Avoid vague language or general statements, as they will not be useful for the reader. Instead, use language that is simple and clear so the article is accessible for all readers. Keep your sentences no longer than 2-3 lines and break up any sentences that are too long or run-on. For example, rather than write, “The missing girl’s mother thought it had to do with school,” you may write, “The missing girl’s mother thought bullying at school may have caused her daughter’s absences.” The active, rather than passive, voice places the subject of the sentence first, making it more immediate and informative. Most newspaper articles are written in the third person so they remain objective and do not present a personal or subjective perspective. For example, rather than write, “A press conference will be held by local police tomorrow to address the missing girls and the public’s concerns,” you may write, “Local police will address the missing girls and the public’s concerns in a press conference tomorrow.” A newspaper article should not show any bias or have any stated opinions about the topic. Instead, it should present a factual account of the event or incident. Avoid using hyperbolic language and do not exaggerate any details in the article. For example,  if you're writing about two political candidates running against each other in an election, present both candidates in an equal light, rather than giving extra details about 1 candidate.

Summary: Use specific, clear language that is easy to follow. Write in the active, third person voice. Maintain an objective, informative tone in the article.


There are tons of different areas or niches for mediation work. There is no one single way to become a generalized mediator. What you learn, where you look, who you network with are all going to be dependent on what type of mediating you decide to do.  For example, if you wanted to go into family mediation (dealing with children, with divorce, domestic violence, and so on) you would need to be certified in behavioral or social sciences as well as in child development. Mediating workplace disputes would require knowledge specific to the workplace and to the laws and practices therein. It's even better if you have experience dealing with matters particular to that specific workplace, or type of workplace (for example, dealing specifically with factory issues, or mining litigation). Other types of mediation niches include: environmental, art, education, malpractice, criminal justice, landlord/tenant, gay/lesbian, and so on. The best way to get a feel for what is required of a mediator is to talk to someone who is or has done it. It's especially good to find someone in your specific area. While talking to someone who mediates art disputes could be informative, it won't have the same information needed if you're looking to go into workplace disputes.  Go to conferences. There are tons of conferences devoted to mediation all around the world. Check and see if there are any in your area (for the U.S., for example, Chicago, New York, and various parts of California hold large mediation conferences yearly).  Get a feel for how the system works. When you do meet with someone who is a mediator, you'll want to find out how the system works so you can be as effective as you possibly can. This includes finding out what the work environment is like, what their advice is for getting established, and who decides which mediators are established. Get a feel for what you need to know. Ask them about the types of laws, and rules you'll need to know, and education background that you'll need to have. Depending on the niche you decided to work in you may not need a master's degree, but it can definitely help your credentials. Proving that you have experience with the topic is important if you want to be successful as a mediator.  Remember that if you wanted to mediate in Family Law, you would need a background (preferably a master's or a PhD) in behavioral or social sciences as well as family and child development. It's also not a bad idea to get a degree in conflict resolution, as universities and colleges are increasingly offering this opportunity, If you decided to be a civil, general equity, or probate mediator you would need to have at least five years of professional experience in your field of expertise as well as an advanced degree and a minimum of two successfully mediated cases within the last year, or an undergraduate degree and a minimum of ten successfully mediated cases within the last five years. Often if you get your PhD in your chosen subject the courts waive your need to have a certain number of successfully mediated case. Either that or the reduce the amount of successfully mediated cases you need to have. Mediation doesn't require any specific qualifications (except in Florida which has qualification requirements). There are certain qualification classes you can take, but usually these only give you the qualification that you completed the course, without guaranteeing that you are actually a certified mediator.  You should go to school in your chosen field (art mediation, or law mediation, environmental mediation) and get a degree that shows you know that area well. Having a law degree can be incredibly useful, because it shows that you know and understand law, especially laws in a particular area. To get listed as a professional you typically have to have several years of experience with mediation (internship, community mediation volunteer, etc.).

Summary: Look into the different types of mediation work. Talk to someone who is a mediator. Get a master’s degree in your chosen field. Consider getting certified.


Be open to listening to what others have to say about your talkativeness.  They may have some helpful insight about ways to stop being so talkative. Ask them to prompt you if they catch you interrupting people or talking too much. Having people hold you accountable will help you reach your goal faster.   Consider asking a trusted friend or family member if they have faced the same challenges as you with being overly talkative. They may be able to explain what has helped them, or what they’ve been through. Listen to their suggestions about ways to change your habits. While it may seem hard at first to change the way you talk or interact with others, it’s important that you find ways to communicate that adapt and change to fit your audience.  Know your audience. Is it a large group? Just one person? Someone who’s quiet or someone else who’s really talkative? Is it a classroom setting? At work? Or just hanging out with friends? Each situation may merit a change in your way of communicating. Be attuned to what others are saying or doing. If everyone else is quiet, then think about ways to be quiet.  If it’s a social gathering, find ways to engage others in the conversation. Some talkativeness comes from personality differences, such as being very extroverted. Other times it could be a symptom of a medical or mental health condition. Most commonly, being overly talkative is a nervous or stress-related habit that can be controlled.  Watch out for any concerns that your excessive talkativeness may be pressured, rapid, and seemingly uncontrollable. Maybe it feels like you can't stop, and the pace of speech seems inappropriately urgent. If this is your situation, talk with a mental health or medical professional for an evaluation. There may be medication or therapy that can help.   Evaluate if you constantly crave to be with others, or get your energy from talking with other people. You may be strongly extroverted, and thus might come off as bothersome to others if you are constantly restless and want to talk with people. Be aware that sometimes anxiety and stress can lead to heightened or rapid talking.  Find ways to notice what you're doing, and refocus your mind on how to stay calm, focused, and relaxed in that moment. Practicing mindfulness techniques and meditation may help. If you feel like people are treating you differently, or making you feel unwelcome due to your talkative behavior, consider talking with a counselor about how to cope.  Find a counselor at your school, through an Employee Assistance Program, or in the community. Ask them about how to help with communication skills. Discuss how to establish boundaries of communication, and how to respect others’ communication styles. A counselor can give you an unbiased and non-judgmental opinion on the situation.

Summary: Find support from trusted friends and family about your talkativeness. Be willing to adapt your communication style. Understand the various causes of excessive talkativeness. Get feedback from a counselor if your talkativeness is hurting your work or social life.


The slit should go from the exterior of the orange to the center of the orange. This will create a triangular section of orange.
Summary: Take an orange and remove the peel and the white pith with a chef’s knife. Cut a slit into the orange using a chef’s knife. Cut another slit about 1/4” to the right of the first one. Remove the section and place it in a medium bowl. Continue cutting out triangular orange sections until the entire orange is sectioned. Combine the red onion, jalapeno and cilantro with the oranges. Taste a spoonful of the mixture and add salt a little bit at a time until the salsa tastes right to you.