Category: Blog

A paradox is a statement that may seem absurd or contradictory but yet can be true, or at least makes sense. Paradoxes are often contrary to what is commonly believed and so play an important part in furthering our understanding in literature and everyday life, or they can simply be an entertaining brain teaser. What […]

As with many other literary and rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. Sometimes they are used to create some sort of drama for the reader or listener, and sometimes they are used to make the person stop and think, whether it’s to laugh or to ponder. One famous oxymoron is the phrase “the […]

The term overfishing refers to the practice of catching so many fish that the ability of the fish to sustain itself is in jeopardy. This can result from catching too many parent fish which prevents ample breeding from taking place. It can also result from just catching too many of the species until they are completely gone. […]

Overconfidence refers to a biased way of looking at a situation. When you are overconfident, you misjudge your value, opinion, beliefs or abilities and you have more confidence than you should given the objective parameters of the situation. When People Are Overconfident Overconfidence can cause a person to experience problems because he may not prepare properly […]

An organic compound has molecules that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms. These compounds can be gaseous, liquid, or solid. Monosaccharides Monosaccharides are a group of carbohydrates and they are simple sugars. Here are some examples: Allose Altrose Arabinose Erythrose Fructose Galactose Glucose Gulose Idose Lyxose Mannoheptulose Mannose Ribose Ribulose Sedoheptulose Sorbose Tagatose Talose Threose Xylose Xylulose Disaccharides […]

Great orators can start revolutions, stir up emotions, and spur people to action. Memorable oration can often be found in formal speeches given at momentous occasions, such as graduations, rallies, dedications, and presidential inaugurations. Great Oration in History Abraham Lincoln Given at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1863: Four […]

Oral tradition is information passed down through the generations by word of mouth that is not written down. This includes historical and cultural traditions, literature and law. Oral Traditions in Customs Blowing out candles at birthday celebrations Not wearing white to a wedding, unless you are the bride Celebrating the bounty of the harvest at a […]

Optimism is looking at the positive aspects of things. It is also a hopeful anticipation that future events will be favorable.  Basically, it is seeing and expecting the best in all things. Optimism in Idioms Here are examples of optimism in idioms and popular phrases: Seeing the glass half full instead of half empty. When life hands you […]

Oppression is a cruel or unjust exercise of power. Minorities were historically subject to oppression by those in power and, unfortunately, oppression still exists today and there are many examples of it. Oppression In Everyday Life Some examples of oppression include the following: A society says that women are the property of their fathers or husbands. […]

7th grade8th grade9th gradeMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolCollege In a conversation, when completing a research survey, being interviewed for a job or working on a homework assignment, you might find yourself presented with a series of closed-ended or open-ended questions. Closed-ended questions are those which can be answered by a simple “yes” or “no,” while open-ended questions are those which require […]