Prescriptivism is a linguistic approach that emphasizes the rules and norms of language usage. It advocates for specific standards in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, often aiming to maintain traditional language forms. Prescriptivists believe that adhering to these rules enhances clarity and communication. In contrast to descriptivism, which observes and describes how language is actually used, prescriptivism seeks to prescribe how language should be used. This approach is often seen in educational settings, where teachers may enforce grammatical rules to help students develop strong writing skills.