Essay Vocabulary Pre-Test

What is a thesis statement?

• A general overview of the the topic

• A summary of the main points

• A statement that expresses the main idea of an essay

• A suggestion that you should read the essay

Which of the following is a major component of a thesis statement?

• Making a claim

• Providing an amusing story

• Being at least three sentences long

• Only providing facts

A thesis should never...

• Ask a question

• Give two reasons

• State your opinion

• Be short and to the point

Which of the following best represents the meaning of a topic sentence?

• Explains or introduces one of the major points that supports the writer’s thesis statement.

• Tells who, what, when, where, and why in a story

• Explains how a main character overcame an obstacle

• Expresses the writer’s opinion or position on a particular topic

Each sentence after a topic sentence in a paragraph…

• Explains another topic

• Restates the thesis

• Works to support and prove the idea of the topic sentence

• Is filled with contrasting ideas

Evidence is _____

• A statement or conclusion that answers a question

• Data/information/quotes that supports the claim

• A justification that connects the claim to evidence

• Not important when using an argument

What is an explanation?

• When a writer connects the evidence to their topic sentence and thesis.

• A summary of the evidence.

• Putting the evidence in your own words.

• Explanation is proof of research.

Which of the following would NOT be a good hook or attention getter?

• A related quote

• A surprising and related fact

• An introduction to the writer

• A rhetorical question

What is the purpose of transitions in writing?

• To connect ideas to one another and topic

• To entertain the reader

• To relate back to the topic

• To support the thesis statement

A conclusion should NEVER do which of the following?

• Sum up the thesis statement

• Restate important evidence

• Include a new idea

• Leave the reader thinking about the topic