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✍️Essay on Success in 100,150 and 200 Words: The Power of Positive Mindset

• Updated on  
• Oct 26, 2023

The concept of success is very simple; if you invest your time wisely and work hard, you will achieve success in no time. But success is not as simple as it sounds; what might sound like success to one might not be the same for another person. It embodies the realization of one’s goals, aspirations, and desires, often accompanied by a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

Success is manifested in different aspects, such as career achievements, personal growth, or even the pursuit of happiness. It is a journey filled with determination, perseverance, and often a willingness to learn from both triumphs and setbacks. Ultimately, success is a subjective pursuit that reflects the unique path and definition of achievement for each person.

This Blog Includes:

What makes a person successful, essay on success in 100 words, essay on success in 150 words, essay on success in 200 words.

Being successful is very subjective and can vary from person to person. Therefore, here are some common factors which contribute to the success of a person.

• Hard Work and Persistence: Success requires effort and dedication and one has the ability to face challenges.
• Setting Clear Goals: It is very important for one to have specific and attainable goals which will provide direction and motivation. 
• Networking: The person should have the capability to build relations and at the same time be open to opportunities which strike. 
• Time Management: Managing time effectively and priorities is essential for productivity and progress. 
• Self-Discipline: One should be very focused and maintain self-control which will help them achieve long-term goals. 
• Management of Finances: Having a basic understanding of finances and managing them wisely is also very important for attaining financial success. 

Also Read: Essay on Water Conservation

Success is the culmination of dedication, hard work, and determination. It is not merely the achievement of material wealth, but the fulfilment of one’s goals and aspirations. Success varies from person to person; for some, it’s a thriving career, while for others, it could be having a harmonious family life. 

To attain success, individuals must set clear objectives, persevere through challenges, and learn from failures. Success often involves learning, adapting, and embracing change. It’s the result of resilience and the willingness to keep pushing forward. Ultimately, success is a personal journey, and its definition is unique to each individual.

Everybody wants to be successful in life, but are they willing to put in all their efforts? Success is not solely measured by wealth or fame but by achieving one’s goals and finding fulfilment. True success is often the result of determination, hard work, and resilience. Setting clear, achievable objectives and being persistent through challenges are crucial components.

Education is a common path to success, providing knowledge and skills that open doors to opportunities. Embracing failure as a stepping stone, learning from mistakes, and adapting to change are essential to achieving success. However, it’s important to recognize that success is subjective and can encompass a broader spectrum of achievements beyond material possessions.

Personal growth, happiness, and a sense of purpose are all part of success. Balancing personal and professional life is key to sustaining it. Ultimately, success is a journey, not a destination, and it’s about realizing your full potential and making a meaningful contribution to the world.

Also Read: Essay on Nature: In 100 Words, 200 Words, 300 Words

Success is a multifaceted concept, often defined by achieving one’s goals and aspirations. It is a subjective and deeply personal notion, as what constitutes success varies from person to person. However, a common thread in success is the continuous pursuit of one’s ambitions, combined with determination and hard work.

Success is not solely measured by material wealth, but rather by the fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from reaching one’s objectives. It is the result of setting clear goals, developing a plan, and facing all the challenges. The road to success is rarely smooth; it is often marked by setbacks and failures. These obstacles are crucial for personal growth, teaching valuable lessons that contribute to success in the long run.

Moreover, success is not an endpoint; it is a continuous journey. It requires adaptability and the willingness to learn and evolve. Success can be found in various aspects of life, from career achievements to personal relationships and self-fulfilment. It is the balance and harmony between these different facets that lead to a truly successful and meaningful life.

In conclusion, success is a complex and individualized concept, rooted in determination, hard work, resilience, and personal growth. It is not defined solely by external markers but by the fulfilment and happiness, one derives from their accomplishments and the journey to achieve them.

Related Articles

Writing an essay on success requires you to describe this multifaceted concept. Success is achieved when one’s goal and objective is attained. Those who are successful, have fulfilled their highest ambitions in life and work, or are actively striving towards doing so. 

Happiness does not follow success. Contrary to popular belief, living a life that makes you happy can help you achieve your goals and be content. 

You gain from success because it gives you the things you want or need. Setting and achieving attainable goals results in a feeling of well-being. 

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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Failures are the Pillars of Success Essay

As the old saying goes, one must not give up; keep fighting till the end. Likewise, only when somebody pursues victory tirelessly, they stand to win at some point in their lives. Everybody does not achieve success for the simple fact that they give up quickly. Just when victory was lying in wait, they stopped moving.

The road to success is a narrow path that is not often taken by many. One must take challenges head-on to achieve the desired result. Long Essays on Failures Are the Pillars of SuccessFailures teach us the best lessons in life. One cannot deny the fact that life is indeed a slow struggle. At times, one wonders if they can make it until the next day or not. In this essay on failure is the pillar of success; one learns that life gives a taste of both failures and success.

A man cannot always be successful in life, and none have achieved it so far. That is because failures tend to attack when nobody expects it in different forms. It can be in the form of financial or medical issues. Even successful men tend to fail after succeeding immensely in life. One must understand that failures highlight the drawbacks in the preparation. It is like a student appearing for an exam and scoring bad marks. Perhaps, his preparation was not adequate. 

There is no crime in making mistakes, but not learning from them, it certainly is. Even if one has failed several times, there is no harm in giving it another try. The story of KFC is often heard about. The true story is about the constant failures and struggles of Colonel Harland Sanders. But in the end, he is determined after failing more than 1000 times. He finally succeeds at the age of 65, which is considered retirement for many people. He did not feel bad when more than 1000 people rejected his recipe. Instead, he believed in his recipe and himself.

Faith and belief in oneself also help one to succeed. It just goes to show what determination, dedication, and ambition can do. Failures give another opportunity to come back with more vigor, energy, and preparation. In the paragraph on failures are the pillars of success, one can read about the likes of Abraham Lincoln and Steve Jobs. They carved their niche in the world. Abraham Lincoln lost several elections disastrously. Even his people gave up on him. He never let failure get the better of him and kept coming back strongly and fighting courageously. Steve Jobs, on the other hand, was removed from the company he founded.

Why do People Fail in the Journey of Success

As soon as you realize failure will always be part of life, the faster you will be able to learn from your mistakes. When you fail, there are two things you can do:

 (1)  Reason for failure and  try to make it work. Or 

 (2) To Realize it is never going to work, and then move on to the next idea.

Hence failures are part of life

Reasons for failure:

People don’t believe they can be successful in their lives.

Lack of perseverance and consistent efforts.

 Lack of humbleness.

If they are unable  to connect and build strong relationships.

If they are Easily distracted by the others 

Lack of vision.

Forgetting  of Past Mistakes. Should be done to make firm decisions for the future as they can't be changed.

Lack of self Discipline and self confidence at believing in themselves.

Failures are Essential to Unlock the Door  for Success.

Failure is inevitable in life but it gives us the chance to jump back, to learn from our mistakes, and helps us to enjoy success. Failure can be disturbing, however, as Winston Churchill reminded us, "success is all about going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”.

Failure Is the biggest and greatest Life’s Teacher in everyone's life.

Failure Will help You to reach  new heights and reveal new   potential for you.

Failure builds  Character and makes you humble.

Failure builds and molds you into a strong person. 

Three Ways To Grow From Failure

HumblenessAlways be humble in every situation. Confession of your mistakes will make you relieve yourself and let go of your ego so that you can concentrate on your future ventures.

Compassion. Acknowledging mistakes is upsetting, and almost unbearable but try to come out to start with a ray of hope and light.

Openness to learning.Always believe in the learning process .We fail because lack of proper learning.Upskilling yourself is the biggest investment you can make for yourself.

Steps to Get Success 

There are various  simple rules that you can follow to become truly successful.It entirely depends on a person as he might have his own way to get success.

Always be Passionate about doing things which you really love to do. 

Always work really hard for things which you really want to achieve.Good things are attained only through consistent efforts.

Always be good and try to be humble in any situation though it is really tough. 

Focusing on yourself is more important than focusing on what others are doing.

Always try to Push your Limits. 

Help and try to encourage others who are needed. 

Create new Ideas and don't be afraid to explore them because the world has so many opportunities where sky is the only limit.

FAQs on Failures are the Pillars of Success Essay

1. Why do people Crave for success?

We crave for Success just for gaining appreciation, fame, acceptance, and respect. These are the inspirations which make us think that we are happy when we achieve all of them. We feel we're loved, respected, contented, and happy. But even after this are we fully happy and content with what we have achieved?People love to be noticed in society at office and hence they really work hard to become successful.

2. Reasons why people don't succeed in life?

The  Reasons Why Some People Never Succeed in life 

• People  don't understand the value of time. They take everything for granted.
• They don't  have goals and they procrastinate.
• They never put efforts to do something .
• hey set their own limitations and don't try to take new efforts or take new decisions in their life.
• They make excuses and push them for the future.
• They don't keep up to their words.
• They always waste time and never concentrate on self growth or development.

3. What kind of problems can people face if they don't get success?

People feel depressed when they don't get success and they become distracted and sometimes develop suicidal tendencies.

There's no  proven  single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, depression occurs because of stressful life events, loss of love,  loss of beloved ones , divorce, illness,  and job or money issues. Different causes can often lead  to depression.

4. Should success and failures be taught to children?

Yes, we have to teach success and failures to our children right from childhood. We should also teach them that success and failures are part of our life journey. We should accept our failures in the same way as we accept our success. We should also teach children that failure  is part of life. We should teach them how to overcome failures by embracing them. Here are the following steps to be taught to children how to embrace once failure:

7 Ways to Teach Kids Failure Is a Great Thing.  

• Always Focus on a Growth of self, tit can be done by always thinking positive Mindset.

Failures occur only when you do something and always teach children that failing by doing things is always good rather than not trying at all.

• Embrace (and Celebrate) Failure. 
• Make them look at the positive side of things by encouraging them to work for things which they really love to do.

5. Can reading books help us to come out of failures?

Yes, reading books definitely helps us to come out of our failures. We get motivated by studying some good books if you are a book lover. No person in the world has attained success very easily. A  lot of patience and hard work goes into effort to attain success. Books are written by some people who have experienced this success in real life. Books inculcate a mind full of positivity and determination. Some books which really helpful are as follow:

Learning how to fly by APJ Abdul Kalam

 The power of subconscious mind 

Atomic habits

 Life is what you make it.

6. What Can One Learn from the Failures That Are the Pillars of a Successful Essay?

It is not a mistake to fall but to learn from the experience. Success does not come overnight but is a result of determination, hard work and perseverance. Failures help one learn from their mistakes and teach important lessons.

A true champion is the one who has fallen, broken, tolled and defeated But she comes back to win what she desperately wants. They know the real value of victory One can shape their destiny using this kind of attitude in life.

7. Does the Essay on Failure is the Pillar of Success and Talks Only About Successful People?

It talks about the attitude and mindset of how successful people embraced failures. They did not let losses in their helds affect them. Instead, they worked harder, bolder, and came back enthusiastically to finish their goals emphatically.

When one is tempted to run away from failures, they must remember that cowards walk away Heroes do not walk away, Rome was not built overnight. Likewise, a child did not get up and walk instantly. It took several falls and tears for that first step.

Success Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on success.

Success Essay- In today’s world everyone wants to be successful but what is a success. The perspective of success varies from person to person. For the record, the people before us have a different view on success and the person after us will have a different view on success.

Moreover, people compare different people performance to evaluate their success. But success is not something that you can copy from others. You have to make your own path to achieving success. In modern-day, people are obsessed with success because of the glamour and lifestyle of successful people .

What formulates a person successful?

There are many ways in the world to be successful. But most people think of celebrities, artist, politicians, and businessmen whenever they heard the word success.

Moreover, they think doing what they will make you successful but that not the case. They forget the most basic thing that makes a person successful that is their hard work, dedication, and the desire to achieve their dream. More importantly, they what they like to do not what that others told them to do. Successful people do what they like to do also they do what they feel correct for their business.

If you look in the dictionary for the meaning of the word success then you will find that it means the achievement of one’s goal or aim . So, basically, anyone can achieve success by simply achieving their aim or goal.

What is the harm of success?

We all knew that we can’t achieve something without sacrificing something. Success also demands various things from you. But these sacrifices will not go in vain if you achieve your goal.

Certainly, many people achieve professional success but in doing so they fail in achieving mental, social and physical success. The tension of lacking behind in other things pulls them apart.

Also, there are cases where people became so obsessed with success that the people around them start to feel uncomfortable around them. In some cases, they have gone mad. Apart from that, people also get depressed if they can’t achieve success like others. So, we can say that there is much harm to success.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Success and hard work

It may sound unfit to some peoples but success depends a lot of hard work. Without it, you can’t become successful. Hard work does not mean that you do laborious work or the work that make you sweat. Hard work means having a healthy body, strong mind, willpower and positive attitude towards things. And for all those things you need energy. So, be attentive to your body and soul.

Besides, do not just work on your program, push your limit, take charge of other things, improve your skills and most importantly keep learning. Apart from that, be with positive peoples, develop positive habits, and do exercise not only for the body but also for your mind.

To sum it up, we can say that success is like a seed that needs a balanced proportion of all the elements of life. And no one can achieve success in a day they have to go through and face different conditions in life for being successful. Above all, success is the feeling of fulfillment that you feel when you achieve your goal.

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Essay on Success

Success, a concept often chased yet seldom defined in absolute terms, varies from person to person. It is not just an end goal but a journey filled with challenges, learning, and personal growth. This essay delves into the multifaceted nature of success, exploring its various dimensions and offering insights into achieving it.

Traditionally, success has been associated with wealth, power, and fame. However, this perspective is narrow and one-dimensional. In reality, success is subjective and can be defined in myriad ways. For some, it may mean achieving personal goals, for others, making a positive impact on society. The beauty of success lies in its diversity of meanings.

Components of Success

• Hard Work and Dedication: The foundation of success is hard work and unwavering dedication. Stories of successful individuals across various fields underline the importance of persistence and effort. Whether it’s scientists making breakthrough discoveries or artists creating masterpieces, their success is rooted in relentless hard work.
• Learning from Failures: Success is not about never failing but learning from failures. Each failure is a lesson in disguise, offering invaluable insights and paving the way for future triumphs. Embracing failure as a part of the journey is crucial for anyone aspiring to succeed.
• Setting Realistic Goals: Goal setting is pivotal in the journey to success. It involves identifying clear, achievable objectives and working systematically towards them. These goals provide direction and a sense of purpose, essential for maintaining motivation.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: In an ever-changing world, adaptability is key to success. The ability to adjust strategies in response to new challenges and circumstances can make the difference between stagnation and growth.
• Self-Belief and Confidence: Believing in oneself is fundamental. Self-confidence empowers individuals to take risks and step out of their comfort zones, essential for achieving extraordinary success.
• Measuring Success
• Measuring success is as subjective as its definition. For some, it could be quantified in terms of career achievements or academic accolades. For others, it’s about personal satisfaction and happiness. The true measure of success is personal fulfillment – achieving what one set out to do and feeling content with the outcome.
• Pathways to Success
• Education and Continuous Learning: Education lays the groundwork for success. It equips individuals with knowledge and skills necessary in their chosen fields. However, learning shouldn’t stop with formal education. Continuous learning and upskilling are crucial in an ever-evolving world.
• Networking and Mentorship: Building a strong network and seeking mentorship can accelerate the journey to success. Networking opens doors to new opportunities, while mentors provide guidance, support, and invaluable advice based on their experiences.
• Hard Work and Perseverance: There is no substitute for hard work. Persistent efforts, even in the face of obstacles, often lead to success. It’s about staying the course and not giving up despite challenges.
• Maintaining Work-Life Balance: Success isn’t just professional achievements; it’s also about personal well-being. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustained success. It involves managing time efficiently and making room for hobbies, relationships, and relaxation.

Examples of Successful Individuals

• Steve Jobs: His journey with Apple Inc. is a testament to innovation, vision, and resilience. Despite facing setbacks, Jobs’s belief in his vision led to revolutionary products that changed the technology landscape.
• Malala Yousafzai: A young activist who turned a life-threatening attack into a global campaign for girls’ education, exemplifying that success can also be about impacting lives and making a difference.

Success in the Digital Age

• Digital Transformation: Start by explaining the concept of the digital age and how it has transformed various aspects of life, including work, communication, and education.
• Technological Advancements: Discuss the rapid technological advancements that have paved the way for success in the digital age. Highlight innovations in areas like artificial intelligence, automation, and connectivity.
• Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Explain how the digital age has democratized entrepreneurship. Online platforms, e-commerce, and social media have made it easier for individuals to start and grow businesses.
• Remote Work and Flexibility: Explore how the digital age has revolutionized the workplace, allowing for remote work and flexible schedules. Discuss the benefits and challenges of this shift.
• Digital Skills: Highlight the significance of acquiring digital skills in the modern world. Discuss how digital literacy, coding, data analysis, and other skills are in high demand and can enhance one’s career prospects.
• Online Education: Discuss the impact of online education and e-learning platforms. Explain how individuals can acquire knowledge and skills from anywhere in the world, leading to personal and professional growth.
• Innovation and Disruption: Address how the digital age has encouraged innovation and disruption across industries. Provide examples of companies that have disrupted traditional business models through technology.
• Data and Analytics: Explain the importance of data and analytics in decision-making. Discuss how businesses use data-driven insights to optimize operations and improve customer experiences.
• Challenges of the Digital Age: Acknowledge the challenges of the digital age, such as cybersecurity threats, privacy concerns, and information overload. Discuss the need for digital literacy in navigating these challenges.
• Work-Life Balance: Discuss the potential impact of the digital age on work-life balance. While technology offers flexibility, it can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life.
• Digital Divide: Address the digital divide, which refers to disparities in access to technology and digital resources. Discuss efforts to bridge this gap and ensure equal opportunities for success.
• Continuous Learning: Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the digital age. Success often requires staying updated with evolving technologies and trends.

In conclusion, Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s a personal journey that involves hard work, learning from failures, setting goals, and believing in oneself. It’s about finding what success means to you and pursuing it with dedication and resilience. Remember, success is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey and the person you become along the way.

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Book Title: Writing for Success

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Book Description: Writing for Success is a text that provides instruction in steps, builds writing, reading, and critical thinking, and combines comprehensive grammar review with an introduction to paragraph writing and composition. For questions about this textbook please contact [email protected]

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Writing for Success is adapted from a work produced by a publisher who has requested that they and the original author not receive attribution. This adapted edition is produced by the University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing through the eLearning Support Initiative. For questions about this textbook please contact [email protected]

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Essay on Success for Students in English [500 Words Essay]

January 2, 2021 by Sandeep

Essay on Success: Success is beyond power and fame. It is a sense of achievement that comes with a lot of hard work and perseverance. Good utilization of time leads to many opportunities. When we turn our dreams into actions, opportunities lead us to success. Realisation of our dreams and goals with the right motivation is the first step to success. We have to conquer our setbacks and struggles to walk on the path of success.

Essay on Success 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Success Essay in English, suitable for class 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Nowadays, everyone wants to be successful. People are so fascinated by the glamour of successful persons that they are obsessed with becoming successful. Everyone has a different viewpoint on success. To decide their success, people compare their achievements with other’s accomplishments. But it cannot be copied from others. A person should realize that there is no single formula to achieve success. Everyone has different goals and dreams, which means that there are various things and mindset by which we can feel better. Therefore, it is important to know what success is.

What is Success?

Success is defined by how satisfied and fun your life is. How glad you are in your life. What is your life without family and friends? Success is peace of mind. Therefore, be very satisfied with the experience, made an effort to do your best and become what you are capable of becoming.

How to Achieve Success

Overnight success is not possible. To be a successful person, you have to work hard with dedication and constancy. You need to choose whether you want to be successful or not. Numerous habits can be practised to become successful and build a life you always wanted.

• Set your goals and take risks to achieve them
• Always be surrounded by successful people
• Go with your gut and flow of things
• You should not have any distractions as your time is limited
• Be appropriate and up to date
• Accept the failures are temporary and learn from it
• Believe in yourself and abilities
• Do time management and be patient and calm
• Work on your weaknesses and check your progress
• Work hard and always be bound by time
• Remain dedicated to the goal and give your 100%
• Identify the important thing and try to complete them first
• Don’t be scared to take the leap and never quit

Difference Between Success and Failure

Many people think that there is a lot of difference between success and failure. However, the reality is that they are very much closer than you think. The difference between the two is your attitude towards them, how well you handle them. When you get success, you become happy, and it changes your perception of everything. To realize that you are successful in something is only after failure is known. Without failure, there cannot be any success. That is because to succeed, you need to have the ability to cope up with failure and convert your failure to success.

The main difference between success and failure is calmness and consistency. Those who succeed and those who are not able to succeed is that they remain calm to their little progress and continue to be consistent even if they failed. Both are good, and you just have learned how to deal with them. Failure motivates you to keep going, provided your mindset is positive. People who learn to deal with them are always happy and become successful.

The Relation Between Success and Hard work

There are plenty of resources available to be successful, often called ‘secrets to success,’ but there is one thing without which you cannot see ongoing success, and that is hard work. Success is something, which does not happen by chance or overnight. It takes consistent hard work to get there. This means you need to be focused and committed to your work without any distractions, no urges of fast results, being calm, and believing in yourself. In the end, it is all about how hard you have worked to reach your goal. However, to invest your time and energy, you will need to understand precisely why hard work matters.

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1.9: Writing for Success: Narration

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This section will help you determine the purpose and structure of narration in writing.

The Purpose of Narrative Writing

Narration means the art of storytelling, and the purpose of narrative writing is to tell stories. Any time you tell a story to a friend or family member about an event or incident in your day, you engage in a form of narration. In addition, a narrative can be factual or fictional. A factual story is one that is based on, and tries to be faithful to, actual events as they unfolded in real life. A fictional story is a made-up, or imagined, story; the writer of a fictional story can create characters and events as he or she sees fit.

The big distinction between factual and fictional narratives is based on a writer’s purpose. The writers of factual stories try to recount events as they actually happened, but writers of fictional stories can depart from real people and events because the writers’ intents are not to retell a real-life event. Biographies and memoirs are examples of factual stories, whereas novels and short stories are examples of fictional stories.

Know Your Purpose

Because the line between fact and fiction can often blur, it is helpful to understand what your purpose is from the beginning. Is it important that you recount history, either your own or someone else’s? Or does your interest lie in reshaping the world in your own image—either how you would like to see it or how you imagine it could be? Your answers will go a long way in shaping the stories you tell.

Ultimately, whether the story is fact or fiction, narrative writing tries to relay a series of events in an emotionally engaging way. You want your audience to be moved by your story, which could mean through laughter, sympathy, fear, anger, and so on. The more clearly you tell your story, the more emotionally engaged your audience is likely to be.

The Structure of a Narrative Essay

Major narrative events are most often conveyed in chronological order, the order in which events unfold from first to last. Stories typically have a beginning, a middle, and an end, and these events are typically organized by time. Certain transitional words and phrases aid in keeping the reader oriented in the sequencing of a story. Some of these phrases are listed here:

Chronological Transitional Words

Other basic components of a narrative are:

• Plot – The events as they unfold in sequence.
• Characters – The people who inhabit the story and move it forward. Typically, there are minor characters and main characters. The minor characters generally play supporting roles to the main character, also known as the protagonist.
• Conflict – The primary problem or obstacle that unfolds in the plot that the protagonist must solve or overcome by the end of the narrative. The way in which the protagonist resolves the conflict of the plot results in the theme of the narrative.
• Theme – The ultimate message the narrative is trying to express; it can be either explicit or implicit.

Writing a Narrative Essay

When writing a narrative essay, start by asking yourself if you want to write a factual or fictional story. Then freewrite, brainstorm, or mindmap about topics that are of general interest to you. For more information about pre-writing, review the materials in “My Writing Process – Prewriting and Draft.”

Once you have a general idea of what you will be writing about, you should sketch out the major events of the story that will compose your plot. Typically, these events will be revealed chronologically and climax at a central conflict that must be resolved by the end of the story. The use of strong details is crucial as you describe the events and characters in your narrative. You want the reader to emotionally engage with the world that you create in writing.

Keep the Senses in Mind

To create strong details, keep the human senses in mind. You want your reader to be immersed in the world that you create, so focus on details related to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch as you describe people, places, and events in your narrative.

As always, it is important to start with a strong introduction to hook your reader into wanting to read more. Try opening the essay with an event that is interesting to introduce the story and get it going. Finally, your conclusion should help resolve the central conflict of the story and impress upon your reader the ultimate theme of the piece.

Narratives Tell A Story

Every day, you relate stories to other people through simple exchanges. You may have had a horrible experience at a restaurant the night before, or you may have had some good news you are ready to share. In each one of these experiences there’s a story, and when you begin to share a personal experience, you often communicate in a narrative mode.

Although narratives can vary widely, most share several common features. Generally, storytellers establish:

• Characters , the person/people (sometimes they are animals) the story is about, which may include the storyteller
• Conflict , or struggle in the story, that builds their audience’s interest
• Details , or descriptions, that appeal to the  senses  of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste
• A sequence  of  events  in a  plot , or order of what happens in the story, that keeps the audience engaged as the story unfolds
• Reflection of events around a  theme , or unifying idea, for telling the story

Narratives of Love and War

Consider two narratives that couldn’t be more different—a tale of love and a story of war: John Hodgman’s sweet, geeky tale of falling in love and Emmanuel Jal’s story of being a child soldier and learning to forgive his enemies. Review these videos below then engage in a discussion following the directions as listed.

John Hodgman: A Brief Digression on Matters of Lost Time

A YouTube element has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view it online here: http://pb.libretexts.org/temp/?p=1439

Emmanuel Jal: The Music of a War Child

Narrative Essay Example

Read the following example of a narrative essay. Note how it reflects the basic components and common features of narratives, as discussed above.

My College Education

By Scott McLean, in Writing for Success

The first class I went to in college was philosophy, and it changed my life forever. Our first assignment was to write a short response paper to the Albert Camus essay “The Myth of Sisyphus.” I was extremely nervous about the assignment as well as college. However, through all the confusion in philosophy class, many of my questions about life were answered.

I entered college intending to earn a degree in engineering. I always liked the way mathematics had right and wrong answers. I understood the logic and was very good at it. So when I received my first philosophy assignment that asked me to write my interpretation of the Camus essay, I was instantly confused. What is the right way to do this assignment, I wondered? I was nervous about writing an incorrect interpretation and did not want to get my first assignment wrong. Even more troubling was that the professor refused to give us any guidelines on what he was looking for; he gave us total freedom. He simply said, “I want to see what you come up with.”

Full of anxiety, I first set out to read Camus’s essay several times to make sure I really knew what was it was about. I did my best to take careful notes. Yet even after I took all these notes and knew the essay inside and out, I still did not know the right answer. What was my interpretation? I could think of a million different ways to interpret the essay, but which one was my professor looking for? In math class, I was used to examples and explanations of solutions. This assignment gave me nothing; I was completely on my own to come up with my individual interpretation.

Next, when I sat down to write, the words just did not come to me. My notes and ideas were all present, but the words were lost. I decided to try every prewriting strategy I could find. I brainstormed, made idea maps, and even wrote an outline. Eventually, after a lot of stress, my ideas became more organized and the words fell on the page. I had my interpretation of “The Myth of Sisyphus,” and I had my main reasons for interpreting the essay. I remember being unsure of myself, wondering if what I was saying made sense, or if I was even on the right track. Through all the uncertainty, I continued writing the best I could. I finished the conclusion paragraph, had my spouse proofread it for errors, and turned it in the next day simply hoping for the best.

Then, a week or two later, came judgment day. The professor gave our papers back to us with grades and comments. I remember feeling simultaneously afraid and eager to get the paper back in my hands. It turned out, however, that I had nothing to worry about. The professor gave me an A on the paper, and his notes suggested that I wrote an effective essay overall. He wrote that my reading of the essay was very original and that my thoughts were well organized. My relief and newfound confidence upon reading his comments could not be overstated.

What I learned through this process extended well beyond how to write a college paper. I learned to be open to new challenges. I never expected to enjoy a philosophy class and always expected to be a math and science person. This class and assignment, however, gave me the selfconfidence, critical-thinking skills, and courage to try a new career path. I left engineering and went on to study law and eventually became a lawyer. More important, that class and paper helped me understand education differently. Instead of seeing college as a direct stepping stone to a career, I learned to see college as a place to first learn and then seek a career or enhance an existing career. By giving me the space to express my own interpretation and to argue for my own values, my philosophy class taught me the importance of education for education’s sake. That realization continues to pay dividends every day.

Key Takeaways

• Narration is the art of storytelling.
• Narratives can be either factual or fictional. In either case, narratives should emotionally engage the reader.
• Most narratives are composed of major events sequenced in chronological order.
• Time transition words and phrases are used to orient the reader in the sequence of a narrative.
• The four basic components to all narratives are plot, character, conflict, and theme.
• The use of sensory details is crucial to emotionally engaging the reader.
• A strong introduction is important to hook the reader. A strong conclusion should add resolution to the conflict and evoke the narrative’s theme.

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Business English for Success

(8 reviews)

Scott McLean, Arizona Western College

Copyright Year: 2011

ISBN 13: 9781453320181

Publisher: Saylor Foundation

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Sumeeta Patnaik, English Language Program Manager, Marshall University on 11/22/21

Business English for Success covers all aspects of business writing discussed in the classroom. The book is available in PDF and Online in the web browser. I preferred the online web browser because the table of contents had clickable links. This... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Business English for Success covers all aspects of business writing discussed in the classroom. The book is available in PDF and Online in the web browser. I preferred the online web browser because the table of contents had clickable links. This will allow students to click on the pages they would need to work on for that assignment. At the top of the page, there are clickable links for the student can click to the next section or go back to the table of contents. Each section has learning objectives and each point is reinforced by charts and tables.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate, error-free and unbiased. In the preface, the authors provide a link to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab to allow students to have more practice on the grammar and mechanical rules discussed in the book. There were no content or grammatical errors that I could find. Finally, there was no cultural bias toward any specific group that I could find. The content and supporting exercises provide students, from any background, with practices that focus on business writing.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The content is up-to-date except for the business writing in action (Chapter 13) and APA and MLA documentation and formatting (Chapter 14). As this book was published in 2012, there have been updates to the APA style guide and business writing has evolved to meet the needs of a digital format. In addition, if I was using this book, I would include a supplemental section on using multimedia in business writing.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is written in Standard American English. While there may be specific words that are difficult for students, like memorandums and resumes, most of the language is accessible for students with English proficiency at the intermediate and advanced levels.

Consistency rating: 5

The text in the textbook is consistent and the framework makes it easy for students to be able to find their content and assignments.

Modularity rating: 5

The textbook is well-organized and within the text, there are references to different sections that provide support for the student.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics in the text are well-organized. Each topic begins with a learning outcome, then the content explanation, following by a table or chart or graph that breaks down the information and finally, students will have a choice of exercises to practice the outcomes.

Interface rating: 5

There is no significant interface issues within the textbook.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

There are no grammatical errors in this textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

There was no culturally insensitive or offensive in any way.

I plan to use this textbook for the Career Education course that I will be teaching in 2022. I will be supplementing chapter 13 and Chapter 14.

Reviewed by Michael Tsai, Assistant Professor, Kapiolani Community College on 4/23/21

Business English for Success is comprehensive in its coverage of writing fundamentals, the writing process, and principles of good writing. The lessons are clear, concise and relevant to student-level writers in a variety of writing situations.... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Business English for Success is comprehensive in its coverage of writing fundamentals, the writing process, and principles of good writing. The lessons are clear, concise and relevant to student-level writers in a variety of writing situations. However, the book may not be sufficient as a primary text in a business writing class due to limited content specific to the principles, purposes, conventions and assumptions of workplace writing. The text correctly highlights how its lessons may be generally applied to business writing but eight of the fourteen chapters are geared for more general writing instruction. Just one chapter — “Business Writing in Action” – provides direct instruction on the major types of business documents and formats. There is no substantive instruction on the underlying principles of business writing or specific strategies for business writing situations.

The content is consistent with standard English instruction and in keeping with established business writing principles.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The text provides useful instruction on the best ways to use the most typical modes of electronic business communication – email and text – but does not substantively address any other electronic media or platforms. Given fast and continual advances in technology, this will keep the text from becoming quickly obsolete. However, a section addressing business communication via established social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter would have been a nice inclusion.

The text is written in clear, accessible language. Technical terms are clearly explained and elaborated upon with relevant examples as necessary. The semi-formal/informal tone is particularly well suited for undergraduate students.

Strong organizational cohesion provides for great consistency in presentation throughout the book. Students will be able work within the structure of concise, well-defined lessons and exercises with growing familiarity and comfort.

The book is structured for cumulative effect yet its suitability of its individual chapters and sections for use as standalone lessons of its primary strengths. The grammar and punctuation lessons and exercises can be referenced for students needing remedial help in introductory and advanced college-level courses. The business-writing sections can also be assigned out of sequence to align with existing business writing curricula either as a primary text or supplemental material.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The proportion of remedial English instruction to content that is specific to busines writing notwithstanding, the overall content logically builds upon itself, making it easy for students to clarify understandings by working backwards. Learning objectives are clearly stated and exercises are offered at appropriate intervals. As the initial chapter devoted to business writing, however, Ch. 9 seems to restart the process by addressing written communication and principles of good writing in general (material that might be better presented in earlier chapters) rather than introducing business writing as a discrete area of composition and drawing a distinction between it and other forms of written communication.

Interface rating: 4

The web version is easy to navigate although text on the flowcharts is very small and requires the reader to zoom in to read properly. These charts would be difficult to view on a smartphone, as some students do. It would also be helpful to have a search function.

The text and accompanying graphics are grammatically accurate and virtually error-free.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text does not reflect any specific effort to be broadly representative of different races, ethnicities, backgrounds, etc., but it also does not contain any material that might be construed as insensitive or offensive with regard to culture, race, gender, socio-economic status or other demographic.

Reviewed by Austin Bennett, Writing Faculty, Montana State University – Billings on 4/30/19

Of the textbook's 14 chapters, only five (9-13) are specific to business writing. Hence, it acts as a limited survey. The first eight chapters, reproduced from Mclean's Writing for Success, seem more pertinent to a remedial writing course with... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

Of the textbook's 14 chapters, only five (9-13) are specific to business writing. Hence, it acts as a limited survey. The first eight chapters, reproduced from Mclean's Writing for Success, seem more pertinent to a remedial writing course with topics such as grammar, punctuation, writing paragraphs, and so on. (Undoubtedly some of these topics are reviewed within a 100 level business writing class, but to a lesser extent.) With that said, both the online and PDF formats have table of contents, but no index or glossary for terms--even though many terms are underlined or boldfaced.

Overall, the content is accurate and error-free. If there is a bias, the content leans toward a rhetorician's background.

As mentioned in other reviews, the content is fairly up-to-date, but some of the examples (i.e. Twilight, Tony Hawk, etc.) will age quickly. More importantly, it is obvious when the textbook's audience changes from a student of business writing to one of composition. This creates a general disconnect that the instructor must navigate.

Clarity rating: 4

Though the text utilizes plain language and defines technical terms, it is sometimes either too fragmented (beginning chapters) or too dense (later chapters). This might cause some accessibility issues.

Overall, the textbook utilizes a strong framework per chapter: learning objectives, definition and explanation, examples, exercises, and takeaways.

Each chapter contains several sections: anywhere from three to nine. Later chapters contain sections that can easily support individual lesson plans.

The textbook builds upon itself from basic concepts universal to any writing situation (i.e. grammar) to more complex and subject specific concepts (i.e. the principles of good business writing). Though the hierarchical structure can be questioned, the logical flow is fairly coherent and is rather strong for chapters 10-12 ("Writing Preparation," "Writing," and "Revising and Presenting Your Writing"). Unlike many textbooks that touch upon the writing process and move on to the next topic, Mclean uses three separate chapters to integrate and contextualize the writing process specific to business writing. To me, this is the strength of this textbook.

Interface rating: 3

The PDF version has a stronger interface than the online version; even though its table of contents is hidden within the bookmarks button. The online version has accessibility issues (i.e. font size, broken hyperlinks, pseudo-hyperlinks, unreadable diagrams, etc.) and footnote issues: the full reference appears in-text.

Besides a few typos, there are no grammar errors observed.

Neutral. One chapter is dedicated to English Language Learners.

First, Saylor Academy published this textbook along with Mclean's other textbooks. Hence, it has a gatekeeper. Second, it is robust and could easily be used for both remediation and a 100 level college course (think co-requisite model). Third, Mclean tries to limit prescriptive advice. Hence, practical advice is limited. Fourth, this textbook cannot stand alone--at least not for a 100 level college business writing course. If adopted, instructors will need to add a considerable amount of supplemental material.

Reviewed by Diane Shingledecker, Full Time Computer Applications Instructor, Portland Community College on 8/2/18

The book does not contain an index or a glossary. It does contain well-defined chapter sections which are helpful. I couldn’t find a way to search the text in the Saylor online reader which was frustrating. I had to download the text as a PDF... read more

The book does not contain an index or a glossary. It does contain well-defined chapter sections which are helpful. I couldn’t find a way to search the text in the Saylor online reader which was frustrating. I had to download the text as a PDF and search by pulling it up in Adobe Acrobat.

The text contains many of the subjects covered in our Business English course that includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, and proofreading. It includes only sparse information on noun plurals and possessives. It does not include rules for numbers, money, numbers in dates, related numbers in a sentence, numbers used with nouns and abbreviations, weights & measure, or percentages. It does not contain an extensive list of spelling words, but it does include 19 confused words, 10 confusing homonyms, and tips for improving spelling.

On the more positive side, it does include a section on how to determine whether to use a text message, email message, fax, memo, letter, report, or proposal in business. This is a very valuable section that I have not seen in other similar textbooks.

The text is written in a clear, straight-forward style that is accurate and easy to understand. The grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules that we teach in our Business Editing class are accurately stated here.

The text is up-to-date in its examples, resources, and references. However, a few of the additional resources that provide web addresses are already out of date (I got a website not found or other error when I clicked on the link). References to current books, movies, and world events should continue to be relevant in the near future, but may need to be updated periodically. This does not include the rules of grammar, punctuation, etc. that do not change frequently, but rather the stories and examples that flesh out the rules. Some references are timeless such as references to the Wizard of OZ and, I suspect, Harry Potter; but references to the Twilight movies and 9/11 may become outdated.

There is also a section on slang and idioms that will need to be updated over time.

The book is written in easy to manage sections which would allow rules and examples to be added, updated, or deleted. It would be a little more time consuming to review all the “secondary text” of stories and examples to see what had become dated and needed to be updated.

There are separate sections for additional resources that should be reviewed regularly to check for updated websites – and to add more up-to-date sources.

The text is written in prose that is easy to understand. Sometimes, however, I found that it was a little sparse, and I would have liked a beefed up explanation or additional example. This could clearly be supplemented through in-class teaching or additional online materials.

For example, I use proofreading marks extensively in my class; and while the text refers to using these marks in proofreading and even asks students to use them in an assignment in the text, it does not include a list of them within the proofreading section or in an appendix at the end of the book.

The text does a good job of using consistent terminology and layout. It would be easy for students to follow the format/framework of the text from section to section and chapter to chapter.

I compared the book’s layout/sections to the topics I teach in my course outline and list of grammar rules, and it would be easy to break the book down into sections to use with the way I have presented the class in the past. (I teach with a separate reference book, HOW, and it looked like the combination of the two would work well – and the two would actually complement each other.) It looked like I could easily even eliminate sections I don’t teach in my course and re-organize it a bit to better fit the order I teach topics. Adding missing topics such as punctuation in numbers seemed to be straight forward since the layout & framework was consistent and easy to build on.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

Overall, the book’s organization/structure/flow seemed logical. That said – I had to piece together the words I would use for spelling from several places – one section on confused words & another section on confusing homonyms. I also teach a lesson on using reference materials, and I found references to using dictionaries and other reference materials scattered throughout the text.

The interface did not have any image distortion or other significant issues. As stated earlier, it did lack an easy way to look up information on a specific topic since it did not have a Search option, index or glossary.

I did not find any grammatical errors in this text as would be expected in a text about grammar, punctuation, etc.

The book incorporates a wide variety of diverse names and examples that were inclusive of races, gender, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The examples of business situations, documents, etc. were up-to-date and inclusive.

The exercises throughout the book instructed students to “copy each sentence onto your own piece of paper” or “Copy onto notebook paper”. This just won’t work in a classroom in 2018! Students, and teachers, expect assignments like this to be electronic through a fillable form or some other vehicle that would facilitate students’ completing the exercises online or on a computer.

The book did not come with any answer keys or ancillary resources within the text itself on the Saylor website. I did try to contact the author, but I have not heard back about this.

Reviewed by Laura Foss, Faculty, Minnesota State College Southeast on 4/11/17

Business English for Success covers topics from punctuation to complete sentences, from the writing process to effective business writing, and everything in between. It is a great fit for basic college writing course or business communications... read more

Business English for Success covers topics from punctuation to complete sentences, from the writing process to effective business writing, and everything in between. It is a great fit for basic college writing course or business communications course.

Content is accurate and error-free.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

English rules and writing principles presented in this text align with the academic and business world and are relevant in today’s classrooms and workplaces as well as those of tomorrow.

Text is written in an unassuming voice and provides clarity through introductions, definitions, explanations, and examples.

Consistent framework throughout.

Each chapter is broken down into multiple sub-topics. Instructors can easily pick and choose specific chapters or topics to cover.

Each chapter/topic begins with an objective followed by definitions and explanations, excellent examples, tips, exercises, and takeaways. Consistent flow throughout book.

PDF and Online versions available. The PDF allows students to download the text directly to their computer to access anytime and allows for electronic highlighting. The online version provides additional navigation features allowing the reader to move swiftly from chapter to chapter and back to table of contents.

Employs the proper English and grammar it teaches; error-free.

Chapter 4, Help for English Language Learners, is a worthwhile section in this textbook providing non-native speaking/writing students additional help when learning to use standard, formal English.

Overall, Business English for Success is a text that would work well as stand alone textbook or as support material in a college writing or business writing/communications course. Today’s business-world requires top-notch business communication for effectiveness and efficiency. Lessons taught in this text can be used to improve the skillset of those pursuing a future in the business world.

Reviewed by Rosemary Golini, Instructor, Rhode Island College on 4/11/17

Business English for Success is a very comprehensive textbook for the expansive content that it covers and the logical sequence that it follows. Beginning chapters deal with constructing sentences and paragraphs - basic units of any piece of... read more

Business English for Success is a very comprehensive textbook for the expansive content that it covers and the logical sequence that it follows. Beginning chapters deal with constructing sentences and paragraphs - basic units of any piece of writing such as essays and business documents. Other subjects covered include punctuation, grammar, and using words correctly - basic components of clear and accurate writing. Subsequent chapters build on these basic elements of writing. Students are offered many strategies and techniques to make their writing more effective. These include variation of style and syntax and parallelism. Activities and exercises throughout the chapters are designed to translate theory into practice. They are very student-centered, giving students the opportunity to be active participants in their own learning. Moreover, each chapter has a "Writing at Work" section that connects the content of the chapter to issues of written communication in the workplace. The chapter on Writing as a Process is very useful to students of all writing levels. Approaching writing not just as a product but as a process underscores the connection between critical thinking and writing. Stages such as outlining, drafting, revising, and editing teach students valuable strategies for producing an effective piece of writing. Also, the chapter on English Language Learners illustrates the usefulness of the text to diverse learners and their needs. A strength of this textbook is the chapter dealing with effective business writing - from its features and qualities to its documents and formats. The text presents a very concrete overview - including strategies, skills, and tips for becoming an effective business writer. The chapter on research strategies (including documentation and formatting) is very useful and relevant in connection with workplace documents such as proposals and reports. Business English for Success is well-suited to a Business Writing course or a Professional Writing course. It can accommodate the needs of different writing levels, from students who need basic instruction to those who are good writers; and aspire to be even more effective.

The instructional content of this textbook is very concrete and accurate. Grammar, punctuation, and word choice presentations conform to rules and practices of standard English. Content presented on communication strategies and skills in business are very reflective of those found in the workplace.

The content of this text is very relevant to the type of knowledge and set of strategies and techniques needed to be a successful business writer in today's workplace. The text is designed and arranged in such a way that any updates could be easily implemented. For example, this might be the case with issues of technology such as computer-supported collaboration and various electronic communication in the workplace.

This textbook is written in a very clear manner. Learning objectives are presented in each chapter, giving direction to the subjects being covered. The language used is contemporary, easy to understand, and accessible. It is definitely directed toward the needs and understanding of its student audience.

This text is internally consistent in terms of how chapters and subchapters are arranged. Content is presented in a very coherent way. The text also contains several consistent patterns in each chapter. Consistent patterns of various mechanical devices and boldface typography contribute to the readability and emphasis of the chapters. Each chapter also has sections on Learning Objectives, Exercises, and Key Takeaways. These appear consistently in each chapter.

Each chapter of this textbook is divided into numbered and labeled subheadings. The content of the subheadings is divided into several reading sections. Each subheading is followed by Learning Objectives which give meaning and direction to the content of the chapter. Each chapter also contains Exercises which are designed to engage students in various activities and projects related to the material of the chapter. The smaller reading sections of the chapters could be assigned at different points within the course. The Exercises could constitute various homework assignments, or a project over time.

The topics in this textbook are presented in a logical sequence - starting with the writing basics and moving to information, strategies, and skills necessary for essay writing and effective business writing. Each section of the text has a logical connection to the next, and ideas flow smoothly. The consistent structure of each chapter adds to the textbook's clarity.

The textbook is easy to navigate - both within chapters and from one chapter to another. Tables and Figures are used in chapters. They enhance key points in a visually appealing way (color, design) and add to overall meaning. Variation of typography and mechanical devices are used effectively for clarity and emphasis.

Grammatical errors were not found in the textbook.

The textbook uses a variety of examples and scenarios throughout the chapters and exercises. They are culturally sensitive and relevant.

Business English for Success is a very effective textbook. Its content contains topics designed to meet the writing needs of its users. Teachers will find the logically sequenced content very adaptable to meeting class objectives and student needs. Students will find the text easy to read, the tips very useful, and the exercises very interesting. The variety of exercises and their connection to the workplace and real world communication issues is very relevant. In many of these exercises, students can collaborate with their peers. The skills and strategies learned in regard to writing can be easily transferred to the workplace. In this sense, this textbook is very relevant.

Reviewed by Rebekah Dodson, Adjunct Instructor, Klamath Community College on 8/21/16

Table of contents is easy to follows and logically organized. read more

Table of contents is easy to follows and logically organized.

Book is accurate, error free, and unbiased.

Content is up to date on grammar and composition as well as workplace writing including a brief section on e-mail writing, but would like more technical information on workplace writing.

Jargon and technical terminology are applied in a clear and concise manner, without pretentious tone. Impressed with the level of student-friendly language, which is a fresh approach considering the dense verbal information of most academic textbooks.

The book uses consistent terminology for grammar and phrases throughout.

This book could easily be used for four or five writing courses. The sections are easily broken into grammar, composition, and technical communication in the workplace.

Information is presented logically, starting with simple grammar instruction that progresses to composition and workplace writing.

The book has tables that demonstrate grammatical issues but does not distract from the interface.

No grammar errors.

The text did not seem offensive in any way, however, it is clearly written from an American standpoint with the issues of grammar and workplace writing.

This book would be good for developmental English or as a supplement to a lower level of English composition. I would be interested in using this book for a level 100 intro to technical communication course that covers grammar and building workplace communication like letters, emails, and memos. Don't let the title Business English fool you, this book is a comprehensive guide to English both in and out of the workplace.

Reviewed by Christine Discoe, Faculty , Colorado State University on 1/7/16

Business English for Success is a comprehensive beginning college or upper division high-school level book which delves deeply into not only writing basics, but also how to write in a business context. This book would be suitable for... read more

Business English for Success is a comprehensive beginning college or upper division high-school level book which delves deeply into not only writing basics, but also how to write in a business context. This book would be suitable for beginning-level writers who need to develop understanding of how good writing skills apply to business writing. There are 14 chapters; the first nine chapters are about basic writing topics--sentence structure, commonly misused words, grammar, verb tense--and include excellent exercises to reinforce the topics, as well as writing prompts (there is also an excellent and useful chapter specifically for Language Learners). Additionally, each of these chapters have a brief section that relates to business writing, so the student builds up a deep sense of how basic writing skills are related to clear, concise business writing. Chapters 10-14 focus on Business writing, including sections on research, ethics, texting, formatting and plagiarism. The final chapters progress from planning to write, research, how to write a thesis to finally, proper use of APA and MLA citations Each chapter has examples and writing prompts that aid understanding the topics. Additionally, there are excellent lists of helpful websites for each section; for example, links showing various formats for business proposals, reviews of "netiquette" and proofreading website help. The chapters in this textbook are easy to follow and similarly formatted throughout. Business English teachers would find the examples and prompts especially useful.

Business English for Success is up-to-date and relevant for today's business students. One problem was found: throughout the book, there are short paragraphs where specific aspects are highlighted, and according to the text, these sections are "underlined". However, the text does not show underlining at all, so occasionally, the text is hard to follow, particularly in the section about topic sentences. Except this omission, the book is error-free.

The textbook relates directly to today's business students, particularly in the sections about formatting, analyzing validity of web sources, the importance of texting and "netiquette". In addition, the textbook gives timeless and straightforward tips and explanation of basic good writing.

Business Writing for Success is easy to read, and would be easy to teach from.

Business Writing for Success follows a similar format throughout its 600 pages, including exercises for each section, writing prompts, connection to Business writing as well as a summary "Key Takeaways" for each chapter. This would make an easy and accessible study guide for students.

Most of the textbook could be assigned at different points within a course, although some chapters are written without too many subheadings. This doesn't mean that the text is hard to read.

Business English for Success is easy to follow and delves deep into many topics important to students of writing.

Some example texts are difficult to read (the font size is light colored) and some charts are set too small. These problems are few.

No grammatical errors found.

Business English for Success employes excellent, varied and culturally sensitive examples.

Business English for Success is deeply comprehensive--covering a wide range of topics, such as writers block, thinking about reading, and common mistakes in writing, and so is interesting and useful beyond the standard business writing textbook. Business English for Success covers the A-Z of how to write, and would be an asset to most writing teachers, or specifically to Business Writing teachers.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Writing Basics: What Makes a Good Sentence?
• Chapter 2: Punctuation
• Chapter 3: Working with Words: Which Word Is Right?
• Chapter 4: Help for English Language Learners
• Chapter 5: Writing Paragraphs: Separating Ideas and Shaping Content
• Chapter 6: Refining Your Writing: How Do I Improve My Writing Technique?
• Chapter 7: The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?
• Chapter 8: Writing Essays: From Start to Finish
• Chapter 9: Effective Business Writing
• Chapter 10: Writing Preparation
• Chapter 11: Writing
• Chapter 12: Revising and Presenting Your Writing
• Chapter 13: Business Writing in Action
• Chapter 14: APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Business English for Success is a creative solution to a common challenge across Business Communication courses: Business English or Business Presentations? Some classes place an equal emphasis on oral and written communication. If that's the case for you check out our text Business Communication for Success. If, however, your class places the emphasis squarely on written communication and writing proficiency, then Business English for Success is for you.

Business English for Success provides instruction in steps, builds writing, reading, and critical thinking, and combines comprehensive grammar review with an introduction to paragraph writing and composition. This step-by-step approach provides a clear path to student-centered learning. A wide range of writing levels and abilities are addressed, helping each student prepare for the next writing or university course.

The text opens with a discussion on the sentence and then breaks it down into its elemental components, before reconstructing them into effective sentences, paragraphs, and larger assignments. Then, starting in Chapter 9: Effective Business Writing, the discussion applies lessons learned from the previous foundational chapters into common business issues and applications. From paraphrasing and plagiarism to style to the research process, the expectations increase as several common business documents are presented, including text messages and e-mail, memorandums and letters, the business proposal, business report, resume, and the sales message.

This textbook has been used in classes at: Arizona Western College, Hostos Community College, Virginia State University, Truckee Meadows Community College, San Jose State University, Concordia University - Irvine, University New Brunswick - Fredericton, Cerritos College, University of Houston - Downtown, Flat World Knowledge University, A-C Central High School, University of The People, Truckee Meadows Community College, Danville Community High School

About the Contributors

Scott McLean is an Associate Professor of Communication, including Journalism and English, at Arizona Western College in a combined campus partnership with the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University-Yuma. He also served as the 2007-2011 Shadle-EdgeCombe Endowed Faculty Chair.

Scott is the author of “The Basics of Speech Communication” and “The Basics of Interpersonal Communication,” both currently published by Allyn & Bacon. He is also the author of “Business Communication for Success,” “Writing for Success” and “Business English for Success” with Flat World Knowledge, and has published in peer-reviewed journals, classic car magazines, and newspapers.

From his experience working with students at the community college and undergraduate level, including English 95 (development), 100 (college prep), 101 (composition and argumentation), 102 (literature and analysis), and 350 (business communication), he has learned the importance of clear, concise learning resources with scaffolding, frequent opportunities for engagement and demonstration of skill mastery, and the importance of the first English course on overall academic success for many students. He has taught at AWC/San Luis on the US/Mexican Border, for Central Oregon Community College’s Branch Campus on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, and for Universidad San Sebastian in Concepcion, Chile.

Scott studied at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, at Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow School of Communication, and at Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff’s Department of English in the area of Professional Writing.

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[english notes] on success essay pdf for exam.

Success is “The accomplishment of aim or purpose”, but is this definition universal? Can it be applied to each and everyone living on this planet? In this success essay, we are going to discuss the various perspectives on success. Success is a very unique concept and a powerful word. We live in a society where people compare and compete with each other’s success or we could say that we live in a success-driven society. A person is judged on his or her success but what does this word imply? Let us try to delve deeper into its meaning via this article.

Long Essay on Success for Students and Children

Success could be considered as the fuel on which the whole world functions efficiently. The perspective of success is different for every individual. For example, for one person success could be to get his or her dream job whereas for others it could be to spend a couple of hours with the family. In this essay on success important points such as how time management leads to success and how hard work and failure are related to success are discussed. This Success essay for students and children explains all the factors that determine success.

One of the most important factors that lead to success is time management. Time is considered to be the most precious asset of our lives. Time is everything and it’s an invaluable entity and once spent it never comes back. So it is important to learn how to manage your time. Time management refers to the process of planning and executing the task and goals to get the maximum. If done properly would lead a person to be successful in his or her life. The amount of time a person invests in improving himself will directly improve the chance of success.

Success and Failure  

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Success and failure are inversely proportional to each other. If a person is successful he or she will directly drift away from failure. Achieving success is not easy, if it was easy everyone would have done it, but it’s not impossible. It’s important to know that the road to success is filled with failures and through those failures one becomes successful. It should be understood that failure acts as a stepping stone for success and gives the will to work harder towards his/her goals.

Success and Hard Work 

Success is directly proportional to hard work. The harder one works towards his or her goals the easier it is to achieve success. Hard work doesn’t mean to do laborious work or work that will make you sweat. Hard work means not only working on your goals but also being optimistic towards life and believing in yourself that even if the journey is difficult it can be achieved.

Everyone should keep in mind that the road to success is not easy and it’s difficult but it’s not impossible. Besides working on your goals that would lead a person towards success it is very important to push your limit every day, take charge of your life, and keep learning. 

It is very important to take care of your mind which could be done by eliminating negative thoughts and negative people from your life. Staying positive is a key to success.

How Can You Attain Success?

We have discussed what being successful depends on. Now, let us take a look at what we can do actively to attain that position in our lives. 

Be a risk-taker: Good things come to those who are unafraid of taking risks. You must venture out of your comfort zone and try new things if you ever wish to experience new things and fulfill your goals.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you: Having the right kind of peers and friends is very important if you want to achieve success in life. These people will motivate you and help you strive to do better when you are struggling.

Learn from your mistakes: Failures act as stepping stones. If you do not learn from the mistakes you have made, you will never be able to grow and prosper. Do not be disheartened if you do not succeed in doing everything the first time itself. 

Believe in yourself and keep working hard: There is no shortcut to success. You have to work hard and never give up. 

Learn soft skills: Nowadays, you need to enhance your communication and your time management skills to be able to handle everything life throws at you. Work on bettering your soft skills too.

Remain dedicated: You cannot give in to distractions if you aspire to do well. Take short breaks but never let your mind wander away from the task at hand. Complete your work on time and stay dedicated to your goals.

Short Essay on Success for Students and Children

Success is achieved by those people who work harder every day and manage their time properly. Students should understand the importance of time management. Managing time properly is the key to success. Loss of time is considered to be a loss of opportunities. Time management is what most successful people like Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk do. It is important for students to know what they want to achieve in life and should have a clear vision of their dreams. If a person has a vision in the life of what they want to become, they don’t drift around and will not end up in the wrong place. After having a vision or dream one should invest his or her time in making that dream a reality. That could be done by putting in constant hard work. Sometimes even if one is not talented one can achieve success through hard work and determination. The road to success is not easy it is filled with failures and it is important to understand that through those failures one leads to success. In conclusion, it could be said that managing the time every day and working on your dream even if there are failures in your journey is considered to be the ideal formulae for success.

How Can Success Harm You?

We are all chasing the idea of success but it is important to understand that too much of anything can become toxic or harmful in the long run. You might become so obsessed with being successful that you start disrupting your emotional and physical well-being. This can have rather negative long-term consequences. Moreover, failures are a part of life. If you do not stumble even once, you might become boastful and arrogant. This will drive away even your closest family members and friends. 

There is another side to this debate. If you chase success too much, you will not be able to handle failure. This can lead to depression and the development of several severe mental-health issues. To avoid this, you must focus on all the aspects of success and not run after materialistic accomplishments.

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