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ELT 12-18

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Physical and Digital Designing with Karishma Kusurkar

With over a decade of design experience, Karishma Kusurkar talks to us about her multidisciplinary design techniques and principles.

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Pathways into Design and the Rule of Thirds with David Pugh

With 15 years of commercial Graphic Design experience, owner and entrepreneur, David Pugh, takes us through the design principles and rule of thirds in Graphic Design.

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Music Producing with Gary Curran

Garry Curran talks to us about what it requires to be a music producer and what the world of music producing looks like.

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Visual Art and Photography with Tyrone Williams

Photographer and Visual Artist Tyrone Williams discusses what he does on a daily basis and how he captures various art around him with a camera.

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Skills On Your Doorstep

As a young person, finding a route into your chosen career isn’t always easy. Not all schools offer classes your interested in; but sometimes, the skills that you need to succeed in the workplace can be learned closer to home.

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Exploring the potential jobs of the future and what factors will impact them.

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Pathways: Blockchain

Kevin Gannon, a Blockchain Technician, takes us through his role at PwC with animations explaining the Blockchain process.

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Pathways: School Leaver

Adam Wilkinson discusses making the leap directly from school into PwC and gives an insight to his role there.

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Skills of the Future

An insight into the skills that will be needed for the jobs of the future.

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Ever wondered what it’s like being a Drone Pilot for a software management company? Let’s join Ciaran McAllister to see what it takes!

Drone pilot Ciaran McAllister talks about the work he does at Plotbox, a software management company that uses digital technology to plot cemeteries.

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Ever wondered what it’s like being a Housekeeper and Receptionist at a boutique hostel? Let’s join Niamh to see what it takes!

Niamh, housekeeper and receptionist at Moville Boutique Hostel, gives an insight the skills needed to succeed in the hospitality industry

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Owning your own Business in the Hospitality Sector

Cressida Canavan, owner of Movile Boutique Hostel, a family business, talks about her experiences of the hospitality industry

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David Spence, chef at Hillstown Farm Shop, talks about how he helped grow the business and the benefits of working in the hospitality industry.

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Ever wondered what it’s like working in Customer Operations at P&O Ferries? Let’s join Andrew O'Toole to see what it takes!

Andrew O'Toole, who works in Customer Operations at P&O Ferries, talks about his day-to-day responsibilities and what he enjoys about working with the public

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Ever wondered what it’s like being an Environmental Engineer at Caterpillar NI? Let’s join Ruth Lyttle to see what it takes!

Environmental Engineer Ruth Lyttle talks about her work with Caterpillar NI, which involves minimising the environmental impact of manufacturing. She highlights the personal attributes that have helped her and shows how if at first you don't succeed, try and try again.

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Ever wondered what it’s like being on the First Housing and #workitout programme? Let’s join Rebecca Bishop to see how she has gotten on!

Rebecca Bishop talks about her experiences with homelessness and how First Housing and the #WorkItOut programme provided the emotional and educational support she needed.

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Being a Supervisor at a Boutique Hostel

Nicolle, Supervisor at Moville Boutique Hostel, talks about the things she's learned from working in the hospitality industry and her ambitions for the future.

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Ever wondered what it’s like being on the #WorkItOut programme? Let’s join Agnes to see how she has gotten on!

Agnes discusses the support she's received from First Housing, a Derry-based charitable organisation that helps the homeless, and how their #WorkItOut programme provided a route into further education.

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Being a Founder of your own Technology Services Firm

John Harkin founder of Alchemy Technology Services talks about how he got the idea for his business and how he built it into the powerhouse that it is today. He highlights the attributes that employees in his company must have

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Critical Thinking as a Graduate at a Major International Bank

Claire Hills discusses the Graduate Programme at the Bank of Ireland and how having a Philosophy degree has developed her critical thinking and the ability to think in shades of grey.

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Studying Level 2 Hair and Beauty

Interview with Tammie-Leigh, a hair and beauty student at the NWRC.

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Studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Health Sciences

Matthew Rutherford discusses what it is like to study health studies at the North West Regional College.

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Studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT

Ben Collins gives us a breakdown of the IT course on offer at the NWRC.

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Studying Health Sciences at NWRC

Adam Meehan describes his time at the NWRC studying Health Science and his plans for the future.

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Doing an HLA Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering

Taylor Trouton gives us a first hand account of what it is like doing a HLA in Mechatronic Engineering at SERC.

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Study for an HNC in Performing Arts at SERC

Pearce McFall gives us an insight into what it is like doing a HND performing Arts course at SERC.

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Be on the Graduate Programme of a Major International Bank

Katie Moore discusses her career progression to becoming a Product Manager for the Bank of Ireland.

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Being an Apprentice at one of the World's Biggest Accountancy Firms

Ella McCann discusses her apprenticeship for Deloitte on the Brightstart scheme. Having joined straight from school, she is enjoying the multitude of tasks she has to undertake and has lived in several locations since joining.

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Study for HNC 4 in Photography?

An overview of the HNC Photography course at SERC with Farah Pourgholi. She thinks it gives a perfect grounding in a subject she is passionate about and will lead her to a career on advertising photography in California.

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Being the Parent of Someone Studying at SERC

Jennifer McCormick gives us insight and advice into what it is like to be a parent to children at a college instead of university.

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Doing a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports

An overview of the Level 3 Extended Diploma Sports course at SERC with Charlotte Slater.

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Studying Level 3 Engineering

North West Regional College student Bryan Smyth gives us an overview of the Engineering course.

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Being an Aeronautical Engineer

A young student interviews Dr Declan Nolan, who is an Aeronautical Engineer.

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Being a Games Designer

A young student interviews Ben Donaghue a Game Designer and creative director for Blackstaff Games.

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Introduction and Overview

The software industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in every country. Find out how a career in this industry all but guarantees a job for the future and how it isn't all about your ability to code.

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Strategic Development with Anita-Mai Goulding

With over 8 years experience in Experience Design and Content Management, Anita-Mai describes her journey into Strategic Management, providing useful tips and tricks to succeed within this industry.

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Role of a Supervisor with Janean McCauley

With almost 5 years experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Janean McCauley discusses her career growth and her role now as a Supervisor at Northern Whig Bar and Restaurant.

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Corporate Soliciting and Law with Ciara Burke

Ciara Burke discusses what being a Corporate Solicitor involves and how this fits into the industry of law.

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Developing Her Company with Aoife Doherty

Aoife Doherty discusses her journey and insights as a self starting entrepreneur and how she developed and grew her own headwear company 'Sass & Halo'.

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Building up a Company with Fergus and Scott

Environmentally-friendly and sustainability focussed entrepreneurs, Fergus and Scott, discuss their journey about setting up their company Revive, which uses coffee grounds to develop a range of high quality products and reduce wastage.

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How To Spring Clean Your Social Media

Learn how to tidy up your social media to impress employers and improve your prospects in the job market

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How To Search For Jobs

Knowing where to start a job search can be daunting but this video provides tips and tricks on where to look and why

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How To Identify Your Best Assets

Every job seeker is unique, including you! Learn how to identify the things that make you the perfect employee

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How To Layout Your CV

Most employers require job applicants to provide a Curriculum Vitae, or CV, as part of their application and this video features tips and tricks on how to make yours stand out from the crowd

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Growth Industries

Interview with Lee Panglea head of Scotland and Ireland CIPD which is a professional body for HR practitioners discussing growing industries and key skills needed for the future.

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How To Craft A Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd in a busy, competitive job market – this video features tips and tricks on how to craft yours

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Recruitment Process: Importance of Perseverance

Andrew O'Toole, who works in Customer Operations at P&O Ferries, talks about the importance of perseverance when searching for a new job

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Application Security Engineer with Allstate

An Application Security Engineer is one of the most vital roles within the Software Industry, they find flaws in your program's integrity before the hackers do.

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Freelance Creating with Tony Moore

Tony Moore discusses his work and skills as both a Graphic Designer and Sign Painter. He outlines what type of work he produces and the clients he interacts with.

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Architectural Design with Tom Cosgrove

Architectural design, drawing and understanding the context of the job is explained by Tom Cosgrove.

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Student A interviews Karen Quinn, a Social Worker

With 15 years experience as a lawyer, Karen outlines her roll and skills as a Social Worker to our Student A.

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Student Interview with Karen Quinn, Social Worker

With over 15 years law experience, Karen has moved into a Social Worker roll now and explains what is involved and the challenges and rewards she faces on a daily basis.

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Product Manager, Kevin Doherty

Product Manager Kevin Doherty gives an insight to his work at Learning Pool and what it means to be a Product Manager.

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Software Developing with Mark Graham

As a Software Developer, Mark Graham discusses his work at Learning Pool and his pathway to growing his career.

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Fashion Textile Designer, Hope MaCaulay

Fashion Textile Designer Hope Macauley discusses running her own brand and how she broke into the industry, along with her pieces being shown at Graduate Fashion week and London Fashion week.

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Pathways: Apprentice

Maisy Sinclair, a University student at Queens University, discusses her career progress in PwCs graduate programme.

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Pathways: Student Recruitment

PwC's Hannah Jackson discusses her role working in Student Recruitment and gives an insight into PwC's recruitment process.

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User Interface design is one of the most critical parts of creating a program. If you have it right, its a seamless; almost invisible way to navigate and present your program. Get it wrong and it's a frustrating experience for the user.

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Digital Product Manager

Digital Product Managers oversee the entire lifecycle of a digital product, from inception to launch. Acting as a mediator between consumers and technical teams, to create new product features to design. So how do you embark on this career path?

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Mobile App Developer

A Mobile App Developer builds everything from a Fitness Tracker to a Banking App. Learn the soft and hard skills involved from an App Developer's own experience and why it's such an important job to consider a career in.

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User Experience Design with Steven Shaw

Stephen Shaw teaches us on how he ensures apps, websites, virtual realities and digital products are made easier, better and delightful for interaction and human experience.

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ID and Access Management

Companies have an obligation to protect your data and identity, this is where ID and Access Management Team play a role. From Passwords to Facial Recognition, find out what the job entails and how to access the career.

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Scott Rosborough, Technical Analyst

Scott Rosborough of Alchemy Technical Services discusses his role as a Technical Analyst, how he got to being in this role and the skills required on an every day basis to perform his job.

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Being a Technical Analyst with Ryan Roberts

Ryan Roberts of Alchemy Technical Services discusses what being a Technical Analyst is about and what skills are required to perform this role.

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Project Manager Officer with Lauren Baker

Lauren Baker of Alchemy Technical Services discusses being a Project Manager Officer Analyst and how she became to working in this role as well as the skills she uses every day in the role.

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Project Management Officer by Olivia Skuce

Olivia Skuce of Alchemy Technical Services discusses being a Project Manager Office Analyst, what this role entails and the skills required.

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Allan Halsall, UTV's Business Development Manager

With over seven years in Marketing, Allan Halsall of UTV discusses Business Development managing in the television industry.

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Software Developer

Software Developers are the creative minds behind all computer software, from creating an app on your phone to self driving cars. None of todays technology would be possible without developers lovingly coding each line.

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UX Product Designer

User Experience Designers must organise all the different factors that make a program, it's the seamless integration of Engineering, Marketing, Interface design and more; to create a total user experience that meets the exact needs of the customer.

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Design Principles and Creativity with Nikki Hayes

With over 14 years experience in the Graphic Design industry, Nikki describes the design principles that allow her to be creative within a structured environment, providing clear and concise messaging.

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User Experience Designing with Andrea Caporale

Andrea Caporale explains how creating and designing user experience products is important in ensuring a user-friendly and good experience.

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Pathways: Forensic Tech

Natalie Hartin, a Forensic Technician at PwC, explains her job and possible careers in the industry.

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Pathways: Financial Crime

PwC's Aoife Sheridan gives an insight to her role as Team Leader in Financial Crime.

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Ski Instructing with Josh Nimmins

Ski Instructor Josh Nimmins gives an insight into his job and passions of skiing and geography.

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Humans VS Automation

An insight into the importance of human skills.

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Careers of the Future

Exploring what new career paths will open up in the future.

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Entrepreneur and Business Owner, Ruth Callaghan

Ruth Callaghan, co-founder of UseLess Shop, gives an insight to running a zero waste and zero plastic shop.

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Meeting and Interviewing a Professional Actor

A young student meets and interviews a professional actor to find out about his career.

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Leading a Food and Beverage Shift with Shannon Coleman

Shannon Coleman discusses her role in leading an entire food and beverage shift at the Maldron Hotel in Belfast.

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Being a Data Scientist was voted the number one job in America. But what does the role entail and how does a young person considering a career in this area get started.

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Project Managing with Rory Watson

Learning Pool's Project Manager Rory Watson gives an insight into his role and discusses the route he took to get there.

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Matthew McAleer, Learning Pool's Academy Manager

Learning Pool's Academy Manager Matthew McAleer discusses his role and the experience and skills that brought him here.

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Editing Sports' Stories with Cónán Doherty

Cónán Doherty discusses his work as Editor at SportsJOE and how he's progressed in his career to get to this point.

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Artistry with Gayle Chong Kwan

What does it mean to be an artist? Gayle Chong Kwan discusses this topic and what informs her job as an artist.

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Amy Lowry and being a Technical Analyst

Amy Lowry of Alchemy Technical Services discusses her role as a Technical Analyst and what is required in her role.

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Record Engineering and Producing with Caolán Austin

Caolán Austin gives an insight into the route he took to become a Recording Engineer and Producer, including some key aspects of the job.

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Musician, Producer, Composer and Artist Ryan Vail

Ryan Vail goes into detail about his journey as a musician and artist, including insight into the different aspects of his career.

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Technical Analysis with Jordan Cairns

Jordan Cairns of Alchemy Technical Services discusses his role as a Technical Analyst and how important being able to work together with people is in his role.

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Software Development with Dana Doherty

Software Developer Dana Doherty discusses her work at Learning Pool and what a Software Developer in the Next Gen team comprises of.

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Student Interview with Dr. Declan Nolan an Aerospace and Mechanical Engineer

A student discusses career pathways with a Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering and research.

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Student Interviews Michael Johnston, an Actor

A student finds out what being a professional actor is all about and the performance industry.

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Music Entertaining with Rwanda Shaw

Musician Rwanda Shaw discusses her work within the entertainment industry and how she grew her career.

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Drone Pilot with Tony Carlin

One of the first Northern Irish people to have gotten his Drone Pilot license, Tony Carlin discusses his work and how he got into this field.

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Interviewing Benjamin Donoghue, Games Designer and Creative Director

Game Designer and Creative Director, Benjamin, discusses his skills and career with a student as well as providing advice for students.

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Business Information Systems Security

We all have personal information on our devices that we don’t want others to see and data security breaches are on the rise. Companies employ Business information systems or BIS security professionals to take care of this. Understand what a BIS security professional is from a first hand account, find out the median salary, the different roles and what qualities employers will look for.

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Coordinating the Marketing and Sales Department at the Titanic Hotel

Louise Denvir discusses her career growth and role now as a Marketing and Sales Coordinator at the Titanic Hotel Belfast .

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Radio Producing and Presenting with Steven Rainey

BBC's Steven Rainey discusses being a Radio Presenter and Producer and what is required of this role to ensure effective messaging and communication to the listening audience.

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Summarizing Nonfiction Texts

Nonfiction texts can be complex and dense. But anyone can summarize their contents by following four simple steps. It’s as easy as explaining what you have read to a friend.

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What Makes Emma a Classic?

Jane Austen's Emma is the story of a wealthy heiress who meddles relentlessly in the love lives of others, but has no interest in marriage herself. First published anonymously in 1815, the novel reveals the restricted role of women in the 19th century.

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What Makes The Scarlet Letter a Classic?

First published in 1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is a novel that explores judgement, shame and redemption in 17th century Massachusetts.

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Action packed adventure stories can take us on journeys full of danger, excitement and triumph. Sometimes fictional, and sometimes based on true events, we take a look at the adventure stories which entertain and thrill us. From the first adventure novels of the 19th century including Moby Dick and Treasure Island, to popular fiction of the 20th century.

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Myths and Legends

Myths and legends are ancient stories that have survived for centuries in all parts of the world. Let’s explore some examples from around the world to learn about their enduring appeal.

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Folktales and Folklore

Folklore and folk tales are stories that have been passed down through the generations in cultures all around the world. Let’s explore different examples and consider why these types of stories have endured for so long.

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Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that whisks readers off other worlds, filled with magic and adventure. From The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, let’s explore some classics of the fantasy canon.

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Mystery is a genre of fiction that focuses on solving a crime through a gripping plot. Let’s examine the conventions that mysteries share and explore some of the finest examples through the ages.

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Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is a literary genre in which a fictional story is set in a chosen period of time in history. Often involving real people, these stories reimagine historical events. We take a look at classics from Homer's The Iliad, to Mildred Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.

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With its roots in stories from folklore, legends and religious traditions, gothic horror has entertained, and terrified, readers for centuries. From Bram Stoker's Dracula, to Shirley Jackson's unsettling tales, we look at some examples of the form through the ages.

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Autobiography and Memoir

Autobiographies and memoirs are similar – but each is a distinct nonfiction literary genre. Here we discover what they share in common and why true stories about people’s lives remain popular for readers across the globe.

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Postcolonial Literature

Giving voice to the oppressed, discover how authors like Achebe, Rushdie and Adichie postcolonial literature to express the impacts of colonialism, reshaping identity and independence narratives from Africa to Asia.

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Interpreting Diverse Media

From books to movies, documentaries to podcasts, and image searches to galleries, embracing diverse media enriches your understanding and transforms your research into a multi-faceted journey of discovery.

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When to Capitalize Letters

Capital letters might not get your pulse racing, but they’re still vital. They indicate the beginning of sentences, signal proper nouns, names, and titles, and highlight key words in titles, enhancing clarity and understanding in writing.

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The Lost Generation

The devastation and disillusionment that resonated through society in the aftermath of World War I had a profound impact on the literary landscape, notably a group of U.S. writers living in Europe, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. These writers are known as the Lost Generation.

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Victorian Literature

Exploring the diversity of Victorian Literature, we discover how authors like Charles Dickens, the Brontë Sisters and Lewis Carroll captured the ideals and issues of a rapidly industrializing society, weaving tales of innovation, societal norms and adventure in 19th Century England.

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Juxtaposition highlights similarities and differences between two things, giving you a deeper understanding of characters, plot and theme and making storytelling much more impactful.

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How to Write a Strong Research Question

Crafting the right research question is a crucial step in developing the analytical skills necessary for school and life!

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Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism is a spiritual, philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the United States in the 19th century. With its emphasis on individualism and the inherent goodness of all people, discover how it impacted civil rights movements via works by Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau and others.

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Dive into the world of Existentialism, where authors like Dostoevsky, Sartre and Camus challenge readers to find personal meaning amidst life's absurdities, blending deep philosophical questions with relatable human struggles.

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Discover the captivating world of epistolary literature, where stories unfold through letters and documents. Explore its rich history, unique storytelling elements, and how it connects readers to characters' inner thoughts and feelings.

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Realism is a genre of writing that explores the real world, in all its gritty glory. Defined by authors like Gustav Flaubert, Edith Wharton and Alice Walker, realist writers often expose societal flaws, offering insights into the real-life struggles and the triumphs of ordinary people.

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Coming of age stories chart a character’s journey from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. This genre is also known by the German word, 'Bildungsroman'. We take a look at some classics of the genre, from Charles Dickens' Great Expectations to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

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Making Connections Within the Text

One of the primary joys of reading is seeing yourself in a character, or seeing world events mirrored in the plot of a book. This is called making connections with texts and it not only enhances enjoyment, it also enhances understanding and your ability as a reader.

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Planning For A Research Paper

In the world of research and writing, planning is an essential roadmap that keeps you on course, prevents stress and detours, and leads to more efficient and higher-quality work.

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What Makes The Awakening a Classic?

First published in 1899, Kate Chopin's The Awakening is the story of a daring young woman who defies social expectation. With themes of independence and freedom, the book provoked such outrage that it ended Chopin's career.

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What is a Character Foil?

Explore the fascinating world of character foils in literature, where a supporting character’s traits highlight the protagonists' personality, motivations, and the art of storytelling itself.

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Types of Conflict in Literature

Conflict is an essential element in storytelling, driving characters to pursue their goals and overcome obstacles. It comes in five main forms - Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Nature, Character vs. Society, and Character vs. The Supernatural - each of which adds depth and tension to narratives and shaping character development.

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Steps in the Writing Process

There are five key steps in the writing process: planning, writing, revising, editing, and submitting. If you can use them your writing will improve and you’ll feel less stressed.

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Paraphrasing Versus Quoting

Explore the differences between quoting and paraphrasing and learn when to use them to best effect.

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What is an Idiom?

From hitting below the belt to couch potatoes, discover how idioms add color and interest to everyday communication and creative writing.

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Learn to give insightful, respectful feedback that enhances your and your peers’ writing and fosters a supportive learning environment.

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Themes are the profound ideas that shape narratives and give insights into the human experience. Explore how authors subtly convey themes through plot, characters, and details, allowing you to relate universal messages to your own life.

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Novel in verse is a hybrid genre - a style of literature that uses narrative poetry to tell a novel-length story, often through being read out loud. In this film we take a look at narrative poems through history, from the Epic of Gilgamesh to the first Novel in Verse writings of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Modern writers, such as Kwame Alexander in The Crossover and Jason Reynolds in the Long Way Down use this form to explore contemporary themes of racism and identity.

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Allegory is a form of literary fiction that uses symbolism to comment on actual events, people or elements of the human condition, often working on two levels: the surface story and the deeper meaning. We take a look at some of the great allegorical works in literature, from John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progess, to George Orwell's political allegory, Animal Farm.

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Children's Literature

Children’s literature is fiction created specifically to be read and enjoyed by young people. From nursery rhymes and fairy tales, stories that can teach us about good and evil, to books that whisk us off to fantastical worlds beyond our wildest dreams, we take a look at the history of children's books from Aesop's Fables to modern classics, such as Harry Potter and Wonder.

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Magical Realism

Starting as an art form in the 1920s, magical realism is a genre of literature that uses the real world as a setting, but adds a sprinkle of magic or fantasy. Made famous by South American writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his book 'One Hundred Year's of Solitude', this new form of expression soon developed new conventions, with writers around the world, such as Yann Martel and Toni Morrison.

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Beginning in the eighteenth century in response to social upheaval, industrialisation and revolution, ideas of Romanticism influenced poets such as Coleridge, Blake and Wordsworth. Later novelists, from Emily Bronte to Nathaniel Hawthorn used elements of the Romantic genre to write some of the greatest works in literature.

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Satire is a form of writing that uses humor to mock those thought to be guilty of foolishness, arrogance, greed or corruption. This video takes a look at the use of satire in literature over the centuries.

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Sometimes, when we’re reading, we can come across words that we don’t understand. But all texts feature context clues that help us to decipher their meaning. You just need to know where to look.

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Determine An Author’s Purpose

The author’s purpose is the reason that he or she writes a piece of literature. Let’s explore how you, as a reader, can identify that purpose by examining the text in more detail.

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Symbolism is a literary tool that lots of authors use to make complex ideas more accessible to readers. Let’s explore how writers use objects, characters and events as symbols in their work.

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Nonfiction Text Features

Books and articles aren't just made up of words. They can contain images, maps, charts and many other items too. Let’s learn about the Nonfiction Text Features you should look out for.

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Annotations are notes that a reader makes to a text. They help you familiarize yourself with both the content and organization of what you read. Let’s discover ways you can annotate a text.

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Greek and Latin Roots

Lots of the words that we use everyday have their roots in the ancient languages of Latin and Greek. Let’s explore some examples and learn how language is constantly evolving.

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Analysis of Text

Analysis of Text is an important skill that helps readers to understand the true meaning of a text. Let’s explore what clues to look out for to analyze any text.

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Finding the Main Idea

Understanding the main idea allows you to grasp the author's purpose. Whether the main idea is communicated implicitly or explicitly, there are simple steps you can follow to identify it and gain a deeper understanding of a text's key message.

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Analyzing People, Events & Ideas

By analyzing the people, events, and ideas that shape a narrative, you can uncover the underlying connections that make a story compelling. Discover how causes, effects, and influences work together, and enhance your own reading and writing skills.

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Making Inferences

Learn how to make inferences to uncover hidden meanings in texts. Discover the power of evidence and reasoning as you piece together the author's clues, enhancing your reading experience and engaging with stories on a deeper level.

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Character Development

Discover five techniques that author’s use to develop memorable and engaging characters. From traits and dialogue to thoughts, effects, and actions, learn how your favorite characters are brought to life.

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Breaking Down Arguments

Harness the power of critical thinking through the four elements of effective arguments: claim, reasons, evidence, and counterarguments. Learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of any argument and make your own case with solid reasoning and evidence.

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The Elements of Fiction

Discover the secrets of storytelling with the five key ingredients of fiction - settings, characters, dialogue, narrator and plots. Use these elements to analyze and appreciate your favorite stories on a deeper level.

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Nonfiction Text Structures

Understand nonfiction texts with these five essential text structures. From chronological narratives to cause and effect explanations, problem-solving essays, compare and contrast articles, and descriptive lists, once you know these structures, you can read and write with more clarity.

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Identifying & Evaluating Evidence

Whether in speech or writing, citing relevant and credible evidence strengthens your analysis and increases your ability to convince others, making your arguments more persuasive and trustworthy.

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Analyzing Word Choice

Just as painters carefully select brushstrokes and colors, writers meticulously choose words to convey emotions, create tone, and shape meaning. By understanding the impact of word choice, you can express yourself more clearly in both speech and writing.

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What Makes Little Women a Classic?

When Little Women was first released in 1868, it sold 2,000 copies in just two days. A coming-of-age story that defied convention, it has gripped and inspired readers for generations.

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What Makes Great Expectations a Classic?

First published in 1861, Charles Dickens' Great Expectations is a novel about crime, guilt, and social aspiration.

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What Makes Robin Hood a Classic?

Robin Hood first appeared in English folklore seven centuries ago. Traditionally the story of a violent outlaw who murdered without remorse, over the years the tale has morphed into the one we know and love today.

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What Makes Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde a Classic?

First published in 1886, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jeykll and Mr Hyde struck fear into the heart of Victorian readers. A sinister story of a split personality, its psychological themes still resonate today.

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What Makes A Christmas Carol a Classic?

Published in December 1843, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol was an instant bestseller. A ghost story with emotional depth, it helped spark a Victorian love affair with the festive season.

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What Makes The Jungle Book a Classic?

The stories in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book are set deep in the Indian jungle, in a dangerous world without parents - and with few rules. First published as a collection in 1894, the book's themes of belonging and identity are still relevant today.

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What Makes The Invisible Man a Classic?

First published as a novel in 1897, HG Wells' The Invisible Man is the story of a scientist corrupted by his own ambition. A gripping story of madness and immorality, its brutal conclusion still has the power to shock today.

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What Makes The Odyssey a Classic?

Homer's The Odyssey is the ancient Greek tale of one man's epic journey home from war. Full of vengeful gods and deadly sea monsters, its influence can be seen in countless books, comics and movies today.

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What Makes The War of the Worlds a Classic?

In H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds, a brutal alien army descends on Earth, intent on colonising the planet for its own ends. First published as a novel in 1898, the story tapped into fears that advances in technology would herald a new age of warfare.

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What Makes The Secret Garden a Classic?

First published as a book in 1911, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden is a coming-of-age novel about the power of positive thinking and the importance of friendship.

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What Makes Dracula a Classic?

First published in 1897, Bram Stoker's Dracula is the chilling tale of a bloodthirsty narcissist. Drawing on European folktales and gory accounts of a 15th century ruler, the novel reimagined the age-old vampire myth for a new generation.

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What Makes A Doll's House a Classic?

Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House is a feminist drama that challenged social convention - and scandalised 19th century audiences. First performed in Denmark in 1879, its subversive themes still resonate today.

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What Makes The Tempest a Classic?

Completed around 1611, The Tempest is thought to be the last play that William Shakespeare ever wrote. Set on an enchanted island, its themes of power and betrayal have captivated audiences for centuries.

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What Makes The Wonderful Wizard of Oz a Classic?

Published at the dawn of the 20th Century, L Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was far from a traditional children's story. A feminist fairytale with a radical message, it struck a chord with readers across the United States.

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What Makes Gulliver's Travels a Classic?

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels is the story of one man's adventures in fantastical lands. First published in 1726, it's a book that asks a timeless question: can a perfect society ever be achieved?

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What Makes The Importance of Being Earnest a Classic?

Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest was first performed in February 1895, just weeks before Wilde's career was destroyed by scandal. With themes of deception and double meaning, it lampoons Victorian ideas of class and morality.

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What Makes Moby Dick a Classic?

First published in 1851, Herman Melville's Moby Dick sold just a few thousand copies in its author's lifetime. A thrilling novel about man's obsessive quest to conquer nature, its environmental themes still resonate today.

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What Makes Peter Pan a Classic?

First published as a book in 1911, JM Barrie's Peter Pan is the story of the boy who never grew up. Written at a time when society's attitudes to childhood were changing, it captured the fleeting magic of being young.

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What Makes Silas Marner a Classic?

First published in 1860, but set decades earlier, George Eliot's Silas Marner took its first readers back to a pre-industrial world. A story that celebrates human connection, it explores how caring for a child changes one man's life forever.

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What Makes Oliver Twist a Classic?

Originally serialised in a magazine between 1837 and 1839, Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist had its first readers hooked. A gripping story full of charismatic characters, it also exposed society's unjust treatment of the poor.

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What Makes Frankenstein a Classic?

First published anonymously in 1818, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was inspired by a nightmare. A chilling, gothic tale, it explores the dark side of scientific progress.

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What Makes Sense and Sensibility a Classic?

First published in 1811, Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility is a funny, authentic portrait of two very different sisters. Still one of literature's best loved rom-coms, it was written when the novel as an art form was in its infancy.

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