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 zombie article? 

To inform readers of how they can prepare for any disaster.

100

What is the definition of a thesis statement? 

One sentence that identifies the author's main argument

100

Instead of a grimace, she had a big smile across her face. What does grimace mean?

Frown/scowl

200

Identify and correct the misplaced modifier in the following sentence: "Running quickly, the book fell off the table."

The book fell off the table as I ran quickly by.

200

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

What specific evidence could be incorporated to support this argument? 

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

200

In the zombie article, what was the author's purpose in including a list of items for an emergency kit? 

To show the readers what items they should be packing to prepare for an emergency

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 telephone was invented by a famous innovator, Alexander Graham Bell. What does innovator mean?

Inventor

300

Correct the punctuation below.

I finished my book I still needed to write the book report.

I finished my book; I still needed to write the book report.

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

One the most popular musical instruments is the piano. In the traditional musical instrument classification system of string, woodwind, percussion and brass, the piano falls into two categories. It is considered a string instrument because the sound comes from the strings inside the piano. It is also considered a percussion instrument, since the player strikes the keyboard, which signals an internal hammer to strike the strings. 

What is the author's thesis? 

The piano is both a string and percussion instrument.

300

In an article describing changes in leisure activities, researchers refer to a “seismic shift” in teen behavior over recent decades. Based on context, what does “seismic” most nearly mean?

Sudden and dramatic

400

Correct the sentence below.

For the camping trip, we packed a tent, sleeping bags, and to bring food.

For the camping trip, we packed a tent, sleeping bags, and food.

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

A survey examining teen behavior mentions that a “cohort” of students now prefers short digital content over long-form reading. What does the term “cohort” mean in this context?

A group of people sharing common characteristics

500

Which changes, if any, are needed in the sentence below?

Before she left for the airport she checked her passport and tickets twice.

Before she left for the airport, she checked her passport and tickets twice.

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 represents the opposing side of the Zombie author's argument. 

Preparing for emergencies is pointless because there are many types of emergencies and it's difficult to be prepared for each one individually.

500

Read this sentence: "The scientist's conclusions were irrefutable, leaving no room for alternative interpretations." What does "irrefutable" mean based on the surrounding context?

Unable to argue with

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