Online Textbook

Bernarducci Resource  Booklet (BRB)

Audio Tutorials

Paragraphs

Description Paragraphs
Narration Paragraphs
Example\Illustration Paragraphs
Cause\Effect Paragraphs
Process Analysis Paragraphs
Definition Paragraphs

 

Essays

Description
Lou's Place

While looking for directions, Patti and her husband find a restaurant where time stood still. Even after twenty years, they return to it for a look back in time.

The Curse of the Dump
After cleaning out his attic, at the urging of his wife, Michael takes a melancholy trip to the town dump.
Young Lions, Young Ladies

This elderly gentleman presents an intriguing view of how skating rinks are like meeting places for the young.
The Physics of Breakfast Cereal
Every wonder how Rice Krispies or Coco Puffs are made? The mystery is here exposed.
The Terracotta Army
This ancient "army" is statues of hundreds of soldiers found buried in Japan. For what reason? Here is a phenomenal look at history.
Narration
Holiday Warfare

This award winning student essay humorously details the "psycho neurotic condition akin to hysteria." known as Thanksgiving at grandma's house.

Small Town Terror
Imagine driving down the street in small town USA with your grandfather when you and suddenly faced iwht men pointing guns at you both. This author relates the horror.
The Hero Within
This student writer, who has Graves Disease which disfigures her, relates of an event when the "cool kids" in school maliciously harass her in public. From her mom she ultimately learns what true beauty is about.
Flying Blind
This is a heart stopping recollection of a pilot who suffers blindness and disorientation while flying a plane. Aided by another pilot, the conclusion is equally as heart warming.
Wheelchair Reaction
Being confined to a wheelchair is something this students writer wondered about, so he sat in one for twelve straight hours and learned a lot about human nature.

Example\|Illustration
Mass Produced Music

Music is not what is used to be, and this author explores the production line ubiquitous nature of mass produced music and Muzak.
Soap Operas
Will Clair Blair, a child left alone at home, be ok? Soap operas have become staple viewing for many viewers. This author has some choice words about them.
The Missing Children Milk Carton Program
If you ever bought milk, you undoubtedly remember those photos of missing children. Here's the story of how it all happened.
The Super Bowl Can Kill You
Do you think you have to play in  the Super Bowl to be injured? Think again. You may not be a safe as you think.

My Mother Never Worked
When dealing with a Social Security Office to get benefits for her eighty year old mother who worked all her life, this author is faced with frustration, and her ironic take is an eye opener.

Cause\Effect
Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia
Ever own a Chia Pet? Even if you didn't, Here is the origin of one of America's most popular pieces of pop-culture.
The Datar Flop
History is full of inventions that where just too far ahead of their time. Here is one of them.
A Toy is Born

Even when all hope seems lost, don't give up because you just might get that random phone call from your sister-in-law in New Jersey.
Why Do Children Misbehave?
Children are a blessing, but when naught they can be very difficult to handle. Why they act up is explored in this writing. 
Watching Reality TV Shows May Harm Your Health

Watching reality TV is harmless fun; or is it? This author will make you think twice about exposing yourself to such danger.

Process Analysis

Effective Tooth Brushing Techniques

Here is a simple process that is detailed for your edification. Get your toothbrush and shine up those pearly whites.
How an Aerosol Can Works

Ever wonder how they get all that stuff in a pressurized can? How do these cans really work?
How to Procrastinate

As if we need it, this student author clearly explains how to procrastinate. What could possibly be the motive? Read and learn.
How to Travel with a Small Child

As any parent knows, children can be a pain when traveling. This student author has some tips to make this experience less frustrating.

The Process of Baseball Season Preparation

Many fans love this national pastime but don't realize how hard it is to prepare for; this student author does.
The Successful Student

We all want o be successful, right? If so, you must have some guidelines; this student author provides them.

Definition
An Extra Large Editorial

Small, medium, and large seem like designations of the past. This editorial exposes a "Behemoth" view on the new phenomenon of product sizing. 
What is a Woman?
This Oscar-Winning documentary film maker attempts to answer this age old question. Do you agree with her?
Irony in Modern Life

This author states, "Lately I’ve tried to be more sincere with people—life’s too short for mind games that aren’t fun—but I wouldn’t want to live completely without irony. Learn why.
Success the Myth

We all know what success entails, don't we? Or do we? In this thought provoking writing, this student author provides what he thinks makes for success. You may or may not agree.
Too Funny for Words
What is so bleeping funny? This author, who is a son of a famous TV producer, has his views, and it appears that "Censorship" may just be the key to it. How could that be funny?

 

Mixed Methods to address a Writing Prompt
by student writers.
(includes writing prompts for each essay)

ICE1
Abuelita
College Students Have it Pretty Good
College Tuition
Dominos Pizza

The Debt Debate
Technology in the Workforce

ICE2

I Was Born With a Hammer

Machines
McDonald's vs Foxxes Diner

Mum, I'm Gay
ICE3
My Sister J

Student Apathy

The Desired Look
Evaluate an Experence

Glossary
All work is returned with feedback in the form of codes (such as RO, CSP, W, etc.) which indicate areas of need in your writing. They are explained in detail in the Glossary and include examples and corrections.
These codes generally focus on the following:
  • writing technique\methods\styles
  • parts of speech
  • all types of sentence errors
  • clauses
  • grammar

It is your job to learn what mistakes you are making and how not to make them again.

Sentences
The Parts of a Sentence
Sentences have several components. To write accurate grammatically correct sentences, writers should know and use them correctly. Without adhering to these sentence guidelines, your sentences may be just a pile of confused words.
Revising for Conciseness
Use only necessary words. Do not fluff up your sentences with needless and meaningless phrases and words. This page helps you learn to be  economical. Go over your work and try to eliminate words that are unnecessary and bothersome to the reader.
Words Words Words

Using words economically is important. On this page see how to make your writing less full of puffed up verbiage and more full of meaning.
Brief Guide to English Grammar & Punctuation
Here is a condensed easy to follow guide to all aspects of English grammar and punctuation
Basic Grammatical Requirements
Here is listed all requirements of College English writing students. Effective writing begins with accurate, clear, and correctly constructed sentences
Basic Elements of Writing
rhetorical methods
writing a great essay
unity
coherence
development

introductions 
conclusions

the writing process
Prewrite
prewriting strategies
topic selection
how to make an essay outline
main idea
argumentative outline
thesis
Writing Techniques
abstract\concrete
vivid\specific

argumentation
figurative language
literary devices
person
tone
References
diagram of an essay
English Dept. grading guide
essay length
explicit or Implied
how to interpret feedback
journal-summary
method-purpose
summary
summary & journal
prewrite journal
summary writing (Drew U)
writing summaries (Columbia U)