Writing conventions are the basic technical skills that make writing coherent and understandable. Good spelling is a key element of clear and professional writing. When assessing spelling, keep in mind such issues as: The overall number of spelling errors (e.g., what percentage of words are spelled correctly vs. incorrectly?). The writer's understanding of basic spelling rules and patterns (e.g., the use of silent letters, the softening of certain consonants before certain vowels, etc.). The prevalence of common spelling errors in the writer's work (such as mixing up commonly confused words, like "stationary" and "stationery"). Proper punctuation is also essential for clarity of writing. Check the writer's work to make sure that they: Use appropriate punctuation when indicating the use of direct quotations. Use proper punctuation to mark the ends of sentences (e.g., periods, question marks, and exclamation points) and clauses (e.g., commas, colons, and semicolons). Indicate contractions and possessives with the correct use of apostrophes. A skilled writer should know the conventions of capitalization. Look over their writing and make sure that they follow such conventions as: Capitalizing the first words of sentences. Capitalizing proper nouns and adjectives, including personal names, place names, and titles before proper nouns (e.g., Governor Johnson). Using correct capitalization when writing titles of works, such as books or articles. Using correct grammar is one of the most complex elements of writing. When looking over the writer's work, you might look select a handful of grammatical issues to focus on based on factors such as their age or experience level. For example, you might check that the writer is able to: Use correct verbal forms (e.g., proper tense, mood, voice, person, and number). Understand grammatical cases and use appropriate forms (e.g., distinguish between subjective, objective, and possessive forms of pronouns). Show agreement between grammatical forms (e.g., nouns and pronouns match in number and gender). Syntax refers to the ways sentences are put together. For a sentence to be syntactically correct, both individual words and entire clauses must be arranged in an order that makes sense. In English, word order is especially important for establishing clear meaning and correct syntax. Look for: Clear and correct word order. The use of conjunctions to link coordinating clauses within a sentence. Use of a variety of sentence structures (e.g., simple declarative sentences, interrogative sentences, and compound sentences).

Summary: Check the writer's spelling. Look at the writer's punctuation. Examine their capitalization. Evaluate their grammar. Assess their use of syntax.

Because your curtains are going to be unlined, they will still allow some sunlight through. For the lightest look, choose curtains made of lace or a sheer cloth. These will allow the most light through while still showing a simple pattern or color. If you want to block out sunlight, look for a heavy linen fabric. Even without being lined this fabric will dampen the amount of light shining through them, making your room much darker. If you choose a fabric that is patterned, try to find one that is patterned only on one side or that has an identical pattern on both sides. This is because when the sun shines through the fabric, it will cause you to see both patterns at once, making it appear very disorienting. Using a fabric with a high thread count (500+) is more expensive, but will block the most sunlight because it is tightly woven. Although you may not be touching your curtains all the time, the texture of the fabric gives a different appearance when hung in the light. Cotton and polyester fabrics are the most basic for curtain use, and the easiest to sew. Avoid using silk or satin, as they will deteriorate in the sunlight. Sewing jersey knit fabrics is very difficult as they stretch when pulled. They will also begin to puddle on the floor after being hung because of their elasticity. Don't choose a fabric that is too stiff, as it won't drape when hung. An example of this is tulle, which offers a pretty option for sheer fabric, but is much too inflexible. You don't have to purchase your fabric at a fabric store, look in second-hand, vintage, and consignment shops for great fabric. Try finding vintage tablecloths in the size you need to fit your window. These offer a fun mod look to your room. Using patterned sheets is a cheap alternative to buying yardage of fabric. You can look for brand new or vintage sheets in antique or consignment shops.

Summary: Select a fabric to meet your lighting purposes. Choose a texture of fabric. Get creative with your fabric.

If you have multiple sources of debt, try to consolidate them into one account with the lowest interest rate. Pay off as much as possible every month until the debt is paid off. Then, avoid getting back into debt through the use of credit cards or loans. Keep your credit score healthy and remain debt free. Once you are debt free, take the monthly funds you would put towards your debt and put it into your savings account. If it fits your lifestyle, focus on reaching your retirement goal faster by doing freelance work outside of your day job. Take odd jobs for family or friends that will add funds to your savings account. Remember that every penny you save now brings you one step closer to retirement in your 30s. Some full-time jobs do not allow for you to work at other companies. Check your contract or ask your human resources contact. It may be more feasible for you to work hard at your current job and get raises, bonuses, or promotions instead of focusing on other jobs after hours. Think about skills or abilities that you can channel into extra forms of income. This could be a gardening or landscaping side business, or a freelance writing business. Try to maximize your skills and add to your savings nest egg. If you are living with a partner or involved in a long term relationship, your significant other should be supportive of your retirement plan. Work together to achieve a mutual retirement plan and agree to lifestyle changes that will help you both achieve your retirement goals. Pooling your financial resources could also help you both reach retirement in your 30s much faster. If you are renting an affordable apartment or living space, focus on cutting down on other expenses like your internet costs, your cellphone, and your food costs. Reducing your expenses by $10-$20 a month can add up to more funds in your savings account, towards your retirement. Focus on stacking savings on top of one another to add up to a large amount of money saved. This means embracing a frugal lifestyle and not spending money when you do not need to. Eliminating the desire for new or expensive items, for the sake of retiring early, will make it easier to avoid spending money on these items. One of the biggest expenses is likely your car. From the car itself to car maintenance and insurance, it can be a big money suck. When possible, bike to work or to run errands rather than pay to fill up your gas tank and using your car. Investing in a good bike means a small payment of $500-$1,000 that will provide you with free transportation for a long period of time, possibly for life. On average, most U.S. households spend 12.9% of their income on food a year. Reduce the amount of money you spend on food by cooking your own meals and only eating out once or twice a year. There are several budget friendly food blogs and books with recipes that take a short amount of time and won't break your budget. Make grocery shopping part of your weekly routine. Take a list of grocery items to the store to avoid expensive spontaneous purchases or buying unnecessary items. Minimize your recreational spending by looking for free activities in your area or city. Go for hikes or walks, attend free street fairs or local events, and take advantage of entertainment that doesn't involve spending money. Do home repairs yourself, and maintain your car to avoid costly repairs at an auto body shop. Look for how to videos online on bike repair and fix it yourself. Being your own handyman means you will have the skills to complete tasks yourself and avoid paying someone for these services.
Summary: Pay off all your debts and stay out of debt. Generate income outside of your paycheck. Involve your partner in your retirement plan. Reduce your monthly expenses. Bike or walk, rather than drive. Avoid eating out. Do free leisure activities. Embrace a do-it-yourself lifestyle.