Hello friends, it’s been a minute. I hope you’re all doing well. Today I want to talk about a little often unnoticed aspect of writing: meaning. I think it’s not controversial for people to realize that words mean things. It seems a fact that’s as obvious as the reality that water is wet, humans breathe air, and that if you are bad at English, then you will probably not do well in the first language English exams. But I digress.

Words mean things.

And that’s especially important for people to realize, especially when they’re just learning how to write, to articulate their thoughts, and they just don’t know why they are getting things marked down.

The reason I decided to talk about this was that a student of mine recently had an essay come back whereby she was complaining about the grade that she had received, and the multiple comments on her essay that the teacher had given, asking her questions about grammar and otherwise. One of her sentences was: “Driving to the cave, he did some research on his destination,” to which the teacher responded with a snarky, “Doing research while driving?”

Now, the student might very well just read that feedback, nod their head, and then go on, assuming that this is just one of many mistakes that they need to be aware of. But I wonder if they have actually learned the lesson. So, I’m here to make it plain. The reason that they ended up getting points docked and that comment in the first place was that the sentence itself was not logical.

Now, you could argue that, well, the student didn’t know the grammar. Maybe they were weak. Maybe they just weren’t very aware of how to actually put the words in the right place. Why should the world be so cruel to them? Why should they be penalized?

Well, to that I say, at the end of the day, remember, there is a specific meaning to things.

If I told you that water was dry, would I not be telling you a lie? If I tell you that surely all boys are taller than girls, would that not also be a lie considering that you can understand the meaning of that sentence and then cross reference it against reality?

English is for the purpose of communicating. It’s not anything different from that. It’s about being able to articulate your ideas, a reality, what you see, think, and feel about the world.

Every single thing that you write in English has a specific meaning, regardless of whether you’re aware of that meaning or not. And that meaning comes along from the grammar of the sentence, the context of what you’re saying, and the content that you choose to share, all of which are part of the meaning.

When I look at that little example there, I can see a couple of ways that maybe the student could have actually avoided that problem. And the first immediate way is to literally just sit down and re-read what they wrote. Think about what they actually mean when they are writing. Consider for a brief while what came out of their pen.

It is too easy, in many cases, for people to just casually write down a bunch of words, thinking to themselves that they can use a structure, a pre-baked set of words, some phrases that they memorized and want to make use of to show off their vocabulary, erudition, the beauty of the language that they can bring to bear in constructing sentences, paragraphs, and entire essays.

Well, clap clap clap, my dear students. Unfortunately, that’s not going to work. At the end of the day, you have to think about meaning. What does each individual sentence actually mean? How does it relate to the other sentences? How do they come together to construct the overall point that you are going to make?

These are things that you definitely do need to think about, even if somehow or another you’ve been thinking about things like the PEEL method or otherwise as a way of organizing things. For that matter, let’s talk about the PEEL method for a quick bit.

The reason that we teachers suggest in many cases that you use the P-E-E-L method is not necessarily that it is always the best way of writing. There are some people who take artistic liberties or otherwise, and of course there are many different types of writing beyond argumentative or informational writing. But I use this example just to prove a simple point.

When you start with a point, you proceed with an example, explain the example, and link it to the overall essay prompt that you’re trying to respond to, you are actually engaging the way that other people construct meaning, and trying to create things in the most efficient possible way. By telling someone a piece of information that they didn’t know before, giving them an example of where it applies, providing a valuable elaboration on how that relates to your point, and then linking it to the entire idea of what you’re trying to say.

Now that’s a very valuable meaning-making exercise, of course, but it’s only one of them, and it is a subset of all that there is.

At the end of the day, merely because you have a hammer, that doesn’t mean that everything is a nail. You cannot use the P-E-E-L method for everything. At the end of the day, you need to look at the individual prompt that you have to respond to, and then you have to understand what it entails—meaning what you have to do—and then from there begin to formulate a plan for responding. From there, then you decide which kinds of meanings it is that you want to construct.

Although of course, that’s going to be hard if you can’t understand the specific meanings of the sentences around you, that you hear, the ones that you write, the way that sentences relate to one another, and how all of those things come together to create a piece of communication, both the ones that you write and also the ones that you read.

Now, if that seems like an overload of information for you…Please don’t worry.

If you learn nothing else, then let it be this: every single thing that you read means something, and every single thing that you write means something.

Check to see if it is the correct meaning. Ask yourself, if this is the correct meaning, then what does that mean about the next piece of information? Are these things ordered in the right way? Should I express things another way? Is the original fine? Can I make it shorter?

All of these little tweaks and additions out there add different things into the overall picture of meaning which you construct through language.

Now, make that picture a beautiful one, even as you learn to appreciate that art yourself in all its dimensions.

Today, I want to talk about articulation. It’s a word that’s used a lot in the English language in many different contexts, all of which are dear to me.

In music, it’s used to describe the way someone plays an instrument. On the cello, it is how the bow glides, pressure is applied, and weight is distributed in accordance with the needs of the music.

In a pure linguistic and sound sense, it is how air interacts with the tongue, mouth, and vocal cords to produce sound. In the parlance of the English language, it is how one communicates one’s ideas, structures them, and brings them out from the depths of thought into the seen world, where they will influence others.

I think articulation is a deeply incredible skill. Throughout history, the greatest articulators have never been able to articulate. The greatest articulators have been the most successful political leaders, the most influential statesmen, the finest executives of their era—merely by playing on the power of phrases that their minds constructed, in turn pulling out the feelings of entire generations, summoning them to the causes of the speakers in every instance.

And it is no wonder that speech and language are rich and wonderful, yet they are only minute and poor representations of our deep inner thoughts. Used in the wrong way and in an unfocused manner, words will only inspire vagueness, boredom, and the mere hints of attention before the listener falls asleep. Summoned rightly, though, and they, in turn, will inspire from the still depths the uproarious fountain of joy, sadness, hatred, and love in every which direction.

As the heart is activated and the mind primed for more, you say that these are forces that seem outside the scope of an English class. They are not things to be concerned with or trifled with. How can mere words, after all, activate people towards the purposes of the speaker, the writer, or the thinker? But I say to you that history is on my side rather than yours.

What you are learning from this site is nothing short of a tool that has been used to unite and divide generations. The mere language that is in your mouth and at the tip of your pen can stop wars or cause them.

I learned this from Mahathir, as some of you know (and you can watch my conversation with Mahathir here), but so as the knife has the ability to kill a person or to carve beautiful things, so too can the word bring literature and life into being, as it can tear down.

To articulate well is to express, inform, and portray oneself and others on the canvas of words, painting a picture.

To captivate and capture – to grip others by the heart, and to pull along the crowd, until you reach your desired destination.

There is great power in the word, and if nothing else, I hope that is what you will remember.

May it inform your studies this week and beyond. Have an incredible one ahead!

Hey guys, V back with you with yet another primer on literary genres – and today we’re talking about nonfiction!

Now, before you click away thinking nonfiction is just dusty textbooks and dry how-to guides, let me stop you right there. Nonfiction is so much more than that. It’s the genre of reality, where real people, real events, and real ideas come to life through storytelling. And here’s the kicker: when done right, nonfiction can be just as gripping, emotional, and mind-blowing as your favorite novel or blockbuster movie.

Think about it—every time you pick up a memoir, you’re stepping into someone else’s life, experiencing their triumphs, struggles, and pivotal moments. It’s like being handed a backstage pass to the raw, unfiltered human experience. Ever read Educated by Tara Westover? That’s nonfiction. How about Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari? Yep, nonfiction too. And don’t get me started on all the amazing investigative journalism, true crime, self-help, and even travel writing out there.

Nonfiction doesn’t just entertain—it informs, challenges, and inspires. Want to master a skill? There’s a nonfiction book for that. Curious about a historical event, a groundbreaking scientific idea, or a social issue shaping the world today? Nonfiction has got you covered. It’s like having access to the minds of experts, adventurers, and visionaries, all at your fingertips.

But here’s the secret sauce: good nonfiction tells a story. It’s not just a list of facts or instructions—it’s a narrative that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages. The best nonfiction makes you feel something, whether it’s awe, empathy, or the motivation to change your life.

So, if you’ve been sleeping on nonfiction, now’s the time to dive in. Start with something that sparks your curiosity—a topic you’re obsessed with or a question you’ve always wanted answered. Trust me, once you find the right book, nonfiction might just become your new favorite genre.

Here’s a list of some of the best nonfiction books that are sure to grip your attention, challenge your thinking, and leave a lasting impact. Each entry includes the title, a brief summary, why you should read it, and space for you to add your own purchase link.

1. Title: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
   Summary: A sweeping narrative that traces the history of humanity, from the emergence of Homo sapiens to the present day. Harari explores how biology, culture, and economics have shaped human society.
   Why You Should Read It: This book offers a profound look at what it means to be human. It’s thought-provoking and challenges many assumptions about human history and progress.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/sapiensbooks

2. Title: Educated by Tara Westover
   Summary: Tara Westover recounts her journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist household in rural Idaho to earning a PhD at Cambridge University, despite having no formal education until her late teens.
   Why You Should Read It: This memoir is an inspiring story of resilience, personal transformation, and the power of education. It’s both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/educatedmemoir

3. Title: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
   Summary: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman delves into the dual systems of thinking that shape human decision-making: the fast, intuitive system and the slow, analytical system.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s essential reading for anyone interested in psychology, behavioral economics, or understanding how we make choices in everyday life.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/y0qAsX

4. Title: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
   Summary: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American woman whose cells were taken without her consent and used to make groundbreaking medical discoveries.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s a fascinating and emotional exploration of ethics, race, and the history of modern medicine.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/ivxrYA

5. Title: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
   Summary: Duhigg explores the science of habits, how they form, and how we can change them to improve our lives, drawing on cutting-edge research and compelling real-life examples.
   Why You Should Read It: If you’ve ever wanted to break a bad habit or start a good one, this book provides actionable insights and practical strategies.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/FsHp

6. Title: Becoming by Michelle Obama
   Summary: The former First Lady shares her deeply personal story, from her upbringing in Chicago to her time in the White House, offering insights into her values and experiences.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s an intimate, inspiring account of a woman navigating identity, family, and public life, told with warmth and candor.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/yc8pkwz

7. Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
   Summary: Cain examines the undervalued strengths of introverts and how society often overlooks their contributions, blending research, personal stories, and case studies.
   Why You Should Read It: If you’re an introvert—or know one—this book provides a fresh perspective on how to embrace and celebrate quieter ways of being.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/XTzBD

8. Title: Atomic Habits by James Clear
   Summary: A guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones, Clear explains how small, incremental changes can lead to massive, long-term results.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s packed with practical advice and actionable steps for anyone looking to improve their habits and achieve their goals.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/kosfEX

9. Title: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
   Summary: Comedian Trevor Noah shares his experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa as the child of a black mother and a white father, exploring race, identity, and resilience.
   Why You Should Read It: This memoir is both hilarious and poignant, offering a unique perspective on apartheid and its lasting impact.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/t5FQvV8

10. Title: Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
    Summary: Jared Diamond explores why certain civilizations thrived while others did not, attributing disparities to geographic and environmental factors rather than inherent differences in people.
    Why You Should Read It: This book challenges preconceived notions about inequality and human history with a fascinating, evidence-based narrative.
    Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/BUJzjl3

Happy reading and I’ll see you guys in the next one!
V.