Elements of Writing
Which is an example of a strong thesis statement?
A) Social media use should be limited because it leads to anxiety, wastes time, and has negative effects on people's health.
B) Social media was first invented in 1997, and currently millions of people use social media every day which leads to anxiety, wasted time, and cyberbullying.
C) In this essay I will prove that social media use should be limited because it has negative effects.
Which is an example of a strong thesis statement?
A) Social media use should be limited because it leads to anxiety, wastes time, and has negative effects on people's health.
A complete sentence must include a ___________ and a _______________.
Example: The new teacher is very excited to work with the class.
A complete sentence must include a subject and a predicate.
Example: The new teacher is very excited to work with the class.
The sign was ambiguous, leaving drivers unsure whether to turn left or right.
a) Clear and detailed
b) Unclear or having multiple meanings
c) Urgent and with great importance
d) Official
The sign was ambiguous, leaving drivers unsure whether to turn left or right.
b) Unclear or having multiple meanings
What is the name of the snowman in Frozen?
Olaf
In fiction, a __________ is a universal idea, life lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. Unlike the plot, which is a sequence of events, the ___________ addresses the "why" and gives the story a deeper purpose and connection to universal human experiences, such as love, betrayal, or the struggle for survival.
theme
Identify which words need to be capitalized and explain:
despite what you heard, i did not perform any songs by elvis at the wedding in new york.
Despite, I, Elvis, New York
Despite what you heard, I did not perform any songs by Elvis at the wedding in New York.
Capitalize the first word of every sentence, the pronoun "I," and all proper nouns (specific names like John, Paris, Monday, Christmas), plus major words in titles, headings, and the first word of direct quotes
The meticulous researcher checked his data again and again, making sure every number was perfect before publishing his findings.
a) very careless
b) extremely careful
c) slow and lazy
d) messy
The meticulous researcher checked his data again and again, making sure every number was perfect before publishing his findings.
b) extremely careful
In the Wednesday series, Wednesday Addams is played by actress _______________.
Jenny Ortega
______________ refers to the literal dictionary definition of a word.
______________ refers to the emotional feelings or associations the word carries.
HINT: both words end with "-notation"
Denotation refers to the literal dictionary definition of a word.
Connotation refers to the emotional feelings or associations the word carries.
What is wrong with the sentence below and how would you fix it?
The Mets traded all their best players they are in big trouble this year.
It is a run-on sentence, which means ______________.
The Mets traded all their best players. They are in big trouble this year. ---- OR ----
The Mets traded all their best players, so they are in big trouble this year.
The gregarious new student was always surrounded by friends, laughing and talking with everyone in the cafeteria.
a) Quiet but confident
b) Loud and annoying
c) friendly and sociable
d) Shy and reserved
c) friendly and sociable
Stranger Things: In which fictional Indiana town does the series take place?
Hawkins
Find the counterargument in the passage:
Implementing school uniforms significantly boosts focus by removing clothing competition, creating a more serious learning environment. However, some argue uniforms stifle self-expression and individuality, which are crucial for adolescent development. While personal style is important, a cohesive dress code actually promotes unity and reduces distractions like bullying over fashion, shifting attention back to academics where it belongs, ultimately fostering a stronger school community.
Implementing school uniforms significantly boosts focus by removing clothing competition, creating a more serious learning environment. However, some argue uniforms stifle self-expression and individuality, which are crucial for adolescent development. While personal style is important, a cohesive dress code actually promotes unity and reduces distractions like bullying over fashion, shifting attention back to academics where it belongs, ultimately fostering a stronger school community.
Is the following sentence compound or complex:
Because it had been such a busy day, Ralph was late to the party.
Complex -> dependent clause and independent clause
Because it had been such a busy day, Ralph was late to the party.
The beauty of the cherry blossoms is ephemeral; they bloom gloriously for a few weeks, but then the petals fall, and the magic fades quickly.
a) Lasting forever
b) Beautiful
c) Short-lived
d) Colorful
The beauty of the cherry blossoms is ephemeral; they bloom gloriously for a few weeks, but then the petals fall, and the magic fades quickly.
c) Short-lived
What is the best-selling video game of all time?
Minecraft
Giving human qualities to inanimate objects is a type of figurative language called _______________.
Example: Lightning danced in the sky.
Personification
Find and correct all three mistakes in the passage:
holiday break was awesome. I went on a hike up a mountain it was extremely challenging but fun. After that my friends and I was hungry and ate a huge meal at the diner.
Holiday break was awesome. I went on a hike up a mountain. It was extremely challenging but fun. After that my friends and I were hungry and ate a huge meal at the diner.
In today's world, smartphones are ubiquitous; you see people using them on buses, in parks, and even at dinner tables.
a) Rare
b) Everywhere
c) Expensive
d) New
In today's world, smartphones are ubiquitous; you see people using them on buses, in parks, and even at dinner tables.
b) Everywhere
The 2026 Winter Olympics, starting in February, are taking place in which European country?
Italy