8th Grade Writing & Research

Multi-Paragraphed Work

100

Elizabeth Blackwell, born in 1821, was the first American female doctor. She was born in England and emigrated with her family to the United States as a girl. Fortunately for Blackwell, her father believed that girls deserved an education just as much as boys did – a minority opinion at the time. In the Blackwell home, girls did not consider themselves academically inferior or incapable of achieving what their brothers did. Even as a teenager, Blackwell knew that she was interested in medicine, so she spent time in several physicians' households, studying their medical libraries. As a girl, she and her sisters were tutored and encouraged to pursue their interests. She applied and was accepted at Geneva College in New York, despite the fact that she was the only woman to attend. Blackwell had to endure prejudice and taunting not only from the all-male student body, but even from some of her professors. In 1849, she earned her medical degree, the first woman in the United States to do so. One sentence in the second paragraph belongs in the first paragraph. Which sentence should be moved to paragraph 1? A. Even as a teenager, Blackwell knew that she was interested in medicine, so she spent time in several physicians' households, studying their medical libraries. B. As a girl, she and her sisters were tutored and encouraged to pursue their interests. C. Blackwell had to endure prejudice and taunting not only from the all-male student body, but even from some of her professors. D. In 1849, she earned her medical degree, the first woman in the United States to do so.

What is as a girl, she and her sisters were tutored and encouraged to pursue their interests?

200

1.Even after the miserable ceremony, Aunt Sophia expected my behavior to conform to her strict guidelines. When I told her that I was taking the bus into the city, she snapped that I should show respect for the visiting relatives by remaining at home. I hoped that she may become more lenient after the final arrivederci was said, so I mentioned that I was going next door to Leo's house to play basketball. 2.I followed her instructions because ignoring her would be pointless. The voice belonged to my Aunt Sophia, and she had come to take care of me after my mother passed away. Always wearing an unadorned muslin dress with her raven hair in a tight bun, Aunt Sophia rarely took no for an answer. On the chilly morning of the funeral, she gasped as I came downstairs dressed in a pair of gray flannel trousers and a simple white blouse. 3.I found myself unconsciously moving toward her embracing arms as I foresaw my inevitable future. If we were going to live together peacefully, then we had to find common ground as a starting point. Then I realized that our kitchen was as a good a place as any. 4.Upon hearing my last point, Aunt Sophia involuntarily shifted her countenance from confusion to devastation, but she placidly turned around, walked to the guest room, and quietly closed the door. Although I felt terribly spiteful for upsetting my aunt, I also felt somewhat vindicated for finally sharing my opinions. Aunt Sophia had no right to invade my home and attempt to fill my mother's shoes. I expected her to come lashing out at any moment; however, she did not venture out of the room until the next morning. When I came downstairs, Aunt Sophia was busily preparing our breakfast and pouring milk into two glasses. I started to apologize for my outburst, but I couldn't. I realized that Aunt Sophia and I had at least one characteristic in common—pride. As I sat at my regular chair, my aunt succinctly expressed everything she was thinking. These paragraphs from a passage are out of order. Which is the correct order of the paragraphs? A. 1,4,3,2 B. 2,1,4,3 C. 3,2,4,1 D. 4,2,1,3

What is 2,1,4,3?

300

One of the longest-running scientific debates is whether nature or nurture is responsible for an individual's traits. The term "nature" refers to an individual's inherited, instinctive, or otherwise innate qualities. "Nurture" refers to an individual's upbringing, environment, and experiences. Studies of twins raised apart have shown that nature does indeed determine many features of one's personality; twins who grow up separately still have important traits in common. However, non-related people who grow up in the same household (such as adoptive siblings) tend to share certain personality traits, which points to nurture. Another argument in favor of nature is that intelligence appears to be inherited. Other evidence suggests that environmental factors have just as significant an effect on intelligence. If the following paragraph were added to the passage above, where should it be placed? While the nature-nurture debate has lasted many years, current thinking holds that neither one is entirely responsible for an individual's traits. After all, it is impossible to isolate the effects of nature or nurture; every individual is a product of his or her heredity and environment. The two factors interact in complex ways. A. It should be placed before the first paragraph. B. It should be placed after the first paragraph. C. It should be placed after the second paragraph. D. It should be placed within the second paragraph.

What is it should be placed after the second paragraph?

400

For the past two days, Jamaal has been brainstorming ideas for his next essay. His teacher, Mrs. Simpson, gave the class the following assignment: write a biographical essay about a 20th century poet of your choice. Jamal has chosen Paul Laurence Dunbar as his subject and has created his thesis sentence. Thesis: Born to former slaves, Paul Laurence Dunbar's talent helped him rise above the racial barrier and earned him the title of the most famous African American poet of his time. Now he needs to organize the supporting paragraphs in the most appropriate order. Which of the following outlines illustrates the best organizational method for his essay? A. I. Introduction II. His education III. His childhood IV. His career V. Conclusion B. I. Introduction II. His childhood III. His career IV. His education V. Conclusion C. I. Introduction II. His career III. His education IV. His childhood V. Conclusion D. I. Introduction II. His childhood III. His education IV. His career V. Conclusion

What is I. Introduction II. His childhood III. His education IV. His career V. Conclusion?

500

1. Part of the American dream is owning a new car; however, making the decision to purchase a car requires much planning and deliberation. Unfortunately, when buying a car, many people pay thousands of dollars based on aesthetics alone. In other words, they choose a car simply because it looks good. Wise buyers, on the other hand, remember these important tips. 2. Finally, after patient research, the buyer is ready to visit the showrooms. He is armed with the knowledge of the automotive market. He has already decided which models are worth considering based on his research, and he will not be swayed by the high-pressure salesman. He also knows the value of each car and has a price cap in mind. He will not be "tricked" into paying more than the car is actually worth. He is able to walk away when the negotiations are not to his advantage. 3. Research is the way to get the information one needs to make a sound purchase. Consumer's Digest publishes a manual that objectively compares quality, price, and safety of all the major makes and models, both foreign and domestic. This book and others like it can often be found in your high school library or in your community library. In addition to books, the Internet offers numerous independent resources that also provide vital information to potential buyers. A site such as www.nada.com also compares models and their prices at the click of a button. Obtaining information from an objective source is vital in your search for the perfect vehicle. A wise buyer plans to spend time researching the market before he even visits a showroom. 4. Patience, patience, patience. Before a person even starts looking around, he should realize that patience is possibly the most crucial factor. Many car dealers use special tactics to get potential buyers to make hasty decisions. They want a buyer to commit to the car quickly without time to consider other options. However, buying the right car is a process that should take weeks or months. The wise buyer gets his information in advance from independent sources, not from the salesman who stands to make a hefty commission. 5. Remembering these important tips will help the buyer make a more informed decision when buying a car. He is able to control the buying process and can feel confident that he has spent his money wisely. The organization in the passage is weak. To strengthen the organization, the paragraphs need to be arranged in time order. Which of the following is the best order of the paragraphs? A. 1,4,3,2,5 B. 1,2,4,3,5 C. 1,3,2,4,5 D. 1,4,2,3,5

What is 1,4,3,2,5?

Irrelevant Sentences

100

What do all animals have in common? We all need to sleep. While researchers agree that sleep is crucial for our health, there are several theories about why it is so important. Sleep recharges our bodies and enables us to be alert, but it is also believed that sleep prepares our brains for the demands of waking life. It may give our body tissues the time they need for repair; it may even allow certain brain receptors to "rest" in order to better regulate our moods and learning abilities. Most animals need different amounts of sleep as they develop, with sleep needs gradually diminishing with maturity. Many people experience drowsiness in the early afternoon. And the amount of sleep an animal needs varies by species. Cats, for example, spend 12 to 13 hours sleeping each day, while humans typically need 7 to 9 hours. Elephants sleep only 3 or 4 hours a day! Which sentence in the paragraph above is irrelevant and should be removed? A. Many people experience drowsiness in the early afternoon. B. Elephants sleep only 3 or 4 hours a day! C. What do all animals have in common? D. Sleep recharges our bodies and enables us to be alert, but it is also believed that sleep prepares our brains for the demands of waking life.

What is many people experience drowsiness in the early afternoon?

200

Read the following paragraph. Congress is the legislative branch of our government. It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Representatives are elected to two-year terms while senators are elected to six-year terms. The main job of Congress is to create and pass laws that govern the citizens of the United States. Congress is an important part of the checks and balances of our government. Which of the following sentences would add appropriate detail to the paragraph? A. John F. Kennedy was a senator before being elected President of the United States. B. Every state has two senators, but representatives are apportioned by population. C. The Supreme Court can rule laws to be unconstitutional. D. Washington, D.C. does not have a senator.

What is every state has two senators, but representatives are apportioned by population?

300

The ivory-billed woodpecker, native to the southern United States, is listed as an endangered species. Until a few years ago, however, these magnificent birds were actually thought to be extinct. The woodpeckers could no longer be found in their favorite places, pine forests and hardwood swamps. During the 20th century, the timber industry destroyed all but a few patches of the birds' preferred habitats. The loss of habitat drove the woodpeckers to extinction. But promising news came in 2004 and 2005. Reports emerged of at least one ivory-billed woodpecker – a male – living in Arkansas. Despite the reports, conclusive evidence of the species' survival has not yet been presented. Which sentence would fit best in the paragraph above? A. All woodpeckers belong to the same family, Picidae, which includes over 200 different species. B. Ivory-billed woodpeckers mate for life; both parents sit on the eggs and care for the chicks once they hatch. C. Scientists hope that the ivory-billed woodpecker has indeed survived, but further investigation is needed. D. Ivory-billed woodpeckers are closely related to imperial woodpeckers, which are native to western Mexico.

What is scientists hope that the ivory-billed woodpecker has indeed survived, but further investigation is needed?

400

Understanding Poetry 1. Many students today cringe at the thought of studying poetry. 2. They would rather chew crickets than discuss a poem from the Harlem Renaissance. 3. "I hate poetry. 4. It's dumb," one student said to me recently. 5. I remember a time when I, too, as a student, hated poetry, and it wasn't until recently that I figured out why. 6. When I started teaching high school, my students would often ask me whether I would be at the Friday night football game. 7. For a while I was able to dodge their expectations by simply telling them that I didn't like football. 8. One day, however, sixteen-year-old Janet Kowalzyk surprised me by asking, "Why?" 9. I thought about it for a while and realized that I had no answer to her question. 10. "I guess I don't enjoy it because I don't understand it," I said. 11. I had never been to a football game. 12. "We didn't have a football team when I was in high school. 13. Our school was too small." 14. I had had no exposure to the sport whatsoever. 15. As a child when I surfed the channels on the television set, I passed by football games as if they were commercials. 16. Why would I want to watch something I didn't understand? 17. Janet looked surprised but quickly said she would explain it to me if I would come to the next game. 18. I didn't know the difference between a tackle and a touchdown. 19. I didn't understand the scoring. 20. Because of my limited exposure to the sport, the whole thing made about as much sense to me as air conditioning in Greenland. 21. However, her enthusiasm and apparent knowledge of the game intrigued me. 22. I decided to accept her offer. 23. I would give football a try. 24. Frankly, I didn't understand much during that first game, but I learned enough to begin to respect it—to know that it required skill and that it indeed had a purpose. 25. Over the next few years, I learned what a conversion play is, why it's important to sack the quarterback, and how difficult it is to kick a 40-yard field goal. 26. With knowledge came an understanding of the sport. 27. Understanding led to enthusiasm. 28. Now I hardly miss a game. 29. Thanks to Janet, I'm one of the loudest fans in the stands. 30. I propose that the same is true of poetry. 31. Too few high school students have been exposed to it beyond the level of nursery rhymes and limericks. 32. Too few students know the terminology or the rules of poetry. 33. Many don't even realize that poetry has a purpose. 34. Fortunately, though, my experience with football has taught me that students can learn to love poetry! 35. Dorothy Parker, a writer from the early twentieth century, is one of my favorite poets. 36. When teenagers learn such simple things as alliteration and tone, they begin to understand what poetry is. 37. They begin to realize its rules and its purpose. 38. Enthusiasm follows. 39. In fact, by the end of each year, poetry becomes a favorite genre for many of my students—the same students who only weeks before claimed to hate it. 40. As an added bonus, these students often come to realize an even bigger truth: that knowledge—of any subject—fosters appreciation and sparks enthusiasm. Which of the following sentences is irrelevant to the passage and should be deleted? A. Too few students know the terminology or the rules of poetry. B. However, her enthusiasm and apparent knowledge of the game intrigued me. C. Dorothy Parker, a writer from the early twentieth century, is one of my favorite poets. D. For a while I was able to dodge their expectations by simply telling them that I didn't like football.

What is Dorothy Parker, a writer from the early twentieth century, is one of my favorite poets?

500

Dear Editor, I would like to express my support for universal health care. Too many citizens of our great nation do not receive even basic health care because the cost is too expensive. Many young families cannot afford health insurance, which leaves them financially vulnerable to any catastrophic illness they may experience. My sister, Jill, is but one example. Jill has owned a small business in her hometown for more than ten years. Jill runs a successful catering business which employs ten people of various ages. I know that may not be very impressive to some people, but we are all quite proud of her. During times of prosperity she was able to purchase from a local agent an insurance plan, which provided adequate coverage. However, when the years turned leaner, Jill had to forgo the health insurance because she simply could not afford it. Last week, Jill was diagnosed, sans insurance, with an aggressive form of cancer. She is devastated—emotionally, physically, and financially. I am afraid she may never recover. Had universal health care been in place, this disease would have been much less distressing to my sister and her family. Jill would have been able to seek medical treatment at the onset of her symptoms. That would have given the doctors more time to treat the disease. In addition, universal health care would not have placed such a huge financial burden on my sister's family. People, it is time for change! We need to elect a leader who will create a universal health care system that provides affordable care for all citizens. Sincerely, Millie Todd Springfield Which sentence is irrelevant to the author's main purpose? A. Last week, Jill was diagnosed, sans insurance, with an aggressive form of cancer. B. Jill runs a successful catering business which employs ten people of various ages. C. During times of prosperity she was able to purchase from a local agent an insurance plan, which provided adequate coverage. D. Many young families cannot afford health insurance, which leaves them financially vulnerable to any catastrophic illness they may experience.

What is Jill runs a successful catering business which employs ten people of various ages?

Title

100

Do you cough, sniffle, and sneeze your way through the brutal winter months? If so, then it's time you start taking Cold-B-Gone. Cold-B-Gone is a patented new cold medicine that quickly alleviates the sore throats, runny noses, and achy bodies often brought on when the cold weather arrives, but you don't have to take our word for it. "I am a stay-at-home mother of three, so when I caught a cold last month, I immediately headed for the pharmacy. I had already tried everything else on the market and decided that one more wouldn't hurt. And it certainly didn't hurt! In fact, Cold-B-Gone helped clear up my symptoms faster than any other medicine!" ––Ann-Marie R. from Akron, Ohio. "Winters here are rough, and as the owner of a snowplow business, I cannot afford to stay at home with a cold. This year I reached for Cold-B-Gone when the cough started, and I'm glad I did. Within a few days I was back on my feet and back at work. Now it's the only cold medicine I take!"—Antonio G., Minneapolis, Minnesota As you can tell, people across the country recognize Cold-B-Gone as the most effective remedy for colds. What are you waiting for? Cold-B-Gone is available in delicious grape and cherry flavors at your local pharmacy. What is the most appropriate title for this passage? A. Back in the Snowplow B. Catching the Sniffles C. The Harshness of Winter D. Colds, Be Gone!

What is Colds, Be Gone?

200

Having a dog is a responsibility. Dogs must be fed daily. It is essential to make sure they always have fresh water available to them at all times. It is important to keep in mind that dogs can acquire the same physical ailments as humans. Health issues must be addressed when they arise. Select the best title for the passage. A. Dogs Are Fun B. Dogs Require Attention C. Everyone Should Have a Dog D. Everyone Has a Dog

What is Dogs Require Attention?

300

Maria Montessori was born in 1870, in the Italian village of Chiaravalle. When she was five years old, she moved to Rome with her family. As a young girl, she was encouraged by her mother to pursue her education, which was unusual for girls at the time. Maria entered a boys' technical school and spent seven years training to be an engineer. Though Maria excelled at school, she disliked the strictness and formality of her environment. After graduating, Maria began studying medicine at the University of Rome, becoming Italy's first female doctor in 1896. She began working at a hospital for children with developmental disabilities the next year. Maria realized while working with her patients that they would likely do better in school instead of in a hospital. Despite having no formal training as a teacher, she decided to focus on education. Maria theorized that everything a child experiences becomes part of the child's personality. She observed that her students did better in school when they were allowed to learn at their own pace, instead of being rushed or punished. In 1900, she opened a small school for children with developmental problems, including mental retardation. Although the program was merely an experiment, Maria's results were nothing short of a miracle. Children believed to have little intelligence or natural ability learned reading and writing and were active in the classroom. What would be the most appropriate title for the passage? A. Why Girls Need Education B. A Groundbreaking Educator C. A Famous Italian D. From Chiaravalle to Rome

What is a Groundbreaking Educator?

400

Scott loves college football. He has been to over fifty football games. Even more than football, Scott loves to tailgate with his friends and family before the game. Everyone has a great time while they grill hamburgers and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere. Then game time comes, and they all walk over to the stadium to watch the big game. Whether his team wins or loses, Scott always has a great time. Which is the best title for the passage? A. The Fun of Football Season B. Football is a Hard Sport C. Football is an Intense Game D. The Rules of Football

What is the Fun of Football Season?

500

Whitney is writing an opinion essay on why she believes most professional athletes are overpaid. Which of the following titles would be most likely to catch the reader's attention? A. Why I Think Athletes' Salaries Are Extreme B. Too Much Money for Too Many Athletes C. Athletes Need to Accept a Pay Cut or Choose Another Occupation D. Athletes and Their Salaries

What is Too Much Money for Too Many Athletes?

Research Topic

100

Brent has to complete a history project on George Washington's role in the French and Indian War. Which of the following questions would best help Brent find more information on his topic? A. What role did minorities play in the fight against the French and Indian forces? B. What was George Washington's childhood like in the newly settled colonies? C. How much land was gained for the British as a result of the French and Indian War? D. In what battles did Washington lead the fight against the allied French and Indians?

What is in what battles did Washington lead the fight against the allied French and Indians?

200

Which is the most effective way to record information that you gather for a research paper? A. Copy every source you find on a copy machine. B. Write down all the information you find word for word. C. Check out all the books you can find on the topic from the library so that you can read them all from cover to cover. D. Take concise notes on index cards for each section of the topic you will discuss as you discover the information.

What is take concise notes on index cards for each section of the topic you will discuss as you discover the information?

300

Which source would provide the most current information about a topic? A. an encyclopedia B. a history book C. a newspaper article D. a biography

What is a newspaper article?

400

Alec has to complete a history project on the effects of the WWII atomic bomb. For his project, Alec needs the most reliable information he can find on his topic. Sitting at a computer, Alec conducts searches on the Internet. Which of the following key words would most likely provide Alec with the most reliable information on his topic? A. atomic bomb reliable searches B. WWII atomic bomb effects primary source C. World War II bomb secondary source D. atomic bomb used WWII what happened

What is WWII atomic bomb effects primary source?

500

Which topic would be too broad for a research paper? A. the U.S. space mission to Mars B. how chewing gum is manufactured C. the history of Europe D. how American bison were saved from extinction

What is the history of Europe?

Research Sources

100

What is not a benefit of gathering information from a variety of sources? A. By gathering information from many different sources, it helps to check the reliability of the information. B. Using a variety of sources provides more information on your topic. C. Gathering information from many different sources helps to create a greater understanding of the topic. D. By gathering information from so many different places, it makes it easier to plagiarize.

What is by gathering information from so many different places, it makes it easier to plagiarize?

200

Jim is going to write a research paper on cattle ranching. What primary source might help Jim to gather information for his report? A. reading the encyclopedia B. visiting a cattle farm C. using the Internet D. reading an almanac

What is visiting a cattle farm?

300

Samantha wants to include the word "omniscient" in her paragraph on author point-of-view, but she is uncertain of its spelling. She will find it in the dictionary between which guide words? A. ominous/omnibus B. omen/omnivore C. Olympus/omelet D. onomatopoeia/onyx

What is omen/omnivore?

400

Trees, flowers, and bushes, like all plants, need water. Some of this liquid is used in photosynthesis, the process by which plants make food. However, most water is used by plants in other ways. People perspire or sweat, and plants do something similar. Plants transpire, which is the process of losing water through their leaves. Perspiration and transpiration aid in the evaporation process by returning water vapor to the air. People generally perspire more in hot weather than in cold. Plants usually transpire the most in full sun. The process of perspiration cools the human body. Similarly, plants are cooled by transpiration. In fact, most of the water absorbed by plants is used to keep them cool. If you wanted more information on transpiration, which of the following books would be the best source? A. The Human Body B. Botany, the Study of Plants C. The Making of Rain D. Water, Water Everywhere

What is Botany, the Study of Plants?

500

If I wanted to know more about the group of people who crossed the Atlantic in November of 1620, what text would I consult? A. A book by Ambrose Pierce B. A biography of William Bradford C. An Edgar Allan Poe thriller D. An autobiography of Mark Twain

What is a biography of William Bradford?