Tutor profile: Shannon P.

When writing an essay, what is the best question to ask to help dig deeper into an analysis, and add detail to your writing.

The best question to ask it Why? When analyzing a book, piece of literature, or media content, the best question to ask is why. By asking why, it allows the writer to wonder why certain things happen, or what certain topics can mean or symbolism. Instead of stopping at "The author wrote that the curtains were blue" the writer can ask themselves why, and then delve deeper into the meaning of the blue curtains. By asking why, it can create deeper understanding of content, and better, more detailed, essays.

Why is taking notes important?

When reading a book, certain things stick out to you. Maybe a certain character said something you found interesting. Maybe you notice a reassuring theme that you want to think about. By taking notes as you read the book, it allows the reader to notice things they might not have noticed otherwise. It can help increase the likelihood that a reader will notice a theme in the book, a character trait, or symbolism. It also makes it easier to provide proof if needed, by pointing out certain lines or actions of characters. Overall, taking notes helps create an understanding of the book that they might not have comprehended otherwise.

How does reading help create a better understanding of the world around you.

When reading any type of book, it allows for knowledge to be gained. Reading a textbook for math, you are obviously learning about math, however, when reading a book for fun, it may not be as obvious that you are learning. But by reading, you immerse yourself in a world, fiction or nonfiction, that you are not currently in. It allows for learning about others experiences, different places, and increases ones ability to understand the world that is outside of the book they are reading. It increases intelligence, learning new words and topics, and it expands imagination. Reading, something so key to the topic of English, really helps to understand the world around you.