Essay Essentials
Vocabulary 101
Parts of Speech
Narrative Know-How
Fun & Facts
100

Write a setting that you would include in an introduction paragraph.

Example: As the sun set behind the rolling hills, the quiet village, nestled between the forests, prepared for another long, cold winter [specifying the time & place].

100

What’s the opposite of "optimistic"?

Pessimistic

100

Identify the adjectives in the following sentence: "The tall, ancient tree stood proudly in the middle of the quiet park."

The adjectives are "tall," "ancient," and "quiet."

100

What’s the difference between first-person and third-person narration?

First-Person Narration:

  1. The story is told from the perspective of a character within the narrative, using "I" or "we."
  2. The narrator shares their personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Third-Person Narration:

  1. The story is told from an outside perspective, using "he," "she," "they," or "it."
  2. The narrator may provide varying degrees of knowledge about the characters’ thoughts and feelings.
100

What is 6 x 8?

48.

200

What is the function of a "hook" in the introduction of an essay? Give an example.

A hook is designed to grab the reader’s attention at the start of an essay. Example: "In a world where technology is advancing faster than ever, the question remains: can society keep up with its own creations?"

200

Fill in the blanks with the correct words: "___ going to take ___ dog for a walk later."

"They’re going to take their dog for a walk later." 

- They're (contraction): Short for "they are." 

- Their (possessive adjective): Indicates ownership or belonging to them. 

200

In this sentence, which word is the adjective and which is the adverb? "The runner moved quickly across the slippery track."

"Slippery" is the adjective, and "quickly" is the adverb. 

200

What is the "climax" of a story, and why is it significant in narrative writing?

The climax of a story is the moment of highest tension or conflict, where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge or a turning point in the plot. It is often the most dramatic and emotionally charged part of the narrative.

200

What is the name of the document that outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Canadians?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

300

What’s the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

A thesis statement is a concise sentence that clearly states the main argument or point of the essay, outlining what the writer will discuss or prove.

Example: Social media has transformed communication, but it has also created new challenges in privacy and mental health that need to be addressed.   

300

What is the difference between "affect" and "effect"?

  • Affect (verb): To influence or make a change in something.
    Example: "The weather can significantly affect your mood."

  • Effect (noun): A result or outcome of a change.
    Example: "The new law had a positive effect on public safety."

300

What type of detail is being used in this sentence? "The soft blanket felt like a cloud against her skin."

It’s a sensory detail related to touch.

300

Define "foreshadowing" and give an example of how it can be used in a story.

Foreshadowing is a literary technique where the author provides hints or clues about events that will happen later in the story. It helps build suspense and prepares the reader for future developments. 

Example: As Lily left the house, she noticed dark clouds gathering on the horizon. The wind picked up, and a chill ran down her spine. Something told her this wasn’t just about the weather—trouble was coming. 

300

How many bones are there in the adult human body?

206 bones.

400

Write an example of a strong topic sentence for a body paragraph in an essay.

Example: The rise of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and is crucial for combating climate change.

400

Change the following sentence to negative form using an antonym: "John was satisfied with his career choice."  

John was disappointed with his career choice.

400

In the following sentence, identify the independent and dependent clauses: "Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk."

  • The independent clause is: "We decided to go for a walk."
  • The dependent clause is: "Although it was raining."
400

Explain how dialogue can be used to reveal a character’s personality. Give an example.

Dialogue is a powerful tool in storytelling that can reveal a character’s personality through the way they speak, their choice of words, tone, and how they interact with others. It can show a character's traits such as confidence, shyness, humor, or even dishonesty, without directly stating them. 

Example: "Look, if we just follow the instructions, we’ll finish in no time," Sarah said, her voice steady and calm. "No need to rush and make mistakes."
"Whatever, Sarah. Rules are for people with no imagination," Matt replied, rolling his eyes. 

400

In 2024, when does Daylight Saving Time end, putting us back into standard time?

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

500

Describe the structure of an argumentative essay, including the components of the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

  • Introduction:
    • Start with a hook to grab the reader's attention.
    • Provide background information on the topic and/or characters to give context.
    • Clearly state the thesis statement, which summarizes the main argument and outlines the key points that will be discussed.
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports the thesis.
    • Start with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph.
    • Provide supporting details, evidence, and examples to back up the main idea.
  • Conclusion:
    • Summarize the key arguments made in the body paragraphs.
    • Restate the thesis in a new way, reinforcing the main argument.
    • End with a strong closing statement that may include a call to action or a thought-provoking idea related to the topic (so what?)
500

Replace the two words in the following sentence with better synonyms: "The movie was very good, and the actors were really great."

"The movie was exceptional, and the actors were outstanding." 

500

Rewrite the sentence by removing the adjective and replacing it with an adverb: "The quick runner finished the race first."

"The runner finished the race quickly."

500

What is the purpose of a conclusion paragraph?

Any of or all of the following: 

  • Summarization: It briefly restates the main points or arguments presented in the essay or narrative, reinforcing the key messages for the reader.

  • Closure: It provides a sense of finality, bringing the discussion to a logical end and allowing the reader to feel that the topic has been thoroughly addressed.

  • Reflection: It often encourages the reader to reflect on the significance of the information presented, highlighting its broader message or relevance.

  • Call to Action: The conclusion may include a call to action, urging the reader to take specific steps or consider a particular viewpoint.

500

Which Canadian province shares the longest border with the United States?

Ontario.

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