3 Tips to Improve Writing in English

3 Tips to Improve Writing in English The most important rule to writing effectively is to not repeat yourself. Each of these three rules focuses on avoiding repetition in English. Rule 1: Dont Repeat the Same Word One of the most important rules in writing English is to avoid repetition. In other words, dont use the same words over and over again. Use synonyms, phrases with a similar meaning, and so on to spice up your writing stile. Sometimes, this is not possible. For example, if you are writing a report about a specific disease or perhaps a chemical compound, you will not be able to vary your vocabulary. However, when using descriptive vocabulary, its important to vary your choice of words.   We went on holiday to a ski resort. The resort was very beautiful with lots of things to do. The mountains were also beautiful, and, to be honest, there were also many beautiful people. In this example, the adjective beautiful is used three times. This is considered poor writing style. Here is the same example using synonyms.   We went on a holiday to a ski resort. The resort was very beautiful with lots of things to do. The mountains were majestic, and, to be honest, there were also many glamourous people.   Rule 2: Dont Repeat the Same Sentence Style In a similar way, using the same sentence structure by repeating the same structure over and over again is also considered bad style. Its important to know a variety of ways to make the same statement. This is often referred to as using equivalencies. Here are some examples  of similar types of sentences using different equivalencies to vary the style. The students studied hard as the test was sure to be difficult.They reviewed the grammar in great detail due to the many exceptions.Sentence structure was reviewed, for it was sure to be on the test.As they had covered all the materials, the students were assured success. In the four sentences above, Ive used four different variations on because. Sentences one and four use subordinating conjunctions. Note that the dependent clause can begin the sentence if followed by a comma. The second sentence uses a preposition (due to) followed by a noun phrase, and the third sentence uses the coordinating conjunction for.   Heres a quick review of these forms: Coordinating Conjunctions - also known as FANBOYS. Combine two simple sentences with a coordinating conjunction preceded by a comma. Coordinating conjunctions can NOT begin a sentence.   Examples The weather was very cold, but we took a walk.She needed some extra money for her vacation, so she found a part-time job.The toy was broken, for the boy had thrown it against the wall. Subordinating Conjunctions - Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses. They can be used to begin a sentence followed by a comma, or they can introduce the dependent clause in the second position without using a comma. Examples Though we need to review the grammar, we decided to take the day off for some fun.Mr. Smith hired a lawyer as he needed to defend himself in court.Well take car of the problem when John returns. Conjunctive Adverbs - Conjunctive adverbs begin a sentence linking it directly to the sentence before. Place a comma directly after the conjunctive adverb. Examples The car was in need of repair. As a result, Peter took the car into the repair shop.Its very important to study grammar. However, knowing grammar doesnt necessarily mean you can speak the language well.Lets hurry up and finish this report. Otherwise, we wont be able to work on the presentation. Prepositions - Prepositions are used with nouns or noun phrases NOT full clauses. However, prepositions such as due to or despite can provide a similar meaning to a dependent clause.   Examples Just like our neighbors, we decided to put a new roof on our home.The school decided to fire the teacher despite the students protest.As a result of poor attendance, well have to repeat chapter seven. Rule 3: Vary Sequencing and Linking Language Finally, when writing longer passages youll be using linking words and sequencing to connect your ideas. As in word choice and sentence style, its important to vary the linking language you use. For example, there are many ways to say next. If you are providing instructions, try to vary the words you use to take someone through each step in the process.   Instead of writing: First, open the box. Next, take out the equipment. Next, insert the batteries. Next, turn the device on and begin work. You could write: First, open the box. Next, take out the equipment. After that, insert the batteries. Finally, turn the device on and begin work. This is a just a short example to give you an idea. Try to vary the sequences, or linking language you use in each paragraph. If you use first, secondly, thirdly, finally in one paragraph, switch it up and use to begin with, next, after that in another paragraph. Follow the links in this article to study each of these variation types in more depth and you will quickly improve your writing style through variety.

Dealing With Restroom Use During Class

Dealing With Restroom Use During Class How do you handle requests from students to go to the bathroom during class? Every so often you will see a news story about a teacher who did not let a child use the bathroom during class causing them to have an embarrassing accident. Restroom use during class is a sticky issue that deserves some thought so that you do not end up on the news. We have all experienced sitting in a meeting when we really have to use the restroom. People retain less information when they are focused on their need to relieve themselves. Therefore, it is important that you provide a way for students to use the restroom, while  at the same time maintain control within your classroom. Issues With Restroom Use A couple of issues exist that cause teachers to be wary of allowing  restroom use during class. It can be very disruptive. One of the most annoying things to a teacher is trying to hold a classroom discussion and when they call on a student who has raised their hand, the only thing they do is ask if they can go to the bathroom.It can be easily abused. Every teacher has encountered a student who does not have a medical issue yet asks to go to the bathroom each and every day.Roaming the halls is not acceptable. Most schools have strict policies concerning who can be out of class. This helps the school maintain control and keeps disruption to other classes to a minimum. You dont want to be in the hot seat by allowing too many students to leave your class at once or by having your students cause a problem when they are supposed to be in your class. Ideas to Help Control Restroom Use What can you do to allow students to go to the bathroom when they really need to but at the same time maintain control? Make it a policy that only one student can go to the bathroom at a time from your class. This relieves the problem of having too many students out at once.Give students a limit to the amount of time they are allowed out. This will help cut down on students taking advantage of leaving the class. You will need to come up with a discipline plan associated with this to help with enforcement.Institute a policy that students cannot ask to go to the restroom until you are at your desk or at a minimum not addressing the entire class. This is fine but remember that if a student has a medical issue of which you have been informed then they should be allowed to leave when it is necessary. You might want to consider creating a special pass for them for this purpose.Track who is going each day if you think there is an issue. If a student is abusing the privilege talk to them about it. If this does not stop the behavior, call and talk to their parents. There may be situations where a student abuse s the privilege every day without a medical reason. In one example, when the teacher denied the student the ability to go one day, the parents called and complained causing a lot of problems for this particular teacher. A call to the parents before instituting the policy with that student could have helped because they would not be getting the story just from their child. Restroom use can quickly become an emotionally charged subject. Make sure that you spend some time creating and perfecting your own restroom use plan so that you can stay focused on teaching and not on this issue. You can refer to How to Create a Restroom Pass System for more ideas.