping outings such as new clothes for autumn. Finally, instead of organizing and throwing out last year’s schoolwork in June, wait for the last weeks of August. At that point, going through everything to see what to keep and what to discard acts simultaneously as a way to get back into your work and as a refresher for your brain on learned material you may have forgotten.

    Once classes do begin, some students naturally fare better than others. Mental health counsellor Matthew Thatcher has noted many more students coming forward with symptoms of depression in the first two weeks of the school year. A large part of this can be broken down into two groups. There are the unknowns, such as new classmates, and the knowns, such as the fact that the work will be more difficult than last year. Having in-depth talks with your parents, close friends, or professionals, including guidance counsellors or therapists, can make a major difference. With the weather cooling and September feeling dreary, it is important not to retreat into your laptop or phone. Social media is a weak replacement for human connection, and its addiction can worsen the effects of anxiety or depression.

    Instead, realign that energy towards what is ahead. New classmates often equal new friends. The fall months are filled with lovely colours and fun events such as Halloween, and act as a lovely contrast from the summer days that can often blend into one another. Each new schoolyear is a stepping stone in your education. You are going to get that much smarter, that much more knowledgeable, and that much more prepared for the future.

    The last days of summer are a farewell to sleeping in, staying up late, and many hours outdoors. On the other hand, they are also a prelude to the adventures ahead. The change in daily activities is jarring, so a slow transition is a must. Focusing on the ways that the schoolyear trumps the summertime is also beneficial. There are holidays and events to look forward to and new people to meet. Summer may be fun, but the rest of the year offers far more variety.

    Sources:

    Luz, Andres, Caroline Sudduth and Whitney Young. “Back To School, Back To Blues.” HuffPost. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/back-to-school-blues_n_3876192.html

    Pinola, Melanie. “How to Get your Kids Back Into School Mode Before Summer Ends.” Lifehacker. http://lifehacker.com/why-you-hold-grudges-about-things-that-happened-in-your-1798139034

  • I Feel Sad; how can I feel better?

    I Feel Sad; how can I feel better?

    There are so many different angles to feeling sad. Whether it’s weather related, family or friend issue related or maybe medical…feeling sad is normal. The way you deal with it, however, can ultimately affect the person you are to become. Humans can get into patterns very easily, and believe it or not those patterns can follow you your entire life. That means that analyzing and improving the way you handle sadness now can really benefit you for years to come.

    Admit what you are feeling

    If we don’t accept that we are sad, there is no way we can find the headspace to feel better. It may sound like a cliché, but accepting that the problem exists is the first step. Don’t deny what you know to be true (and yes that is a Jedi reference), but instead be completely accepting that you are indeed sad. No one truly likes to be sad, so once you have a handle on the truth of that emotion, ask yourself what the factors are that contribute to your mood. Are these factors things you personally can change? For instance, is your temper or bad habits causing your mood to fall? Or is it a problem that you can’t control? If that last one is the case, finding ways to locate inner peace are important.

    Exercise

    Exercise is the answer to so many problems in life; of course it can help with this one! Exercise helps to reduce anxiety and depression, improving your overall mood. Regular exercise releases endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors that live in your brain. And those receptors help reduce your perception of pain, whether physical or emotional. Endorphins also trigger a wonderful feeling in your body—like a natural kind or morphine or drug!

    Learn how to bounce back from failures

    Life is never going to be without its failures. Accept that—yes—you will fail, but all humans do and you are no different. Failures are tests that prove the capabilities of a human. Beat down those failures. Swear that they won’t tear you down. One great idea is to ‘fake it until you feel it’—this means that even though you may be sad, react like you feel a different way and you just may trick yourself into being more positive. Set an intention for yourself and make strides to make that intention a reality.

    Get support

    Ask. For. Help. Always ask for help. No great battles were fought alone. Even great solo warriors had a wise old Yoda type in the wings for advice (last Star Wars reference, we promise). Teachers, parents, councilors, doctors, pastors, friends…there are so many people out there that want to hear you. Because you are important. And being made to feel important is real firepower against sadness.

  • Don’t Bark at the Wrong Tree: What You Really Need to Know about Volunteering in Animal Shelter

    Don’t Bark at the Wrong Tree: What You Really Need to Know about Volunteering in Animal Shelter

    There is no denying the benefits of having animal companions. They help in relieving stress after a hard day at work or school, and they give owners a good sense of responsibility, making them more empathetic and affectionate to those around them in the process. Apart from the emotional and psychological benefits, having furry friends can also be a great way to connect with fellow animal lovers and thus give one’s social life a boost.

    However, if you are a pet lover but may not have the opportunity to care for a furry companion at this time—whether because there is limited space at home or other reasons—a good alternative is to volunteer at your local animal shelter. This way, you will get to be around four-legged friends and enjoy the advantages. Still, being a volunteer takes a lot of hard work. Read on for information on what you can expect.

    Be prepared for the screening process.

    Animal shelters are funded by non-profit organizations, most of whom get aid and donations from sponsors and communities. While all of them have a need for more volunteers, they want to make sure they choose people who are qualified for the task—just like any company hiring new employees. It is not about volume or quantity but rather quality. As such, think of it as a job screening because that is what it is essentially. It is not enough that you show you are passionate for the gig, you have to show you are the best person to do so. Most of these animal shelters have a rigorous screening process, so don’t expect it to be a walk in the park.

    There is a training period.

    Just like landing a job at a company, animal shelters require volunteers to be trained to do the tasks expected of them. There is usually a general orientation class where the volunteer organizers discuss house rules. After that, there are more focused training sessions, especially if you will be assigned to handle animal companions who have been abandoned and abused. In some cases, especially for dogs, volunteers are typically grouped, one group to work with small dogs and the other to work with large dogs.

    It’s not for the glamour-obsessed.

    It is easy to get excited about working with animals. After all, we have all seen hundreds of videos on youtube and Instagram to know just how cute they can be—even when they are fast asleep. However, animal shelters need volunteers who can do more than pet these beloved creatures or feed them treats or walk them to the park. They need volunteers to clean up after these pets. As much as you want to avoid the topic, these furry creatures eat regularly on a daily basis, and as such, they do get rid of their bodily waste and fluids on a daily basis too. You have to do your share in cleaning up and making their spaces as sanitary as possible, and that means picking up poop (for dogs) or scooping out waste from the litterbox (for cats).

    You should have great PR skills.

    There is nothing wrong with being an introvert, but some have the misconception that animal shelters are for those who do not like dealing with people. Remember, animal shelters intend to provide temporary shelter for furry creatures and connect them with fellow animal lovers but their ultimate goal is to find them owners. As such, expect to receive frequent visits from people who are looking into bringing a four-legged companion into their homes, and it is your job to make sure they are well-informed about the animals up for adoption. You don’t have to have medical or legal expertise, of course, but you have to put your best foot forward and be an inspiration to these people who want to adopt. After all, every animal deserves a good home.

    It requires commitment.

    Animal shelters take their mission and vision seriously. If you wish to be a volunteer, you have to give your 110% percent, and that means you don’t go in to do volunteer work just when you are available or just when you feel like it. It is not something you do just because you are bored and you can stop volunteering whenever you please. Animal shelters need commitment from you, and this requires you assuring them that you will meet your assigned hours and days consistently for a period of 6 months at the most.

    So there you have it. The things you can expect if you want to volunteer at an animal shelter. Sure, it does seem a daunting task now. However, it is truly something worth doing and a rewarding experience.

    SOURCES:

    http://www.petful.com/animal-welfare/benefits-animal-shelter-volunteer/

    http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/what-i-learned-from-volunteering-at-an-animal-shelter/

    http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-rescue-shelter-volunteer-what-it-takes-tips

    http://stories.barkpost.com/things-shelter-workers/

    http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/animal-cat-shelter-rescue-adoption-learned-volunteer

    http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-tips-for-being-the-best-volunteer-you-can-be.html

    https://www.pet360.com/dog/adoption/volunteering-at-an-animal-shelter/lFdfdPYBnkSrZrTyzGitFg

  • Mastering the Pen: Calligraphy Tips for Beginners

    Mastering the Pen: Calligraphy Tips for Beginners

    In this day and age wherein everyone has ready access to a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, it is always an advantage to learn a new skill untouched by modern technology; one of these skills is calligraphy. Once you become skilful at this, you can write holiday cards and thank-you notes, making them more personalized as a result. Your recipients will surely take notice of your effort and will be more appreciative.

    So how exactly do you learn this art? Read on for practical tips:

    Acquire the right tools.

    You can’t learn calligraphy with a simple pen and paper. You need the right tools first, starting with what is referred to as the dip pen, specifically consisting of the nib and the nib holder. The nib is the pointed part, typically made of metal, while the nib holder is the one that holds the nib, typically made of wood. Like an artist’s paintbrushes, the nib’s tip size varies. Some are best for fine points, while some are best for broad points. As for the nib holder, you can opt for the ones with rubber to provide you with a better grip.

    You can order online for these tools. However, if you want to get the feel of them before buying, your best bet is to head off to an art supplies store near you.

    Learn how to be comfortable with it.

    Remember when you were learning cursive handwriting the first time? Well, the experience is similar as you would have to be comfortable first before you can find the technique or method that best suits you. Let the calligraphy you’ve seen serve as your inspiration, but do not rack your brains to come up with the perfect carbon copy. Instead, learn how to duplicate it while applying your own style at the same time. Be sure to do calligraphy on a flat desk that is on arm level—not on top of a coffee table where you are hunched back or a too-high desk—so you will be at ease while you try out the strokes.

    Practice, practice, practice.

    Rome was not built in a day, and you can’t expect to be a master of calligraphy overnight. It takes patience, effort, and a lot of practice. You can practice the strokes on your own or you can download worksheets from the Net—there are loads of free ones you can print right from the site. If you can buy laser jet paper to practice on, that will be better as these are the ones where you can most avoid ink smear.

    Join a class.

    If you are more at ease learning calligraphy within a classroom setting, find a class to join in. Maybe a local art group hosts once-a-week classes or someone offers free tutorials. You will be surprised at how popular calligraphy is, and these classes may have limited slots that fill up fast. An alternative is to go for video tutorials, and you can find tons from youtube or Instagram. Some of the posters might even be open to questions, and you can certainly take the chance to ask a query.

    Show it off.

    When you are done practicing, working your way throughout the alphabet, then it is time to show off and try calligraphy on your favourite song lyrics or poetry. Once you accomplish this, take a picture and share it with your social network. You are likely to get hundreds of likes for your effort!

    Today, it is almost mandatory to be tech-savvy. However, it’s always good to rely on what you can do with your good ol’ hands to make art, and calligraphy is definitely something worthwhile to try your hand at. Simply keep in mind those tips above, and you will be on your way to be a master calligrapher!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.jetpens.com/blog/guide-to-nibs-and-nib-holders/pt/763

    https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelwmiller/youve-got-the-write-stuff-baby?utm_term=.mdJr1NOEJd#.ydJe589E2Z

    https://chavelli.com/blog/the-top-mistakes-beginners-make-with-calligraphy

  • How to Handle History

    How to Handle History

    History is daunting in its depth and data. Subjects like English and mathematics have clear rules and obvious implications on our daily lives. History is filled with events, dates, and names that are far from structured or clearly connected to our day-to-day activities. The trick to studying the subject is making it digestible and enjoyable. Within its complexity is a bounty of amazing stories that shed light on how civilization has developed and where it may be headed.

    There are many periods and cultures that can be focused on. If you find yourself naturally interested in Ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, or another period, start your journey with that particular era. Many historians specialize in a specific subject instead of history in general. Learning about an ancient civilization is a great way to start learning about the periods that came afterwards. This can be done through primary and secondary sources. The former includes any documents or objects from the time period. These items can be found in libraries and museums, and are the closest we can get to jumping into a time machine and actually traveling to the past. Secondary sources are any books or materials that are made using primary sources. They may not be from the era, but because they use multiple primary sources they can be a great way to dig deeper into history.

    There are many games that can be used to make the many facts of history easier for your brain to digest. Hangman is a great way to help remember important names and documents. Creating your own round of Jeopardy! for the classroom can help your brain recall facts, especially if it focuses on a specific period. A common game used in English as a Second Language classrooms involves each student having a famous name taped to their back. Students walk around the room, unable to see which famous person they have been assigned, asking and answering questions from others to figure out their identity. This can be used with important individuals from any period. If the focus is instead on the importance of historical events and their relevance, write a script taking the main figures from the event and placing them in a modern vlog or online show for you and your classmates to act out. This humourous theatrical game can be a silly but helpful analysis of how people felt and reacted at the time.

    At first glance, history can appear boring or overly broad to many students. Yet there are many ways to break it down into smaller chunks and make it a very fun subject to learn. In doing so, you can better understand how history gives us better insight into humanity and why the world is the way it is. Choose a time period that speaks to you, hunt down primary and secondary sources, and experiment with different games to help you study. This can lead you on a journey that takes history from being daunting to digestible, and even delightful.

    Sources:

    Gibson, Nick. “How to Study History: 4 Tips to Become a Better Historian.” Udemy. https://blog.udemy.com/how-to-study-history/

    Pak, Rosshalde. “Engaging Classroom Games for All Grades.” TeachHUB. http://www.teachhub.com/engaging-classroom-games-all-grades

  • Baby Shoes: How to Write a Short Story

    Baby Shoes: How to Write a Short Story

    One of the shortest stories ever written has only six words:

    “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

    This extremely short story is sometimes attributed to Ernest Hemingway. In merely half a dozen words, we begin with the intrigue of a deal, are excited by the prospect of a newborn, and are shocked by the tragic ending. Being able to construct a beginning, middle, and end in a limited number of words is essential to writing your own short story. By taking the time to plan, write, and edit, you too can create your own mini-masterpiece.

    There is no strict definition for how many words make up a short story. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America put the limit at less than 7 500 words. It is important to keep that in mind when planning what your story will be about. Choose a theme that speaks to you. Since your word count is so restricted, focus on no more than or two characters. The six-word story is from the perspective of a grieving parent, the only essential character. Inessential roles should be eliminated, no matter how interesting they are. Take the time to flesh personalities out. Create lists of their characteristics and information about them. Make sure there is a clear but simple problem for your main character. Limit the others in your story to just a few minor roles.

    Author Kurt Vonnegut recommended starting stories as close to the end as possible. Short stories cannot afford to delve into backstories or much setup. Immediately give readers the information they need to understand who they are reading about, what is happening, and why it is important. The six-word story hooks you in with a sale, which instinctively attracts attention in a consumerist culture, and then immediately informs you what item exactly is being sold. This leads directly to the heart-breaking ending. The events in your story should build in excitement, leading to the most exciting part known as the climax. The ending should offer resolution to the characters and problem – whether good or bad.

    Many writers spend hours upon hours devoted to edits and rewrites. Vonnegut recommended that every sentence either reveal more about your character or move the action forward. Even if a sentence with a joke or descriptive details is well-written, it may need to be sacrificed to better serve the overall flow. The six-word story needs every six of those words, but not a word more, in order to tell its tale effectively. This should be the same approach for a story with thousands of words. Reread your work again and again, cutting down long sentences and removing unimportant dialogue. Focus on using a variety of nouns and verbs instead of relying on adjectives. The latter can be very descriptive, but can also bog down the pace.

    Writing a story of any lengths is done in baby steps. The planning, writing, and revising process can take anywhere from days to years. Practice by writing as many stories as you can and reading as many tales from various authors as possible. In doing so, you will discover your voice, the messages you want to share with the world, and how to effectively bring together your strengths with your ideas. All stories, whether they have six words or six thousand, require time, dedication, and passion.

    Sources:

    Haglund, David. “Did Hemingway Really Write His Famous Six-Word Story?” Slate. http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/01/31/for_sale_baby_shoes_never_worn_hemingway_probably_did_not_write_the_famous.html

    Popova, Maria. “Kurt Vonnegut’s 8 Tips on How to Write a Great Story.” Brain Pickings. https://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/04/03/kurt-vonnegut-on-writing-stories/

    Renner, Jodie. “25 Tips for Writing a Winning Short Story.” Kill Zone. https://killzoneblog.com/2014/07/25-tips-for-writing-winning-short-story.html

    Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. “Awards FAQ.” http://web.archive.org/web/20090319043837/http://sfwa.org/awards/faq.htm

  • Career Profile: Book Editor

    Career Profile: Book Editor

    For people who love to read, becoming a book editor might seem like the perfect job. However, being an editor is about much more than just reading. It’s also about helping authors make their books the best that they can be, whether in style, content, or grammar.

    Have you ever read a book that seemed to go on forever or that didn’t always make sense? The author probably failed to hire an editor to check for repetition or problems with the plot. Other books are full of typing errors or grammatical mistakes that make them hard to read. Taking care of errors like these is what many book editors do.

    Editors can work on many different aspects of book publishing. Some editors work with helping writers develop ideas for their books. Helping an author with researching other works on the same topic can be part of a book editor’s job. Other editors work with the grammar and spelling to make sure that there are no technical mistakes, and others might check the facts in the book to make sure they are accurate.

    Some book editors work at publishing houses and can earn close to $46,000 per year, or sometimes even more if they have experience. Others work for private clients and have irregular incomes. They might work regular hours at an office or work during the evenings at home. The work is not physically difficult, but it can be hard to concentrate for long periods of time. Book editors need to be able to work alone for much of the time, but they also need to be able to work with authors, illustrators, and other people involved in the publishing process.

    Working as an editor requires knowledge of different kinds of books like science fiction novels or non-fiction economics books. Editors work with all kinds of subjects, and they need to know at least a bit about the subjects or be able to learn a little bit about them in a short amount of time. Editors who work in publishing houses normally need at least a bachelor’s degree, and it’s a good idea for other editors to have at least that level of education, as well. For textbook editors, it might be necessary to have even higher levels of education, like a Master’s degree.

    A good editor is an important part of the book publishing process. If you like to help writers make books better, the job might be right for you.

    Bibliography:

    Kudler, David. “7 Deadly Myths and 3 Inspired Truths About Book Editing.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kudler/book-editing_b_2990583.html.

    Payscale.com. “Editor Salary (Canada).” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Editor/Salary.

    Study.com. Book Editor: Education Requirements and Career Information. http://study.com/articles/Book_Editor_Education_Requirements_and_Career_Information.html.

    Truity.com. “Editor.” https://www.truity.com/career-profile/editor.

  • A Basic Structure Guide to Writing a Great Essay

    A Basic Structure Guide to Writing a Great Essay

    For most students, essays are the worst part about school. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to write a lot of essays as long as you’re in school. However, writing them doesn’t have to be hard. Once you learn how to write essays, they can fly by! In this article, I’ll show you how to write a SEEC essay – “Statement, example, example, closing.” This is the easiest and fastest way (in my opinion) to write a good, detailed essay. The parts of a SEEC essay are as follows: Introduction paragraph, 2 or more explanation paragraphs, and a closing paragraph.

    The introduction paragraph

    The hardest, but by far the most important part of an essay, is the opening. The first line of an essay or speech should grab the attention of you audience, while also letting them know what your essay is about. From the very first sentence, you set the tone and style of your essay and you let your audience know what to expect. In the first paragraph if your essay, you should briefly outline all of the topics you will be covering. Each topic should be explained in two sentences or less to keep your paragraph short and sweet. Although, if you need to take more time to explain a topic, go for it. It your essay, after all. Finally, the last line of you paragraph should wrap it all up and restate what your essay is about in the first place.

    The body paragraphs

    The body paragraphs are essentially the meat of a SEEC essay – they are what makes up most of the essay, so they are generally longer than your introduction paragraph. These paragraphs start with an introduction sentence, where you tell the reader what topic that paragraph will be about. After that, you need to provide evidence. This is the part where you put your knowledge on paper. Explain your topic using your research, but just make sure that each sentence is related to your topic. Finally, after you have explained your topic or point of view, write a closing paragraph that flows into your next topic sentence. Writing an essay is like completing a puzzle – each piece has to fit naturally together, otherwise it won’t make sense.

    The closing paragraph.

    The closing paragraph is a lot like the introduction paragraph but backwards. The first sentence of the closing paragraph should very briefly summarise everything that was outlined in your essay. The next few sentences should just re-phrase each of the topics and what you talked about for each one. Use the same rule from the first paragraph – two sentences or less should be enough to explain each topic. Finally, you should rephrase the main idea of the essay. The closing paragraph is much broader than your opening, so you don’t have to be super detailed in this one.

    That’s it! Sign you name and hand it in, you just wrote a SEEC essay!