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Showing posts from September, 2020

20 Books Like Harry Potter Filled with Magic and Mystery

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If you’re among the millions of readers who loved J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series , there’s some bad news and good news for you. The bad news is that it seems there won’t be any sequels in the foreseeable future. Sad! Where will we go for our next Quidditch match or to see Hagrith’s fantastical pets?  But don’t despair: the good news is that we can find other books and book series that dabble in magic and fantasy to captivate your imagination. Books Like Harry Potter to Read Next If you loved Harry Potter, you’ll like getting lost in the fantastical worlds of these series packed with magic. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis If you haven’t read this classic children’s fantasy, try it out now. The Pevensie children go through exciting and memorable adventures in the land of Narnia, beginning with a trip through a mysterious wardrobe right into the land ruled by the evil White Witch. Talking animals and other mythical creatures are sure to welcome you and deligh...

How to Use Endnotes: Tips, Examples, and How to Add Them in Word

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When you’re writing a nonfiction book, research paper, or article, chances are you’ve consulted at least one source to help you with your research. If so, you’ll need to cite that source to give credit to its author or creator in order to avoid plagiarism . To do so, you have several options, one of which is an endnote. What Are Endnotes? Endnotes are references or explanations that are placed at the end of a text, such as an article, research paper, or book. They’re very similar to footnotes , but instead of appearing at the bottom of the page, they appear at the very end of the full text, usually in a page entitled “Notes.” Like footnotes, endnotes are indicated by a superscript number, which corresponds to their placement on the Notes page. Endnotes vs. Footnotes Your professor or publisher may have a preference for either footnotes or endnotes. However, if you have a choice, you should keep the following in mind: Endnotes are best for providing citations and information a...

How to Use Coordinating Conjunctions: Rules and Examples

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Knowing how to use conjunctions can expand your English communication to a whole new level. Conjunctions are the part of speech that lets you connect two or more thoughts together (such as and and or ). To communicate clearly and precisely, it’s important that you understand the different types of conjunctions and the rules for using them. Types of Conjunctions The following different types of conjunctions have specific functions:  Coordinating conjunctions – These join two clauses or ideas of equal importance in terms of grammar and syntax.  Subordinating conjunctions – These connect two clauses of unequal rank, one clause being dependent on another  What Are the 7 Coordinating Conjunctions?  The good thing about coordinating conjunctions is that you can easily memorize them, using the acronym FANBOYS : F or, A nd, N or, B ut, O r, Y et, and S o.  Out of these seven, the word so can function either as a coordinating conjunction or a subordinatin...

Flat vs. Round Characters: Examples and Tips for Writing Them

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When you read a novel or story, the best characters feel so real that it’s as if you know them in real life. That’s the power of creating characters with depth and dimension.  However, even the less-developed characters have a role to play in a story. They can serve supporting roles and help to advance the story without not taking attention from the main characters.  Differences Between Flat vs. Round Characters A round character refers to one that is developed in depth. They typically have clear quirks and motivations, and they’re the ones that get into conflict with one another. Because these characters are more three-dimensional than others, it makes them more believable. In contrast, a flat character is one that is not as fully developed. This usually refers to characters that only have a quick or fleeting role, or even someone who is there all throughout the book, but does not serve any role that seriously affects the plot or the main character. How to Make Round...

How to Write a Resignation Letter: Tips and Examples for a Professional Exit

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Telling your boss that you’re leaving the company can be intimidating, and sometimes a little awkward, especially if it seems to come out of the blue. But advancing to the next phase of your career or life is a totally normal process, and something any sensible boss would understand. Parting ways can be made a more pleasant experience for everyone when adequate notice is provided and you give due consideration to the company’s needs. When to Give Notice In general, the standard notice period for leaving a job is two weeks. This means you need to let your boss know two weeks before your intended last day on the job. However, you should always take a look at your contract and see if there are any terms governing the notice period, how you should go about resigning, and what kinds of events might null those requirements. Once you’ve decided on the right date, you should first have a talk with your boss, face-to-face (if possible). After that conversation, it’s typically expected th...

14 Feminist Poems to Inspire Strong Women

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Poetry is perhaps one of the most personal forms of art, as it allows writers the ultimate freedom to express their creativity. This might be why it has been a favorite of social activists looking to speak out and inspire change. The feminist movements have been no exception, with talents such as Maya Angelou and Sylvia Plath using their pens to offer deep reflections and pose thought-provoking questions to their readers. The Best Feminist Poems These 14 poems offer reflections on the female experience and the strength of women. 1. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou “Still I Rise” was written by the iconic Maya Angelou in 1978. It champions womanhood, sexuality, and rising above oppression, as we can see in this excerpt: You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room. You...

How to Write a Literary Analysis: 6 Tips for the Perfect Essay

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Sometimes, you’ll want to read a book just for the pleasure of being entertained and taken to a different time or place, and see the world through the eyes of another. Other times, however, like when you’re in your English Literature class or reading a classic, you’ll have to dig past the surface and look beyond the words on the page to understand the author’s message. To do this, you can conduct your own literary analysis, and examine how the author uses various literary devices and techniques to artfully tell their story while delivering a larger message. What Is a Literary Analysis? The purpose of a literary analysis is to examine and deconstruct a work of literature to evaluate how the writer uses literary components to convey ideas. A literary analysis is not a summary; it reaches past basic comprehension and facts. Often, this type of analysis will argue the theme, message, or purpose of a work by analyzing the writer’s use of literary devices and narrative techniques. Ho...

16 of the Best True Crime Documentaries to Watch Now

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The public’s fascination with crime stories is nothing new. From the trial of O.J. Simpson that unfolded on live television in the 1990s, to the more recent success of the docuseries Making a Murderer , we just can’t seem to look away. Cable television and pretty much every streaming service out there have certainly taken notice, producing dozens of true crime documentaries within the last 5 years. We’ve compiled a list of 16 true crime documentaries that are currently streaming so you can plan your next bingewatch. Just don’t blame us if you find it difficult to fall asleep afterward! Best True Crime Documentaries to Watch Now Here are some of the best true crime documentaries you can stream right now. 1. Time   This documentary follows the journey of different individuals who have been accused of crimes. For this season, it follows the story of Kalief Browder, a Black teen from the Bronx who was put in jail for three years despite not having been convicted of a ...