Deck 2: Prewriting to Generate Ideas

Question 1

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each of the types of prewriting illustrated below. The prewriting below is an example of
Bad habits
Procrastination
Smoking
Hard to quit
Eating junk food/not exercising
Foul language
Biting fingernails
Disorganization
Drinking too much
Gossip
Interrupting
Not listening
Breaking promises
Tardiness

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting. Oct. 3. Everyone wants to win the lottery, but I've heard that suddenly having millions of dollars doesn't necessarily make people happier. In fact, several lottery winners have said their lives are worse since winning. They simply traded one set of problems for another set of problems, like people hounding them for contributions all of the time. Some lottery winners have even been irresponsible with the money, blown it all, and then were forced to declare bankruptcy.
Oct) 4. Tomorrow, I'm traveling to Toledo for my brother's wedding. His fiancée is a woman he met in college, and they seem to have all of the ingredients for a happy and long-lasting marriage. They share many of the same interests, such as scuba diving, and they seem to have similar values and goals.
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Answer 2

E

Question 3

Instructions: For the following questions, select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting. Aug. 21. Classes started today, and I'm taking four difficult ones. I'm not worried about my English class because I like the instructor. Math is always hard for me, though, so my algebra class is sure to be a lot of work. I'll have to put in a lot of study time. My weight training P.E. class will be great, help me get into better shape. I've also got an Introduction to Computers class. I'm looking forward to that one because I enjoy learning more about computers.
Aug) 23. Today, I heard on the news that many young people are getting in over their heads when it comes to credit-card debt. Some of them charge thousands of dollars and then can't pay it off. Credit-card companies aren't going to stop giving cards to teenagers and college students, so maybe high schools and colleges should offer financial management courses to help young people learn how to stick to a budget and avoid getting into debt.
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Answer 3

E

Question 4

Instructions: Select the letter of the correct answer. Which prewriting technique involves writing down associations that branch out from a topic in the center?

A) brainstorming
B) writing in a journal
C) freewriting
D) clustering
E) asking questions

Question 5

Instructions: For the following questions, select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting.
Living in a big city
Traffic jams
Crowds, waiting in line
Art galleries, museums, concerts, theaters, performances
Restaurants and food carts
Sounds of horns, sirens, police whistles
Park ⎯ people sitting on grass, throwing a Frisbee, eating lunch
Skyscrapers
Subway
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 6

Instructions: For the following questions, select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting. Physical Fitness
Who?
Kids, adults, teenagers, senior citizens
What?
Working out at home or at a gym, jogging, running, walking, taking classes, personal trainer, buy videos
Where?
Home, gym, outdoors ⎯ running, team sports
When?
After work, on weekends, during school (P.E. classes), at work during breaks and lunch hour
Why?
Health, stress relief, mental sharpness, improve appearance
How?
Commitment, get an exercise buddy, join a gym
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 7

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each of the types of prewriting illustrated below. The prewriting below is an example of
Reality TV Shows
Who?
Ordinary people become famous, Mark Burnett produces many of the best shows, Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest, Nigel Lythgoe
What?
American Idol, Survivor, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Big Brother, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Bachelor, The Biggest Loser, The Amazing Race ⎯ has won awards
Where?
New York and other big cities, tropical islands
When?
All the time ⎯ there's always one on TV!
Why?
Viewers can't get enough, participants want chance to win big money, become famous, get into showbiz
How?
Some series taped in secret locations, broadcast a few months later, but some (like Big Brother ) are broadcast live

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 8

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting. Teenage Pregnancy
What do I know about teenage pregnancy? My sister's plans for her future were cut short by pregnancy. She won a high school fashion design award, was spunky, full of fun. Now, with a child to raise, she works in a diner. The father of the child disappeared two years ago.
What would I like to know? Do TV shows like Teen Mom glamorize pregnancy? Why do teenagers get pregnant? Teenage girls think they can't get pregnant. Teenage boys think it's macho to get a girl pregnant. Lack of knowledge of birth-control methods. Teenage girls think that having a baby will keep their boyfriends from leaving them. They think that babies are fun to have around, to play with.
Where can I get more information? Guidance counselors at my old school. Planned Parenthood. Interview my friends who had babies when they were still teenagers. Talk to my sister. Conduct an Internet search.
What would I like to focus on? What interests me? I would like to know what pressures, fears, and hopes teenage girls feel that would allow them to take the chance of becoming pregnant.
What is my point of view? I would like teenagers to be aware of how their lives will be forever changed by a pregnancy.
Who is my audience? I would like to write for teenagers ⎯ primarily girls ⎯ to help them understand the problems of teenage pregnancy.
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 9

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each of the types of prewriting illustrated below. The prewriting below is an example of
Feb) 3. Yesterday at work a man brought a wallet to the counter. He'd found it on the ground and wanted to return it to its owner. It was filled with $20 bills ⎯ I don't know how many, but it was a lot of money. I found a driver's license and called the person who had dropped the wallet. When he came in to pick it up, he said everything was there. Credit cards, money ⎯ nothing was missing. It made me think about honesty and wonder how many people who found such a wallet would turn it in, as the man who found it did, and how many people would take the money.
Feb) 4. I just read a Time magazine article about Bono, the leader singer of the Irish rock band U2. I really admire him because he's not only talented but also works hard on charitable causes. He is especially interested in helping the people of Africa. Most rock stars are selfish and self-centered, but he's making it cool to care.

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 10

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting.
Taking Tests and Exams
Multiple choice or essay
Stressful
Test anxiety
Studying
Study groups
Why do some people cheat?
Grades
Cramming the night before
Memorizing
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 11

Instructions: For the following questions, select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting.

This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 12

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting.

This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 13

Instructions: Select the letter of the correct answer. Which prewriting technique involves writing without stopping or worrying about grammar and spelling?

A) brainstorming
B) writing in a journal
C) freewriting
D) clustering
E) asking questions

Question 14

Instructions: For the following questions, select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting. My Best Friend
My best friend Robin. We met junior year, Sherman High School. A very caring person, has many friends because she's sympathetic to other people's problems. A really good listener. She's smart makes good grades. Got a scholarship. Nursing student, I know she'll be a good one ⎯ nurses have to be good at helping people, and Robin is great at that. Cares about animals, would be a good veterinarian if she doesn't become a nurse.
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 15

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each type of prewriting. A Problem in Society
I'm very worried about how we're damaging our environment. Pollution destroying our air, land, water. Failure to reduce gases that are causing global warming, extreme weather. Some people care ⎯ they recycle, drive fuel-efficient cars, vote for candidates who want to protect Earth. Others don't care at all. What kind of planet will we leave for our children and grandchildren? How much will they suffer because we didn't do more to stop the problem now?
This prewriting is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 16

Instructions: Select the letter of the correct answer. Which prewriting technique involves jotting down a list of words and phrases?

A) brainstorming
B) writing in a journal
C) freewriting
D) clustering
E) asking questions

Question 17

Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each of the types of prewriting illustrated below. The prewriting below is an example of

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 18

Instructions: Select the letter of the answer that correctly identifies each of the types of prewriting illustrated below. The prewriting below is an example of
Something that angers me
I get so annoyed by people who drive SUVs. Most of the time, you see just one or two people in a huge vehicle that seats seven or nine people. People in these vehicles wasting gas could be driving more fuel-efficient cars and helping to make oil supplies last longer. Aggravating to try to see around them. They completely block the view of people in cars, that's unsafe. When trying to make a right turn and one pulls up beside me, I can't see oncoming traffic any more. Roads less safe with SUVs on them. In accidents, the people who get injured or killed are the ones in the car, not the SUV.

A) focused freewriting.
B) brainstorming.
C) clustering.
D) asking questions.
E) keeping a journal.

Question 19

Instructions: Select the letter of the correct answer. Which prewriting technique involves exploring a topic by asking who, what, when, where, why, and how?

A) brainstorming
B) writing in a journal
C) freewriting
D) clustering
E) asking questions

Question 20

Instructions: Select the letter of the correct answer. Which prewriting technique involves writing in a notebook every day or several times a week about your thoughts and experiences?

A) brainstorming
B) writing in a journal
C) freewriting
D) clustering
E) asking questions

Question 21

Instructions: Each group of sentences below could be organized into and written as a paragraph. In each group, select the letter of the topic sentence. Which sentence is the topic sentence?

A) The long grass outside the cottage was heavy with drops of water.
B) The thunderstorm was over, but its effects were everywhere.
C) Puddles in the driveway reflected a thick gray sky.
D) The sea was still churning, throwing debris onto the beach.
E) Inside, books and papers were damp.
F) A scraggly dog with wet, matted hair trotted dismally down the beach.
G) The matches in the kitchen refused to light.

Question 22

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients you use all the time.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 23

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
In time, Gilberto's tongue and lip muscles became strong.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 24

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Cookbooks are so expensive.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 25

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Salt and pepper are the most common food seasonings.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 26

Instructions: Each group of sentences below could be organized into and written as a paragraph. In each group, select the letter of the topic sentence. Which sentence is the topic sentence?

A) The announcer introduced us as the "Huge Notes" instead of the "High Tones."
B) All the lights in the theater flashed on and off throughout our last song.
C) Starting our first song a half-beat too late, Dina threw the rhythm off for the rest of us.
D) The debut of our singing group at the college talent show last Saturday was a total disaster.
E) Halfway through our act, our lead singer's microphone went dead for three minutes.
F) Calvin arrived so hoarse that he could hardly sing at all.

Question 27

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
The trumpet has three valves.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 28

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
I found these plates at Macy's.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 29

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
I like sharpening knives on a stone.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 30

Instructions: Each group of sentences below could be organized into and written as a paragraph. In each group, select the letter of the topic sentence. Which sentence is the topic sentence?

A) The food served in our college cafeteria is low in nutrition.
B) The only drinks available are sugary cola drinks, notorious for their lack of nourishment.
C) The dessert case oozes with artificially colored and flavored cardboard.
D) The only hot foods are greasy French fries and oily franks.
E) Our sources report that the franks contain no beef at all, only "some animal parts."

Question 31

Instructions: Each group of sentences below could be organized into and written as a paragraph. In each group, select the letter of the topic sentence. Which sentence is the topic sentence?

A) The insect begins life as an egg.
B) The fully developed larva, or caterpillar, spins a cocoon and forms a pupa inside it.
C) There are four stages in the metamorphosis of certain insects.
D) Once hatched, the wormlike larva grows, shedding its skin several times.
E) At last the winged adult emerges, looking completely different from all its previous forms.

Question 32

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Check your cupboards and refrigerator for old and rotting food.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 33

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Have clean sponges and cleansers by the sink.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 34

The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Arrange space to have enough counter space for cutting.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 35

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Have clean, sharpened knives in various sizes.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 36

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
Gilberto wanted to watch TV more than practice.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 37

Instructions: Each group of sentences below could be organized into and written as a paragraph. In each group, select the letter of the topic sentence. Which sentence is the topic sentence?

A) Ben buys T-bone steaks for his dog.
B) My neighbor Ben seems to like animals better than people.
C) He screams at neighborhood children.
D) He refuses to speak to adults.
E) He is always patient and loving with Alex, his pet pig.

Question 38

Instructions: Each group of sentences below could be organized into and written as a paragraph. In each group, select the letter of the topic sentence. Which sentence is the topic sentence?

A) Here at Kensington College, without our student numbers, we would hardly exist.
B) We must display our student numbers and our IDs just to get onto campus.
C) We must pencil our student numbers on computer cards in order to register for courses.
D) When our grades are posted, the A's and F's go not to Felicia Watson and Bill Jenkins, Jr., but to 237-0002 and 235-1147.

Question 39

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
Nonetheless, his mother brought him to his weekly lessons.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 40

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: In order to be a good cook, you have to be prepared in the kitchen.
Keep a box of baking soda on hand in case of grease fires.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 41

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
Most fireworks use gunpowder, dyes, and metal shavings for their special effects.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 42

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
His mother complained when he didn't practice.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 43

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
The earliest forms of fireworks were Roman candles and fiery pinwheels.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 44

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
Trumpets are made of brass.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 45

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
Fireworks are illegal in many states.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 46

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
Wynton Marsalis is one of the finest trumpet players alive today.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 47

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
A fireworks shell is a tube made of paper.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 48

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
The original fireworks were not so different from those we have now.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 49

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
Be careful if you're setting off fireworks.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 50

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
His older sister teased him for his horrible playing.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 51

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
Washington, D.C., has great Fourth of July fireworks.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 52

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
My family set fireworks off last summer.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 53

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
He became more advanced and enjoyed the music.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 54

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Gilberto learned how to play the trumpet, but it took a long time.
When he played, the mouthpiece hurt his lips.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 55

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
Fireworks are too loud.

A) Keep
B) Drop

Question 56

Instructions: The topic sentence below is followed by a brainstormed list of possible ideas for a paragraph. Decide which ideas support the topic sentence and should be kept and which ideas should be dropped. Select "keep" or "drop" for each idea. Topic sentence: Modern fireworks have their origins in tenth-century Chinese pyrotechnics.
Originally the Chinese invented firecrackers for use as weapons.

A) Keep
B) Drop