8 Great Writing Tips for Kids

8 Great Writing Tips for Kids 8 Great Writing Tips for Kids 8 Great Writing Tips for Kids By Ali Hale I’m 33 now (which feels very old!) but I’ve loved writing since I was a kid myself. The very first story I remember writing was about a mouse, when I was five or six. I spent a lot of time writing stories throughout my childhood, and I had a go at my first novel when I was thirteen. Writing has always been one of my favourite things to do and for the last ten years, it’s been what I’ve done for a living. When I was at school, a lot of the writing I did was as part of my school work. At school, your teachers are probably keen for you to know lots of things about writing – like where to put commas, and what nouns and verbs are, and so on. There are lots of great tips out there about how to get things like that right, and I’ll link to some of those for you in this post. I wanted to focus on some tips, though, about enjoying writing and having fun with it and about becoming a better writer overall (not just a better speller)! Here are my best tips on how to keep growing and improving as a writer, however young you are: #1: Have a go at some writing exercises – you can find lots of these online, or you could have a go at them in workbooks or school books. Lots of adults find writing exercises helpful, too, so that they can get better at writing. You can find some great ones to try here. #2: Read a lot. Almost every writer I know is also a keen reader. Try to read a wide range of different things – like classic story books as well as modern ones, non-fiction (factual) books, magazine or newspaper articles, and so on. You’ll come across lots of different ways to write, and you might learn some new words. #3: Keep a little book of new words you learn. Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t understand a word the first time you read it. Sometimes you can guess from the rest of the sentence what it means, but if not, you can just look it up in a dictionary. You might want to ask an adult how to say the new word, too – you could write down how it sounds. For instance, â€Å"matron† is pronounced â€Å"may-tron† (with a long â€Å"a† sound) not â€Å"mah-tron† (with a short â€Å"a† sound), which is how I thought it was said when I first read it in an Enid Blyton story. #4: Try writing stories for children younger than you, or stories that involve children younger than you. This is a great thing to do when you’re still quite young yourself, because you can remember what it’s like to be six or seven. (Adult writers find it hard to remember, and often they create young children characters who are too babyish for their age.) If you have a little brother or sister, or a younger cousin, you could read your stories out to them. #5: Remember that even adults don’t get things right first time. Sometimes I get a spelling wrong, or I write a sentence that’s confusing for my reader. And I’m a professional writer! It’s fine to make mistakes, so don’t worry about getting everything perfect in your first draft. Just make sure you leave a bit of time to go back and edit afterwards (just like adult writers do) so that you can fix any mistakes. #6: Have a go at different types of writing. When I was young, I like to make pretend magazines or newspapers. That’s something that children have enjoyed doing for a very long time – in one of my favourite classic children’s books, The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit, the children in the story make their own newspaper filled with things they’ve written. Maybe you could have a go at making a newspaper to share with your family and friends – or maybe you’d like to write poetry or a play script, or something else entirely. #7: Keep a journal about your day to day life. There are lots of ways to do this – you could write a sentence or two each day, for instance, or you could write a longer piece once a week. You could write about what you’re learning at school, who your friends are, the games you’ve been playing even what you had for lunch! Details that might seem boring now could be really interesting when you read your journal when you’re 20 or 30 or even 80! #8: Ask for help if you get stuck. If there’s something you don’t understand in what you’re reading, or if you can’t work out if something you’ve written is quite right, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most adults will be very glad to give you a hand. You could try a teacher, or a librarian (either at your school library or your local library). If you get to meet any adult writers, perhaps through school or at an event, think up some good questions for them too! I hope you have lots of fun with your writing. It can feel like theres a lot to get right, but (outside of school time) the most important thing is that you enjoy writing. I hope the ideas above help you to get even more out of writing. If you’ve got any tips of your own, why not share them with us in the comments? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:When to use "on" and when to use "in"Broadcast vs Broadcasted as Past Form5 Keys to Better Sentence Flow

MAC Cosmetic Strategic Plan

MAC Cosmetic Strategic Plan Executive Summary This paper analyzes the business Strategic Plan of MAC Cosmetic to establish how it is affected by the external factors like the societal expectation, status of the economy, law and the political environment. The needs and expectations of different stakeholders in the company have also been highlighted. In addition, the major changes in the environment of the business and their impact on the business have also been reviewed.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on MAC Cosmetic Strategic Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Furthermore, the business plan of the company has been analyzed to help determine the position of the company in the current market. Finally, a Swot analysis was done to establish the company’s competitive strengths and weaknesses. Introduction MAC Cosmetics is a global company that deals with beauty products, fashion, film, TV, music and photography. The name MAC is derived from the initials Make-up, Art and Cosmetics. It has previously focussed its strategic plan on a specific market niche; the professionals. Its strategy now has shifted to individual consumers, trying to meet the needs of each consumer as much as possible. This has resulted in the company sales sky-rocketing and actually hitting the â€Å"121 million dollar mark. MAC CEO is John Dempsey. Historical Background MAC Cosmetics was found in 1984 in Toronto by two men, Frank Angelo and Frank Toskan. It opened its first shop in the US in 1991 in New York. It currently has 108 branches with over 50 of this in the UK. Since its inception in 1985, it has marketed its products through the word of mouth and through different sponsorships. It has however avoided the conventional methods of advertisement. Its success is based solidly on researching the consumer needs and going out to satisfy it. â€Å"The best advertisement is through testimony of those who have used a product† (Jaharveb, 2011, p.121). Mac cosmetics’ philosophy is captured in its mission statement; â€Å"All Races, All Sexes, All Ages†.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The first factor that an organization must consider is the social factor. â€Å"The general behavior, attitudes and customs of the market affects the business organization† (Ravi, 2011, p.218). The changes envisaged in the business strategic plan should not be fundamentally in conflict to the target market. They advocate green principles by encouraging back-to-mac programme. The company has recently focused on the fight against Aids through the Viva Glam celebrity fund. Secondly, the strategy of Mac Cosmetics must be in line with the prevailing legal framework with regard to employment laws. The company strategy might need to accommodate the new employees that will be hired. The business must also operate within the confines of the law. Thirdly, the prevailing economic environment is not very favorable for a company dealing with non-essential commodities like cosmetics. However, the strategy of the company not to invest heavily on advertisement but depend on the word of mouth will work in its favor especially for its target market. In addition, the company has established its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through several charities including Kids for kids and Viva Glam celebrity Aids fund (Andersen 2000, p. 186 ). Finally, business is driven by technology and it will be necessary to review the technology adopted by the company viz a viz its competitors. Stakeholders in a business organisation like MAC Cosmetics are the people that the organisation serves. Their relationships with the organisation is mutually symbiotic since they both depend on each other for survival.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on MAC Cosmetic Strategic Plan specif ically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Firstly, the shareholders are more concerned with the dividends they receive on their investment. The need to expand the business will mean that they dig deeper into their resources to provide capital for the envisaged expansion. Secondly, employees’ benefits from job design that increases satisfaction enhanced working surrounding and, safety standards. The company has a retention rate of 80%, far much better than the average for the industry at 30% (Shahbaz et al 2011). Thirdly, customers are interested in safe products that meet their needs and value of money. They are also keen on the cause that the organization focuses on and will support any cause that benefits the society. Fourthly, suppliers expect prompt payment of their money following delivery of goods and being subjected to fair terms of trade. The also need the organization to be financially stable in order to receive future supplies. Fifthly, th e society expects the organization to sponsor local events and offer job opportunities to people living in the community. The society also expects that the organization will follow all the rules and regulations that relate to the standard of the products they produce and environmental regulation. The consumer needs are not static. The business must prepare to meet the changing needs when and as they arise. The business cannot just focus on the niche market of professional, but must change to accommodate all people as stated in its mission statement. When new competitors enter a market, the strategy of the company will have to focus on the differentiation of the business product so that it stands out from its competitors’ product.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More New laws introduced by the government also affect the company and its strategy. The company must always strive to operate within regulations. A case in point is its non-cruelty policy aimed at protecting animal rights. In order to compete with the many small business rivals, the company will have to practice target marketing so that they meet the specific people they intend to meet. On the other hand, the company must also be ready to face the challenge posed by the few large rival firms. There is also need for the company to adopt new technologies and give consumers products that meet their expectations. This way, they will be able to gain competitive advantage over their competitors. MAC is currently spreading its wings in the cosmetics business globally. It has plans to expand its stations to more countries in Europe, Asia and the Far East. The company’s business plan is influenced by the following views: Financial Perspective The business plan needs to anticipate the reve nue growth. There is likely to be an increase in profitability. Due to its expansion, there will be no cash flow since money is held up. The business must strive to ensure that the cost of production is reduced even as the quality of the product is improved (Hamel, 1989, par.3). Customer Perspective The business must strive to understand what the customers needs are. This means that the key features of the product must be highlighted in their marketing. The value of the product to the consumers can be measured by how well the product is doing in the market in comparison to its competitors. In addition, the rate of acquisition, retention and satisfaction by the customer will be an indication of how well the product is doing in the market (Hamel, 1989, par.7). Internal Business Process Perspective This emphasizes productivity, quality cost and delivery characteristics of the production process. It also includes internal mechanism of handling customer dissatisfaction e.g. meeting regul atory requirements and after-sale service. Learning Growth Perspective This area focuses on the employee needs. The fact that the company has an employee retention rate of 80% at a time when that of the industry is 30%. A swot analysis of MAC cosmetics business strategy reveals that the company has strengths in their products like Heart to soul and their recycling policy dabbed Back-to-Mac recycling. It is also empowered by the fact that the prices of its products are comparatively cheap. This is attributed to the fact that the company does not invest heavily in conventional advertising like its competitors since it relies on the word of mouth advertisement. Its major weakness lies in the fact that their distribution does not include drugstores and therefore unnecessarily losing an available market. One major opportunity available for Mac cosmetics especially now is a joint venture with the second largest company in the US The company needs to explore Far East countries. The major t hreat for the company lies in the fact that its competitors are aggressively distributing their products in major US drugstores while they are not. Recommendation The MAC cosmetic business strategic plan must incorporate internet sale to capture the market outside the US. This is more so considering that the brand distribution does not include drugstores but in select cosmetic stores that have been mandated by the company to sell its products. Conclusion This paper has analyzed the strategic plan of MAC cosmetic business to establish how it relates to external business factors. The paper has also investigated how the businesses plan to meet the need and expectations of the different stakeholders. The major changes taking place in the environment of the company have also been highlighted. The business plan of MAC cosmetic was also subjected to test in order to establish the position of the business in the market. A swot analysis was also done to determine the comparative strength and weaknesses of the business. Reference List Andersen, T 2000, ‘Strategic planning, autonomous actions and corporate performance.’ Long Range Planning, [Online] 33, pp 184-199. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/long-range-planning/. Hamel, G Prahalad, CK 1989, Strategic intent, Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2009/03/four-fatal-flaws-of-strategic.html. Jaharveb, S. Bakhliar A 2011, ‘Idea Generation: A catalyst for productivity and innovation in advertising.’ International Journal of Contemporary Business Studies, vol.3, no. 2, pp. 118-30. Web. Ravi, K., Anupam, S 2011, Corporate Social Responsibility: A corporate vision, International Journal of Contemporary Business Studies, vol.3, no. 2, pp.216-36. Web. Shahbaz, K., Majeed, R., Zio-ur, R 2011, Role of training to Improve employee efficiency (A study of SPEL packaging Industry (Lahore), International Journal of Contemporary Business Studies, vol.2, no.1, pp.233-54. Web.

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam - Term Paper Example With time, the original group split into other factions though all had a common goal: create a separate Tamil state. However, the constitution published in 1972 created a fertile ground for attacks as the Tamil factions saw it as being largely anti-Tamil. This spurred the Tamils into action, and thus joined in the fight. In 1983, countrywide clashes with the Sinhalese that left thousands of Tamils dead saw the rise of the LTTE and the fight against the Sri Lankan government began (Swamy and Narayan 8; McConnell 61).Structure. As noted hereinabove, the LTTE had quite an elaborate command structure with almost all parts of a full government. They had a well organized leadership that was structured along two tiers: the military and the political wings. There was a governing committee whose role was to oversee the running of both wings that was headed by Prabhakaran. This is the body mandated with controlling and directing several of the group’s subdivisions such as the airborne g roup, the navy and the elite fighting wing. They also had a suicide commando unit and an intelligence unit aimed at gathering intelligence (Swamy and Narayan 12). They even had an international secretariat within the governing committee that was in charge of all global networks and communications. There was a truce in 2006 from the government after an onslaught carried out by government military, and this gave them a leeway to increase their strength by recruiting more than 11,000 guerrillas to increase the cadre.

NAFTA and Mexican Trucking Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

NAFTA and Mexican Trucking - Assignment Example These objectives are actually not fair, since, after a reported pilot study that allowed an initial 100 Mexican trucks to cross the U.S. borders within the stipulated safety standards, the results actually indicated that the Mexican drivers exhibited greater and higher conformity to safety regulations and standards, as compared to the counterparts in the U.S. Â  3. Does it make economic sense for the United States to bear the costs of punitive tariffs as allowed for under NAFTA, as opposed to letting Mexican trucks enter the United States? In evaluating the scenario, it could actually be more beneficial for the U.S. to bear the costs of tariffs rather than completely allow unrestricted entry of Mexican trucks to enter the U.S. If this is allowed, it could be perceived that a barrage of cheaper goods could create an oversupply in the American market which would destabilize the demand and supply of various products, and likewise affect costs and pricing structures. Imposition of the tariffs would at least ensure that American manufacturers and producers would still look for the local markets are a more sensible option to market their goods and to be consumed by the American citizens at significantly lower costs.

Formal letter for request sponsorhip Essay Example for Free

Formal letter for request sponsorhip Essay Good day! My name is Ang Teck Kui and I am a business student from ALC college, Klang is organizing a charity fundraising event for our final year project. I represent my team Raiser of Hope Carnival 2014 which is consists of 13 passionate business students from ALC College to write this letter to your esteemed organization to request for a sponsorship. We are given an opportunity by ALC College, Klang to organize this special event to help create awareness on social responsibility by companies and the public to the society. In addition, we as business students will be able to gain experience as business person through this project. The event that we have chosen is carnival and the details are as follows: Event Type: Charity Fund – Raising Carnival Event Venue: SMK Tengku Ampuan Jemaah No. 1, Jalan Pandamaran, 42000, Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor, Malaysia Event Date: 30th November 2014 (Sunday) You can refer to our Sponsorship Benefits on our proposal to find out about the sponsorship benefits packages according to the amount sponsored. We accept sponsorship in both monetary value and as well as products by your company. We hope to receive a favourable reply form your good organization regarding the sponsorship. For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me Ang Teck Kui at 016-9967729 or email me at [emailprotected] . Your organization kind support and assistance to our cause is greatly appreciated by our team.

The Purpose of Vegetarianism :: Healthy Lifestyle Essay

Being a strict vegetarian means making the choice to eat absolutely no meat, poultry, or fish. The health risks of being a vegetarian was a major concern, but it has been proven that non-meat foods can provide all the nutrients necessary for a healthy, complete diet. Jeanne Peters, R.D., the former nutrition specialist to Pritikin Systems, argues that Ascience has proved that a plant-based diet is the healthiest@ (Finn 1). Many scientific studies have also proven that meat dramatically raises blood pressure and increases health risks such as heart attacks and cancers. Also, growing concerns over environmental protection, personal health, and moral and ethical beliefs often lead to vegetarianism. According to national polls, in the U.S. alone Athere are 12.5 million vegetariansB 7 percent of the population@ (Finn 1). Concerns are rising about the relationship between meat production and our environment. Beef production is a very inefficient way to produce protein. The amount of grain which is needed to Aprovide four people with one serving of hamburgers could feed one person for over a week@ (R.F.B.V. 1). In Alberta Amore than 50% of the grain grown is fed to livestock@ (R.F.B.V. 3). This 50% of grain could definitely be put to much better uses in a world where people starve to death every day. In fact, Aproduction of the least energy-efficient plant foods are nearly ten times more efficient as the production of the most energy-efficient animal foods@ (Finn 2). For example, one acre of land planted with legumes yields ten times more available protein than if that same acre was used for meat production. Furthermore, the production of meat wastes massive amounts of water: AIt takes an average of 10 tons of waterBthe amount a small town uses for all purposes in a month. An average chicken processing plant uses 100 million gallons of water in just one day; enough to provide a community of 25,000 people for one day@ (R.F.B.V. 3). Not only is meat production wasting valuable production means, but it is also polluting our air. Cattle are a main source of methane gas, which is rapidly destroying our ozone layer. Vegetarians often replace meat and dairy foods with soy products. These foods are highly nutritional and contain disease-fighting properties. The National Cancer Institute has Aidentified specific substances in soy products called phytochemical that have anticancer properties@ (Finn 7). In 1994, the British Medical Journal announced that:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   researchers have examined 12-year mortality rates of non-meat eaters and meat-eating control groups and found that cancer deaths were 40 percent less common among vegetarians then meat eaters.

Hamlet: The Controversy of Ophelia Essay

During the Elizabethan period women were not known to have important roles in society. They followed men and devoted their lives to their men . Women didn’t have much say or play significant roles in society. It was mandatory for them to obey a â€Å"dominant code of ethics that prescribed chaste, silent, and obedient Renaissance women† (Pebworth 76). This stereotype stayed consistent for hundreds of years to come and has carried on through different generations, reaching the point where it has become traditional. In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, his character Ophelia is a victim to this stereotype. Many feminist reading this play would disagree with or dislike the actions of Ophelia, stating that she is much weaker than the real character of a female. (Ophelia; a beautiful young woman who is regularly involved in conflicts but doesn’t know how to solve them or stand up for herself. ) She continuously turns to men for advice who basically control her life and alter her decisions. Shakespeare makes Ophelia consist of only one strong trait, her beauty. She lacks authority and self-respect because her male influences instruct her life and ultimately drive her insane which eventually leads to her suicide. â€Å"Throughout the play, Ophelia has her opinions and statements recast for her by other characters – namely, Laertes, Hamlet, and Polonius – who wish her to behave in a manner they deem appropriate. To mention just one example, upon hearing from Ophelia that Hamlet has been courting her, Polonius recasts Ophelia’s view of the relationship as one in which Hamlet ruthlessly exploits her naivete so that he may conquer her sexually,†(Peterson 24.) Strangely enough, her brother and father advise her about her relationship and without any consideration about her own feelings or opinion she follows their advice which is more so instruction. Laertes says, â€Å"Perhaps he loves you now and now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch the virtue of his will: but you must fear, his greatness weighed, his will is not his own†¦. ,† (I,III 14-17. ) Laertes harshly tells Ophelia to not have high expectations for Hamlet because his love will not last since he is at such a high position as Prince. Ophelia listens and obeys her brother. After Laertes leaves, Polonius talks to Ophelia about Prince Hamlet. â€Å"Set your entreatments at a higher rate than command to parle; for Lord Hamlet believe so much in him that he is young, and with a larger tether may he walk than may be given you: in few Ophelia, do not believe his vows, for they are brokers†¦ â€Å"(I,IV 123-127. ) Polonius also tells Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet, she replies; â€Å"I shall obey, my lord,†(I,IV 135. ) Her brother and father seem to form a dictatorship to control Ophelia’s life. She helplessly follows their commands. Hamlet is quite frustrated at the fact that Ophelia obeys her father. He makes the comparison of Gertrude marrying her dead husband’s brother and Ophelia choosing her father’s side instead of going with her instinct. He makes the conclusion that all women are defenseless and worthless. Later in the play, Ophelia suffers from Hamlet’s act of â€Å"antic disposition. † Hamlet verbally abuses her and severely hurts her emotionally. According to literary critic, Amanda Mabillard, Ophelia â€Å"is incapable of defending herself, but through her timid responses we clearly see her intense suffering. † Hamlet rudely claims that he never loved Ophelia. Hamlet: I did love you once. /Ophelia: Indeed, my, lord, you made me believe so. / Hamlet: You should not have believed me†¦ I loved you not. /Ophelia: I was the more deceived, (III, 1, 115-120. ) Not only does this hurt Ophelia emotionally but Hamlet’s act of insanity drastically confuses Ophelia. Polonius believes Hamlet is madly in love with Ophelia but Hamlet admits that he never loved her at all. â€Å"Another example concerns Hamlet’s false madness. Through it, he gives unrestrained vent to inward pain regarding moral corruption, regardless of the shattering effect of his words on his auditors. Indeed, Ophelia becomes the primary victim of such onslaught,† (Levy 53. ) Hamlet’s act of insanity contradicts the idea of him being in love with Ophelia. Now that Polonius’s assumption has been proven wrong, Ophelia has no one to turn to for advice. Since she was so accustomed from receiving advice from her brother and father she is lost and nearly clueless about what to do. Ophelia is driven to more confusion as her conversation with Hamlet proceeds; â€Å"Get thee to a nunnery, † why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest†¦ ,†(III, 1, 122-123.) After Hamlet tells Ophelia he never loved her and wants nothing to with her, he then tells her to go to a nunnery. In further meaning, he doesn’t want to be with her but he doesn’t want anybody else to have her. This indicates Hamlet’s true feelings for Ophelia which he is hiding through this act of insanity to side track the people who were told by Claudius to investigate this act. Such as Polonius, Claudius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. This leaves Ophelia hurt and puzzled about the situation. At this point Ophelia doesn’t know what she wants nor what Hamlet wants. She has no idea why Hamlet’s behavior has changed so abruptly. Everything that was in her favor has reversed, causing a state of depression. Later in the play, Hamlet accidently kills Polonius mistaking him for King Claudius. Ophelia’s depression drastically increases, she is heartbroken, terrified, and distraught. The man she loves killed the man who was the main structure of her life. She is completely lost. The tension of these events begin to take a toll on Ophelia. Hamlet’s act of insanity actually creates a sense of insanity within Ophelia. It is clear to see that Hamlet had the most affect on Ophelia. Later she is enclosed in a padded room, she sings songs, rhymes, and riddles about death; â€Å"he is dead and gone lady, he is dead and gone, at his head a grass-green turf, at his heels stone. † (IV, 4, 37. ) Ophelia sings and shows signs of joyfulness as a way of mourning her father’s death, instead of being sad. Her madness is very apparent, she is very much insane, she can no longer cope with the rest of society. With no structure and a broken heart, her life goes through a drastic change. She goes from a normal lifestyle to a confused and emotionally damaged life. She then reaches the point of severe depression and insanity which causes her to enter a different state of mind. The character Ophelia never gains a true identity, she is influenced by the men in her life. The choices she makes reflect their desires. By them making her decisions and criticizing her actions she never actually gets the chance to live her life. She lives accordingly to the men. Later, Ophelia is found dead in a brook. Many will say that this proves her weakness of dealing with adversity. However, her suicide was ultimately caused by the males who she interacts with throughout the play. Their commands and actions cause stress and emotional pain which breaks down who Ophelia is as a person. Frankly she can no longer deal with these circumstances. She is not driven insane because of a weakness in females, Hamlet, Laertes, and Polonius destroy her life, slowly but surely. Works Cited Text: Roberts V. Edgar, and Jacobs V. Henry. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. , 2007 Electronic: â€Å"Hamlet: Ophelia’s Death. † Scribd. 11 March  http://www.scribd.com/doc/33947/Hamlet-Ophelias-Death