Tutor profile: Jamie K.

How do I write a good thesis statement for an essay?

A thesis statement needs to be the central idea that tells the reader your essay's subject. It is usually one sentence that is the focus of the entire paper and general is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph. For example, if you were writing an essay about the portrayal of women vs. men in 1960s television commercials the area of focus would be women are seen as models and objects of desire, whereas men are seen as powerful and successful. This will be the focus of the paper and gives the foundation to the essay so the writer stays on topic.

What is a period piece?

A period piece is a piece of work that is set in a historical time period. For example, Jane Austen novels would be considered period pieces set in the 18th century. Her stories focus on women marrying for security and stability built on the social status of that time period.

What are the three basic elements of a screenplay?

The three most important elements in a screenplay are theme, character, and plot. These elements are the foundation to story development. The theme is the main concept that holds the story idea together. The characters help create conflict and tension to help the plot of the story move forward.