Deck 3: How to Write an Essay

Question 1

What is the function of a thesis statement?

A) to tell the reader about the subject of an essay
B) to conclude an essay
C) to state the central point of an essay
D) to give the opposing viewpoint

Answer 1

to state the central point of an essay

Question 2

Where is a thesis statement usually located?

A) the last sentence of an essay
B) in the last sentence of the introduction
C) in the topic sentence of the first body paragraph
D) in the conclusion

Answer 2

in the last sentence of the introduction

Question 3

When preparing to write an essay, why should you turn the working thesis into a question?

A) because you don't know what to write next
B) because instructors want it this way
C) because the question gives you a focus for writing your essay
D) because your readers expect a question

Answer 3

because the question gives you a focus for writing your essay

Question 4

What is the controlling idea in Scott Sanders's essay?

A) When volunteering for a cause, don't overcommit yourself.
B) Committing yourself to good deeds in one area can make an important difference in the world.
C) Never turn down a worthy cause.
D) The best causes are those that everyone else is helping with.

Question 5

Where is the controlling idea of Sanders's essay stated?

A) in the final paragraph of the essay
B) in the first paragraph
C) in the second paragraph
D) in the next to the last paragraph

Question 6

A good introduction should

A) tell your readers everything they need to know about your essay.
B) grab your readers' attention.
C) tell your reader what is coming next.
D) provide questions to guide a reading of your essay.

Question 7

How many body paragraphs should an essay have?

A) at least two
B) at least one for each topic discussed in the essay
C) three
D) no more than five

Question 8

What is the function of a conclusion?

A) to tell readers that the essay is finished
B) to make your readers think about what they have read
C) to summarize the main points of your essay
D) to introduce the thesis statement

Question 9

A title should

A) sum up the main points of your essay.
B) give an essay's purpose.
C) provide focus for the essay.
D) make your reader wonder what the essay will be about.

Question 10

Identify the main components of an essay, and explain the function of each.

Question 11

Describe the similar features of an effective paragraph and compare them with those of an essay.

Question 12

Compare and contrast a good thesis statement with an ineffective one.

Question 13

How do you know how many body paragraphs to have in your essay?

Question 14

What are some features of an effective introduction?

Question 15

What are some features of an effective conclusion?

Question 16

Why should you narrow a general subject into a specific topic?

Question 17

Explain why the features of an essay, such as the introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion, are crucial for an effective essay.

Question 18

What do you think is the single most important part of a good essay? Justify your answer.

Question 19

Is the title to Scott Sanders's essay effective? Justify your answer.

Question 20

Forecast what an essay would be like if it were missing a part or if the parts were out of order. What effect would this have on a reader?

Question 21

What is the value of revising and editing your work?