Where to Find Your Chemistry Class

Where to Find Your Chemistry ClassThere are many different types of courses that can be completed within your Chemistry org. As you begin to understand these, you can begin to see how each will make you a better scientist and ultimately, an effective and productive chemist.A Chemistry course will be tailored to your individual learning style. You may need a more formal course to have everything in writing, while other courses will be designed to include less paperwork. The more you learn the more you will appreciate your progress and your ability to apply what you learn.To succeed you will need to understand the concepts involved with the actual laboratory work. Knowing the chemistry and being able to perform experiments will make all the difference in your research and the people you turn into successful chemists. Experiments will help you understand how the properties of various chemicals react. Also you will be able to understand the differences between compounds.It is also import ant to understand that there are two types of chemistry, analytical and descriptive. The descriptive chemistry you will learn will cover things like coloration, aromas, and the components of a chemical, as well as techniques to identify what your sample is made of. Analytical chemists will continue on with the actual laboratory work.The important aspect of any chemistry course is learning how to explain and analyze things. This will determine whether or not you are able to present your results in a way that makes sense. This means that you will need to have good writing skills to be able to communicate what you know to your classmates. This way you will be able to accurately describe things, make connections and find the details that need to be understood.You can also take a chemistry course to help you with your undergraduate major. One of the most common is an introductory course that will give you the knowledge that you need to succeed at the college level.If you would like to co mplete a common organic chemistry course, you should consider enrolling in an Intro to Organic Chemistry course. This will give you the background that you need to start on your path to becoming a quality Chemist. In order to get the best results possible, you will need to understand the fundamentals, as well as the specific chemicals and techniques used in the laboratory.

How to Prepare for a College Visit

How to Prepare for a College Visit College visits are important; that fact has already been well established. But why are they so important? This is something you must understand before you embark on one of these trips or else it could very possibly end up being a waste of time. Going on a college visit just to follow a tour guide around and then be able to say you were physically there is not why you should be doing this. Choosing the college you will attend is one of the biggest decisions of your life and heading over to the campus for a day or two will be one of the most helpful factors in your decision-making if you go about it with the right mindset. The best way to prepare is to make a list of everything you want to get out of your college experience. This can range from types of academic programs, to quality of the apartments, to the prevalence of Greek life, to the atmosphere of the town. Know exactly what it is you want and then get all the answers you need on your visit. Tour guides are students themselves who are trained to know about many if not all of these things, so they are an incredibly helpful source. If you want an adult perspective, set up a meeting with an Admissions Counselor who will be more than happy to have a productive conversation with you. But sometimes, the best way you can get your questions answered is simply by experiencing life on campus for a day. Take a walk around town, hang out in dorm lobbies, casually pass by and observe a lecture hall, sit on the quad. This is the kind of stuff no book or website can illustrate for you as well as directly seeing it can. But sometimes you wont even know what to look for or where to look for it, which is why researching the university in question before you visit is also important. Find out where most students live, where the best tailgating spots are, which building you want to avoid having any classes in, which restaurant has the best late-night food. Insider tips like this will really guide you through a college town so you can understand what its all about on a more personal level, behind the glossy Admissions pamphlets. Basically, your college visit should never have a boring moment. Every second should be spent actively looking to uncover every aspect of what its like to be a student there. By the time its over, you should either feel excited, disappointed, or indifferent the point is that you will have developed a clear idea of what youd be experiencing on that campus so one of those feelings can rise out of it. Just think, its better you get those understandings and feelings now rather than after move-in day. Whether they are positive or negative, they will point you in the direction of choosing the college that is right for you.

GCSE Chemistry Where to Find Past Papers

GCSE Chemistry Where to Find Past Papers GCSE Chemistry: How to Use Past Papers ChaptersMake Use of the Exam Mark SchemeLearn the Structure of the Exam PaperRead the Chief Examiner’s ReportsUse the Exam Board SpecificationGet a Little Help From Your FriendsTime yourselfWhere to Find Past PapersPrivate TutoringUsing past papers is a fantastic way to find out how your chemistry revision is going, where you need to improve and for getting to grips with exam technique. Whether you’re still at the beginning of the semester or your exams are fast approaching, we've put together this handy guide to help you revise using past papers.Check out your complete guide to GCSE Chemistry. and get the best grade you possibly can.Past papers are an essential tool for revision. Do every past paper you can find, as many times as you can. Getting used to the past papers will help you to understand the way your subject is structured. While simply going through past papers and answering the questions is useful in itself there is actually so much more you can get out of them.If mar k schemes, specifications, Chief Examiner reports and past papers all sound a bit confusing, don’t worry we’ve got you! With our help, you’ll be able to use past papers to really get on top of your subject and nail your exams. You could also ask your peers to mark them for you, this way you're sure there is no bias.If you are struggling to hit key points in your answers try mapping out model answers. Of course, the questions won't be the same on the real exam but practising writing out model answers will get you into the mindset of the examiner; they are looking for certain key points and phrases on each answer.  It is essential that you are able to demonstrate your knowledge by using the correct vocabulary and phrases.The more model answers you write out the more natural it will be to you on exam day.Learn the Structure of the Exam PaperPast papers help you get used to the structure and wording of the exam. Get really familiar with your past papers, it’s essential you know the structure so there are no surprises on exam day.Make sure you get your head around the structure of your chemistry paper and ask yourself the following questions:1. Is the paper divided into sections?2. Are the questions multiple choice?3. How much time should you spend on each section?4. Have you covered all the sections in your revision?   Make sure there’s no holes in your knowledge.If you keep seeing a question that trips you up, make sure you revise that topic. Don't just glance at it and think you know it, really make sure you understand the topic. Questions can be phrased in many ways or a couple of topics might be combined in the same question, so you need to really know the topic so you can apply it to different situations (and  not just repeat information).Find a physics and chemistry tutor now.Read the Chief Examiner’s ReportsFocus on exam practice by reading the Examiner’s Report. There is a report written every year after exams are taken which details the comm on mistakes students made and what you’re not supposed to do. Here's an example.Each year, comments from people who mark the exams are collected together and published. These are really useful as they let you know what examiners are looking for.By reading through them, you can learn what not to do, and what mistakes you need to avoid.No need to fret over your exam; Superprof tutors are here to help you! Source: Pixabay Credit: JeshootsPrivate TutoringIf you need some more structure in your revision and want someone to hold you accountable it can be helpful to get a private tutor.A private tutor can tailor lessons to you. If you struggle with remembering atom structures or you need help telling the difference between endothermic and exothermic, a tutor can help. They will focus on the topics you find difficult and will set you homework to boost your revision.Bring your past papers to your tutor. You can either sit with them while you do it to emulate exam conditions or you can do t hem at home and have your tutor mark them for you. The benefits of a tutor are endless and they can really make the difference in your preparation.Good luck!

Let it Snow! 3 Cold-Weather Tips for Carolers

Let it Snow! 3 Cold-Weather Tips for Carolers Suzy S. Heading out caroling this season? As youre bundling up and heading into the brisk air, youll want to take special precautions for your vocal health. Here are a few tips from Seattle vocal teacher Morgan P Remember that when your body is cold you have a tendency to tense your muscles. When you tense your muscles you are constricting them and not allowing them to produce natural and effective sound. Soon your breathing starts to suffer because of it, as does your vocal health. To combat this, dress warmly! Layering up as well as wearing a hat and scarf are very important to maintaining a relaxed and happy voice. Take it easy singing outside. You are competing with a lot of other noises, be it cars, or other people out and about.   You might feel the need to push your voice a little harder to sing a little louder. You dont. Trust your breath support and be mindful of the need to push for sound. Try to visualize sending your voice to the same direct and focused place, rather than trying to send it to the house across the street. Finally, stay hydrated! Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, as well as tea. Alternating between the two keeps you toasty and your vocal cords lubricated. Dont miss out on any of our tips, tricks and advice! Sign up for a free email subscription and get updates right to your inbox! You might also like Vocal Health Tips for Fall and Winter: Part 1 To Sing, Or Not to Sing: The Sore Throat Dilemma Improving Your Singing: Start With Your Posture Morgan P. teaches singing, dance, speaking voice and acting lessons to students of all ages in Seattle, WA. She joined the TakeLessons team in November 2012, with training in classical styles as well as contemporary. Learn more about Morgan, or search for a teacher near you! Photo by zemistor

The Spaghetti and Meatballs of Singing in Italian

The Spaghetti and Meatballs of Singing in Italian Suzy S. As a singer, youll come across songs in Italian or other languages that are great to practice and perform. Here, Pittsburgh, PA teacher Jennifer V.  shares her tips for tackling songs as you learn to sing in a foreign language Imagine walking into a voice lesson and your teacher casually places a book on the table that reads “24 Art Songs”. You open the book to see where the pretty pictures of paintings are and… you see a bunch of unknown words. Your teacher gives you a big smile and says, Let’s try singing in a foreign language this time! You freeze. Visions of ninth grade Spanish and French class whirl in your head. There is no WAY you can do this. Well, I’m here to tell you, as a person who used to believe she’d never learn to sing in one language, let alone four, there is always a way! Like any other subject, you simply need a game plan to learn the nuts and bolts of a song. And your voice teacher will be there to help you every step of the way! All you need to do is take a deep breath and follow these steps: 1. Find out what you’re saying. This can usually be done by going to websites like The LiederNet Archive. There you can type in your song and bam! a translation is born. 2. Keep in mind that many art songs are about things we know about. Caro Mio Ben is about someone who is dear to us. “Vittoria mio cuore” means Victorious my heart is! Usually the plots and ideas arent too far from our daily lives. I also suggest my students highlight the main words and meanings, so there is no confusion. Colored pencils can be purchased with erasers and can make a big difference in learning. Sometimes all we really need is to see the differences. 3. Speak the words slowly. Have your teacher say them for you, one sentence at a time. Then try it yourself! If you stumble it is no big deal. Everyone does and that is how we learn. After saying the words, have your teacher record them for you on your phone or recording device. Another excellent thing to do is go through your vowels, which can help with pronunciation of the Italian words. An example of this is: a  as in father is how you pronounce an a in Italian. Same with  o  as in close. It takes a little practice, but you will get it! With my students I begin by saying the words like poetry, giving them a rhythmic feel. I then have my student say them with me and, if needed, I say the words while I play the song, so they can understand how the rhythm and sentences work together. The next step is when everything begins to come together. We use our musical skills and add rhythm. Counting the measures, beats, and words help make the piece of music not sound so foreign and weird. It’s finally just becoming another piece of music! Finally, the last step is my favorite! After practicing the words, pitch, rhythm, and translation, it’s time to learn to sing the song! But so we don’t go crazy too fast, maybe start singing the piece on la, and slowly adding the words. When we learn a habit it can be very difficult to fix, so it’s better to go nice and slow. Singing in a foreign language can be very intimidating. To this day I take a deep breath and have to go through the steps myself. But the truth is, these wonderful composers from vibrant, foreign lands and cultures were simply just telling us a story in their own language, and asking us to keep a story alive for years to come. They are stories of falling in love, losing a beloved, or slaying a enemy in battle. Even things as simple as the beauty of a flower. With patience, love, and some elbow grease, anyone can learn to sing in a foreign language. Jennifer V. teaches singing and music performance in Pittsburgh, PA.  She received her Bachelors degree from West Virginia University, a Master of Music degree and Artist Diploma from Duquesne University, as well as a Certificate of Contemporary Vocal Pedagogy from Shenandoah Universtiy. Learn more about Jennifer V. here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

How to Remove Embroidery

How to Remove Embroidery Techniques for Removing Embroidery Thread ChaptersWhy Would You Have to Remove Embroidery?Tools for Removing EmbroideryRemoving Embroidered TextRemoving an Entire EmbroideryWhen Should You Remove Embroidery and what are the Results Like?Hiding the Embroidery“You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” - Jack LondonMost people agree that arts and crafts make them feel better.So why not give them a go?Embroidery is a great way to relax and customise clothes and objects. While there are several embroidery techniques, everyone makes mistakes. Before you get started, keep in mind that no mistake is irreversible. In this article, we’re going through how you can remove embroidery. RaySewing Teacher 5.00 (6) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PrincessSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnaSewing Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArianwenSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ShaziaSewing Teache r 5.00 (2) £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZanetaSewing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GianmariaSewing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JacquelineSewing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Would You Have to Remove Embroidery?You need to learn how to embroider step-by-step. Start by getting the right materials and taking lessons or following tutorials. Stem stitch, chain stitch, putting fabric on an embroidery hoop, buying the right thread, etc. There’s a lot to learn and do before you can start making pretty patterns and motifs with a needle and thread. If you get something wrong, you may need to remove a stitch or two. (Source: MabelAmber)With so much to concentrate on, you'll inevitably make a mistake.  You might get a cross-stitch or other embroidery stitch wrong. If you notice it immediately, it’s quite easy to fix your mistake. However, sometimes you might get the whole thing wrong. You might be embroidering a butterfly on an item of clothing but use the wrong colours.It’s also important that you know the techniques for correcting your mistakes. That said, mistakes aren’t the only reason you might want to remove embroidery.You might buy or inherit garments that have embroidery on them that you don’t like, for example. Knowing how to remove embroidery is a great way to give clothing a second life, especially if you wouldn’t have worn them on account of the embroidery.Removing hand embroidery is also useful for reusing fabric that you’ve already used for another embroider. If you’re practising how to embroider, you mightn’t want to keep the embroidery you’ve just done. In this case, you can remove the embroidery and reuse the fabric to keep practising.Of course, if your fabric was initially a stamped embroidery pattern the original pattern will still be on the fabric you're using. Ideally, if you're planning on using your fabric again for other embroidery projects, you should work from embroidery patterns on a separate piece of paper.Tools for Removing EmbroideryBefore we learn about all the different ways to remove embroidery, you need to learn about what you’ll need. Stitch removers are incredibly useful for removing embroidery. (Source: sewingdirectory)The first thing you’ll want to get is a stitch eraser. This is a tool that allows you to quickly remove embroidery thread. It’s also used for sewing, too. You can pick them up for next to nothing so don’t spend a fortune on them.  They’re often found in embroidery and sewing kits. These kits are a great idea if you don’t have any of the equipment you need for removing embroidery.You’ll also need sewing or embroidery scissors. These are smaller than paper scissors and are designed with cutting thread in mind. You can also get them for a few quid.  Again, these are available in haberdasheries and arts and crafts shops. These places are great for anyone interested in knitting, patchwork, sewing, crochet, cross-stitch, and embroidery.A razor is also incredibly useful when it comes to removing embroidery.  That’s right! A disposable single-blade razor is useful for cutting thread. You wan t one that doesn’t have moisturiser on it as you don’t want this on your threads.  Electric trimmers and special stitch erasers are also useful but rather expensive.The last thing you’ll need is patience as removing embroidery can take a long time. RaySewing Teacher 5.00 (6) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PrincessSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnaSewing Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArianwenSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ShaziaSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZanetaSewing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GianmariaSewing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JacquelineSewing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRemoving Embroidered TextRemoving embroidered text is much quicker than a full embroidery unless the letters are thick and include a lot of st itches.  To start removing embroidered text, turn the embroidery over and quickly pass the stitch erased under the threads making sure not to take the fabric with it. You don’t want to pierce or cut the fabric.Pull the stitch eraser to break the threads. Take your time! Do it bit by bit.You can also use a pair of sewing scissors to cut the threads. In any case, don’t try and remove a whole letter in one go. Start by cutting one side and then the other.Once you’ve cut the threads, turn the embroidery over and start removing the threads with the stitch eraser. You can also use embroidery needles to do this.You can also remove the last threads by hand to ensure that the fabric isn’t damaged.If you just need to remove a couple of embroidery stitches, you just need to cut the thread and you’re done in a few seconds.Removing an Entire EmbroideryRemoving an entire embroidery takes time and patience. Generally, you'll need to cut all the threads and pull them out. (Source: photosforyou)Just like with removing embroidered text, you’ll need to turn the embroidery over. Instead of using your scissors or stitch remover, you can use the razor as this is a quicker way to do it. Cutting the threads with a pair of scissors can take a lot of time.Shave the entire reverse of the embroidery. You should do this bit by bit to ensure that you’ve cut all the threads.  Then, you can use the stitch eraser on the threads. This will take time, though. You need to scratch each part of the embroidery with the stitch eraser as they don’t always come away easily. Furthermore, you need to repeat this step on every part of the embroidery.  Some embroiderers use tape or adhesive ribbon to trap the threads as if they were waxing. You’ll need a strong adhesive tape to do this.It doesn't matter whether it's a backstitch, French knot, satin stitch, running stitch, herringbone stitch, etc., this techni que works on them all.Learn how to embroider eyes.When Should You Remove Embroidery and what are the Results Like?You can’t always remove embroidery as a result of the fabric it’s embroidered onto. You can damage the fabric if you don’t do it right. If you want to reuse the fabric, you’ll need to ensure that it hasn’t been deformed in the process.It’s not recommended that you remove embroidery from stretch fabric. This is especially true if you’re not going to embroider over the same part of the fabric. After all, you can always cover up a hole by embroidering over the top of it. If not, your fabric isn’t going to look new.If you carefully and patiently remove the embroidery, the fabric will be fine and you’ll be able to use it again.To make sure you don’t damage the fabric, try removing a small part of the embroidery at first. You’ll see after removing a few stitches whether or not the fabric will survive. If this is the case, you can easily fix the couple of stitches that you removed.Discover how to frame your embroidery.Hiding the EmbroideryIf you’ve removed the embroidery and the fabric isn’t in great condition, you can always embroider over the top of it. In some cases, you may want to hide embroidery. (Source: kaduolliveira)If you can’t remove the embroidery at all, why not consider hiding the embroidery you want to remove?Pearls, spangles, ribbons, or a bit of lace can hide any embroidery you don’t like the look of. You can also decorate a cushion, dress, or curtains with things like this. Knit a case, create new embroidery, etc. Be creative and develop your skills as an embroiderer.If you need more help with embroidery or cross-stitch, get help from one of the many talented private tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorial available and, like with tutors, each comes with its pros and cons.Face-to-face tutorials are great for getting bespoke and tailored tuition as you're the only student in the class. Furthermore, your tutor will be spending a lot of time outside of the lessons preparing lessons for you. They're both the most costly and the most cost-effective as every minute of a session is spent helping you learn.Online tutorials are similar but your tutor won't be there in the room with you. While these are usually better for academic subjects, if you've got a good webcam, microphone, and internet connection, there's no reason a talented embroider couldn't help you learn remotely. Additionally, with no travel costs and the ability to schedule more sewing classes each week, online private tutors tend to cheaper than face-to-face tutorials.Finally, group tutorials are good for those on a budget as the cost of the tutor's time and experience will be shared amongst all the students in attendance. While you won't get as much one-on-one time with your tutor, you will pay less per student per hour.

50+ Inspiring Choir Songs From Every Genre

50+ Inspiring Choir Songs From Every Genre 50+ Choir Songs From Every Genre Jessica Dais There’s no better opportunity to practice all youve learned in singing lessons than in a choir. You can use choir rehearsals to work on proper vocal production and technique, while also learning to harmonize and sing with others. Plus, sometimes choruses provide solo opportunities which will help you gain audition experience, overcome performance anxiety, and showcase your hard work! Need some choral inspiration? Check out this list of over 50 choir songs in every genre! 50+ Choir Songs From Every Genre Large Choral Works Messiah by George Frideric Handel     Requiem in D Minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart The Creation by Joseph Haydn Magnificat in D Major by Johann Sebastian Bach Stabat Mater by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi Carmina Burana by Carl Orff Annelies by James Whitbourn Missa Solemnis by Ludwig van Beethoven Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi Symphony No. 8 by Gustav Mahler Early Music Choir Songs Hear My Prayer, O Lord by Henry Purcell   Come Sweet Death by Johann Sebastian Bach Ave Maris Stella by Guillaume Dufay Ave Maria by Josquin des Prez Ave Verum Corpus by William Byrd Et in terra pax hominibus by Antonio Vivaldi Contemporary Choir Songs Sleep by Eric Whitacre         Carmina mei cordis (Songs of my heart) by Abbie Betinis Evening Prayer by Ola Gjeilo O Nata Lux by Morten Lauridsen Ingrian Evenings by Veljo Tormis The Bridegroom by John Tavener Ubi Caritas by Maurice Durufle Gospel Spiritual Choir Songs Battle of Jericho arranged by Moses Hogan       Deep River arranged by Andre Thomas Ezekiel Saw the Wheel arranged by Mark Hayes Give Me Jesus arranged by Mark Patterson “My Lord, What a Mornin' arranged Harry T. Burleigh “Ride on King Jesus” arranged by Stacey V. Gibbs SEE ALSO: 4 Must-Read Choir Audition Tips Barbershop Choir Songs Aint Misbehavin' arranged by Marge Bailey       Smile arranged by Carolyn Schmidt Mister Sandman arranged by Bertha Bradley Georgia, On My Mind arranged by Mary K. Coffman My Romance arranged by Joey Minshall Let Me Call You Sweetheart arranged by June Berg Come Fly With Me arranged by Kevin Keller Sacred Hymn Choir Songs Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty arranged by Patti Drennan   How Great Thou Art arranged by Stuart K. Hine It Is Well With My Soul arranged by Rene Clausen His Eye Is on the Sparrow arranged by Mark Hayes Simple Gifts arranged by Lloyd Larson Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arranged by David Schwoebel Amazing Grace arranged by Craig Courtney Popular A Cappella Choir Songs Royals arranged by Deke Sharon     Here Comes the Sun arranged by Kirby Shaw Hallelujah arranged by Deke Sharon Fix You arranged by ACappella-Songs.com Landslide arranged by Deke Sharon Titanium arranged by Deke Sharon Somebody to Love arranged by Deke Sharon Broadway Musical Choir Songs Seasons of Love arranged by Roger Emerson     Hello Dolly arranged by Kirby Shaw Climb Evry Mountain arranged by Ed Lojeski For Good arranged by Mac Huff Memory arranged by John Leavitt Singing in a choir is an excellent way to develop your voice to its fullest potential. Studies have even shown that singing in a choir helps relieve stress and decrease anxiety! Need help finding a choir to join? Thanks to the internet, finding a choir near you is easy. Simply search online for choirs or choruses in your town or state. Other resources include local American Choral Directors Association chapters, Choralnet.org, or a local choral consortia. Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Guest post by Tori Cook from Chorus Connection. Tori directs the Harborlight Show Chorus and acts as Section Leader in Chorus pro Musica in the Boston area.

The Writing Process Its Actually a Process!

The Writing Process It's Actually a Process! Improving Academic Performance When a paper is looming, it can be easy to get into absolutes and assume that, unless you can get something really fantastic down in the next couple of hours, you’re doomed. But let’s remember the old adage Rome wasn’t built in a day - and neither was your essay, short story, or research project. All good writing comes from rewriting. Even the greatest writers on earth will admit that their first drafts and ideas were often lackluster. Sometimes downright terrible. So don’t be discouraged. Be willing to write poorly, and then be willing to improve! (Remember that growth mindset!) It’s always best to start with some free writing, which used to be called brainstorming, to get your ideas down first. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the type of learner and writer you are. Some people benefit from diagrams and jotting notes, others outlines, and some (like me) get right to business writing paragraphs to then go back to edit and rearrange. You can even get creative and use apps on your iPhone! (Just, avoid texting.) Let your ideas flow. Don’t censor yourself. A good rule of thumb is to set a timer for fifteen minutes and to continue writing (or typing) for that entire stretch. Don’t worry during this brainstorming session if your ideas make sense or are good enough or are written in gorgeous prose. Just get the ideas flowing. This might be the place where you develop an interesting thesis statement or main idea or where you solidify several ideas to support your argument. If you are a procrastinator, I recommend that you follow a strategy I used all through high school, college, and graduate school when I had giant papers assigned to me: start right away. I don’t mean write the whole thing right away. I just mean start. Ten minutes. Or two. Even if you only open a document and write a heading and a first sentence, this will help tremendously, because you will feel you have at least gotten your foot in the door. It takes some mental pressure off, and you will find you are more inclined to return to the document regularly over the coming weeks before turning in a rough or final draft. There won’t be a paper you haven’t even started hanging over your head. You’ll say to yourself, I’ve got my thesis or a paragraph down! It’s a great motivational tool and a stress reliever. Once you’ve got your main ideas down in note, outline, or free writing form, hunker down and dig in. Again, set a timer, for thirty minutes to ninety minutes (or in other increments that work for you) and commit to writing for that entire stretch. Again, don’t worry so much if your writing feels shaky or “bad” - just write. Do this several times until you have what we call a rough or first draft. This means you have transformed notes and outlines into full sentences and paragraphs. You have structure to what you’ve written, whether that means a beginning, middle, and end of a story, or five paragraphs that help argue a solid thesis statement. With this rough draft, the refinery process can take place, and this is where some real magic happens. I recommend first that you allow a teacher (if applicable) to review your draft and provide feedback. A peer editor can also be helpful, but make sure it is someone you trust to read carefully and closely and who understands the objective of your writing piece. The last editor is you. Once you have your feedback and notes and the areas to remove or expand upon, enter the final phase, which requires close reading and the willingness to “kill your darlings” and tidy up each sentence in your work. Killing your darlings means you part with the words, sentences, or paragraphs that for some reason you really like but that you understand are not supporting the writing piece. As stated in an article on BusyTeacher, less is often more, especially in formal essay writing. And we don’t want to clog a story or narrative with unnecessary adjectives and adverbs or cliched metaphors. We want to tidy up run-on sentences. We want to say what we mean succinctly. We want strong verbs and eloquent prose, but we never want our writing to sound “fluffy.” Aim true. Kill off the words you don’t need. It feels great, trust me, like getting rid of clothes in your closet you never wear! Once you have done a few rounds of close editing on your own and feel you have made the writing the best it can be, let go. Surrender. Feel proud. And walk away. If you’re really dedicated and have the time, revisit it again with fresh eyes in a day or two. But don’t get into the habit of nitpicking something to death from a place of anxiety and criticism. Be proud that you went through a tried and true writing process. You’ll know when you’ve really given it your all! About the Author Stephanie Ingraham is a former English teacher turned writer and tutor with a BA in English from UCLA and a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. She is deeply passionate about education, psychology, child and adolescent development, literature, and writing. She believes the education world can benefit greatly from the meditation world - mindfulness and self-compassion are key! In her free time she loves reading and writing, music, baking, yoga, dance, animals, and exploring new cities. She currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.