Tutor profile: Ryan W.

Why is it important for a writer to tie each quote, paraphrase, or original evidence point to their thesis?

Writers have to ensure their entire argument serves their thesis. Whether they are trying to purely educate or persuade their reader to change their thoughts or actions on a subject, the whole argument has to work together to achieve this goal. Plan to explain in 2-3 sentences after each evidence point regardless of what kind it is, how and why that evidence point supports the thesis. This will ensure you teach readers why this evidence makes your argument stronger. This tests your own understanding of your argument and that all your supporting points are fitting for your thesis. This system ensures most of your argument is your own writing instead of quotes or paraphrases too. While outside evidence is important to support an argument, the argument still belongs to the writer, and thus they must demonstrate their own ability to explain and persuade their audience.

How does a theme of a film or play function as the artists' thesis?

The thesis is the central argument or idea that a writer builds their argument around. In a film or play the theme is the thesis; it is the larger idea or argument the film and theater makers want the audience to understand. While writing involves a singular person or a smaller team of writers, in film and theater many people work toward the theme of the work. The script is the basis for any film or play. The directors, crew, editors, special effects teams, costumers, everyone involved in the film or play production builds outward from the script and the theme it argues. They all contribute to help make the theme work. Since film and theater are visual methods of storytelling everything that the audience hears and sees has to align to some degree with the work's theme, to make a cohesive story and message. If an element like costuming doesn't help reflect the personality or depiction of the characters that wear them, this can undermine the meaning the characters are trying to express through their acting and dialogue to the audience.

How do non-fiction writers compose arguments in essays or books differently than fiction writers?

Non-fiction writers draw their evidence from their own professional, personal, or education experiences. They can use research they've conducted, or data they've gather from outside sources. Fiction writers make their arguments from the stories they tell. While they want to entertain their readers, their stories can also make a lasting impression in the lessons they can teach readers. It doesn't matter the genre or the subject matter of stories, any of them can teach a lesson that can be used by readers in their own lives and experiences. Fiction writers can draw from the same experiences as non-fiction writers, but they aren't bound by the same citation rules as non-fiction writers. Regardless if a writer focuses on non-fiction or fiction their goals should be to educate and inspire their readers, to move them to use what they learn in a meaningful way.