Tutor profile: Rachel P.

What should you communicate when formulating a thesis statement for an argumentative essay?

A thesis statement, in general, should declare what the essay hopes to communicate. It should be specific, emphasizing the main point of the paper. For an argumentative essay, this should be the claim you will explain and support in the rest of the paper.

Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto is considered the first Gothic novel and contains the elements that have come to be associated with the genre. What are some notable characteristics of this type of literature?

The Gothic novel contains various elements that distinguish it from other genres of literature. Firstly, the setting is often a castle, old manor or other appropriately mysterious location. There is an overall sense of mystery and suspense, as if a surprise could come with the turn of the page. The Gothic novel almost always contains some supernatural element whether it be omens, inexplicable and seemingly magical events, or, as in The Castle of Otranto, an ancient prophecy. This genre is also marked by extreme emotion in the characters and/or narration.

What is SWBAT and why does it matter?

SWBAT stands for Students Will Be Able To. This phrase should be used to identify the objective for a lesson and what students will be able to do following the lesson. This is important because it helps ensure each lesson is created with a measurable outcome in mind and is in line with the principles of Backwards Design.