Tutor profile: Lisa R.

Discuss three kinds of paragraph transitions that might be used in a student essay.

One kind of transition to a new paragraph is repetition of key words. For example, a paragraph that talks about a Ford Model-T car might be followed by a paragraph that talks about the moon landing. To connect the two disparate paragraphs, the first may use the phrase "the automobile captured the popular imagination." The second might say "the space program also captured the popular imagination." A second way to transition is by the use of signpost words, such as therefore, next, consequently, likewise, furthermore. A third way to create a smooth transition is through the orderly arrangement of logical elements in your writing. For example, in a biology essay, one might discuss bodily organs, each in a separate paragraph. In a computer science class, a writer could discuss processes that must be completed in a chronological order. Many other types of transitions exist and can be used to smooth connections between paragraphs and help your reader enjoy and understand your work.

Describe a situation that can be explained by the study of Pragmatics.

Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics that explains how usage of a language in day-to-day situations may differ from ordinary grammatical language rules. One example of a situation that may contribute to misunderstanding although grammatical usage is correct is the idea of "politeness." Native and non-native speakers may clash in conversations that are perfectly grammatical. For example United States speakers pragmatically speak English in a way that is seen as too direct and even rude to some speakers from other parts of the world. To these USA speakers, conversation partners who come from other pragmatic traditions may be seen as too flowery, not getting to the point, etc. These two different stances can create conversational difficulties, but when the parties understand the way the other is using the language, understanding can be enhanced.

Describe societal influences in Kansas-Missouri relations that contributed to the Civil War. Avoid legislative and judicial actions and focus on social attitudes or actions.

Abolitionist settlers from New England promoted Kansas as a Free State, in direct opposition to Missourians' desires to allow slavery to spread. This led to direct and escalating conflicts between individuals and groups on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri border created tension that animated warlike emotions amongst the citizenry. These attitudes and actions mirrored those throughout the US in the antebellum years.