Tutor profile: Mark S.

I was told that I have to write an Expository Essay? What does that mean?

An Expository Essay is one of the most important types of essays as it can be the beginning of other, more complicated writing. The Expository Essay is traditionally a five-paragraph essay that outlines three main ideas utilizing three body paragraphs. The essay is composed of an Introduction paragraph, three Body paragraphs and a Conclusion paragraph. Each paragraph has its own specific function, and when you understand each function, writing becomes that much easier!

My teacher says that I need to read Shakespeare, but I don't understand why. What is so important about this author?

William Shakespeare has written dozens of plays and poems that have lasted the "test of time" and continue to show relevancy to our modern times. When reading Shakespeare, it is important to also find clips or other videos of the plays since the author truly wanted his audience to see the stage, watch the actors and hear the inflection in their voices. Seeing the plays is just as important as reading the plays. We can see elements of Shakespeare in modern television, film and theatre...even to this day!

I have been told to create a thesis statement for my essay. What does that mean?

A thesis statement is one of the most important elements of your essay, as it provides a "roadmap" for readers regarding the content of your essay. In a traditional five-paragraph, expository essay, there will be three body paragraphs that state claims, provide support for those claims and explain the support's relevancy for those claims. The thesis statement will "preview" these ideas so readers can see the general direction you will take in those body paragraphs.