Tutor profile: Erin C.

Which is better - to answer a question in past tense or in present?

The general rule is to use the past tenses when writing about history, but the present tenses when writing about fictional works.

How can I improve my English?

The single best thing that students can do at home to improve their English is to read extensively in the language. It is the best thing because it allows students to engage in an activity that most enjoy - particularly if they are able to choose their own reading material .

I need help on starting a short story for class. What are elements and resources to help me write a short story?

1) Write a beginning in which you fully describe the setting, introduce characters, and have an initial conflict (called an inciting incident). Use descriptive language and figurative language. 2) Write the rising action. Give your characters problems to solve on the way to solving the big problem. Describe your characters fully. Add dialogue. 3) Write the climax of the story. This is the most exciting part, which solves the original problem but may present new ones. Everything changes after the climax. 4) Write the ending, the falling action and resolution of the story.