Tutor profile: David L.

How do I compose an effective thesis statement for my research papers?

Your thesis statement consists of your central claim, and is therefore the component that influences your paper the most. In its most basic form, your thesis should present your claim and follow closely with the reasonings that support this. These reasonings correlate directly with your coming body paragraphs. The best piece I can give any student regarding essays and research papers is to talk to your instructors personally to find out the nuances or whatnot that they expect to see in your paper. Different teachers have different expectations, so knowing what they're looking for is crucial to building a convincing essay.

How can I retain knowledge better, aside for reading and note-taking?

I'll be honest, studying is far from my favorite thing to do. Still, it is important to consider why we feel unmotivated to do so, because no two people are the same. If you are studying for an upcoming test for a subject you dislike, for example, try changing up the usual formula of reading and taking notes by incorporating an unexpected activity into the mix. It may sound silly, but if you take a moment to read a particular passage out loud in the most comical way you can, you'll find that it'll be easier to recall what you read on the day of your exam.

In what ways does language affect my life directly? What can I get out of furthering my understanding of the English language?

No doubt language is an essential component of human communication. The way we deliver, interpret, and explore ideas lies at the core of language. Consider the many ways English is used to convey information. For instance, advertisers spend a lot of time and resources toward building the most effective slogans or factoids. To understand English as a language is to understand that no spoken or written words exist accidentally.