Figurative Language
Identify the metaphor: 'He was a lion in the fight.'
He was a lion.
Use context clues: 'The arboreal creature climbed swiftly on the tree.' What does 'arboreal' mean?
animals living in trees
Describe a rainy day using sensory details.
The sky is a thick blanket of gray, heavy with clouds that weep slow, steady droplets.
What is the goal of a persuasive essay?
To convince the audience to agree with your viewpoint
How is an argumentative essay different from a persuasive essay?
Argumentative Essay
- Presents logical reasoning and evidence to support a claim - Requires facts, statistics, expert opinions, and credible sources - Acknowledges counterarguments, then refutes them - Formal, objective, and logical - Uses evidence-based reasoning
Persuasive Essay
- Uses emotion and opinion to sway the reader - May rely more on emotional appeal, anecdotes, and strong rhetoric - Focuses on one side, with less emphasis on opposing arguments - More personal and emotional, appealing to values and beliefs
What figure of speech is 'The wind whispered through the trees'?
personification
What does lucid mean: 'The answer was so lucid, even a child understood.'
clear, understandable
What makes descriptive writing effective?
Immerses the reader by painting a vivid picture using sensory details, figurative language, and precise word choice
Write a strong thesis for: 'School uniforms should be banned.'
"Mandatory school uniforms should be banned because they suppress individuality, place financial strain on families, and fail to improve student behavior or academic performance."
What are the parts of an argumentative essay?
1. Introduction
Hook: Captures the reader's attention (e.g., a striking fact or question).
Background Information: Provides context for the argument.
Claim: Clearly states the main argument.
2. Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should focus on a specific supporting point.
Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Evidence & Explanation: Includes facts, statistics, expert opinions, or examples.
Counterargument & Rebuttal (optional): Addresses opposing viewpoints and refutes them.
3. Conclusion
Restates the Thesis: Reinforces the main argument.
Summarizes Key Points: Briefly revisits supporting arguments.
Call to Action or Final Thought: Encourages reflection or action on the topic.
Create an apostrophe about studying.
Oh, you cruel test! How you make my life difficult!
Use clues to define: 'He felt elated after winning.'
He felt very happy after winning.
Describe your favorite food in three vivid sentences.
Chocolate envelops the senses in pure indulgence. Its deep, roasted aroma curls through the air, promising richness before the first bite. As it melts on the tongue, waves of silky sweetness mingle with hints of bitterness, leaving behind a warmth that lingers like a quiet comfort.
What is one persuasive technique and how is it used?
One powerful persuasive technique is "emotional appeal" (pathos). This strategy involves evoking emotions—such as sympathy, excitement, anger, or hope—to convince the audience to take action or agree with a viewpoint.
Write a topic sentence supporting online learning.
"Online learning provides students with flexibility, accessibility, and interactive tools that enhance their education beyond traditional classroom settings."
Define oxymoron and give an example.
Sweet sorrow
The couple's parting at the port is such as sweet sorrow.
Infer the meaning: 'The terrain was arid and cracked.' Where can you find such terrain?
desert or drought-stricken land
Use metaphors in a descriptive sentence about the beach.
The beach is nature’s canvas, where the sky spills its watercolor blues onto the restless waves, and the sand stretches like a golden invitation to the tide’s endless dance.
Identify a contrasting viewpoint for: 'Homework is unnecessary.'
"Homework provides students with additional practice, strengthens their understanding of key concepts, and teaches responsibility and time management.
List one piece of evidence supporting this claim: 'Video games improve decision-making.'
Researchers found that gaming enhances sensation, perception, and action mapping, making players faster and more accurate in decision-making tasks.
Create a hyperbolic statement on raining.
It’s raining so hard that I’m convinced the ocean is relocating to the streets!
Write a sentence where the meaning of a hard/difficult word can be found in the sentence itself.
The student's argument was cogent, meaning it was clear, logical, and convincing.
Describe a character using sight, sound, and smell.
Peter Pan is a whirlwind of youth—his emerald tunic catching the dappled moonlight like flickering fireflies, his tousled hair forever windswept, defying gravity itself. His laughter rings sharp and free, a melody woven from mischief and adventure, echoing through the Neverland air like the call of a distant bird. He carries the scent of untamed forests and salty sea breezes, a mix of earth and magic, as if he’s just stepped from a dream that refuses to fade.
Write a concluding sentence for a persuasive essay on recycling.
Every small effort counts—so let's make sustainability a habit, not an option."
Write a short rebuttal: 'Phones distract students in class.'
"While phones can be a source of distraction, they also serve as valuable learning tools."