Essays

In Defence of the Lowly Pun
In the hierarchy of humour, the much-maligned pun occupies the bottom rung. Lorie Boucher argues that tolerance of, and respect for, the simple pun can free us from our haute, 21^st century, intellectually smug sense of humour.
Writing without a Net
From dreamer to self-defeatist, Thom Barker describes the writer's metamorphosis and the self-fulfilling prophecy of failure underlying the pursuit of the fallback career.
Eureka! The Importance of Good Science Writing
So much of what scientists do affects our daily lives, yet most people remain largely unaware of how scientists use their (mostly public) funding, and how their work affects us. Writer Anton Holland emphasizes the importance of good science writing in helping us understand what scientists around the world are up to.
The Under-Cover Book Guide
Why read a book when you can just look at the cover? Tracy Pomerinke’s fictitious guide to the art of reading book covers teaches you everything you need to know so you never have to read another book.
Corporatespeak: Deconstructing the New Language of Business
Journalist Jeff Leiper finds links between Orwell’s linguistic hegemony and the purposeful ambiguity of business language. Has rhetoric curtailed the full potential of the Internet?
Four Personal Essays on Literacy
Three adult learners and one counsellor recount their personal stories and struggles with illiteracy.
I Punctuate; Therefore, I Am
Does the punctuation we use — and overuse — reveal something about our personalities? Thankfully, Contributing Editor Lorie Boucher’s Punctuation Personality Indicator (PPI) removes the mystery and conveniently slots all of the world’s personalities into nine categories.
To Listen, Perchance to Read
During a time when electronic technology is exploding all around us, how can we explain the growing popularity of books on tape? Writer Ellen Shenk conducts her own listening experiment.
Franglais in Canada — Does it facilitate or Impede Clear Expression?
Established French translator Anne-Marie Mayotte pits the Pragmatic Many against the Snobbish Few in an attempt to discover what, if anything, Franglais contributes to clear expression.
Building a Technical Writing Portfolio
Linnea Dodson provides innovative ways to build a technical writing portfolio for seasoned writers or those who are just starting out.
Cover Letters Writing Blues
All writers have to do it — but do any really enjoy it? Sylvia Van Nooten provides a humorous perspective on writing cover letters.
Etiquette for Globe Trotters
Ever wonder why your last business trip abroad was a bust? Maybe it was something you didn’t say. Learn what not to do when travelling in a foreign country.
Small Words
Dr. Michael Housely ponders the little words that pervade our language.
Native or Near Native: What’s the Difference?
Whom do you trust to build your culturally sensitive bridge to international business: a native or near-native speaker? Your best answer may not be obvious or clear-cut.
Learning to Love the Weeds
Join this writer as she leads you on a winding path through the tangled weeds and shrubbery of her mental garden.
Stranger than fiction
A writer shares her thoughts on how a visit from her plumber provides her with much needed creative inspiration.