Deck 17: Writing the Essay

Question 1

Complete the following statement: Emphatic order is shown in the last supporting paragraph of "Get Rid of the Dog" with the words ________; in the last supporting paragraph of "Sports-Crazy America" with the words _________; and in the last supporting paragraph of "An Interpretation of Lord of the Flies" with the words_________.

Answer 1

Worst of all... especially evident... the most obvious proof

Question 2

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
A period of loneliness in life can actually have certain benefits.

Answer 2

A period of loneliness in life can actually have certain benefits.

Question 3

Comments follow each supporting paragraph and the concluding paragraph. Circle the letter of the one statement that applies in each case.
A Hateful Activity: Bullying
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Eric, a new boy at school, was shy and physically small. He quickly became a victim of bullies. Kids would wait after school, pull out his shirt, and punch and shove him around. He was called such names as "Mouse Boy" and "Jerk Boy." When he sat down during lunch hour, others would leave his table. In gym games he was never thrown the ball, as if he didn't exist. Then one day he came to school with a gun. When the police were called, he told them he just couldn't take it anymore. Bullying had hurt him badly, just as it hurts many other students. Every member of a school community should be aware of bullying and the three hateful forms that it takes: physical, verbal, and social bullying.

Answer 3

Paragraph 2:   b

Question 4

Which essay uses time order as well as emphatic order to organize its three supporting paragraphs __________

Question 5

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
Owning an old car has its own special rewards.

Question 6

Comments follow each supporting paragraph and the concluding paragraph. Circle the letter of the one statement that applies in each case.
A Hateful Activity: Bullying
Paragraph 2: First Supporting Paragraph
Bigger or meaner kids try to hurt kids who are smaller or unsure of themselves. They'll push kids into their lockers, knock books out of their hands, or shoulder them out of the cafeteria line. In gym class, a bully often likes to kick kids' legs out from under them while they are running. In the classroom, bullies might kick the back of the chair or step on the foot of the kids they want to intimidate. Bullies will corner a kid in a bathroom. There the victim will be slapped around, will have his or her clothes half pulled off, and might even be shoved into a trash can. Bullies will wait for kids after school and bump or wrestle them around, often while others are looking on. The goal is to frighten kids as much as possible and try to make them cry. Physical bullying is more common among boys, but it is not unknown for girls to be physical bullies as well. The victims are left bruised and hurting, but often in even more pain emotionally than bodily.
a. Paragraph 2 contains an irrelevant sentence.
b. Paragraph 2 lacks transition words.
c. Paragraph 2 lacks supporting details at one key spot.
d. Paragraph 2 contains a fragment and a run-on.

Question 7

List four major transitions used in the supporting paragraphs of "An Interpretation of Lord of the Flies." ___________
a. ________
b. ________
c. ________
d. ________

Question 8

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
Learning to write takes work, patience, and a sense of humor.

Question 9

Comments follow each supporting paragraph and the concluding paragraph. Circle the letter of the one statement that applies in each case.
A Hateful Activity: Bullying
Paragraph 3: Second Supporting Paragraph
Perhaps even worse than physical attack is verbal bullying, which uses words, rather than hands or fists, as weapons. We may be told that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me," but few of us are immune to the pain of a verbal attack. Like physical bullies, verbal bullies tend to single out certain targets. From that moment on, the victim is subject to a hail of insults and put-downs. These are usually delivered in public, so the victim's humiliation will be greatest: "Oh, no; here comes the nerd!" "Why don't you lose some weight, blubber boy " "You smell as bad as you look!" "Weirdo." "Fairy." "Creep." "Dork." "Slut." "Loser." Verbal bullying is an equal-opportunity activity, with girls as likely to be verbal bullies as boys. If parents don't want their children to be bullies like this, they shouldn't be abusive themselves. Meanwhile, the victim retreats farther and farther into his or her shell, hoping to escape further notice.
a. Paragraph 3 contains an irrelevant sentence.
b. Paragraph 3 lacks transition words.
c. Paragraph 3 lacks supporting details at one key spot.
d. Paragraph 3 contains a fragment and a run-on.

Question 10

Which essay includes a sentence in the concluding paragraph that summarizes three supporting points ______________

Question 11

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
Advertisers use several clever sales techniques to promote their message.

Question 12

Comments follow each supporting paragraph and the concluding paragraph. Circle the letter of the one statement that applies in each case.
A Hateful Activity: Bullying
Paragraph 4: Third Supporting Paragraph
As bad as verbal bullying is, many would agree that the most painful type of bullying of all is social bullying. Many students have a strong need for the comfort of being part of a group. For social bullies, the pleasure of belonging to a group is increased by the sight of someone who is refused entry into that group. So, like wolves targeting the weakest sheep in a herd, the bullies lead the pack in isolating people who they decide are different. Bullies do everything they can to make those people feel sad and lonely. In class and out of it, the bullies make it clear that the victims are ignored and unwanted. As the victims sink farther into isolation and depression, the social bullies-who seem to be female more often than male-feel all the more puffed up by their own popularity.
a. Paragraph 4 contains an irrelevant sentence.
b. Paragraph 4 lacks transition words.
c. Paragraph 4 lacks supporting details at one key spot.
d. Paragraph 4 contains a fragment and a run-on.

Question 13

Which essay includes two final thoughts in its concluding paragraph ____________

Question 14

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
The police in large cities often have to do more than fight crime.

Question 15

In "My Job in an Apple Plant," which sentences are used to attract the reader's interest
_________sentences 1to3 ______1to4 ______1to5

Question 16

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
Working part time and going to college full time requires self-sacrifice, energy, and an ability to manage one's time.

Question 17

The thesis in "My Job in an Apple Plant" is presented in _______sentence 4 __________sentence 5 ________sentence 6

Question 18

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
My study habits in college benefited greatly from a course on note taking, textbook study, and test-taking skills.

Question 19

Is the thesis followed by a plan of development _________Yes ________No

Question 20

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
The best teachers encourage their students, provide them with extra help, and present the material in a clear and interesting manner.

Question 21

Which words in the plan of development announce the three major supporting points in the essay Write them below.
a.__________
b.__________
c.__________

Question 22

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
Parents should take certain steps to encourage their children to enjoy reading.

Question 23

What is the topic sentence for the first supporting paragraph of "My Job in an Apple Plant" ( Write the sentence number here. ) ________

Question 24

After reviewing the seven methods of introduction on pages 341 343, refer to the box above and read the following seven introductory paragraphs. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction used in each paragraph. Each kind of introduction is used once.
Paragraph A
Is bullying a natural, unavoidable part of growing up Is it something that everyone has to endure as a victim, or practice as a bully, or tolerate as a bystander Does bullying leave deep scars on its victims, or is it fairly harmless Does being a bully indicate some deep-rooted problems, or is it not a big deal These and other questions need to be looked at as we consider the three forms of bullying: physical, verbal, and social.

Question 25

What is the topic sentence for the second supporting paragraph _______

Question 26

After reviewing the seven methods of introduction on pages 341 343, refer to the box above and read the following seven introductory paragraphs. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction used in each paragraph. Each kind of introduction is used once.
Paragraph B
In a perfect school, students would treat each other with affection and respect. Differences would be tolerated, and even welcomed. Kids would become more popular by being kind and supportive. Students would go out of their way to make sure one another felt happy and comfortable. But most schools are not perfect. Instead of being places of respect and tolerance, they are places where the hateful act of bullying is widespread.

Question 27

In which essay does the thesis statement appear in the last sentence of the introductory paragraph ____________

Question 28

What is the topic sentence for the third supporting paragraph _______

Question 29

After reviewing the seven methods of introduction on pages 341 343, refer to the box above and read the following seven introductory paragraphs. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction used in each paragraph. Each kind of introduction is used once.
Paragraph C
Students have to deal with all kinds of problems in schools. There are the problems created by difficult classes, by too much homework, or by personality conflicts with teachers. There are problems with scheduling the classes you need and still getting some of the ones you want. There are problems with bad cafeteria food, grouchy principals, or overcrowded classrooms. But one of the most difficult problems of all has to do with a terrible situation that exists in most schools: bullying.

Question 30

In the essay on Lord of the Flies, which sentence of the introductory paragraph contains the plan of development ________

Question 31

Here is the other transitional sentence in "My Job in an Apple Plant":
But even more than the low pay, what upset me about my apple plant job was the working conditions.
Complete the following statement: In the sentence above, the key words _______echo the point of the second supporting paragraph, and the key words_______ announce the topic of the third supporting paragraph.

Question 32

After reviewing the seven methods of introduction on pages 341?343, refer to the box above and read the following seven introductory paragraphs. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction used in each paragraph. Each kind of introduction is used once.Eric, a new boy at school, was shy and physically small. He quickly became a victim of bullies. Kids would wait after school, pull out his shirt, and punch and shove him around. He was called such names as "Mouse Boy" and "Jerk Boy." When he sat down during lunch hour, others would leave his table. In gym games he was never thrown the ball, as if he didn't exist. Then one day he came to school with a gun. When the police were called, he told them he just couldn't take it anymore. Bullying had hurt him badly, just as it hurts many other students. Every member of a school community should be aware of bullying and the three hateful forms that it takes: physical, verbal, and social bullying.

Question 33

Which method of introduction is used in "Get Rid of the Dog"
a. General to narrow
b. Stating importance of topic
c. Incident or story
d. Questions

Question 34

Which sentence in the concluding paragraph of "My Job in an Apple Plant" restates the thesis and supporting points of the essay ______

Question 35

After reviewing the seven methods of introduction on pages 341 343, refer to the box above and read the following seven introductory paragraphs. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction used in each paragraph. Each kind of introduction is used once.
Paragraph E
A British prime minister once said, "Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke." If that is true, there is a lot of "smoke" present in most schools today. Bullying in schools is a huge problem that hurts both its victims and the people who practice it. Physical, verbal, and social bullying are all harmful in their own ways.

Question 36

Write a brief outline of the three points developed in "Get Rid of the Dog":
a. _________
b. _________
c. _________

Question 37

Which sentence contains the concluding thought of the essay _______

Question 38

After reviewing the seven methods of introduction on pages 341 343, refer to the box above and read the following seven introductory paragraphs. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction used in each paragraph. Each kind of introduction is used once.
Paragraph F
A pair of students bring guns and homemade bombs to school, killing a number of their fellow students and teachers before taking their own lives. A young man hangs himself on Sunday evening rather than attend school the following morning. A junior high school girl is admitted to the emergency room after cutting her wrists. What do all these horrible reports have to do with each other All were reportedly caused by a terrible practice that is common in schools: bullying.

Question 39

Which two essays use a transitional sentence between the first and second supporting paragraphs __________

Question 40

For each thesis statement below, single-underline the topic and double-underline the main point that the writer wishes to express about the topic.
Several teachers have played important roles in my life.

Question 41

After reviewing the seven methods of introduction on pages 341 343, refer to the box above and read the following seven introductory paragraphs. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction used in each paragraph. Each kind of introduction is used once.
Paragraph G
It is estimated that 23 percent of all students in American middle schools have experienced bullying. More than 20 percent have admitted to engaging in bullying themselves. Moreover, 8 percent complain of being bullied at least once each week. At times, victims of bullying become depressed, suffer from chronic health problems, and even contemplate suicide!