Deck 9: Reading and Writing Expository Texts

Question 1

Major and minor details can help clarify an idea in an expository essay.​

Answer 1

True

Question 2

The thesis statement of an expository essay should announce the general subject together with the specific topic.​

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes a definition essay?​

A) ​A definition essay persuades the reader to support a particular point of view.
B) ​A definition essay classifies a subject into categories and explains how each category relates to the whole.
C) ​A definition essay gives step‐by‐step instructions for completing a task.
D) ​A definition essay explores the meaning of a term or concept and may include examples and comparisons.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Which answer below could work as a specific topic for the general subject of "popular music"?​

A)learning to play piano as an adult
B)the role of social media in promoting emerging pop stars
C)the high cost of quality speakers
D)listening to music as a way to relax

Question 5

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
^​1Every society, from the smallest band society to the most complex postindustrial society, has a sacred literature called myth that states certain religious truths. Myths, embodying a specific worldview, contain stories of the gods, their origins, their activities, and the moral injunction they teach. Unlike magic or witchcraft, myths serve to answer the larger questions surrounding human existence-such as why we are here. Myths not only have an explanatory function, but they also validate some of the essential beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of a culture. That is, a culture's mythology is closely connected to its moral and social order. It is important to point out that myths need not have any basis in historical fact. Although there may be elements of history in myth (and vice vers
A), the importance of myth from an anthropological perspective is that the narrative reflects, supports, and legitimizes patterns of thoughts and behavior.
²A common form of myth is the myth of origin, which provides answers to questions about how things began. Often, these myths tell of the origins of the gods themselves, their adventures, and how they went about creating both humans and the natural environment. Some myths, which can be told in either sacred or profane settings, describe how various gods (or divinely inspired humans) brought about the existence of important cultural features such as government, fire, or agriculture. Another type of myth, known as a trickster myth, is less serious in tone but carries important messages. These often humorous myths serve at least two functions-to reveal the historical origins of certain features of the world and also a moral that is conveyed.
 -adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 355-356
The second paragraph of this passage primarily​

A) ​explains the purpose of myths in societies.
B) ​describes the basic content of most myths.
C) ​provides examples of two types of myths and their functions.
D) ​compares myths to historical records.

Question 6

Which of the following strategies can be used to develop an opening paragraph in an expository essay?​

A) ​make a shocking statement
B) ​set the scene
C) ​share an interesting story
D) ​all of the above

Question 7

A writer should identify a general subject of interest before selecting a specific topic to address.​

Question 8

Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to answer questions about the chart below.

Considering the chart above, what answer below might be another major detail to support the key point?​

A) ​My supervisor lowered her stress level by practicing gratitude on the job.
B) ​Learning to be more forgiving also has health benefits.
C) ​Gratitude is not always easy to cultivate.
D) ​My aunt decided to take her physician's advice.

Question 9

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
^​1Every society, from the smallest band society to the most complex postindustrial society, has a sacred literature called myth that states certain religious truths. Myths, embodying a specific worldview, contain stories of the gods, their origins, their activities, and the moral injunction they teach. Unlike magic or witchcraft, myths serve to answer the larger questions surrounding human existence-such as why we are here. Myths not only have an explanatory function, but they also validate some of the essential beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of a culture. That is, a culture's mythology is closely connected to its moral and social order. It is important to point out that myths need not have any basis in historical fact. Although there may be elements of history in myth (and vice vers
A), the importance of myth from an anthropological perspective is that the narrative reflects, supports, and legitimizes patterns of thoughts and behavior.
²A common form of myth is the myth of origin, which provides answers to questions about how things began. Often, these myths tell of the origins of the gods themselves, their adventures, and how they went about creating both humans and the natural environment. Some myths, which can be told in either sacred or profane settings, describe how various gods (or divinely inspired humans) brought about the existence of important cultural features such as government, fire, or agriculture. Another type of myth, known as a trickster myth, is less serious in tone but carries important messages. These often humorous myths serve at least two functions-to reveal the historical origins of certain features of the world and also a moral that is conveyed.
 -adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 355-356
The author uses all of the following types of details except​

A) ​direct quotation from an expert
B) ​background information
C) ​specific examples
D) ​detailed explanation

Question 10

A classification essay breaks a subject into categories, sorting and organizing the parts into a structure called a ______________________.​

A) ​synonym
B) ​taxonomy
C) ​cause
D) ​comparison

Question 11

Which sentence below is a fragment? ​

A) ​A new view of exercise recommends moderation over exertion.
B) ​Because the veterinarian could not identify the cat's illness.
C) ​The students attended a research workshop in the library.
D) ​Because we were late, we had to sit in the back of the theater.

Question 12

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
^​1Every society, from the smallest band society to the most complex postindustrial society, has a sacred literature called myth that states certain religious truths. Myths, embodying a specific worldview, contain stories of the gods, their origins, their activities, and the moral injunction they teach. Unlike magic or witchcraft, myths serve to answer the larger questions surrounding human existence-such as why we are here. Myths not only have an explanatory function, but they also validate some of the essential beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of a culture. That is, a culture's mythology is closely connected to its moral and social order. It is important to point out that myths need not have any basis in historical fact. Although there may be elements of history in myth (and vice vers
A), the importance of myth from an anthropological perspective is that the narrative reflects, supports, and legitimizes patterns of thoughts and behavior.
²A common form of myth is the myth of origin, which provides answers to questions about how things began. Often, these myths tell of the origins of the gods themselves, their adventures, and how they went about creating both humans and the natural environment. Some myths, which can be told in either sacred or profane settings, describe how various gods (or divinely inspired humans) brought about the existence of important cultural features such as government, fire, or agriculture. Another type of myth, known as a trickster myth, is less serious in tone but carries important messages. These often humorous myths serve at least two functions-to reveal the historical origins of certain features of the world and also a moral that is conveyed.
 -adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 355-356
What is the main idea of the reading passage?​

A) ​Myths of origin provide answers to questions about how things began.
B) ​Trickster myths, while often humorous, convey a moral message.
C) ​Myths in every culture serve to answer complex questions about human existence and validate the society's essential beliefs.
D) ​Myths are similar to magic and witchcraft.

Question 13

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
^​1Every society, from the smallest band society to the most complex postindustrial society, has a sacred literature called myth that states certain religious truths. Myths, embodying a specific worldview, contain stories of the gods, their origins, their activities, and the moral injunction they teach. Unlike magic or witchcraft, myths serve to answer the larger questions surrounding human existence-such as why we are here. Myths not only have an explanatory function, but they also validate some of the essential beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of a culture. That is, a culture's mythology is closely connected to its moral and social order. It is important to point out that myths need not have any basis in historical fact. Although there may be elements of history in myth (and vice vers
A), the importance of myth from an anthropological perspective is that the narrative reflects, supports, and legitimizes patterns of thoughts and behavior.
²A common form of myth is the myth of origin, which provides answers to questions about how things began. Often, these myths tell of the origins of the gods themselves, their adventures, and how they went about creating both humans and the natural environment. Some myths, which can be told in either sacred or profane settings, describe how various gods (or divinely inspired humans) brought about the existence of important cultural features such as government, fire, or agriculture. Another type of myth, known as a trickster myth, is less serious in tone but carries important messages. These often humorous myths serve at least two functions-to reveal the historical origins of certain features of the world and also a moral that is conveyed.
 -adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 355-356
What form does the expository reading passage above use to present its information?​

A) ​cause‐effect
B) ​classification
C) ​process
D) ​definition

Question 14

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
^​1Every society, from the smallest band society to the most complex postindustrial society, has a sacred literature called myth that states certain religious truths. Myths, embodying a specific worldview, contain stories of the gods, their origins, their activities, and the moral injunction they teach. Unlike magic or witchcraft, myths serve to answer the larger questions surrounding human existence-such as why we are here. Myths not only have an explanatory function, but they also validate some of the essential beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of a culture. That is, a culture's mythology is closely connected to its moral and social order. It is important to point out that myths need not have any basis in historical fact. Although there may be elements of history in myth (and vice vers
A), the importance of myth from an anthropological perspective is that the narrative reflects, supports, and legitimizes patterns of thoughts and behavior.
²A common form of myth is the myth of origin, which provides answers to questions about how things began. Often, these myths tell of the origins of the gods themselves, their adventures, and how they went about creating both humans and the natural environment. Some myths, which can be told in either sacred or profane settings, describe how various gods (or divinely inspired humans) brought about the existence of important cultural features such as government, fire, or agriculture. Another type of myth, known as a trickster myth, is less serious in tone but carries important messages. These often humorous myths serve at least two functions-to reveal the historical origins of certain features of the world and also a moral that is conveyed.
 -adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 355-356
Which answer below would be the best choice as a title for the reading passage?​

A) ​The Role of Myths in Every Culture
B) ​An Essay on Myths
C) ​Magic, Mythology, and History
D) ​Trickster Myths

Question 15

Which of the following sentences is combined correctly?​

A) ​Exchange your email address with someone who sits near you, you can find out the homework if you have to be absent.
B) ​Exchange your email address with someone who sits near you, then you can find out the homework if you have to be absent.
C) ​Exchange your email address with someone who sits near you, if you can find out the homework if you have to be absent.
D) ​Exchange your email address with someone who sits near you, so you can find out the homework if you have to be absent.

Question 16

Expository texts come in many different forms, but they all share the common trait of presenting information on a topic.​

Question 17

Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to answer questions about the chart below.

Examining the chart above, which answer best completes the box marked "X"?​

A) ​Research shows that gratefulness is linked to longevity.
B) ​My aunt's physician recommended medication to control her blood pressure.
C) ​My aunt began writing down three reasons she felt grateful each night; within a month, her blood pressure had dropped.
D) ​Experts agree that blood pressure can also be managed through diet.

Question 18

Which selection below is NOT a primary source?​

A) ​textbook
B) ​diary
C) ​interview
D) ​survey

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a step in an editing checklist?​

A) ​Check if signal words are used properly.
B) ​Add major and minor details to paragraphs.
C) ​Look for misused punctuation.
D) ​Change "be" verbs to action verbs.

Question 20

Which group of signal words below would a writer be likely to use in an illustration essay?​

A) ​first, next, then
B) ​because, as a result, consequently
C) ​for example, for instance, specifically
D) ​none of the above