SOL Writing Review TWO

Introduction Paragraph

100

A thesis statement should not directly announce your topic by using phrases such as, “This essay will talk about …” or “I am going to tell you …”
Which of the following makes the best thesis statement?
a. Knowing a foreign language is a very useful skill that can help one advance in a career, relate better to others, and open one’s mind to the ideas of another culture.
b. I am going to explain why knowing more than one language is useful.
c. Why is knowing more than one language useful?

a. Knowing a foreign language is a very useful skill that can help one advance in a career, relate better to others, and open one’s mind to the ideas of another culture.

200

A thesis statement states an attitude or opinion on a topic. It doesn't just state the topic, itself. A thesis should not be a fact.
Which of these is a thesis statement?
a. Michaelangelo’s artwork is powerful because of its strong spiritual undertones.
b. Michaelangelo’s artwork is famous and is admired by many.
c. Michaelangelo was a great artist in Rome during the 1500’s.

a. Michaelangelo’s artwork is powerful because of its strong spiritual undertones.

300

A thesis statement can be made more specific by listing subtopics. These help give your reader a clear idea of what will follow in your essay.
Which of these makes the best thesis statement?
a. The reasons why I came to the United States to study.
b. The reasons why I came to the United States to study were to educate myself and then to return to Tunisia to apply my education.
c. There were many reasons why I came to the United States to study.

b. The reasons why I came to the United States to study were to educate myself and then to return to Tunisia to apply my education.

400

Write a hook sentences for the writing prompt: When people ask for advice, they often talk to more than one person. Explain why seeking multiple opinions can help someone make a better choice.

Sentences will vary, but strong hooks are similes, questions, or imagery.

500

Draw the inverted pyramid and label the three types of sentences that belong in an introduction paragraph.

Hook, Background Knowledge, Thesis

Hamburger Paragraphs

100

Choose TWO supporting sentences for this topic sentence:Students need to learn good ways to study.
A. Sometimes doing homework in a group can be helpful.
B. Studying instead of sleeping doesn't help learning or test scores.
C. Making friends is important to happiness and success.
D. Many high-paying jobs require a college degree.

A, B

200

_______________________________ Many people who earn the minimum wage are trying to support families with this salary. No one working full-time and earning the minimum wage makes enough money to pay for rent, food, and other necessities. If we raise the minimum wage, families will have more money to spend, and therefore other businesses will make more money. For so many reasons, it is the right thing to do.
A. It is time to raise the minimum wage. B. We must worry about jobs, not wages. C. Parents in New York City have a lot of expenses. D. This economy is especially hard for small business owners.

A. It is time to raise the minimum wage.

300

What sentence belongs after the last supporting sentence?

Conclusion Sentence

400

What type of words belong in between the supporting sentences?

TRANSITION WORDS

500

Draw and label a hamburger paragraph model

Topic Sentence, 3 Supporting Details, and a Conclusion Sentence

Conclusion Paragraph

100

What is the purpose of the conclusion paragraph?

To summarize your main ideas

200

What is a transition word that you can use to begin your conclusion paragraph? Hint: This should be a conclusion transition word.

"in conclusion"
"in summary"
"in closing"
"overall"

300

Reword this thesis statement so it would fit into a conclusion paragraph.
Technology has improved our way of life due to advancements in communication, transportation, and entertainment.

Sentences will vary; however, this is mine --
Communication, transportation, and entertainment advancements improved our daily lives.

400

What should you avoid in a conclusion paragraph?
A) Paraphrased sentences
B) New Information
C) A new, fresh hook
D) Restatement of a thesis statement

B) New Information

500

What are the four types of sentences you should include in your conclusion paragraph?

Hook, Thesis, Summary, Super So What

Transition Words

100

There are ways you can make boring tasks more pleasant. For instance, bring a portable radio and listen to music on the earphones while you work.
a. contrast
b. comparison
c. illustration/example
d. cause and effect

c) illustration / example

200

__________ the invention of television, people probably spent more of their leisure time reading.
a. Nevertheless
b. Because
c. Before

C) Before

300

__________ I’m very allergic to flowers, my boyfriend bought a bouquet of roses.
a. Until
b. Because
c. Even though

c) Even though

400

Please correctly punctuate the sentence below.
A water main downtown broke this morning therefore several businesses had no water for hours.

A water main downtown broke this morning; therefore, several businesses had no water for hours.

500

What punctuation mark belongs after after a transition word if a transition word begins the sentence?

COMMA!!!!!!!!!!

Writing with Personality

100

Convert this boring, telling sentence into a showing sentence that is a simile.

I went outside, and I saw clouds.

Sentences will vary, but here is mine.
I stumbled outside, not ready to start my day until I saw marshmallow clouds that were as fluffy as a pillow.

200

Convert this boring topic sentence about technology into an showing sentence that is a question.
Technology has changed throughout the ages.

Sentences will vary, but this is my topic sentence question.
Can you imagine a modern world with no televisions, radios, quick transportation, or cellphones?

300

Convert this detail into a showing sentence that uses personification.
The volcano erupted.

Sentences will vary, but this is mine!
The volcano's stomach growled, and then he burped up lava!

400

Write a simile conclusion sentence for this hamburger paragraph.
I drove into my hamburger as soon as it arrived at my table. First, I tasted the gooey Swiss cheese. Then, I heard the crunch of the perfectly cooked bacon. Lastly, the spice coming from the jalapeno and red pepper exploded with flavors.

Sentences will vary, but here is mine!
The burger was as delicious and savory as a meal for a god!

500

Write a topic sentence for this hamburger paragraph by using some of your 5 senses.
First, I tasted the gooey Swiss cheese. Then, I heard the crunch of the perfectly cooked bacon. Lastly, the spice coming from the jalapeno and red pepper exploded with flavors. This was a meal for a god!

Sentences will vary, but here is mine!
The burger arrived at my table; it was sizzle hot and the smell permeated throughout the restaurant.