Writing an essay or report

When a skyscraper is built we often only think of the construction above the ground. We see the building as it gets windows and walls and reaches up into the sky. Yet this is the last phase. Prior to the construction planning was undertaken, reports were written, engineers assessed and government approved. It is these preliminary steps that made the building what it is.

The same concept is true for writing. While we only see the finished product, it is the pre-planning that has made the essay or report.

To write well you need to do the following:

• Develop the topic and break it down
• Develop the report with key areas based on the topic
• Break down the key areas further until you are at a level of one topic in each sub area
• Make sure all the key areas of the report are covered - eg introduction, background, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, recommendations
• Proof read and make sure you haven't got an information that isn't required (less is more).
  

How to write a good short story

Short story writing is a hard gig. You have to show your command of the English language, be conscice and paint a vary vivid picture.

In today's article we will provide some guideance on how to write a good short story.

• 
  Start with a situation - a problem to be resolved etc.
• From here you need to present the problems tha can occur (eg all the fun misunderstandings or opportunities (albiet lost!!!) that could happen.
• The final step - and we all love problem solving - is to show how the problem can be solved (good conquers evil etc).
  

But the above tips, help you to plan the story. Now it is up to you to bring it to life. So how can you do this? The tips below provide some insight:

• Don't waste your words!!! Ever piece of writing must have a message or thread of meaning. The plot, characters of framework of your story should hang onit.
• Relate all your words to the essential theme of your story.
• While we often want to show of our skills in characterisation, try to limit this - all excess words dilute from your story, and thus the impact.
• And here we will let you in on a secret: The best stories are the ones that follow a narrow subject line.

When to use different types of punctuation

Writing in essence is about punctuation. Today, we though we would provide a list of when to use different types of punctuation. Enjoy.


Commas: If we are going to get something wrong, it is usually the comma. When you're writing down a thought and you want to take a breath, put it in. In many cases you need two, as comma's can be used to make a sentance within a sentance.

Semi-colon: Semi-colons can be used to highlight a point, or to detail a slightly different topic, without the need for a new sentance. Be careful not to over use semi-colons as they can create confusion.

Colon: Use when you want to make an example of something: For example, just like this.

The above three points, will hopefully get you on the right track. In our next article we will detail some more common punctuations.