Should I use past or present?

Question

i'm doing a short essay on the last lecture by randy pausch. the question is: given the hand he has been dealt, give five examples on effective ways he has choosen to play his cards.

im a little confused because I thought that on essays u were supposed to write in present tense. but how do I write in present tense when there asking me to tell them what he already did? am I missing something? someone please explain

Answer 1

past leading up to present

Answer 2

You can talk about how his life is now and the effective way he is living his life due to his circumstances.

If you were writing about the lecture alone then it is in past tense....there is no way about that.

but it seems like they are asking the five examples of effective ways he is living his life now.....

Answer 3

you write as if the lecture happens right now, you know, kinda sports reporter:

(dear ladies and gentlemen, today we are here to listen to the lecture) .... he says.... as he states.... according to his views, this unbelievably easy action leads to a wonderful result... he promises you can do it... (here he finishes his speech, bows and leaves the auditorium.)

:)

just like this

Answer 4

Use present participle? I dunno.

Answer 5

Depends on the topic of the essay. For this, I would write it in past tense because you are discussing things that he did in his life.