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

Accepted Answer

A thesis statement serves to state the central point or main argument of an essay, guiding the direction and focus of the entire piece.

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

Accepted Answer

A thesis statement is typically found in the last sentence of the introduction, where it serves to introduce the main argument or point of the essay to the reader.

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

Accepted Answer

Turning the working thesis into a question helps to provide a clear focus for the essay, guiding the research and writing process.

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.

Accepted Answer

Sanders's essay emphasizes the significance of dedicating oneself to positive actions in a specific area, illustrating how such commitment can lead to meaningful change in the world.

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

Accepted Answer

The controlling idea of an essay, which outlines the main argument or point, is typically stated in the first paragraph. This is where the author introduces the topic and presents the thesis statement, guiding the rest of the essay.

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.

Accepted Answer

A good introduction should grab your readers' attention.

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

Accepted Answer

An essay should have at least one body paragraph for each topic discussed to ensure that each point is adequately covered and supported.

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

Accepted Answer

To summarize the main points of your essay

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.

Accepted Answer

A title should provide focus for the essay, giving readers an idea of the main topic or theme.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify the main components of an essay,...

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the similar features of an effective...

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast a good thesis statement...

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do you know how many body...

Question 14

What are some features of an effective introduction?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some features of an effective...

Question 15

What are some features of an effective conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some features of an effective...

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why should you narrow a general subject...

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why the features of an essay,...

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of What do you think is the single...

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is the title to Scott Sanders's essay...

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Forecast what an essay would be like...

Quiz 3: How to Write an Essay

What is the function of a thesis statement?

Where is a thesis statement usually located?

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

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

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

A good introduction should

How many body paragraphs should an essay have?

What is the function of a conclusion?

A title should