Essay Writing Flashcards

Which sentence best serves as a thesis statement for a persuasive essay?

Answer: Social media should be banned in schools because it distracts students and reduces academic performance.

A strong thesis takes a clear, arguable position and previews the reasons that will be developed.

What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

Answer: To introduce and control the main idea of that paragraph.

A topic sentence states the single controlling idea that every sentence in its paragraph must support.

A student writes: 'The new school schedule is bad. It is really very bad for students.' What is the main weakness?

Answer: The claim lacks specific supporting evidence or reasons.

Repeating the claim without evidence or reasons leaves the reader with no reason to accept the argument.

Which transition best signals a contrasting idea?

Answer: However

'However' introduces a contrast or exception to the point just made.

In the CHSPE essay, which type of evidence most strengthens an argument about public health?

Answer: A statistic from a credible health organization.

Verifiable data from credible sources provides objective support that readers are most likely to find convincing.

What does 'audience awareness' mean in essay writing?

Answer: Adjusting your tone, vocabulary, and examples to suit your intended readers.

Audience awareness means tailoring language, tone, and content so the writing is accessible and persuasive to specific readers.

Which revision most improves the vague sentence 'People do things that hurt the environment'?

Answer: Consumers who drive gasoline-powered cars release carbon dioxide that accelerates climate change.

Replacing vague nouns and verbs with specific details makes writing clearer and more persuasive.