WRITING TIP 1:
This is really the most important thing I can possibly stress about writing: Writing is Thinking!
Yes, grammar, spelling and punctuation are all very important. they help polish a piece and make meaning more clear. However, if the idea they are polishing is poor, then no amount of polishing will make it better. Good writing is just good thinking put on paper. So, focus on your thoughts. What is it you want to say? Figure that out and the rest is easy.
WRITING TIP 2:
Punctuating Novels, Short Stories, Movies and Poems:
First, when punctuating these different elements of literature in writing, they should be set off by commas, thusly: The novel, Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne . . .
As for the rest:
UNDERLINE: novels, long poems, tv. series titles, plays, newspaper/magazine titles, operas, movies
QUOTATION MARKS: short stories, short poems
Of course, if you are typing, then you can simply italicize the title and then you’re home free!
WRITING TIP 3:
The purpose of writing in English is to formulate an idea on a topic and then prove your idea true. The common mistake is to simply tell your reader your idea. THIS IS NOT ENOUGH! You must PROVE your idea is accurate by providing specific examples and details from the literature to back-up what you are saying.