Tutor profile: Alexander C.

How should I structure my essay?

I always recommend the ‘5 paragraph’ essay to my students. This format works well for two main reasons: first, it is an easy to structure to write because it forces you to develop your arguments into distinct points; second, it provides a clear organizational structure so that your teacher will be able to easily follow your arguments. For the 5 paragraph essay you will follow this organization: 1. An Introduction paragraph with a clearly defined thesis statement Your introduction paragraph introduces your argument keeping details to their absolute minimum. The thesis statement is the strongest claim that your essay will make. 2. Three body paragraphs These paragraphs advance arguments and evidence to defend your thesis statement. Each paragraph should be 5 to 7 sentences long: introduce the argument of each paragraph in one sentence; support this argument in 3 to 5 sentences; conclude the argument in the final sentence. 3. A Conclusion paragraph This paragraph should restate the thesis and recall the 3 supporting arguments advanced in the three body paragraphs. Important: do NOT introduce any new information in this section. One final tip for the 5 paragraph essay: Clarity ALWAYS trumps complexity in an essay. Keep your argument clear and understandable - your teacher will thank you!

Identify ONE development that changed the role that Central Asian nomads played in cross-regional exchange during the Age of Exploration (circa 1500 to 1700).

The role of Central Asian nomads fundamentally changed during the Age of Exploration. During this period sea-based trade became more prominent. Dutch and Portuguese explorers, attempting to circumvent dangerous and expensive land trade routes, discovered new sea routes from Europe to India. Utilizing these routes, Europeans could interact directly with producers of Eastern commodities rather than relying on third party suppliers. Since Central Asian nomads did not have access to this maritime network, they were no longer able to maintain their monopoly on trade between East and West.

Name the primary effects of the 1215 signing of the Magna Carta on English politics?

There are 3 primary effects which may be attributed to the Magna Carta: 1) Financial- The Magna Carta place a check on the English king's ability to independently raise money through taxation. After 1215 kings were forced to explain the reason for taxation of the population, thus providing their nobility the opportunity to 'veto' royal decisions regarding wars, building projects, donations, or dowries. Kings of England, therefore, did not have the same financial autonomy as other European kings, and their war efforts were often hampered by their uncooperative consultive citizenry. 2) Political - The Magna Carta introduced an institutionalized form of noble consultation. Because English kings were forced to seek approval before raising funds for their personal projects, English noblemen had the opportunity to shape royal policy. This consultive role evolved during the 14th Century into official legislative bodies, and eventually into Britain's modern Parliament. 3) Precedent- The Magna Carta introduced a remarkable precedent within English politics. English kings and their noblemen now realized that a king could only push his population so far before they would rebel and force a settlement upon him. English kings now saw the need to keep their nobility happy in order to retain their position at the apex of English society. After 1215 there were numerous uprisings against stubborn and incompetent kings, and Medieval English kings were deposed in 1327, 1399, 1422, and 1485. Magna Carta illustrated that the nobilities strength represented an important check on royal power.