Illustrate each important idea with an example you make up yourself. For each position, describe life in a world in which that position is true Identify the main arguments in your area. Restate each argument in your own words, writing as though you believed it to be true. Try to come up with other possible positions in the area, Make up your own ways of engaging the topic. Repeat as necessary.
Mastery is the opposite of memorization.
When you have mastery of a topic you can go beyond the texts, make up your own descriptions and arguments and explain things in your own words and own examples. The most effective thing you can do to improve your grade is show a draft of your paper to your TA and then write a new draft that responds to her comments as much as possible. Turn your draft in before your appointment if possible. DO NOT edit or polish this draft. Tell your TA to ignore problems in spelling or grammar.