Vocabulary
What does duty mean? Use it in a sentence.
A duty is a responsibility or job you are expected to do. Example: It is every citizen’s duty to vote.
What is a claim?
The writer’s main argument or position.
What should be included in a topic sentence?
The title, author, and main idea of the article.
When should you use have vs. had?
Have = present; Had = past.
Who was Fannie Lou Hamer, and what did she do?
A civil rights leader who fought for voting rights for African Americans.
What does democratic mean?
It means related to a system of government where people have the power to make decisions, like voting.
What is a counterclaim?
The opposite side’s argument or opinion.
What is the purpose of a conclusion in a summary?
To restate the main idea and explain why it’s important.
When should you use are/is vs. will?
Are/is = present; Will = future
What does the phrase “rolled like thunder” make you feel or imagine?
A feeling of power, strength, and loud energy.
What does obligation mean, and how is it different from incentive?
Answer: An obligation is something you must do; an incentive is a reason or reward for doing something.
What is a rebuttal and where do you find it in an essay?
It’s the writer’s response to the counterclaim, found after the counterclaim paragraph.
True or False: You should include your opinion in a formal summary. Explain.
False — summaries only explain what the author said.
What does uncertainty mean?
Not being sure or confident about something.
What is a central idea, and how can you find it?
It’s the main message or point of a text; look for repeated ideas or what the author explains most.
Define barrier and give an example of a barrier to voting.
A barrier is something that blocks or prevents progress. Example: Lack of transportation or voter ID laws can be barriers to voting.
Give an example of a reason and evidence that support the claim “Cats are lower maintenance than dogs.”
Reason: Cats are more independent. Evidence: Studies show cats can be left alone longer without problems.
What is the difference between key ideas and evidence in a summary?
Key ideas are the main points from the text; evidence is the facts or examples that support those points.
Identify the correct verb: “Citizens (are / will) responsible for following the law.”
Are — it’s a present responsibility.
What feeling does the word “home” give off?
Comfort, safety, and belonging.
What does responsive mean, and how can a government show responsiveness to its citizens?
Responsive means reacting quickly and positively. A government shows responsiveness by listening to citizens’ needs and making changes.
Why is it important to include a counterclaim and rebuttal in your writing?
It shows you understand both sides and strengthens your argument by explaining why your side is stronger.
Write a strong topic sentence for an article called “The Power of Voting.”
In the article “The Power of Voting,” the author explains how voting allows citizens to create change and influence government decisions.
Correct this sentence: “People had the right to vote tomorrow.”
People will have the right to vote tomorrow.
Define mood and explain how authors create it.
Mood is the feeling a reader gets from a story; authors create it through word choice, setting, and description.