Hot Humanities How-Tos
How To: Add conflict to a story when writing a novel
In this video tutorial from published author Donna Sozio, we learn how to create conflict when writing a novel. For all of the details, and to learn more about incorporating conflict into your own written works, watch this writer's guide.
How To: Write a personal statement to finish your application
In this video we learn how to write a personal statement to finish your application. This should not be a listing of all your qualities, it should be a story. This should have a lot of information about yourself to show how great you are. Write about anything that makes you different and focus on a strength you have. Think about everything you do outside of the classroom and be honest, because these people don't know you. Write with your heart and don't brag about yourself. Think about your a...
How To: Write a unique personal statement essay
In this tutorial, we learn how to write a unique personal statement essay. Personal statement is the heart of the application where you can give voice to your accomplishments, dreams, and goals. You want to stand out from the rest of the applicants, so you need to express what's important to you. You can show them how well you write and show passion, your smarts, and sense of humor as you write. You can do this because you are prepared and you are being true to yourself. Once you understand t...
How To: Analyze the conclusion of a sample argumentative essay
In this video we learn how to analyze the conclusion of a sample argumentative essay. The conclusion is only two lines long, but it should be looked over thoroughly. The conclusion should reinstate the main thesis from the essay. It should also give an indication of how the thesis was argued for. You should avoid the phrase "I feel that", "I believe that", and "I feel strongly that". When you change up this, it will make the conclusion appear stronger. When you do this, your conclusion will b...
How To: Cite website resources in your bibliography using MLA format
If you're writing a college essay or report, your bibliography is a painful, yet necessary part. And thanks to all of the information available on the World Wide Web, most colleges and universities accept websites as resources in your bibliography. But citing websites can be confusing when using the MLA citation format. This video will breakdown the process.
How To: Use quotes in an essay
In this tutorial, we learn how to use quotes in an essay. When using a colon, you will set up the quote, then present it as proof of what you have just said. Note that the phrase before the quote could stand on its own as a sentence. For partial quotes, remember when summarizing to embed the author's words in your own sentence. If you take away the quotation marks the sentence should flow like you wrote it. When using commas with quotes, you can introduce the quote with an introductory phrase...
How To: Use personal pronouns in an IELTS essay
In this video, we learn how to use personal pronouns in an IELTS essay. Pronouns are: we, I, me, you, and us. These are words we use to describe ourselves and should generally be avoided in an essay. There are times when it's difficult to avoid personal pronouns in essay, but only use these when you're being asked to or are supporting an argument. An example of how to avoid using personal pronouns is: "I believe that" could be changed to "it is believed that". Once you learn how to replace pe...
How To: Write an essay for school
In this video, we learn how to write an essay for school. This is important because it will help you get into college! The main parts of an essay are: the title page, outline, body, introduction, conclusion, and footnotes. Make sure your title page has the title of the paper, the student's name, teacher of the class, and due date for the paper. For the rest of the pages, make sure you follow the guidelines that have been set by your teacher to properly write. Add in a lot of details and make ...
How To: Write poems with iambic pentameter meter
Iambic pentameter sounds, well, scary. The phrase is super long and most people don't know off the bat what it means. But it's really not as difficult as you think to understand this poetry term.
How To: Do a Lincoln-Douglas debate for debate team or class
If your school offers debate or you've learned about it in class, you may already know what a Lincoln-Douglas Debate is. It's a type of one-on-one forensics competition modeled on the real debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Watch this video to learn about how to do them.
How To: Set up and format papers in MLA style in Microsoft Word
Research papers, love them, hate them, either way, the standard for writing them are a pain in the butt if you haven't done it a lot, or at all, before. The standard is MLA style, and if you have no idea what this is or how to set up the settings in Microsoft Word, this video has everything you're looking for. You will learn how to set up the page for MLA style, add in works cited properly, page titles, and more.
How To: Use the cis/trans system for naming alkenes in organic chemistry
What's in a name? Well, your chemistry grade, for one. In this free video science lesson from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan, you'll learn how to use the the cis-trans naming system for alkanes. Whether you need help studying for that next big test or could just use a hand finishing your homework, you're sure to be well served by this video lesson. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Calculate your GPA
In order to calculate your cumulative average (GPA), you need to know the value of the grades you receive. The grades you receive in your classes are based on the grading scale of each instructor in your classes. Your cumulative average is the resulting value of all of the grades.
How To: Paraphrase in your research paper
In this video, we learn how to paraphrase in your research paper. First, you need to take down the phrase and what it is saying, then think about how you can re-word this to make it all your own. If you don't understand what something is saying in the passage, look it up and learn more about it. After you further understand what the passage is saying, start to re-write it using your own personal touch. Add this into your paper in the appropriate spot where it fits the best. After you are done...
How To: Move from notes to rough drafts of research papers
In this video, we learn how to move from notes to a rough draft of a research paper. First, you need to place all your notes in order and create an outline for your paper. Find out what important information you need, and filter out all the information you don't. After this, you can begin to fill in your outline and add any additional information into your outline. After you have this completed, you can start to write your rough draft using the outline you just created. Keep your notes around...
How To: Incorporate sources into your paper
Michael Abernethy teaches us how to incorporate sources into a paper in this tutorial. When you begin to write your sources in your paper, you need to first find out what you need to cite in the paper. Find out where you have used sources and make sure you give credit to the source it came from. After this, you need to research how to cite the different sources where you got your information. You want to use the most up-to-date information on MLA style citation while writing inside a paper. A...
How To: Cite your sources in different citation styles
In this Education video tutorial you will learn how to cite your sources in different citation styles. What does your professor mean when he or she says, "Don't forget to cite your sources"? Most citation styles require that you include intext citations, which may be footnotes or parenthetical citations. A footnote directs the reader to the bottom of the page for the source of the quotation or idea. A parenthetical note directs the reader to the bibliography at the end of the paper to see the...
How To: Choose topics and write outlines for research papers
In this video, we learn how to choose topics and write outlines for research papers. First, you need to choose your topic, which will determine what direction your paper will go into. There are two types of papers, single viewpoint and multiple viewpoint. The different between these is taking one side or looking at different views of the debate at hand. Once you choose, you need to brainstorm a list of topics. Write down the pros and cons of the debate that you are taking, then make sure you ...
How To: Create an annotated bibliography
In this tutorial, we learn how to create an annotated bibliography. Make sure to highlight all your citation information, then type it into your bibliography page. After you have it written down, type it out again in the proper citation format, making sure you use the proper type. Make sure you have all the proper information, and you don't forget any of the crucial information. An annotated bibliography is different because it will give a summary underneath the citation. This is only about f...
How To: Improve your ability to recall important information
Your memory can always be improved! This video teaches you several useful strategies for studying and test preparation, based on meditation and mnemonic techniques to increase your ability to memorize facts and figures accurately. Get the most out of your education!
How To: Use 'affect' and 'effect' correctly
'Affect' and 'effect' are two commonly misused words in the English language. This quick grammar tutorial provides a great reference to explaining the difference between the two words and how context is important to picking the right one. Improve your writing after memorizing this easy explanation!
How To: Use the memory palace technique to improve your memory
Tired of forgetting important details? Want to increase your recall capability? The memory palace technique is an approach you can practice to improve your memory, increase your awareness and expand your conciousness. These are powerful visualiztion techniques to ensure improvement.
How To: Write a grammatically correct sentence
Using correct grammar is how you properly convey ideas in writing. This video is a quick English reference to improve your sentence structure by teaching you the right way to use a phrase, clause, nouns and verbs to express a complete thought.
How To: Craft a diorama out of a shoebox
A diorama is an attractive craft to present a school science project or book report. You'll need some boxes, paint, glue, and a few small figurines. Pick a theme, and use these tips so your kids can make an A+ project!
How To: Edit Academic Writing
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How To: Be successful in writing college research papers
In this video, we learn how to be successful in writing college research papers with Kathleen Ennis. When you are preparing to write a research paper, you need to make sure you have enough time to write down all the information you find. If you search online, there might be 10,000,000 pages just on the topic you are researching alone. To organize this information more efficiently, develop a list of research questions for your paper that are the most important and will cover the different sect...
How To: Create a research binder
This video tutorial belongs to the Education category which is going to show you how to create a research binder. This binder will hold all your "how to" articles or research guides. You will need page dividers which you can make yourself or purchase. The dividers are meant to separate sections in the binder for ease of storing and retrieving all your research materials. You can have dividers for events, dates, contact details of people, places and "how to" articles. The dividers can have a f...
How To: Avoid plagiarism in research papers by paraphrasing
One way to avoid plagiarism is to paraphrase. Plagiarism is taking credit for words and ideas that are not your own. Plagiarism can be done intentionally or unintentionally. Paraphrasing is one way to do this, as long as you give credit to the source of the ideas.
How To: Cram for a test if you need to
In this tutorial, we learn how to cram for a test if you need to. It's always best to study adequately, but cramming is always needed at times. If you cram in all the information right before you go to bed, it will soak into your mind after that while you are sleeping. Your subconscious will think about everything you just read, then you will be able to do better on your test. Make sure to do this one hour before you go to bed for the best results. When you take your test, make sure you eat a...
How To: Get good grades in high school
In this tutorial, we learn how to get good grades in high school. First, make sure you get a good nights sleep and have a good breakfast. Also, make sure you are sitting next to people you don't want to chat with. Also, make sure you do your homework and have it ready before you go into class. Don't wait until last minute to study for your tests and always have a good attitude about school. Make sure you sit at the front of the class, and you will get better grades and listen to the teacher m...
How To: Cite articles from online library databases in MLA
In this tutorial, we learn how to cite articles from online library databases in MLA. Make sure you have all the information available so you can include all of the information for the citation. The citation will be written in the following order: author, article title, publication title, volume and issue numbers, date of publication, and page numbers. Make sure you use only italics and do not underline. URLS are optional and depend on instructor preferences. Make sure you include the publica...
How To: Use commas with restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses
This video tutorial is in the Education category where you will learn how to use commas with restrictive and non-restrictive clauses. Restrictive and non-restrictive clauses are phrases or words that come between the subject and the verb. You don't use commas to separate restrictive clauses. For example, in the sentence "the students who did not wear uniforms were punished". Here "students" is the subject and "were punished" is the verb and the clause "who did not wear uniforms" is restrictiv...
How To: Accurately cite your sources
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cite sources. The citation style depends on the college major, professor or enrolled class. Citation gives credit to the author, validates claims that you have made, help readers learn about the subject and avoids plagiarism. To cite an article, users will need: the author, publication title, article title, date, volume/issue, page numbers and web address. To cite a book, users will need: the author, title, editor(s), chapter title, date of publica...
How To: Organize research materials for writing your research
Mary Silva teaches us how to organize and research materials for writing. First, copy and past all of your different references from the exact order that you wrote about them. A great way to help you organize all of these is to use notecards. If you don't want to do all that writing, then you can make your notecards on the computer! With this, you can make different notes on the bottom of the cards to help you remember things, as well as different citations. This is a great tool to help you o...
How To: Write an introduction to your academic essay
In this tutorial, we learn how to write an introduction to your academic essay. The first part of your introduction should say why the topic is important. Using the phrase "is a topic of growing importance" is a great way to help boost your topic's importance. Next, you should have a sentence or two sentences talking about the difficulties of the topic and what issues are involved. The third part of your introduction should be a thesis statement that narrows down what the topic is going to be...
How To: Use colons and semicolons
In this tutorial, we learn how to use colons and semicolons. You will use a colon when the second sentence is explaining a 'why' of the first sentence. You will use a semicolon when the second sentence is adding more to the first sentence, not explaining it. You can also use a colon when you are writing a long list and the sentence can't stand alone. Use a semicolon to separate two sentences that can stand independently. Knowing the difference between when to use these punctuations can mean t...
How To: Get better grades
The only things that will get you into a good college is persistence, a will to learn, and of course… grades. If your grades are lacking that oomph they need to impress the schools and your parents, there's a few ways to aid in improving your scores. With a little effort and focus, your next report card will sport better grades.
How To: Craft a good thesis statement for your research paper
In this tutorial, we learn how to crate a good thesis statement for a research paper. Make a clear thesis statement so you give the reader something to hang your argument on. You will want to choose a category and give the details very clearly. People read very quickly and will create their own meaning from what you write, so be very clear so they can't have an argument about what you are writing. The reader will appreciate understanding of the paper and have a new relationship with the paper...
How To: Write a research paper for school
In this tutorial, we learn how to write a research paper for school. To begin a research paper, start in the library. Grab books that all pertain to your subject, and research as much as you can. You can also search online to get background information on your subject. Make sure you cite your book on a note card in the correct format. Now, you can begin to write your research paper by starting out with an introduction paragraph that captures the attention of the reader and has good facts in i...
How To: Cite scholarly journal articles in MLA format
This video shows viewers how to properly cite scholarly journal articles in the MLA format. In your works cited page, the citation should begin by placing the author's last name first, followed by his first name. If there are multiple authors, all subsequent authors should have their first name first followed by their last name. Placing a period after this, the next item is the title of the article, placed in quotation marks and followed by a period. The name of the scholarly journal is place...