Tutor profile: Carey H.

What makes a good writer?

There are a few things that distinguish an average writer from a good writer. The first is being able to distill complex ideas and thoughts into clear language that is easily understood by the reader. Writing often begins with a mix of ideas, but it should always end with a clear, concise theme or argument. A good writer pays attention to detail but doesn't pay too much attention to where the story gets lost and hard to understand. Good writers are able to convey a purpose--whether that is to entertain, inform, or persuade readers. I am most deeply impacted by texts when I feel the author is passionately conveying a sense of purpose and will. In addition to these things, good writers use strong, provoking vocabulary that engages the reader and draws them into the story itself.

How does the presence of conflict affect the development of the characters in Romeo and Juliet?

Conflict is a common theme in many novels and films, and Romeo and Juliet is no exception. The external conflict of the two feuding families, The Capulets and The Montagues, force Romeo and Juliet to hide their love for one another and sneak around behind their families backs. This forces a co-dependence between the two characters because not only do they share a passionate love for one another, but a mutual vulnerability as well. We see this in the infamous scene where Romeo poisons himself after he thinks Juliet is dead because he doesn't know what to do without her. The external conflict in their relationship drives their undying loyalty and dependence on one another.

How do reading comprehension strategies lead to better life-skills?

Reading comprehension strategies such as looking for key words in a text or connecting major themes in stories helps students better engage the text, as well as their own lives. Every day, we use reading comprehension strategies, whether we're scrolling through Instagram and an ad pops up or we're driving down the road and see a billboard sign. The better we are at interpreting these "texts" the better we begin to understand them. This translates to our personal lives as well. The more we engage in a conversation with a boss, listening to instructions. the better employee we are. It is essential that students develop these skills at an early stage, so they can learn to understand and engage with their neighbors.