Revising and editing
Nonfiction Grab Bag 1
Nonfiction Grab Bag 2
Thesis + Summary
Context clues
100

Correct the punctuation in this sentence:

Although Maria wanted to go to the concert she stayed home to finish her homework.

Although Maria wanted to go to the concert, she stayed home to finish her homework.

100

A research report finds that high school seniors in 2016 spent an average of six hours daily on texting, social media, and online activities. 

Write one claim that would be supported by this evidence.

Example: Digital media consumption among teens has significantly increased. 

100

What is the author's purpose in writing the National Road article? 

To inform readers of the history behind the National Road and why people enjoy it today.

100

What is the definition of a thesis statement? 

One sentence that identifies the author's main argument

100

The teacher praised Alina for her meticulous work, noting that every detail was carefully checked and nothing was overlooked.

What does meticulous mean as used in the sentence?

very careful and precise

200

Which sentence uses punctuation correctly?

A. After finishing the test the students quietly left the room.
B. After finishing the test, the students quietly left the room.
C. After finishing, the test the students quietly left the room.
D. After finishing the test the students, quietly left the room.

B

200

Analyze the following statement: "Several studies have shown that regular exercise improves mental health."

Write one piece of evidence that could support this argument.

Example: A study where people worked out three times a week and reported more feelings of happiness

200

In the TikTok article, what was the author's purpose in including quotes from people?

To show the readers about individuals' experiences using TikTok as a search engine

200

Which of the following is NOT a thesis?

A. California is the best state in the USA because it houses important parts of American culture. 

B. The school year began in August and will end in June.  

C. Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance. 

B

200

The once-popular store became desolate, with empty shelves, broken lights, and no customers in sight.

What does desolate mean?  

Empty and abandoned

300

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A. My brother who lives in Austin is visiting this weekend.
B. My brother who lives in Austin, is visiting this weekend.
C. My brother, who lives in Austin, is visiting this weekend.
D. My brother who, lives in Austin is visiting this weekend.

C

300

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 1,400 miles. Composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, it is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 4,000 mollusk species, and numerous other marine organisms. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, the reef faces significant threats from climate change, including coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. Between 2016 and 2017, an estimated 50% of the reef's coral died due to severe bleaching events.

What major threat to the Great Barrier Reef is identified in the passage?

Climate change

300

No one knows exactly what causes tornados, but some scientists believe that when warm air meets cold air, a tornado may form.  The reason for this is that the warm air is lighter than the cold air, so it rises up fast and meets different winds moving different directions.  Under the right conditions, this can cause a tornado.  Though there is still much mystery surrounding tornados, many people believe that when warm moist air meets cool dry air, tornados can result. 

What text structure did the author use?
Choices: Problem and solution, cause and effect, chronological, compare and contrast

Cause and effect

300

Where does a thesis statement go in your essay?

The last sentence of your introduction paragraph

300

Because the directions were ambiguous, several students were unsure what they were supposed to do next. 

What does the word ambiguous mean? 

Unclear 

400

Which sentence uses punctuation correctly?

A. The project was difficult, it required weeks of research.
B. The project was difficult; and it required weeks of research.
C. The project was difficult; it required weeks of research.
D. The project was difficult it; required weeks of research.

C

400

The Great Wall of China is not a single continuous wall but a series of fortifications built across northern China beginning as early as the 7th century BCE and continuing through the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). The most well-preserved sections today date primarily from the Ming era. Contrary to popular belief, the wall is not visible from the moon with the naked eye, though this myth persists. Built primarily to protect against northern nomadic groups, the wall stretches approximately 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers) in total, including all branches. Construction involved hundreds of thousands of workers, many of whom were soldiers, criminals, or forced laborers.

According to the passage, what common belief about the Great Wall is incorrect?

a. It was built to protect against northern nomadic groups

b. It dates back to the 7th century BCE

c. It is visible from the moon with the naked eye

d. It was built during multiple dynasties

c

400

Veterans are valuable to our society and should never be forgotten for many reasons. They have fought for freedom. They have given a large portion of their lives to protect our country. Some veterans have been injured in battle. Some have returned from duty to work in private sector jobs. Have you thought of joining the military? All gave some, and some gave all. 

What is the topic sentence in this body paragraph?

Veterans are valuable to our society and should never be forgotten for many reasons.

400

EVERYONE CAN ANSWER THIS ONE! BEST ANSWER WINS.

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better! 

Summarize this paragraph in one sentence.

Answers may vary- up to judge

400

The once-powerful leader became obsolete as new technology and ideas replaced his outdated methods.

What does obsolete mean in this context?

no longer useful or in use

500

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A. The storm passed quickly the streets however remained flooded.
B. The storm passed quickly, the streets however remained flooded.
C. The storm passed quickly; however the streets remained flooded.
D. The storm passed quickly; however, the streets remained flooded.

D

500

ANYONE CAN ANSWER-BEST ANSWER WINS!

Cities are adding green spaces like parks and gardens because they improve health and the environment. People who visit parks regularly report lower stress and more happiness.

Green spaces also help the environment. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and provide shade, which cools cities. Green roofs can reduce flooding by managing stormwater.

How does the author organize the information in this text, and why? 

Cause and effect, to show the benefits of adding green spaces to a city

500

The small town's library faced closure due to budget cuts, but the community refused to let it happen. Residents organized fundraisers, local businesses offered sponsorships, and children set up lemonade stands. After six months of tireless effort, enough money was raised not only to keep the library open but to expand its programs. What began as a crisis had transformed into an opportunity to strengthen community bonds. 

What is the main idea of this passage? 

The threat of a small town's library closing drew the community together.

500

Write a thesis statement that answers this question:

Explain why travelers enjoy using the National Road today.

Travelers enjoy using the National Road today because (2 reasons from article).

500

Her proclivity for arriving early—often before the building even opened—made her coworkers joke about her extreme punctuality. 

What does proclivity mean? 

Tendency or habit

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