Tutor profile: Claire D.

What is parallel writing structure and how do I use it in my writing? What are the benefits of using this type of writing structure?

Parallel writing structure maintains a consistent flow and pattern to the structure of your sentence(s). This type of writing makes your work easier for someone else to read because its flow sounds more natural; it is also more professional-sounding. The pattern of type of words you use should be the same in a given sentence if you're using commas to separate ideas (as with a list). In the example that follows, the words listed to describe the author's prose are all adjectives*: Example: The author's prose are *unique, *shocking, and *thought-provoking. Non-example: The author's prose are *unique, a shock to my understanding, and *thought-provoking.

What is the difference between a closet and a garage? How do I remember the difference between them?

A closet and garage are both parts of a home; a good way to understand and remember the difference between them is to think about what goes INSIDE each of these places. Creating a similarities and differences chart in your notes is one way to answer this question AND create a visual you can look back on to help you remember how these rooms are used: - Similarities: Both are areas in a home. Both areas have items in them that you may use to clean or fix things in a home. - Differences: A closet is a small space *inside* other rooms in a home. A garage can also be small, but it is an entirely separate room connected to the house where a car may be kept. A closet is a place to keep materials to use in the *inside* of a home (ex. clothes, dishes, broom, vacuum, floor cleaner). A garage is usually a place to keep materials to clean or maintain a car or the *outside* of a home (ex. power tools, shovel, leaf blower).

What is "theme"? What are some examples of a theme?

A theme is a message about real life that a character or the reader may understand after certain events occur in a text. It could be a lesson learned or a moral of the story, but always must be related or applicable to real life in some way. It is NOT a broad topic and it is NOT specific to only the text you're reading. Example: People make enormous sacrifices, such as their relationship with their family, because of romantic love. Non-example: "Love" (too broad) Non-example: "Juliet sacrifices her relationship with her family because she is in love with Romeo." (too specific to the play "Romeo & Juliet" because character names are included.)