Vocab Definitions
A safe place, refuge, or position of protection from surrounding danger.
sanctuary
"The security guard worked quickly to __________ the intruder's attempt to enter."
thwart
The primary job or purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay.
What is stating the overarching central argument or claim clearly?
Identify why this statement is WEAK: "Amanda Ripley wrote an essay called 'Is Survival Selfish?'"
What is because it is a factual summary rather than an arguable claim?
Why was J. Bruce Ismay publicly criticized after surviving the sinking of the Titanic?
What is because he saved himself while women and children remained on board?
To block, hinder, or prevent someone from accomplishing a goal or plan.
Thwart
"For animals fleeing the forest fire, the nature reserve served as a peaceful __________."
sanctuary
A strong thesis statement must take a stance that is this, meaning reasonable people could disagree with it.
arguable or debatable
Identify the CLAIM in this thesis: "Simon Yates was justified in cutting the rope because remaining attached would guarantee both climbers' deaths."
What is "Simon Yates was justified in cutting the rope"?
In Paragraphs 5–6, what was the primary response of the crowd during the Grand Central Station explosion?
What is many froze, stared, or took phone calls instead of moving away to safety (crowd paralysis)?
To completely confuse, puzzle, or mystify someone.
baffle
"The sudden disappearance of the airplane left investigators completely __________."
baffled
In an argumentative essay, a thesis statement should never be written as this punctuation format.
a question
Identify the REASON in this thesis: "Society should not condemn self-preservation because decision-making under extreme stress is governed by split-second instincts"
What is "decision-making under extreme stress is governed by split-second instincts"?
In Paragraph 11, why did mountaineer Simon Yates cut the rope attached to his partner Joe Simpson?
What is he was losing his grip and continuing would have resulted in both of their deaths?
A harsh, loud, and discordant mixture of unpleasant sounds.
cacophony
"It was difficult for the young students to __________ how vast the universe really is."
fathom
To make a thesis statement complete, a writer must combine an arguable claim with this element.
What are reasons?
Explain why this sentence is WEAK: "Disasters happen everywhere and affect many people."
What is because it states an undeniable fact rather than taking a clear position?
According to Ripley, what drives people who perform impulsive, heroic rescues during emergencies?
What is a sudden, instinctive urge rather than a deliberate conscious decision?
o fully understand or comprehend something deep, complex, or difficult.
fathom
"Car horns blaring, sirens wailing, and people shouting created a loud __________ in the intersection."
cacophony
The specific section of an essay where the thesis statement typically appears.
Fix this weak sentence into a strong thesis: "This paper will discuss whether saving yourself is selfish."
sample answer: "Saving yourself in a crisis is rational rather than selfish because extreme fear triggers automatic survival instincts."
What core contradiction does Amanda Ripley identify regarding societal expectations in crisis situations?
What is people are urged to secure their own safety first, yet society praises those who disobey this to save others?