When solving basic algebraic equations, always think “Do the opposite.”This means that you will be doing the opposite or inverse operation in order to move numbers across the equals sign.  Let’s have a look at a few examples. I have tried to show each step separately. As you become more proficient, several steps can be combined, but I wanted you to have as clear a picture as possible.To solve an algebraic equation, you need to find the value of the variable. The variable i...

From time to time, a student e-mails me and asks how to write the perfect essay. Just as I said some time ago for the perfect sentence, there is no such thing.Still, the meaning is clear. Students want to write the best essay they can. It might be better to aim for outstanding. That’s what you want, an essay that rises above other students’ work. Let’s try to make your essay rise to the top of the class.Here are a few pointers to writing an outstanding essay. In general, they a...

Do you have trouble with math?A lot of people do. For twenty-five years, I have had many students convince themselves that math is scary and to be avoided at almost all costs.This is not entirely their fault because many parents and even some teachers are traumatized by math – even the thought of math gives them the chills. In other cases, people have just given up on math altogether, pretending it doesn’t exist.Here is the good news. Math is not a monster, ghost, or boogeyman hiding...

If you have read my blog or watched my videos, you will have heard me talk about variety being the spice of life before. Variety can make the difference between a good article and an excellent article. Using variety in your sentences will increase the reader’s interest, aid in comprehension, improve the flow of your ideas, and so on. How do you vary your sentences?Sentences by Structure and PurposeTry to use different sentences by structure: simple, compound, compound-complex, and com...

Revising is more than checking to see if your work has any technical “mistakes.” Revising includes looking over the written work as a whole.Of course, you want to proofread and edit your work. Computers or online programs can offer a lot of help in this regard; however, these have their limitations, and the overall quality of your finished product requires a human mind.The subject and the purpose of your work will dictate the choices you’ll want to make during revision. For thi...

The metaphor and simile are types of figurative language. There are many types of figurative language such as alliteration, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, etc. Using figurative language makes your writing more lively and descriptive. Although used more in creative writing or fiction works, they are also suitable for academic writing when used appropriately.What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile? Admittedly, they are easy to confuse because they both make comparisons be...

Happy New Year!I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year – perhaps with a stress on “healthy” given what the world has been dealing with over the last couple of years.Resolutions or…Did you make a New Year’s resolution or two?Have you broken the resolution or resolutions already?Don’t fret if you have. It is common for New Year’s resolutions to evaporate into thin air the moment January’s fresh air and reality strike.Why is this?We...

Christmas is a wonderful time to enjoy family and friends.I want to wish all of you the very best for the holidays.  I know everyone has different traditions and beliefs, but it is always a positive thing to reconnect with those you love, whatever the occasion.The holidays are also a fantastic time for learning. You knew I was going there!Yes.  Learning can happen at any time, but it does not need to be academic learning per se. For example, you can teach your children how to be p...

Do you want to make your writing pack a punch? Well, that’s one way to do it right there, by using common expressions or idioms. Of course, as with all writing tips, you must aim to use methods and styles that suit the specific purpose of writing and your audience.I will go into more idioms in other blogs and videos.Here are two methods that are always useful in making your writing clearer.Use specific words over general wordsWhich of these sentences better describes the picture?The young ...

Writing a variety of sentences helps make your writing more interesting and readable.One way to get more variety into your writing is to combine sentences, and there are various methods in which you can do this correctly.Coordinating conjunctionsOne method for combining sentences is to use a coordinating conjunction. There are seven of them: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Some students remember them by using the mnemonic FANBOYS.One point to remember is that you require a comma when joinin...