How to Think, Not Just Write: The Hidden Skill Behind Top English Students

Emily—Canadian PhD, university-level academic writing instructor

• PhD in social science (Canada)
• 30+ years of university-level English writing instruction
• Years teaching academic writing to Canadian high school and university students
• Specializes in academic writing, literary analysis, and essay coaching

Plenty of high schoolers aren't weak in English—their vocabulary, grammar, and reading are all fine—but when it comes to essay writing they get stuck in the same places: the thesis isn't clear, paragraphs don't connect logically, analysis stays on the surface, they're only “explaining content” instead of building an argument, and a long essay still lacks depth and persuasiveness. The real key to advanced English writing isn't writing “fluently”—it's the thinking behind it: can you raise a worthwhile point, truly understand what an author is saying, organize your ideas into a logical piece, and make a reader believe your analysis holds up? This session focuses on exactly that hidden layer, and on building the foundation for Grade 10–12 English, essay writing, and AP / IB coursework.

Best for Grade 10–12 students—especially those aiming to strengthen analytical English writing and essay writing, and to raise their performance in AP, IB, and high school English courses.