The Standard

Professor Shares His Essay-Writing Secrets

By Peter Downs

After a quarter century teaching university and college students how to write, Bernie Gaidosch can quickly spot an essay-induced panic.

There are the unmistakable signs of dread and anxiety as stressed-out students grapple with putting their thoughts to paper.

And it's a situation Gaidosch says he's witnessing far more often in his classrooms.

"I see this every year, every semester. There's desperation in the air," said the writing skills professor at George Brown College. "There are students tearing their hair out, sending up the white flag."

Gaidosch, 52, said he became so disheartened that he decided to write a manual to help students master the art of essay writing.

Gaidosch published the 161-page manual - The Professor's Secrets: Breaking the Silence - How to Write Essays and Term Papers.

Though many students possess the literacy skills to write well, they often do poorly because they don't understand the basic structure of an essay, said Gaidosch.

"The desperation and fear come from uncertainty about what it is they're trying to do," he said.

Gaidosch said his manual lays out clear steps to help high school, college and university students organize their thoughts into the essay structure.

Gaidosch's writing manual is not available in bookstores, but can be ordered toll-free by calling 1-877- 439-3999.

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