Tutor profile: Emily R.

What is one way that a writer can develop a deeper meaning in their text to express complex ideas?

Writers can rely on literary devices to create depth in their writing. We use these devices to try to make sense of abstract concepts. For example, a metaphor such as "Don't poke the bear" does not actually refer to the literal picture that it creates in our head. However, the meaning of this saying allows us to understand people in a more complex manner (don't irritate the person who you know is already very easily angry).

In "Catcher in the Rye", Holden talks about how museums were always a place that he found comfort. How is this concept significant to the story?

The significance of the museum in "Catcher in the Rye" is that Holden wishes that time could be preserved. This represents the way Holden feels about his childhood. He wants certain moments and points of life never to change, because change is scary and unpredictable. He compares this idea to the museum installments (Native Americans) who have not moved for years. Now, Holden realizes how difficult it is to be an adult with responsibilities and acknowledges that the passing of time is inevitable.

Please identify the action verb in the following sentence. Austin took the paper from Johns desk because he was upset with him.

The action word in the sentence is 'took' because it explains what the subject did. Without this word, the sentence would not make sense. You could essentially take out all the other parts of the sentence (He took it) and the sentence would still make sense. The action verb is crucial.