What is the rule for capitalizing the name of direction words such as the points on a compass?
Only capitalize words like 'North' and 'East' when they are used in the name of a place like North Dakota or the East Village.
100
What is wrong with the following thesis statement for an essay about dogs?
The German Shepherd is the best dog in the entire world.
This thesis is too broad and extreme - it would be impossible to prove in 5 paragraphs that anything is the 'best in the entire world'.
100
What makes Mitch choose the law firm of Bendini, Lambert and Locke?
Money
100
Which of the following is NOT a common purpose for a piece of writing?
a) to aggravate people
b) to inform people
c) to persuade people
d) to entertain people
a) to aggravate people
100
This is the best selling chocolate bar in the US today.
Snickers
200
Which of the following sentences does NOT require a question mark?
a) Do you think he'll show up at my house tonight.
b) Did you see the trailer for the new Transformers movie.
c) I wonder if Miss MacLaren thinks I'll do well on this exam.
d) When will this class ever end.
c) I wonder if Miss MacLaren thinks I'll do well on this exam.
There is no question being asked, just a statement of what this person wonders.
200
In a five paragraph or 'big sandwich' essay, what is the term for the first sentence of each body paragraph, which tells the reader what will be proven in that paragraph?
The topic sentence.
200
Who is Dr. Guarino, and why is he significant to the story?
He is a doctor Charlie's parents took him to see when he was young. Guarino claimed to be able to 'fix' Charlie, but was only pretending in order to make money off of the Gordons.
200
Descriptive words, exaggeration, development of characters, and use of emotional and informal writing are common traits of a piece of work that is written with the purpose to:
a) inform
b) entertain
c) explain
d) compare
b) entertain
200
7,000 units of this edible product are bought every single second, worldwide.
Coca Cola
300
Where should commas be placed in the following sentence?
I haven't spoken to Lisa my old neighbour since July 25 2006 because her family moved to Dayton Ohio.
I haven't spoken to Lisa, my old neighbour, since July 25, 2006, because her family moved to Dayton, Ohio.
300
Which of the following statements is NOT true of essays?
a) The thesis tells the reader what the essay will prove, and the three main that the essay will use to prove it.
b) Transition words alert the reader that the writer is shifting from one main idea to the next.
c) Quotes from books and other sources should be used in quotation marks to indicate that they are not the essay writer's own words.
d) Leftover information that did not fit into a body paragraph should be included in the conclusion paragraph as a last-chance effort to persuade the reader.
d) Leftover information that did not fit into a body paragraph should be included in the conclusion paragraph as a last-chance effort to persuade the reader.
The conclusion paragraph should include NO new information, and should only restate the thesis and main ideas of the essay.
300
Who is Hilda and what did she contribute to the story?
She was a nurse while Charlie was in the hospital for his surgery. She raised the concern that undergoing the surgery to improve one's intelligence was against God's will.
300
Is the following passage written formally or informally? Explain your choice:
The '09 movie Angels and Demons should definitely be on your top ten list of must-see movies. All the Hollywood VIPs were involved, the action didn't fail to impress, and the plot twist is mind-blowing.
INFORMAL: '09; 'YOUR', 'VIPs', DIDN'T', colloquial and conversational language.
300
This is the most popular breed of dog in China, because of the cost of its meat and its superior taste.
The St. Bernard
400
Which of the following commas can be omitted from this sentence?
Caitlin invited us in, and made sure we were, well fed, relaxed, and comfortable.
Caitlin invited us in and made sure were well fed, relaxed, and comfortable.
400
What acronym or initials should you remember to make sure you've thoroughly supported each main idea in your essay? Explain what each initial stands for.
P.E.A. - Point, Evidence, Analysis
400
What two things does Charlie ask Alice to promise him at the end of the novel?
To put flowers on Algernon's grave, and to do her best to forget Charlie.
400
Provide 4 characteristics of formal writing.
Answers may include:
a) written in third person (doesn't directly address reader or writer)
b) no slang or colloquial language
c) unconversational style including full sentences
d) proper use of grammar and punctuation
e) full forms of all words (no abbreviations or contractions)
400
This movie holds the record for most uses of the F-word: 207 uses in the entire movie, for an average of 1.22 F-bombs per minute.
Scarface
500
Place apostrophes in the following sentence:
Heres a 98 Mazda for sale, though whos to say if its in good shape.
Here's a '98 Mazda for sale, though who's to say if it's in good shape.
500
Provide 5 different transition words or phrases.
Answers may include firstly, also, therefore, furthermore, consequently, in conclusion, to summarize, similarily, etc.
500
State a major theme from the novel.
Answers may include:
a) Just because we are capable of some technology or medical procedures does not mean we have the right to use them.
b) Happiness is not linked to the level of one's intelligence.
c) Ignorance is bliss - the more you understand, the more complicated life becomes.
d) The important things in life like love and friendship do not require intelligence.
500
Explain the difference between argumentative and persuasive writing.
Argumentative writing tries to convince the reader to accept an opinion. Persuasive writing goes a step further and tries to push the reader to act or change their behaviour based on that opinion.
500
This is the most frequently recycled material in the US today.