Articles Index
Mock Election Ideas
Mock elections are simulations of local or national campaigns. Learn the basics of setting up a campaign and participating in government elections.
25 Things to Do This Summer
Want to avoid the summer doldrums? Do something interesting this year! Exercise your brain with these 25 activities.
ACT Test Dates
Find the test dates for the SAT for the 2008-2009 school year. Don't miss your opportunity!
Expository Essays
Expository essays are simply essays that explain something with facts, as opposed to opinion. This writing assignment could tell a story or provide instruction.
Essay Types
Are you persuasive, or are you gifted with great descriptive powers? Find an essay type to fit your own special personality.
Famous People for Biography Topics
Are you looking for an interesting person to write about? This list may inspire you to write about a famous person from history.
How to Write a Film Review
Instructors will use films and documentaries to enhance your classroom learning experience. The film review is a common assignment, and it should include several standard components.
The Attitude Adjuster
Do you have the right attitude for reaching your acadmeic goals? This tool will help you do a quick assessment of your attitude when it comes to school and homework, and help you work on those areas that need a little work.
What Is a Research Paper?
The first research paper assignment can be intimidating. This overview explains why students have to write research papers, and provides an overview on the many elements and stages of a paper assignment.
Ethos, Logos, and Pathos
You'd be surprised how much of your time you spend constructing arguments. You should become familiar with persuasion through pathos, logos, and ethos in order to become a better communicator, and so that others will take you seriously.
Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination affects every student to some degree. You just sat down to study, when suddenly you realize you forgot to feed the dog. Or, you suddenly remember you love your mom a lot and you want to tell her. Are you looking for a way to avoid doing your homework?
Causal Essay Topics
The causal essay will outline a series of events that leads to a certain outcome. A causal essay is another name for the "cause and effect" essay.
How to Write an Argument Essay
It's not enough to feel passionate about a certain point of view. To write an effective argument essay, you must be able to research a topic and provide solid, convincing evidence to support your stance.
How to Write a Persuasive Speech
The persuasive speech should follow the standard format of a speech, with an introduction, three main points, and a summary. But the speech should offer to solve a problem for the listener.
How to Skim a Book
There a times when it's actually a good idea to skim a book. If you're working on a lengthy research paper or a long annotated bibliography, you'll need to skim some books to determine whether they're relevant or to get a full understanding of the argument.
Preparing for an Oral Exam
Oral exams can be daunting for many students. How will you remember the details when speaking in front of a panel? Practice is the key!
Preparing for Final Exams
Wondering how to best prepare for your final exams? Finals week can be the most stressful time of the year for students. Your best approach is to prepare for comprehensive exams is to study each subject in a special way.
Beginning Researcher's Guide to Sources
Your first big research assignment can seem overwhelming at first. This guide to research sources will clear up your confusion about reliable print sources like books and journal articles.
How to Participate in Class Discussions
Why should students participate in class discussions? Many teachers will use this time to generate ideas about a topic that has two or more valid points of view. This is no time to rest your pencils!
How to Write a News Article
Whether you are interested in writing for a small school newspaper or you’re fulfilling a requirement for school, you will want to write like a professional if you intend to write a news article. So what does it take to write like a news reporter?
Summer School Tips
Summer terms are shorter than ordinary school terms. That means the courses are more condensed. What does this mean for you? Discover some important tips for surviving summer school.
101 Common Book Themes
The theme of a book is a universal idea or message that stretches through an entire story. A theme may show up in a pattern (such as reoccurring examples of beauty in simplicity) or a theme may come through as the result of a buildup (tragedy of war). It is often a lesson that we learn about life or people.
Finding a Theme of a Book
Your assignment requires you to find the theme of a book. Everybody else seems to understand, but you don't. What is a theme? Is there more than one right answer?
Sample Book Themes
Many students have a tough time finding the theme of a book. This list provides samples of common themes. Compare these words and phrases to a book you've read lately and see if they match.
Symbols and Motifs in Literature
What is the difference between a symbol and a motif in literature? Discover the hidden meaning of objects that appear in your books, and discover the meaning of a motif.