Tutor profile: Zuria B.

How should I structure body paragraphs in a thesis-driven essay?

Like many rules in writing, the guidelines on essay structure are dependent on the purpose, audience, and style of the text. However, body paragraphs have three fundamental components: claim, evidence, and reasoning. As a well-argued essay begins with a broad introduction and clear thesis statement, demonstrates supportive evidence, and concludes with a connecting assertion, the paragraphs throughout the paper act in a similar way. Open with a claim that defines the subject of that paragraph in a topic sentence. Then provide relevant and well-cited evidence that strengthens your rhetoric. Finally, tie the element of your argument discussed in that paragraph back to your thesis with evidence-based reasoning.

What is sustainability and how is it significant?

The meaning of sustainability and the method of its determination is subjective on an individual and organizational level. The word “sustainability” is often associated with an institution’s or a person's interaction with the environment and their efforts to minimize environmental impact. However, the concept of sustainability is an overarching idea of prolonged functionality based on interactions between social, cultural, economic, and environmental perspectives. Recognizing the significance of environmental awareness from a practical and/or moral standpoint is the first step in building a sustainable future for our earth.

How do I write a compelling personal statement?

My main advice for writing personal statements for college applications breaks down into three main steps: sell yourself, sell the university, and then sell them together. First, you must take advantage of the chance to tell your story. Provide the admission counselors with background on what has led you to seek a path in higher education. Hone in on unique life events that not only set you apart from other applicants but illustrate your skills and potential. Second, you need to demonstrate that you put thought into choosing the specific university to which you are applying. What values and goals does the college uphold that you also admire? Begin to explain what academic and extracurricular programs sparked your excitement to apply. Lastly, you want to mold these two ideas - yourself and the university - into one. Convey the match as indisputable. Hypothesize the ways in which you will contribute to the campus community so that they are just as eager to accept you as you are to receive admission.