50 in English - Feel free to ask questions.

[smile+energy]

Hi, Yang LI
I am confused about the difference between metaphors and similes. Can you please explain it for me? Thank in advance.

[Einstein]

How do you layer out your Intro, how do you start it? Any examples would be great

EDIT: sorry for that, i mean text response, if you could do context as well that would be great, thanks

[Yang Li]

Hi KC,

This is a good source that explains the difference between metaphors and similes:
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/what-is-the-difference-between-metaphor-and-simile/

They are quite similar and can be used interchangeably at times. The difference is a matter of presentation.



Hi Einstein,

I give my students this formula when they are unsure of how to answer the prompt. It isn't the "right" answer; but is just a simple way of getting started.

1st sentence - answer prompt directly
2nd sentence - validate the answer by giving it some context/explanation
3rd sentence - acknowledge the counterargument
4th to 5th sentence - signpost the main arguments in your body paragraphs

E.g. The rescue of Sohrab was a cathartic event in Amir’s life, one that allows him to forgive himself and atone for his and his father’s actions. Amir is haunted by a constant feeling of guilt that he needed to find the courage to resolve. Although it is arguable whether Amir truly ever forgives himself, it cannot be denied that Sohrab cleanses a great proportion, or perhaps all, of Amir’s guilt. It is his courage, the support of those around him, and interestingly his guilt that compel him to change.

[brenden]

Hi, Yang LI
I am confused about the difference between metaphors and similes. Can you please explain it for me? Thank in advance.

I've not the time to read Yang's link, but really, a simile will use "like", and a metaphor will make a more definitive statement.

Simile: He ran around like a bull in a china shop.
Metaphor: He was a bull in a china shop.

[smile+energy]

Hi KC,

This is a good source that explains the difference between metaphors and similes:
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/what-is-the-difference-between-metaphor-and-simile/

They are quite similar and can be used interchangeably at times. The difference is a matter of presentation.

Thanks Yang Li, I fully understand the terms now

[smile+energy]

I've not the time to read Yang's link, but really, a simile will use "like", and a metaphor will make a more definitive statement.

Simile: He ran around like a bull in a china shop.
Metaphor: He was a bull in a china shop.

Thanks for your help

[Yang Li]

Hey guys,

Here is a set of notes my students took while we were discussing the contexts.

Feel free to download, read and add to it yourself.

All the best,

Yang

[Yang Li]

Thought I'd do an exercise for fun.

Post what context you are studying. I will write a body paragraph as an example in my spare time on the context with the most votes.

I will also post how long it took me and what form it is in, just for kicks.

All the best,

Yang

[Eugenet17]

I&B

[Jason12]

identity and belonging

[alchemy]

It'd be interesting to see a good sample body paragraph on 'Whose Reality'

[Yang Li]

I&B looks good so far.

I will write the paragraph on Saturday.

[Cort]

Yi Yang, I've got a rather..stupid question. I'm going to ask it anyway.

I've been writing and getting feedback on them (well, more of just correction). The thing is, how can I make the best use of these feedback so I could possibly improve further? Feedback's nice, certainly..but I don't know what to do with it.

[Yang Li]

Hey Cort,

That's not stupid at all. It can be hard to know what to do with feedback. Think about feedback as little nudges pushing you in the right direction, to keep you on track.

Try and do the following:

- Compile the feedback you get in a list of writing or grammar "rules"
- Not make the same mistake again when writing
- Revise and edit your own writing by checking it against your list
- Use techniques suggested to you by your teacher/tutor if they have given such suggestions
- Repeatedly practise writing paragraphs using the correct method, before adding your own flair to it

The last two points are more for students who are unsure about how to write particular essays.

All the best,

Yang

[Cort]

Hey Cort,

That's not stupid at all. It can be hard to know what to do with feedback. Think about feedback as little nudges pushing you in the right direction, to keep you on track.

Try and do the following:

- Compile the feedback you get in a list of writing or grammar "rules"
- Not make the same mistake again when writing
- Revise and edit your own writing by checking it against your list
- Use techniques suggested to you by your teacher/tutor if they have given such suggestions
- Repeatedly practise writing paragraphs using the correct method, before adding your own flair to it

The last two points are more for students who are unsure about how to write particular essays.

All the best,

Yang

Thank you, Yang!