General Essay Questions
How many body paragraphs can you have in an essay?
As many as you want/ need to get your point across
What is the first sentence of your introductory paragraph called?
Hook
What are the three parts of an essay?
Introduction, body, and conclusion
What is a call to action and where does it go in an argumentative essay?
A call to actions is where you tell the audience to do something now that they have heard all your arguments.
It is the last sentence of a concluding paragraph.
1. What does R.A.T.E. stand for?
2. Which two parts of a R.A.T.E. paragraph are used to create a thesis statement?
3. How many sentences minimum can you have in a R.A.T.E. paragraph?
1. Restate the question, Answer the question, Text evidence, Explain text evidence
2. R+A
3. 3
What do you need at the beginning of every paragraph?
An indent
Is it okay to introduce new ideas or text evidence in the conclusion?
Should you put a title on your essay?
Do you need to include citations in the STAAR test?
No
What is one thing you always need to have in the conclusion of any essay?
Re-statement of the thesis
Name 3 good hooks for an argumentative essay?
Rhetorical question
Personal Story
Quote (not from the reading itself)
Statistic
Startling statement/ fact
What are two good phrases you can use to start your text evidence (T)?
What are two good phrases you can use to start your explanation of text evidence (E)?
According to [the author’s name] or [The author’s name] states
“This demonstrates” or “This shows”
Where does your analysis/ explanation of text evidence (E) go in your essay?
After your text evidence in the body paragraphs
Every time you include textual evidence in your essay, what do you also need to include at the end?
A citation
Define the word "infer."
To figure out
To conclude
To make an educated guess
What is a counterclaim and why do you need to include a counterclaim in your argument?
A counterclaim is when you (the author) consider the opposing side’s point of view.
You need to include a counterclaim to really prove how strong your argument is by acknowledging the other point of view but then showing that the other side is not as credible/strong
What three things do you need in the hook for an expository essay?
Title, author, and an introduction of any characters/ main figures.
What are the two parts of a citation?
The author’s last name and where you found your text evidence in the reading
What are the two ways to provide textual evidence in your essay?
Paraphrase or direct quote
There are two things you need in every R.A.T.E. paragraph and every essay or you will FAIL that portion of the STAAR test. What are they?
Thesis and text evidence
What is a rebuttal and why do you need to include it in your essay?
A rebuttal is when you (the author of this paper) reply to the counterclaim
You need to have one because it explains why the counterclaim is not accurate/ valid.
What is the purpose of an expository essay?
To explain or inform a reader about a specific topic/ reading in a clear, unbiased manner, using facts and evidence to support the information presented
What is a thesis statement and where does it go in your essay?
A thesis statement is what your essay is about or the main point you want to get across to your reader. It should be the last sentence of an introductory paragraph
Where does a topic sentence go in an essay and what is the purpose?
First sentence of a body paragraph. The purpose is to introduce what will be talked about in that paragraph
What are two good ways to restate a thesis in your conclusion?
Take the back end of the sentence and put it at the front (A+R) or use synonyms to rephrase the sentence in a new way
What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?
To persuade a reader to see your point of view, and to do something about it
What phrase should tip you off that you need to answer with a R.A.T.E. paragraph?
Support your answer with evidence from the article/ story/ poem, etc.