If you’ve ever dreamed of being able to write as good as Ernest Hemingway or Agatha Christie, there’s a way to make your dream come true. We’ve gathered some of the most helpful tips famous authors can give you in this post. You’ll get to know why it’s important to read your material out loud and how to invent your own genre. Find the unique style of writing using the new techniques and exciting secrets of your beloved authors.
In my two decades at the university writing center, I’ve had countless conversations with bright, ambitious students grappling with a very modern question: “Is this all still worth it?” It’s a question born of a dizzying new landscape. You can access the world’s knowledge from a device in your pocket. You hear the celebrated tales of dropout billionaires, figures who have become modern folk heroes, and you can’t help but wonder if the traditional path through higher education has become an expensive, time-consuming detour.
It is a fair question, one that deserves a more thoughtful answer than a simple “yes” or “no.” The stories of figures like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are powerful, but they represent a seductive logical trap known as survivorship bias. We celebrate the handful of lottery winners who took a spectacular risk, while the millions who took a similar path and never reached such heights remain invisible. Furthermore, we often forget that these men didn’t launch their ventures from a vacuum; they did so while immersed in the intellectually fertile environment of Harvard University, surrounded by brilliant peers and world-class resources.
Their stories are not a blueprint; they are dazzling exceptions. To make a wise decision about your own future, we must look beyond the compelling anecdote and examine the broader landscape—the quiet, steady promise that a university education continues to offer to millions. This is not just about securing a job; it’s about building a life of resilience, opportunity, and deeper understanding.
First, let us set aside the economic arguments for a moment and speak of the fundamental, human value of this endeavor. What happens within the walls of a university—and more importantly, within the mind of a student—is a profound transformation that no series of online courses can replicate.
You are not here merely to download information. You are here to learn how to think. You are here to have your most cherished beliefs challenged in a seminar discussion, to defend your ideas with evidence, to learn how to construct a coherent argument and how to deconstruct a flawed one. You are here to learn from a professor who is not just a content creator, but a mentor who can guide your curiosity and push you to a level of intellectual rigor you didn’t know you could achieve. This process—this constant cycle of inquiry, debate, evidence, and refinement—forges a kind of mental flexibility and critical sharpness that is the true hallmark of an educated mind. It is the unseen curriculum, and its value is immeasurable.
Of course, the practical considerations are essential. We live in the material world, and your education must prepare you for it. And here, the global data paints a remarkably clear picture. Far from becoming obsolete, a tertiary degree has become a near-universal marker of economic stability and opportunity.
Consider the global trend toward higher learning. In developed nations around the world, a university education is now the norm for young adults. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that in countries like South Korea (67%), Japan (58%), and Canada (58%), well over half of the 25-34 year-old population holds a tertiary degree. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a response to the demands of a modern, knowledge-based economy.
This educational attainment translates directly into opportunity. While no degree is a guarantee of a job, it is undeniably a powerful advantage. Across the OECD countries, individuals with a tertiary education have a significantly higher rate of employment—often above 80%—than those without. In a competitive and rapidly changing job market, a degree serves as a crucial credential, signaling to employers a proven capacity for dedication, critical thinking, and advanced learning.
And yes, this has a profound impact on earning potential. When you look at the nations with the highest average wages, you will find that a majority of them—countries like the United States, Ireland, Australia, and Canada—are the very same ones with a highly educated populace. The notion that education doesn’t pay is a dangerous myth. The data confirms, year after year, that a degree is one of the most reliable investments one can make in their own financial future.
Finally, it’s crucial to understand that higher education is not merely a private good; it is a public one. The data on spending for tertiary education reveals that in most countries, a significant portion of the cost is covered by public funds. This is not charity. It is a strategic investment that societies make in their own future.
Why? Because nations with a highly educated citizenry are more innovative, have more stable economies, and are better equipped to solve complex problems. This is reflected in the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tests students’ ability to apply knowledge. Many of the same countries that invest heavily in education also see their students achieve the highest PISA scores in science, math, and reading, demonstrating a clear return in human capital. An educated population is the engine of a thriving, modern society.
So, when you consider the value of your education, I urge you to look past the surface-level glamour of the outlier stories. See it for what it truly is: a challenging, transformative process that forges not just a better résumé, but a sharper mind. It is a tangible investment that yields demonstrable returns in employment and income. And it is a shared societal commitment to building a more capable, more thoughtful, and more prosperous world.
The path is not always easy, but its destination is a place of greater opportunity, resilience, and understanding. And that is a journey that remains profoundly worthwhile.
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Ah, the moment of inception. You’ve been given the assignment, the deadline is marked on your calendar, but you find yourself facing a peculiar kind of silence. The silence of the blank page, where a topic ought to be. I’ve seen that look of uncertainty on the faces of countless students over my twenty years in the writing center. It’s the feeling of being adrift in a sea of infinite possibilities, and it can be paralyzing. Continue reading
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In the dynamic realm of discourse and dialogue, the art of argumentation holds a unique place. From academia to everyday conversations, argumentative essays allow us to explore multifaceted issues, share viewpoints, and inspire critical thinking. But the key to sparking engaging debates lies in the heart of the subject matter – the topic. Continue reading
I’ve sat with countless students over the years who tell me the hardest part of writing is simply knowing where to begin. The sheer number of possibilities can be paralyzing. The purpose of an argumentative essay, after all, isn’t merely to state an opinion; it’s to enter into a conversation, to engage with a complex question, and to guide a reader through your own reasoned path.
Forget about finding a topic that will “go viral.” That’s a fool’s errand. Instead, let’s focus on finding a question that sparks genuine curiosity in you. A great argument is fueled by intellectual energy, and that begins with a topic you truly want to explore.
What follows is not an exhaustive list, but a map of fertile territories for discussion. I’ve grouped some enduring questions into broader themes to help you see the connections between them. Use these not as rigid prompts, but as starting points for your own intellectual journey. Find one that resonates, and then narrow it down until you have a question that is both manageable and meaningful.
We live so much of our lives through screens, and this new reality presents us with a universe of complex questions about who we are and how we connect. It’s a rich field for exploration.
Humanity has always pushed at the boundaries of what’s possible, but our modern advancements—from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering—raise profound questions about the future we are creating.
A strong argument often requires you to navigate a moral landscape. These questions ask you to weigh competing values and consider the principles that guide our actions as individuals and as a society.
Let this list serve as a catalyst. Pick a question, turn it over in your mind, and see what other questions it sparks. The goal of a powerful argumentative essay is not to shout your opinion into the void, but to thoughtfully contribute to an ongoing dialogue. It is the process of building your argument—of researching, reasoning, and reflecting—that will ultimately sharpen your own thinking and allow you to find your true voice.
Now, which conversation will you join?
Psychology is a fascinating field that delves into the complexities of human behavior, cognition, and emotions. As our understanding of the human mind continues to evolve, numerous thought-provoking topics emerge for argumentative essays in psychology. These topics challenge us to critically analyze theories, research findings, and societal issues related to mental processes and behavior. In this essay, we will explore 100 argumentative essay topics in psychology, covering a wide range of subjects that invite discussion and debate. These topics offer an opportunity to delve into the depths of human nature, exploring the factors that shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions with the world around us. From controversial ethical dilemmas to investigations of cognitive processes, these topics will provoke thought, stimulate conversation, and shed light on the intricate workings of the human mind. Continue reading
So, you did it. You poured your heart out, wrestled with every sentence, and crafted an essay you’re proud of. But now you’re at the end, and you’re wondering… how do I wrap this thing up? A great conclusion is your final handshake, your last chance to leave a real impression. Let’s talk about how to make it count.
Think of your conclusion as the last note of a song. It’s what lingers in the air after the music stops. This is your final opportunity to tie everything together and remind the admissions officer what you’re all about. A powerful ending can take a good essay and make it truly memorable.
For example, if you wrote about your passion for solving environmental problems, your ending isn’t just a summary. It’s a final, heartfelt plea—a call to action that shows you’re not just talking the talk.
Bring it Full Circle. Think back to the idea you started with. Your conclusion is the perfect place to echo that main point, but with a new perspective. Show the reader how the journey of your essay has deepened your understanding. For instance, you could say, “I started this project thinking I was just building a robot, but in the end, I realized I was building a new version of myself.”
Connect the Dots. Briefly touch on the main experiences or points you made. Don’t just list them; show how they all weave together to support your central theme. It’s like saying, “From that disastrous first batch of cookies to the award-winning recipe, I learned that the secret ingredient was always perseverance.”
Look at the Bigger Picture. Leave your reader with something to think about. This is your chance to “zoom out” and connect your personal story to a bigger idea, a question, or a future aspiration. Something like, “If a simple conversation could change my mind, imagine what could happen if we all started listening to each other?”
Tell One Last, Tiny Story. Sometimes, a brief, powerful anecdote or a meaningful quote can be the perfect way to sign off. If there’s a saying that has guided you or a tiny moment that captures everything, share it. As my grandmother always said, “The work is what matters.” That summer, I finally understood what she meant.
Don’t Open a New Door. This is a big one. Your conclusion is for wrapping things up, not for introducing brand-new arguments or ideas. Stick to the story you’ve already told and give it the satisfying ending it deserves.
In the end, your conclusion is the last piece of you the reader gets. By tying your thoughts together and offering a final, reflective insight, you can leave them with a clear and compelling picture of who you are.
What’s the real purpose of a conclusion in a college essay? It’s your final chance to reinforce your main message, provide a sense of closure, and leave a lasting, personal impression. It’s the bow on top.
How long should my conclusion be? A good rule of thumb is about 5-7% of your total word count. For a 500-word essay, that’s about 25-35 words, or a few strong sentences. It can be a little longer if your essay is more complex, but short and punchy is usually best.
How can I make my ending more engaging? Try asking a thought-provoking question or issuing a quiet call to action. A memorable, relevant quote or a final, brief anecdote can also make your conclusion really stand out from the pile.
Is it okay to use a quote in my conclusion? Absolutely! As long as it’s relevant and adds real value, a quote can be a powerful way to end. Just make sure it enhances your own voice, rather than replacing it.
What should I definitely avoid in my conclusion? Steer clear of introducing new ideas, being overly repetitive, leaning on clichés, and ending too suddenly. The goal is to reinforce your points in a way that feels fresh and final.
There is a common, and quite dangerous, misconception among students that the short essay is the “easy” essay. Because the word count is low, they treat it as a task to be dispatched quickly, with little thought. This, I must tell you, is a profound miscalculation.
In my two decades at the writing center, I have seen more students stumble over a 500-word essay than a 15-page research paper. Why? Because the short essay is not a test of endurance; it is a test of precision. It is the literary equivalent of a miniature painting or a perfectly cut gem. In a small space, every detail is magnified, and every flaw is immediately apparent.
To master the short essay is to master the discipline of economy—the art of making a powerful argument without a single wasted word. Let’s explore how you can cultivate this essential skill.
When we speak of a “short essay,” we are generally referring to a piece of writing between 300 and 500 words. That’s roughly one to two double-spaced pages. The length is not arbitrary. It is designed to force you, the writer, to distill a complex idea to its absolute essence. You cannot wander, you cannot digress, you cannot afford to “find your argument as you go.” You must arrive on the page with a clear, focused point and a precise plan for proving it.
The structure, therefore, must be a model of efficiency:
Knowing the structure is one thing; executing it well is another. Here are the practices that separate a masterful short essay from a rushed and flimsy one.
To truly appreciate the power of this form, I encourage you to read the work of its masters. Do not just read them for their content, but study them for their technique.
In each of these works, you will find not a single wasted word. You will see writers who understand that brevity, when paired with precision, is not a limitation but a source of incredible power. The short essay teaches you to be ruthless in your editing, clear in your thinking, and impactful in your delivery—skills that will elevate every other piece of writing you ever undertake.
In our scholarly conversations, clarity and precision are paramount. When we weave the work of others into our own—whether quoting a poet, citing a study, or analyzing a film—we have a responsibility to be clear about what is our voice and what belongs to the work we are examining.
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