English Writing
Developing High-Quality Writing through Critical Analysis and Revisions
Elite writing demands more than just creativity—it requires intelligent analysis, structured organization, and a strong drive for improvement. At Presidio Education®, our faculty holds students to exceptionally high standards for all writing assignments. Writing is a process, and we guide students through each stage with detailed feedback and structured revision cycles.
We believe in the power of practice, feedback, and persistence. Our approach involves thoroughly reviewing drafts, providing intensive feedback, and requiring multiple revisions until the writing meets our exacting standards. Through this rigorous process, students learn not only how to write compelling essays but also how to think critically and express ideas with clarity and precision.
Our focus on critical thinking and writing equips students with transferable skills applicable to a wide range of academic subjects and beyond.
Meet Martin Nobida
Presidio Education® English Teacher
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Martin Nobida is a veteran English instructor and editor with extensive experience across education, journalism, and technical writing. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Jose State University, with concentrations in International Relations and Asian Politics.
After graduating, Martin spent three years teaching English at Japanese high schools in Okinawa through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. He then relocated to Singapore, where he supported students applying to universities in the United States as a counselor, coordinator, and teacher—an experience that launched his career in journalism. As a copy editor for Dow Jones Newswires in Singapore, Martin later returned to California to work as a reporter for the Silicon Valley Newspaper Group and as a copy editor for publications such as Red Herring and InfoWorld.
Martin went on to build a distinguished career in technical writing. He has led publishing teams, developed corporate style guides, and authored complex technical documentation for Silicon Valley leaders such as Marvell Semiconductor, Seagate, and Google. His work reflects a rare blend of editorial precision, clarity of instruction, and technical fluency.
At Presidio Education®, Martin plays a central role in mentoring our English faculty. He trains instructors in editing, content structure, and document cohesion—while actively leading by example. Known for his reliability and tireless commitment, Martin is the kind of teammate who arrives early, stays late, and never hesitates to lend support. His leadership, loyalty, and attention to detail make him an indispensable part of our team.
Brainstorming with Focus and Purpose
Structuring Ideas Before the First Draft
We train students to think critically and write coherently. Students must plan out ideas carefully and stay focused on their writing objectives. The best starting point is taking clear and specific notes on key passages, central ideas, and potential counterarguments. Strong notes help students narrow down arguments and avoid going off track. Drafting structured outlines—with possible introductions, theses, body paragraphs, and conclusions—allows students to properly frame their writing before investing time in full paragraphs. With discipline, brainstorming leads to sharper, more effective essays.
Using Credible Sources Effectively
Strengthening Arguments with Reliable Research and Proper Citation
The best thesis is built on credible, up-to-date evidence. Our faculty trains students to evaluate sources critically and objectively to develop persuasive, well-supported writing. Students must distinguish between trustworthy and unreliable sources while understanding that even once-valid sources can become outdated. We also teach students how to properly cite and organize their sources using standardized style guides such as Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), or Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago). In-text citations must be formatted accurately, and the References or Works Cited section must be clearly organized and complete. Research and citation are not optional—they are essential to academic writing integrity.
Addressing Counterarguments Thoughtfully
Strengthening Writing by Anticipating and Responding to Opposing Views
Sharp, effective writing is not just about promoting a single viewpoint. Strong writers must anticipate counterarguments and proactively reinforce their own claims. That means learning how to develop arguments while also protecting them from logical flaws or contradictions. Our faculty trains students to spot analytical weaknesses and potential contradictions—some of the most common errors in persuasive writing. We emphasize the importance of considering multiple perspectives, which not only strengthens arguments but also fosters a more objective and balanced approach to writing. Students are encouraged to show humility and transparency when identifying and correcting errors, which ultimately leads to more compelling and credible work.
Constructive Written Feedback for Growth
Using Feedback to Elevate Writing and Critical Thinking Skills
At Presidio Education®, we pride ourselves on providing intense, constructive feedback on every writing assignment. Our goal is not to criticize, but to push students to consistently produce work at the highest levels. Students must approach feedback with an open mind and a positive attitude, understanding that this process is key to their growth. Our faculty provides in-depth analysis of grammar, structure, and argumentation to ensure that writing is clear, precise, and professional. We encourage students to embrace multiple revisions—sometimes several drafts—until their work meets our rigorous standards. This iterative process strengthens muscle memory, promotes solid writing habits, and hones critical thinking skills that students can apply across disciplines.
Mastering Citation Styles for Academic Writing
Understanding In-Text Citations and References for Proper Documentation
Correctly citing sources is a fundamental aspect of strong academic writing. Whether using Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), or Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago) style, students must learn how to properly incorporate citations and organize references to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors. In-text citations must align with the specific style guide, ensuring consistency and clarity in presenting source material. Additionally, students should be skilled in formatting a References or Works Cited page according to the rules of their chosen style, with each citation accurately reflecting the source's format and placement. Proper citation demonstrates attention to detail, respect for intellectual property, and a commitment to academic integrity.
In-Text Citation Guidelines
Understanding MLA, apa, and Chicago Citation Styles
In-text citations are required any time an outside source is referenced in academic writing. Proper citation not only upholds academic integrity but also supports the writer’s credibility. Different citation styles are used for different subject areas, and each has specific rules for how citations should appear within the text.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
MLA style is standard for English and humanities subjects. In-text citations must include the author’s last name and the page number from which the quotation or reference is drawn, placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Example: (Smith 14).
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA style is most commonly used in education, psychology, and the sciences. In APA, in-text citations typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication. For direct quotations, a page number is also required. Example: (Smith, 2020, p. 14).
Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago)
Chicago style is widely used in history, business, and the fine arts. The author-date system is the most common version for in-text citation. It includes the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses. When citing a specific part of a source, include a comma followed by the page number, chapter, or section. Example: (Smith 2020, 14).
In-Text Citation Examples (PDF)
To help students correctly apply citation rules, we’ve provided a downloadable PDF with clear in-text citation examples in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles. These examples demonstrate how to cite paraphrased ideas, direct quotations, and multiple authors properly within your writing. This resource is especially helpful for avoiding plagiarism and building strong, credible arguments.
Reference (Works Cited) Rules
How to Organize Your Sources Accurately and Professionally
At the end of every formal writing assignment, students must compile a complete list of all the sources they used. This list—commonly titled References, Works Cited, or Bibliography depending on the citation style—must appear on the final page of the document and follow a specific citation format.
All sources must be listed in alphabetical order and formatted according to the required style guide: Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), or the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago). Proper referencing is essential not only to give credit to original authors and researchers, but also to provide credible support that strengthens the student’s own argument.
Each academic subject often uses a different style guide: 1) MLA is typically used for English and Humanities; 2) APA is most common in Education, Psychology, and Sciences; and 3) Chicago is often used for History, Fine Arts, and Business
It is critical to follow the specific formatting rules of the required guide. If an instructor requests all sources be cited in MLA, for instance, then every in-text citation and reference must follow MLA format without exception. To ensure accuracy, students should carefully cross-check every in-text citation with the final reference list.
Sample Reference (Works Cited) Formats (PDF)
Use the PDF guide below to view properly formatted examples for MLA, APA, and Chicago style reference pages. These samples will help you double-check citations and ensure your References or Works Cited page is accurate and professional.