INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When you use "however" as a conjunctive adverb, remember that the semicolon comes before "however," and the comma comes after. Remember that two commas are not enough to contain a "however."   Incorrect: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however; they aren't weather-appropriate." Incorrect: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however, they aren't weather-appropriate." Correct: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit; however, they aren't weather-appropriate." It's easy to write fragment sentences when you start them with, "However." If a sentence begins, "However, …" it needs to be followed by an independent clause! Check all your sentences that contain it to make sure they are complete.  Incorrect: "However, the sky in April." This sentence has no verb, so it's not complete. Correct: "However, the sky in April was clouded." This sentence has a subject and verb, so it's complete. When using "however" as a relative adverb, a lot of the meaning will depend on the grammar. If you forget some punctuation, or put it in the wrong place, you could say something you don't mean. Notice how the meaning changes depending on where the punctuation is placed:  "Carrots are naturally delicious however they have been cooked." "Carrots are naturally delicious; however, they have been cooked." If you mean that carrots are good in every form, the first option is correct. If you mean that carrots are good raw, but not when cooked, the second option is correct. Restrict yourself to just a few uses per page. If you are beginning a sentence with "However," ask yourself if it would make more sense to connect it to the previous sentence using a semicolon and a colon. Use different conjunctive adverbs to lend variety and specificity to your paper, such as:  Rather Instead Yet

SUMMARY: Make sure your semicolons and commas are in the right place. Watch for fragments. Check that you are saying what you mean. Don't over use "However," especially to start sentences.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Some universities have special questions or ways of formatting your statement of purpose (SOP) that you will need to observe. Make sure that you check the SOP requirements for each university to which you are applying before you begin writing. You may want to write one “basic” SOP and then alter or add to it as needed based on the special requirements of each university. The first part of the statement of purpose is usually an intro paragraph where you talk a bit about yourself and your interests. This paragraph should offer some insight into your academic background rather than hobbies that you have, such as cooking or collecting rocks. For example, you might say something like, “Since I was a child, I had a passion for the natural world, and this passion led me to my desire to become a biologist.” The next thing you should mention in your SOP is your preparation for doctoral studies. In this section, you should describe your coursework thus far, special projects you completed as an undergraduate and masters student, as well as any conferences you have presented at or articles you have published.  For example, you might say something like, “As an undergrad, I participated in on-campus research expos and even attended a local conference. Then, during my MA program, I had an article accepted to Biology Quarterly and presented at a national conference.”  You can also talk about specific courses you took, professors who have supervised your work, and research that you conducted during your BA and MA programs. After you have talked about what you have done so far, you will need to explain what you hope to do in the future. What are your goals? What do you hope to contribute to your discipline? For example, you might say something like, “I hope to develop a new process for growing corn.” It is also important to mention professors with whom you would like to work. Some of these professors may even have a say in whether or not you will be admitted to the program, so it is important to familiarize yourself with these professors’ research.  Try reading each professor’s biography on the university website. You may also consider reading one of these professors’ publications, such as an article or book. Try saying something like, “I hope to work with Professor Jones because she and I share a similar interest in botany.” For each section in your SOP, it is important to back up what you have to say. For example, do not just say, “I am dedicated to this discipline,” show it by providing examples of your participation in the discipline over the years. Or, if you talk about a professor who you admire, be specific about why. Draw a quote from one of his or her articles or point to a specific accomplishment that you admire. Make sure that you include examples throughout your entire SOP.
Summary: Check for special requirements before you start to write. Provide a bit of background. Talk about your preparation for a doctoral program. Explain the types of contributions you would like to make. Mention professors with whom you would like to work and explain why. Use examples to illustrate your points.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Some rice cookers have a removable bowl or pot, while others must have the rice placed directly in the cooker. Most of the time, rice cookers will come with a measuring "cup" or scoop that can fit 3/4 cup (180 mL). Alternatively, use an ordinary measuring cup. One cup (240 mL) of uncooked rice will generate anywhere from 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) to three cups (720 mL) of cooked rice, depending on variety.  Leave enough space for this expansion to prevent the rice cooker from spilling over. Most rice cooker instructions recommend cold water. How much water you add depends on what kind of rice you're cooking and how moist you prefer it. There are often graduated marks on the inside of a rice cooker, indicating how much rice and water should be added, or instructions on the package of rice. Alternatively, use the following suggested amounts depending on your variety of rice, but keep in mind you can always adjust these in future if you prefer your rice more chewy or soft:  White, long grain - 1 3/4 cups of water per 1 cup of rice (420 mL water per 240 mL rice) White, medium grain - 1 1/2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice (360 mL water per 240 mL rice) White, short grain - 1 1/4 cups of water per 1 cup of rice (300 mL water per 240 mL rice) Brown, long grain - 2 1/4 cups of water per 1 cup of rice (520 mL water per 240 mL rice) Sold as "parboiled" (not half-cooked at home) - 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice For Indian style rices like Basmati or Jasmine, less water is needed as a drier rice is desired, use no more than 1 1/2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice.  Use only 1 to 1 if you washed the rice previously.  It is ok to add bay leaves or cardamom pods directly to the rice cooker to enhance the flavor. This is not required, but some people soak the rice to shorten the cooking time. Soaking may also make the cooked rice stickier. Use the amount of water measured earlier to soak the rice at room temperature, then use this same water for cooking. Some rice cookers simply have an on/off switch. Others have different settings for brown or white rice, or the ability to delay the cooking until a specified time period has passed. You are unlikely to run into problems if you just go with the basic settings, but it's a good idea to figure out what each button or option does if possible.

SUMMARY:
Measure the rice with a cup and put it into your cooking pot. Measure the water. Soak the rice for thirty minutes, if desired. Check your rice cooker for special options.