Only in America: Four years into life, poor kids are already an entire year behind

by Rupe | Dec 18, 2015 | just Writing

This is a major blemish for a country that likes to call itself the greatest in the world.

Wealthy parents aren’t just able to send their kids to top pre-schools—they can also purchase the latest learning technology and ensure their children experience as many museums, concerts and other cultural experiences as possible. Low-income parents, on the other hand, don’t have that opportunity. Instead, they’re often left to face the reality of sending their kids to schools without having had the chance to provide an edifying experience at home.

Source: Only in America: Four years into life, poor kids are already an entire year behind
My Comments: Will have to read this…

20 misused English words that make smart people look silly – Quartz

by Rupe | Jun 21, 2015 | just Writing

We’re all tempted to use words that we’re not too familiar with. If this were the only problem, I wouldn’t have much to write about. That’s because we’re cautious with words we’re unsure of and, thus, they don’t create much of an issue for us. It’s the words that we think we’re using correctly that wreak the most havoc. We throw them around in meetings, e-mails and important documents (such as resumes and client reports), and they land, like fingernails across a chalkboard, on everyone who has to hear or read them. We’re all guilty of this from time to time, myself included.

Source: 20 misused English words that make smart people look silly – Quartz

Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything

by Rupe | Aug 31, 2011 | just Writing

For thousands of years, writing has been a powerful way for us to communicate with one another, to share our distinct thoughts and ideas through the power of words. Even in today’s technologically saturated 21st century, we still express ourselves in writing almost every single day. And oftentimes, we write to argue our viewpoints, persuade others that we’re right, and share our unique experiences and perspectives.

But all writing—whether it’s a powerful essay, a persuasive letter, a detailed business report, or an autobiographical story—is at its most effective and memorable when it’s built on the fundamental critical and analytical skills that transform your words from “good” writing to “great” writing. Regardless of your subject, your goal, or your occasion, these skills are the heart and soul of engaging and effective writing. They include the ability to

• organize your thoughts into a coherent piece that never leaves your reader behind;
• make a persuasive argument rooted in solid facts;
• draw on the styles and characteristics of various literary genres;
• make responsible use of research materials and outside resources; and
• avoid common grammar errors that could cost you your credibility.

Course Lecture Titles

24 Lectures –  30 minutes / lecture

Here is the text  – Analysis and Critique- How to Engage and Write about Anything