I returned a number of Olivia 's test essays as a foundation for a writing instruction session as Olivia indicated she wanted to improve her writing skills . We looked at ways to combine sentences, and to eliminate superfluous words or phrases. Again, I emphasized the importance of avoiding run-ons and fragments as well the importance of spending time on revisions. We last discussed word choice alternatives and using stronger more active verbs to capture Olivia's ideas which are very perceptive. For homework, Olivia is to complete her take home essay on "A Doll's House" and read the next two chapters of Huck Finn.