Organizing and Developing an Essay

What is an anecdote?

A very short story

What is not typically part of an essay?

An abstract

What is the proper order for the introductory paragraph?

Attention getter-Bridge-Thesis

The part of the writing process in which you actually write the paper for the first time is known as?

Drafting

What is the best approach to take while creating a story?

First explain the main point, then follow a chronological and clear explanation

A coherent body paragraph is one that?

Has clear logical sentences that flow together well.

A well-developed body paragraph is one that?

Has sufficient supporting details and examples

Why is a thesis statement so important in writing?

It clearly explains the main idea and helps a reader better understand what the piece of writing is all about.

What is the significance of using emotion in the conclusion?

It may help the reader to understand the writer's point of view.

Once you've completed brainstorming for an essay, you'll be ready to?

Outline your major points

A call to action in the conclusion is most appropriate in a _________ essay.

Persuasive

What part of the writing process includes looking at your essay that you have written in order to check and improve upon the organization, ideas, grammar, and mechanics?

Revising/Editing

What best demonstrates a descriptive title?

The History of Redwood Trees in Northern California

What is the greatest benefit of using an outline to draft an essay?

They allow the writer to compile information and set a direction for the essay before jumping to a first draft.

What is the greatest value of using an alphanumeric outline?

They speak in generalities and are less time consuming for writers.

Why is the 'bridge' used?

To transition from the attention getter to the thesis.

What might indicate that there's a potential problem with a thesis?

When it has too many arguments that confuse the reader.

Why is using a full sentence outline beneficial for most standard essays?

While the sentence outline may be more time-consuming up front, it makes writing the first draft much easier.

Should a thesis always be revised?

Yes, except during a times test or in class essay where there's little time for revision

Where are topic sentences generally found in writing? Why?

At the beginning of an opening paragraph to summarize the main point of the written piece for the reader.

Why is the attention getter such an important element of the introductory paragraph?

Because if the essay writer cannot engage the reader, their message will most likely be lost.

What is not a useful brainstorming technique?

Transcribing

Words and phrases that help carry a thought from one idea to the next are referred to as?

Transitions

Jane is writing a standard 5 paragraph essay that consists of 750 words. She starts off by writing her thesis statement in the introduction, stating that: 'The most dangerous element in modern day history is discrimination.' She then lists 7-9 main points which strongly show her main opinion. Within those 7-9 points, she displays and refutes the evidence by authors who don't agree with her. Why did Jane get a relatively low grade on her essay?

Because she had too many main points, making the essay slightly confusing

The process of generating potential topics for writing or generating ideas that you might use in your paper is called?

Brainstorming

How can writers prepare readers for new ideas?

By utilizing transitional words and phrases to ease readers through the essay.