Essay Basics
What gets the reader’s attention?
Hook sentence
What is argumentative writing?
Taking a position on an issue/topic and explaining it with credible evidence
Where and when a story takes place
Setting
Which point of view uses “I” and “We”?
First person POV
Which figurative language compares two unlike things using “like” or “as”?
and
Which figurative language compares two things without using “like” or “as”?
Simile and Metaphor
One sentence that talks about the whole essay, your answer/stance to the prompt, and your 3 reasons
Thesis statement
What type of evidence should you use to support your claim?
Quotes, facts, data, interviews, and credible research
People, animals, and things that participate in a story
Characters
Which author’s purpose educates you on a topic?
Inform / Informative
“The pencil danced across the page.” What type of figurative language is this?
Personification
The first sentence of a paragraph that tells the subject of the paragraph
Topic sentence
Your tone when writing should be what?
Formal
A character feels guilty about lying to their best friend. What type of conflict is this?
Person vs. Society
Which point of view knows the thoughts of all characters?
Third person omniscient
What does imagery help the reader do?
Picture the story/details in their mind using the five senses
Where should a thesis statement be located?
Last sentence of the introduction
Which is stronger evidence for an argument: a personal opinion or a fact from a reliable source? Explain why.
A fact from a reliable source because it can be proven and supports the argument better than opinion.
What is foreshadowing?
Hinting at future events
Which author’s purpose is mostly used in advertisements, opinion essays, and speeches?
Persuade / Argue
Which sentence uses imagery?
A. The dog barked loudly as it ran across the yard.
B. The warm smell of cinnamon filled the kitchen as cookies cracked softly on the tray.
C. The students waited quietly for the teacher to begin class.
D. The boy smiled when he saw the plate of cookies.
B
B is best because it appeals to multiple senses: smell with “warm smell of cinnamon” and sound with “cracked softly.”
What is the formula for writing a strong thesis statement?
Main idea + 3 reasons = thesis statement
Which sentence is the best claim?
A. School is important for many reasons, let me tell you.
B. 85% of teenagers think that homework takes up too much time in their day!
C. Schools should limit homework because too much homework causes stress, takes away family time, and reduces sleep.
D. Have you ever hated homework?
C
A character is trapped during a dangerous snowstorm. What type of conflict is this?
Person vs. Nature
What is the difference between first person and third person point of view?
First person uses “I/we” and is told by a character; third person uses “he/she/they” and is told by a narrator
A dove representing peace is an example of what?