Archive
Tag: Teaching Essay Strategies
Grammar in the Writing Context
For years teachers have heard that grammar must be taught in the writing context. Or replace grammar with writing skills, vocabulary, spelling, or even reading. I would argue that reinforced or practiced or applied might be…
Writing Feedback Research
Since the burden (and privilege) of teaching writing falls so exclusively on the teacher or workplace supervisor, it makes sense to learn what works from the…
Vague Pronoun References
A vague pronoun does not clearly identify its antecedent. An antecedent is the noun or pronoun that the pronoun refers to or re-names. Vague pronouns usually…
Double Negatives
One form of Non-standard English is the double negative. In Non-standard English the double negative is used to emphasize the negative; however, in Standard English the…
Formulaic Phrases
In both formulaic phrases and idioms, the individual words may not mean exactly what they say. Both types of expressions often suggest, but do not state,…
Meaningless Sentence Starters
Avoid beginning sentences with There or Here + a “helping verb” or a “linking verb." Revise to eliminate these words. To delete the unnecessary There or…
Wordiness
Learning how to write concisely (briefly) and efficiently is important. When wording is added which does not contribute meaning, teachers call this padding. Padding includes needless…
Hyperbole
While hyperbole is used often in everyday speech, in literary dialogue and description, and in poems and songs, it may not be used in formal essays…