Tutor profile: Clare T.

What's the best way to cure Writer's Block?

Writer's Block is a terrible (and very common!) cause of students' anxiety, procrastination and stress. The first step is to re-familiarize yourself with the assignment at hand. If you have a rubric, that can be a great resource! Once you completely understand the task, and the elements that need to be included in your paper, begin an outline. The outline can be as simple as making a bulleted list in a word document of the necessary elements. For example, an outline could look like the following: 1. Introduce Thesis, 2. State Argument, 3. Acknowledge Thesis Naysayers, etc. Once you break down the assignment into smaller chunks it is much easier to tackle! You simply need to follow the recipe!

What is the best way to stay focused when working on a paper or project for a long time?

Taking breaks is essential! A great rule to follow is to take a 15 minute break every hour (be sure to set a timer!). This structure can decrease feelings of stress and allow you to focus on the task at hand, without getting burned out. Another great trick is to turn off all electronics during your work session. Keeping your phone nearby can tempt you into checking texts, emails, or social media and is a major cause of procrastination! Turn off your phone, and put it in another room while working.

What differentiates Realism and Anti-Realism in theater?

Realism is a theatrical movement and style that emerged in the late 19th century. The aim of Realism was to bring more real-life elements into theatrical storytelling. Realism is closely linked to Anton Chekhov's works, particularly Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard. These plays focus on familial, romantic and social relationships, and stay within the confines of Realism in terms of realistic and clear language, linear plot, and subtext. Anti-Realism arose in the mid 20th century, and is a rejection of the conventions of Realism. Anti-Realism challenges the linear form, and provides audiences with unrealistic situations or plot lines. Anti-Realism is epitomized by Bertold Brecht and Samuel Beckett. Instead of hoping that an audience fully believes everything on stage in front of them, Brecht sought to create theater in which the audience felt alienated and was fully aware that they were watching a play. Brecht famously summed up his views on theater and its creation when he said, "let the wires show."