Grammar Conventions
Choose the correct form of "their," "there," or "they’re" in this sentence: The students left __ books on the table. Explain your choice.
"their" – It shows possession, meaning the books belong to the students.
Rewrite: "I saw the accident with my own eyes." Explain why your revision is more concise.
"I saw the accident." – "With my own eyes" is unnecessary.
Define "claim" and provide an example.
A claim is the main argument of a piece of writing. Example: "Students should have longer recess to improve focus."
What is the primary purpose of an informative essay?
To educate the reader.
Define textual evidence and explain why it is essential.
Textual evidence supports a claim and adds credibility to writing.
Determine the correct verb form and explain why: "Neither of the boys (was/were) ready for the test."
was" – "Neither" is singular, so it takes a singular verb.
Identify and remove the redundant word: "The small little kitten curled up in the blanket." Explain your choice.
"Little" is redundant because "small" already conveys the same meaning.
Identify the type of evidence in this statement and explain why it qualifies as evidence: "Studies show that students who read daily score higher on tests."
It is a research-based fact supporting the argument.
Rewrite this weak thesis into a stronger one: "School is important." Explain your improvements.
Subjective Response
Explain the importance of introducing evidence in writing.
It provides support for claims and strengthens the writer’s argument.
Explain the difference between "affect" and "effect" and use both correctly in sentences.
"Affect" is a verb meaning to influence, while "effect" is a noun meaning the result.
Revise for clarity: "In my personal opinion, I think that this book is amazing." Explain your revision.
"In my opinion, this book is amazing." – "Personal" and "I think" are redundant.
Define counterargument and explain how it strengthens an argument.
A counterargument presents the opposing viewpoint, making the argument stronger by addressing objections.
What makes a strong conclusion in an informative essay?
1) Restate the thesis, 2) Summarize main points, 3) End with a strong final thought.
Explain the difference between paraphrasing and quoting and when each should be used.
Paraphrasing restates information in one’s own words, used for clarity. Quoting uses exact wording and is useful when the original phrasing is important.
Identify the misplaced modifier and correct the sentence: "Running down the hall, the backpack fell off of Sarah’s shoulder." Explain your correction.
Misplaced modifier makes it seem like the backpack was running. Corrected: "Running down the hall, Sarah dropped her backpack."
Identify the correct word to finish the sentence. Though she is much smaller, the Yorkie is definitely the (dominate, dominant) dog.
Though she is much smaller, the Yorkie is definitely the dominant dog.
Identify the type of reasoning in this argument: "Because regular exercise boosts brain function, students should have more time for physical activity during school." Explain how it supports the argument.
This logical reasoning supports the claim by showing a benefit of more activity.
How does formal tone differ from informal tone, and why is formal tone important in an informative essay?
Formal tone is precise, professional, and objective language, avoiding slang, contractions, and personal opinions. Formal tone follows proper grammar and sentence structure, making the writing clear and credible.
Identify the best way to integrate this evidence into a sentence: "Dogs are loyal companions. According to a study, dogs stay close to their owners in stressful situations." Explain why.
"According to a study, dogs stay close to their owners in stressful situations, demonstrating their loyalty." It connects the evidence to the point.