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Posts by EF_Team5
Joined: Apr 22, 2008
Last Post: Nov 27, 2008
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Posts: 1,586  

From: USA

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EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Writing Feedback / Research paper on Poe's "Ligeia" [4]

Excellent! This is a great passage; if you keep your comparisons similar to this, you're going to have a great piece!

I'm glad you were able to find great examples; they are indeed helpful! One of my favorites that I use for MLA is this website: monroecc.edu/depts/library/mla.htm. It gives examples for almost every form of source you can think of.

Good luck!

Regards,
Gloria
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / 'Shopping and Dinner with the Girls' - UCF HONORS COLLEGE [2]

Good afternoon :)

Mechanically, make sure you don't use contractions in formal academic pieces; for instance, "couldn't" should be "could not."

Make sure your punctuation is inside your quotation marks; for instance, "Lunch with Matt". should be "Lunch with Matt."

I think this is a great piece; it flows well and is easy to read. I wouldn't add anything else! Nice work!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "My mom and dad's office" - UC prompt 1 and 2 [11]

Good afternoon :)

In regards to the first piece, I think it's a great answer to the prompt. I really wouldn't change anything!

In regards to the second piece, you do a great job explaining the experience, but no time really evaluating how it makes you proud or relates to the person you are now. Work on that, and this piece will be a great submission as well!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / 'Will I be in college?' - UC prompt 1 [3]

Good afternoon :)

I agree with Nickle; you do a great job explaining the experience, but no time really evaluating it, explaining how you have changed during that time, and how it has made you the person you are now.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / I intend to major in communication studies. I have become extremely fascinated by mass media. [5]

Good afternoon :)

First, some mechanical issues. Make sure that you are capitalizing only proper nouns and the first words of sentences; there are some instances here where you have capitalized random words.

Avoid beginning your sentences with conjunctive/transitory words such as "so," "but," or "and."

Avoid contractions in formal academic writing; for instance, "I'm" should be "I am."

In regards to your content, it is very organized and has good flow. Each paragraph has its own subject and supporting information. You present yourself with a good tone and voice, and I believe the content matter answers the prompt. With a little mechanical polishing, I think it will be ready for submission.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "I'm a Mexican female" - UC Personal statement Prompt numero uno! [2]

Good afternoon :)

I don't think you have a problem with voice at all! As a matter of fact, I think you have one of the more confident tones and voices I've read! Your content is good, and I think it's a great fit for the prompt. The only suggestion I can really make is watch out for contractions; they shouldn't be used in formal academic writing. "Can't" should be "cannot."

Great work!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Living in suburban paradise, right now, I have not fully figured out what I want to do with my life. [3]

Good afternoon :)

I think your content is a good fit for this question. You do a good job of explaining your environment, and how you view life and take part in it based on your world. The fact that you can say why you had problems answering the prompt shows that you have evaluated the reasons why it was difficult for you. Also, I do like your changes. I think you've got a good piece. One thought though: could your comfortable life have led to this indecision?

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Passionate Art Student's PS for UC! Learn about a foreign kid's experience!! [7]

Good afternoon :)

I do like your changes.

In regards to the sentence, I suggest "All these valuable abilities I developed help contribute me adapt to new environments."

Mechanically, avoid using contractions in formal academic writing; for instance, "it's" should be "it is."

"I also believe that only if we insist, we can get though the problems."

Try not to use "we" in formal academic writing; try using "me," "I," or "one" instead.

Keep up the hard work!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "Detroit, that's a rough place" - UC application prompt 1 [4]

Good afternoon :)

You've got a good start here, but I wonder if you've answered the prompt completely. You describe this event in great detail, but don't really spend a lot of time explaining how it has changed your goals and dreams. What will you strive for in college? What about after? What path do you want to take, and how did this event influence that?

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / To major in film & traveling - Uc Essays Prompt #1 and #2 [2]

Good afternoon :)

Some general mechanical corrections in regards to both pieces. First, avoid contractions in formal academic writing. Second, make sure you are capitalizing only proper nouns and the first words of sentences.

In regards to content, I think they are both good answers to the prompts. I think you do give a good description of your character, and I don't see how these could be described as "self-depreciating." I think you've done a good job presenting yourself.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Capitalism, Jainism - UC prompt #1 [2]

Good afternoon :)

Some mechanical corrections:

"...venturesome businesses of lemonade stands, babysitter clubs, and..."

In regards to trimming it down, I suggest removing this section:

"The principles of business are how new ideas are marketed, different vistas understood, and enterprises that are built from rock bottom to the top. As an active leader in propelling my high school FBLA forward, I have created partnerships promoting marketing advertisements and efficient workshops to allow FBLA ideas to be marketed in the local community. Through my experiences in FBLA I have understood how our society is commanded by a simple idea of supply and demand, and the techniques necessary to effectively execute my business skills, such as communication and networking, to get my ideas comprehended by our metropolitan society. For example, I have recently created a partnership with the local Toyota dealership by drawing and executing a proposal benefiting both the dealership with more foot traffic, and educating first time high school car buyers the important things to analyze before buying a car. This experience was mind-blowing as I was able to interact with my peers and high officials of a multi-billion dollar transportation corporation."

As it doesn't really pertain to the rest of the piece. That will remove about 165 words. To further trim, I suggest you go back through your piece and look for other sentences that don't really move your essay along. If they don't explain or support your main topic, remove them, condense them, or rewrite them.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Question: Why we have to write personal essays? [2]

In our society, the written word is a very important way of communicating. Individuals are judged not only in academics but in the outside world by their abilities to communicate. Many times, such as when submitting job applications or resumes, our written communication is the only factor we are judged on. Therefore, being able to present oneself effectively is a very useful real-world tool.

While you may feel that this is frivolous competition this is the way our world works. We compete for jobs with resumes which are written, and that is not going to change. One of the reasons colleges and universities are built and function is to prepare people for the workforce, and that includes being prepared to present oneself on paper. Admission essay prompts such as the personal essay are a preliminary way in which schools evaluate whether or not a potential student has the abilities to keep up with the rigors of studies. While not every admissions prompt is a personal essay, it does help students assess, through their writing of the essay, how well he or she will be able to present themselves to the world when the time comes to earn their keep upon graduation.

These types of essays require that a student evaluate themselves and reflect upon their lives, two key tools used when studying. No matter what major/minor is declared, every student will be required to evaluate, analyze, and interpret information, and the personal essay calls upon those skills early on.

I am sorry that you already have such animosity toward the admissions process. Keep in mind that the personal essay is just one step during the admissions process, and most institutions do involve person-to-person meetings before the process is complete. Rarely is a steadfast decision made relying upon one single personal essay. Perhaps if you take a step back and calm down you will have more success in your application process.

Best of luck.
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / The Peking Opera - Describe your activities [2]

Good afternoon :)

In regards to the first piece, one suggestion:

'hip, and cool'

Should be "hip and cool."

In regards to the second piece:

'instrument' should be "instruments"

'even though the fastest, smartest student may master these techniques quickly so they can get it over with, it is the one with the most passionate and determination that will master these techniques for life.

Where does this quote end? Also, it should have double quotation marks (") at the beginning and end instead of the apostrophe (').

...important in the future.'

Where does this quote begin?

I think the organization and flow is fine for both pieces.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / 'studies, sports or other things' - Tell about a personal character [4]

Sure!

There really isn't any difference between thrifty and frugal; they both mean to be cheap or to not like to spend a lot of money.

Uncover and disclose essentially mean the same thing as well, but their connotation is different. For example, one can uncover a mystery, but it is up to a company to disclose their tax forms.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / 'studies, sports or other things' - Tell about a personal character [4]

In regards to the above piece, watch your random capitalization and excessive use of the period; make sure you are properly using it. Also, "pastime" should be "pastimes."

In regards to content, I think it's a good piece. You describe this character trait well, and explain how you have used it in your life.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Writing Feedback / "born in the rural area of Chin" - pls. help revise: My background [3]

Good afternoon :)

I have edited the first section of your essay and included some general comments:

"I was born in the rural area of China. There, people do farm work day by day, struggling on the arable land. Children in such areas become independent at an early age. They are able to go to school without parents and take good care of themselves. Due to an indisposition towards this kind of toilsome and inferior life, my parents took us away from that small village and established their own business. The lifelong experience of my parents exerts a great influence on me. I have set up my goal to be a successful man, like my parents, ever since I was a child."

"Their example revealed that one has to make arduous efforts to realize his dreams." These subjects need to match; use one or the other, but not both.

"During my high school years, I did three researches:" should be "During my high school years, I did three research studies:"

I am not sure whether or not this piece answers the prompt because you didn't include it in your posting. It is well organized and flows nicely overall.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Writing Feedback / A four-paragraph essay about The True Meaning of Courage [4]

Good afternoon :)

In regards to mechanics and grammar, there are areas in this piece that need correction. First, it should be "right from wrong" not "wright from wrong." Second, avoid using "you" in formal academic writing; try using "me," "I," or "one" instead.

Instead of writing "Atticus and Scout" each time, you could use [we] or [us] after the first instance of [Atticus and Scout].

MLA citation for this "Son didn't you know what her fits were"(111)? Should be as follows:

"Son didn't you know what her fits were?" (111)

Keep up the good work; you've got a great start!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / 'living and schooling in different countries' - world you come from family, community [2]

Good afternoon :)

I have edited your first paragraph and made some general comments also:

"After another landing and a short glide towards the boarding bridge, I sat still in the aircraft cabin, turning my head left to look at my father who nodded in assurance that everything was okay, and further left to glance at my mother who comforted me, saying that we would be going to our new home soon. I spent much of my childhood this way - listening to the incessant roaring drones of airplane, and traveling between various continents and cities following my father's new job at the Atlas Copco Group. My childhood was spent in mixed cultures; even my name, which means "to live" in Swedish and "in knowledge" in Chinese, reflects that diversity."

Make sure you are placing a comma after every item in your series; for instance, "English, Chinese and German" should be "English, Chinese, and German."

Great job!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "what do you want to do when you grow up?" - UC Prompt 1 [7]

Good afternoon :)

I have edited the first couple of paragraphs and also included some general comments in regards to your piece:

"As my old wooden door slowly opens on a Sunday evening, it is not the Pizza Hut delivery man with my stuffed crust pizza (with melted cheese baked into the crust) for tonight's football game, but rather the dreaded family reunion that occurs once a year. Numerous family members and relatives come pouring through that old wooden door, frantically ready to brag about their sons or daughters latest accolade or their acceptance to the top prestigious universities.

As family members enter that door, they are ready to pinch yourAvoid using "your" in formal academic writing; try using "me," "I," or "one" instead. soft, delicate, baby bottom cheeks, only releasing when there is some noticeable permanent damage. From the newly released fourth-generation iPod Nano to the Rolex Cellini Classic watch, relatives seemed to be equipped with the latest technology. About an hour in the reunion, ParentsThis isn't a proper noun and shouldn't be capitalized. begin to brag about their son' s or daughter' s latest achievement and relatives begin to criticize every single detail, as if you were a disfigured cow in a meat processing plant. "How come you are so small?" and "How well do you do in school?" are the typical questions that a child receives. As I wasThis changes your tense; make sure you only use one tense throughout your piece. eating Banh Xeo, a crispy flaky dish that is the Vietnamese version of a crepe, my abnormally tall and goofy uncle approaches me, asking a simple question, "So...what do you want to do when you grow up?"

Avoid contractions in formal academic writing; "wouldn't" should be "would not."

...am a determined Vietnamese teenager, who like most young Asian hopefuls,..."

A great example!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / sport called Badminton - my uc prompt 2 essay [5]

Good afternoon :)

I have edited your first paragraph and also included some general comments:

"Through my eyes and ears, I have seen countless time, devotion, and sweat devoted to this sport called BadmintonThis isn't a proper noun and shouldn't be capitalized. . The yelling and disappointment that is exerted from my coach towards our performance doesn'tAvoid contractions in formal academic writing; this should be "does not." spark despair in me, but rather a sense of inner determination to say the least. This powerful sense of determination to erase the past and prove to my coach and most importantly to myself, that the last game was a fluke. That this one game doesn't determine the future of the next."

"Since I realize the feeling of disappointment and the power of determination. " What? Since what? Finish this sentence.

"T o get what you deserve."

How does this make you proud and relate to the person you are now?

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "martial artist" - UC prompt help??? [4]

Good afternoon :)

After reading your piece, I like the first paragraph better. I like its structure and its flow more. Good job!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / UC prompt #1 - trouble figuring out the topic about the world I came from [7]

I agree; you've got a great idea, but it could use some structural reorganization. I agree with the "break 'em apart and then put 'em back together" method; it will help you answer both pieces thoroughly and you won't have to worry about transitions until you put them together into one piece.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "Key Club" - Help on my UC Personal essays [3]

Good afternoon :)

How has Key Club changed your dreams and aspirations? You should delve into that a bit more at length in the first paragraph.

How does this make you proud? This needs a bit more explanation.

Other than that, I think they are both fine pieces so far!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / UC prompt#1 - transfer student, econ major [3]

Good afternoon :)

You've got a great piece here. You describe your experiences and then do a good job of explaining what you gained from each one. I wouldn't change anything!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "Born in France" - UC prompt 1 and 2 [8]

Good afternoon :)

First, some mechanical comments. Avoid beginning your sentences with conjunctive/transitory words such as "so," "but," or "and."

"Since I am a baby" should be "Since I was a baby."

"I enjoy to go to school to study" should be "I enjoy going to school and studying."

Italian is a proper noun and should be capitalized.

Your grammar is pretty rough, and to help with that , I suggest one of the books from the "Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers" series written by Stephen Reid. You can pick any of them up cheap used, or get them from the library. I think there are six in the series now, and any of them would help you here. Also, the Little Brown Compact Handbook by Jane E. Aaron is a great book to help with grammar and mechanics, if you can get a copy; I don't know if you can find this one as easily at a library.

In regards to content, I believe you have a good start to both of these pieces. In regards to the second piece, what about this trip to California makes you proud, and how did it change the person you are now?

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / UC Admissions Essays (for transfer) - Keeping it Simple [6]

Good evening :)

I agree that you could use a brush up on mechanics and grammar. If you can get a hold of a copy, The Little, Brown Compact Handbook by Jane E. Aaron would be a great tool for you that I think would help you out immensely. You might be able to check it out from a library, or you can find it for sale on Amazon.com. This is a great book that covers everything from spelling and mechanics to clarity and style; any questions you have I'll guarantee you can find in this book. Another good one is The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers by Stephen Reid. It's much cheaper but you could also probably find this one at the library.

"My first move to prepare myself for my major was to realize that I had sold myself short when I chose my first college out of high school. From the moment I stepped on campus, I realized that this was not the academically stimulating environment that I had hoped for, and after two months I left that school for community college to better prepare myself for UC ."

In regards to sociology from a business standpoint, why not say that in your essay? If it's too difficult, best to leave it out.

In regards to the second piece, how does this make you proud and how did it change/effect the person you currently are?

In regards to the third piece, it is best not to draw any attention to the more negative aspects of one's academic career; if you choose to answer this prompt, I suggest picking another topic altogether. Also, the tone is very passive and it comes across as a weak piece. Definitely not a good thing.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "My high school experience was different" - UC Undergraduate Prompt #2 [5]

Good evening :)

In regards to your grammatical/mechanical concerns, if you can get a hold of a copy, The Little, Brown Compact Handbook by Jane E. Aaron would be a great tool for you that I think would help you out immensely. You might be able to check it out from a library, or you can find it for sale on Amazon.com. This is a great book that covers everything from spelling and mechanics to clarity and style; any questions you have I'll guarantee you can find in this book. Another good one is The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers by Stephen Reid. It's much cheaper, but you could also probably find this one at the library.

Also, don't wait until the last sentence to describe why/how you are proud of this, or why/how it has effected you as a person; try to weave that in throughout your piece. Otherwise, it tends to look like it was added on as an afterthought.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Trip to Europe: my curious traits - UC essay [5]

Good afternoon :)

Some mechanical corrections. First, avoid contractions in formal academic writing. For instance, "didn't" should be "did not." Also, avoid beginning your sentences with conjunctive/transitory words such as "but," "so," or "and."

In regards to content, great job! The only thing I wonder is how this curiosity makes you proud? More expansion on that would greatly improve the piece. Nice work!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Panorama City + I cried - Improved UCI PS Prompt #1 & #2 - Help me out [2]

Good evening :)

Mechanically, make sure that you aren't using contractions in formal academic writing; for example, "it's" should be "it is." Also, make sure when you use quotation marks that your punctuation is inside of them. For instance, "white-washed". should be "white-washed."

In regards to content, I don't see where you explain how this move shaped your dreams and goals. Make sure you fully answer the prompt; acknowledge all facets of it in your essay.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / 'College life / Cortland apple' - Transfer Essays [5]

Good evening :)

As I said before, these prompts want to know about specific instances or occurrences in your life; comparing yourself to an apple doesn't answer that prompt. What experience, volunteer work, internships and employment, or participation in student organizations and activities does being a "brand-less product" explain? What have you gained by being a "brand-less" product?

These pieces don't relate to the questions at all, so figuring out how to adapt them to fit the questions should be your focus.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "my parents to teach and groom" - short 150 word response. [7]

Good evening :)

What was the assumption, bias, or prejudice that you overcame to understand others that were different of you in this piece? You clarify that you overcame your feelings about your parents' dependence on you, but your feelings were what you overcame. What exactly was that feeling? Was it assumption, bias, or prejudice? Please clarify further to make sure your audience stays with you.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Each country has taught me things - UC Prompt 2 Three Cultures [3]

Good evening :)

Mechanically, make sure you are placing commas after each item in your list. For example, "...life, liberty, and the..."

In regards to content, I think this is a great answer to the prompt. You explain the experience, why it makes you proud, and how it has changed you. It is organized well, is fluid, and is easy to read. Great job!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Scholarship / How Will This Scholarship Help Me Attain My Career Goal essay. [2]

Good evening :)

Mechanically, make sure you are only capitalizing proper nouns and the first words of sentences; for instance, "Scholarship" and "Information Systems" shouldn't be capitalized.

In regards to content, I think you have a very formal, appropriate piece here. You explain how it will help you, why it will help you get to your goal, and what you will do with this opportunity. A very nice piece; good work.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
EF_Team5   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Short answer, reasons for applying to Wellesley - need help editting [2]

Good evening :)

Your first paragraph is clean; I wouldn't change anything.

In the second paragraph, make sure you put "the" in front of "National Science...".

I would change the last sentence to "I" instead of "me." There are some that are comfortable with the "(other noun) and me" theory, but my personal comfort level says "Wellesley College and I." However, it is your piece so it is up to you :)

I think this is a great answer to the prompt; I believe it answers the question fully. Good work!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com

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