Education Archives

On Writing Well: Review & Critical Reception

Are you thinking of reading On Writing Well by William Zinsser? Can the book help you improve your nonfiction writing skills? No matter your current skill level, William Zinsser believes anyone can practice the craft of writing. On Writing Well offers a back-to-basics approach, focusing on honing essential writing skills rather than trying to employ complex stylistic techniques. Here’s our On Writing Well review, including the book’s approach, critical reception, and impact.

How to Write Creative Nonfiction That’s Not Boring

Do you write creative nonfiction? What can you do to spice your nonfiction piece up? In his book On Writing Well, William Zinsser explains that nonfiction writing doesn’t have to be flat and bland. You can write nonfiction in ways that will grip readers as much as fiction writing. From interviews to memoirs to sports writing, here’s how to add some flare to your nonfiction.

Individualized Instruction: Fulfilling Students’ Needs

Do you struggle to meet the needs of all your students? How can individualized instruction provide a better learning experience for students? In Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina recommends individualized instruction methods to accommodate each student’s unique way of learning. Two of these methods include smaller class sizes and flipped classrooms, which suit individual students. Learn more on the benefits of individualized instruction, and why it may be necessary for teaching.

The 4 Rules for Consistent Writing

Do you struggle to keep consistent as you write? What are some things to consider to ensure your writing is consistent in terms of tone, argument, point of view, and tense? If you want to maintain consistency in your writing, you need to ask yourself these four guiding questions: What’s the main idea? What point of view will you use? What tense will you use? And what tone will you have? You must make these decisions ahead of time so you don’t lose focus part-way through. Here’s how to maintain consistency while writing.

The Art of Learning: Review & Critical Reception

Is Josh Waitzkin’s The Art of Learning worth reading? What is Josh Waitzkin’s philosophy on learning? In The Art of Learning, chess prodigy and tai chi World Champion Josh Waitzkin outlines his philosophy on learning, skill mastery, and competition. Waitzkin builds from basic to advanced strategies for both the psychological and technical sides of skill-building, showing that your growth as a competitor parallels your growth as an individual. Below is our The Art of Learning review, including background, context, and critical reception.

How to Set Your Tone of Voice in Writing

What does tone of voice in writing mean? How do different tones of voice convey different feelings? Choosing what tone to use in your writing is an important decision. Depending on what tone you choose, your writing can convey different feelings and meanings. Additionally, make sure you remain consistent with the tone you choose. Here’s why your tone of voice matters so much.

The Benefits of Mindful Learning

Do you practice mindfulness? How can mindfulness help you learn faster and more effectively? Mindfulness is central to life and learning. Being mindful as you study or train can supercharge your learning by helping you to comprehend information faster, encode it deeper, and retain it for longer. Here’s how mindful learning can help you master skills.

How to Choose a Correct Writing Tense

What tense should you write in? What are some things to consider when choosing which tense to use? The two most common writing tenses are present and past. The tenses help your reader situate themselves in the timeline of events, so make sure to choose the right one. Here’s how to decide which tense you should use in your writing.

Writing a Second Draft: Polish Your Work

Do you feel discouraged when your first draft doesn’t come out perfect? Do you feel like you’ve failed if you need to write a second draft? Having to write a second draft doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, the best writers revisit their works many times. Writing a second draft is how you find cluttered writing, clarify your ideas, and simplify your sentences. Here’s why you should embrace rewriting.

How to Choose a Point of View in Writing

What are the three points of view in writing? Which point of view should you choose? There are three common points of view in writing: first person, second person, and third person. The first thing you should decide when writing a narrative piece is which point of view you are going to use. Here are some things to consider when choosing which point of view to use.