WorksheetsCommentary and Expansion Sentences
Total questions: 62
Worksheet time: 16hrs 30mins
The part of an argument where the writer takes the time to explain their concrete detail/evidence and show how it helps prove their claim is called what?
The claim.
The evidence.
The commentary.
The speech states, “... one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers” (King).
This sentence is:
Concrete Detail/Evidence
Commentary
Neither
Both
This profound quote helps reveal the idea that even though slavery was outlawed, racism still existed.
This sentence is:
Evidence
Commentary
Neither
Both
What should commentary (reasoning) accomplish in a paragraph? Select all that apply:
explain relationships between the text evidence and topic sentence.
reinforce the paragraph's line of reasoning
summarize the passage for context
In your paragraph, commentary should be more prevalent than evidence/concrete detail.
TRUE
FALSE
The correct ratio of evidence/concrete detail to commentary is:
1 evidence/concrete detail : 1 commentary
1 evidence/concrete detail : 2 commentary
2 evidence/concrete detail : 1 commentary
2 evidence/concrete detail : 2 commentary
What is personal commentary?
a specific concrete detail that supports the topic sentence
the interpretation and explanation of the concrete detail that supports the topic sentence
the topic sentence
the conclusion
Where will one place the personal commentary?
the first sentence of the paragraph
the last sentence of the paragraph
before the concrete detail
after the concrete detail
Which of the following are good sentence starters for writing personal commentary? Check all that apply.
This means . . .
I think that . . .
This explains . . .
This proves . . .
This shows...
Which subjects will one use this type of writing?
Reading/Literature
Social Studies/History
Science
All of the Above
Which of these would NOT be a good way to start a commentary sentence? Check all that apply.
In my opinion
I think that . . .
This shows...
This proves . . .
I believe...
TRUE OR FALSE: You need to explain what the concrete detail/evidence means.
True
False
TRUE OR FALSE: You need to explain how and why the concrete detail/evidence is important.
True
False
Which of the following sentences would be considered a piece of commentary?
Archaeology is a key component of understanding history.
According to the text, "Archaeology involves studying ancient cultures through the excavation of ancient artifacts" (page 8).
In conclusion, archaeology is beneficial in helping us to understand the ancient past.
This shows the importance of finding and analyzing certain objects that may have belonged to past civilizations. This also means that archeology helps us to understand history.
Which of the following sentences would be considered a topic sentence?
First, archaeology plays a key role in understanding history.
According to the text, "Archaeology involves studying ancient cultures through the excavation of ancient artifacts" (page 8).
In conclusion, archaeology is beneficial in helping us to understand the ancient past.
This shows the importance of finding and analyzing certain objects that may have belonged to past civilizations.
Which of the following combinations represents the correct layout for a body paragraph?
Topic sentence +concrete detail + Commentary + concluding sentence
Concrete Detail + Commentary
Topic Sentence + Commentary + Concrete Detail
Concrete Detail + Commentary + Topic Sentence
Choose the best commentary for the evidence below.
Evidence: Sharks live up to 57 years.
This proves that the whale shark is the longest living shark. They even live longer than some humans.
Did you know that there are 465 known species of sharks in the world?
Choose the best commentary for the concrete detail below.
Evidence: Polar Bears weigh between 900-1600 pounds.
Wow, that is a big animal!
That is more than a piano weighs and could easily crush a grown man. It could perhaps even crush his entire family!
What questions do you need to address in your commentary?
What do I need to do to make sure the reader understands the information?
Why is the concrete detail/evidence important?
How does the concrete detail/evidence support the claim?
All
Why is BECAUSE a powerful word?
It shows a relationship and signals an explanation.
Because is not a powerful word
TRUE OR FALSE: You need to explain what the evidence/concrete detail means.
True
False
TRUE OR FALSE: You need to explain how and why the evidence/concrete detail is important.
True
False
TRUE OR FALSE: You need to explain how the evidence/concrete detail supports and proves your claim/topic sentence.
True
False
What does Commentary (CM) do? (2 answers)
interprets the evidence
explains the evidence
provides evidence
helps transition to a new paragraph
What does a Topic Sentence (TS) do?
previews the subject of the paragraph
provides an example, or detail
provides your opinion on the subject
helps transition to the next paragraph
Which of these is a TS?
Keeping promises is important.
For example, a study shows that people who can keep a promise have better relationships.
People who keep promises are the most loyal friends and should be kept close.
Sometimes, people who keep promises are reliable as well.
Which of these is an example of a Concrete Detail (CD)?
A 2017 Harvard study shows that students who sleep 8 or more hours do better in school.
Making school start later is important because it will ensure that students perform better.
One possible solution is to make school start later.
All in all, better academics are important, but starting school later also helps student's bodies recuperate.
The topic sentence states the
Closing thoughts
Main Idea
Supporting Details
Theme
The second sentence in your body paragraph
Topic Sentence (TS)
Concrete Detail (CD)
Commentary (CM)
Concluding Sentence (CS)
The concrete detail may contains a _____________.
main idea
quote
opinion
inference
In the text, Billie Jo says, "I was coming home" (203).
What type of sentence is this?
Topic Sentence (TS)
Concrete Detail (CD)
Commentary (CM)
Concluding Sentence (CS)
The 3rd and 4th sentence in a body paragraph are called
Topic Sentence (TS)
Concrete Detail (CD)
Commentary (CM)
Concluding Sentence (CS)
Commentary sentences contain
Main Idea
Quote
Your analysis
Conclusion
What type of sentence is this?
Topic Sentence (TS)
Concrete Detail (CD)
Commentary (CM)
Concluding Sentence (CS)
The following can help a paragraph flow and become more high level
slang words
improperly used transition words and phrases
inventive and informal spelling
properly used transition words and phrases
What is a sentence stem for a commentary sentence? 3 responses
This shows that
This means
This proves
This is why
What is a sentence stem for a concrete detail?
The text states
According to the text
For example
All of above
Which sentence stem is for a commentary sentence?
A. In paragraph
B. This shows that
C. This explains why
B and C
Which writing term do you get directly from the story and need quotations?
Thesis Statement
Topic sentences
Commentary
Concrete Detail
A__________________ is the first sentence of the paragraph. It shows the main idea.
Topic sentence
Concrete detail
Commentary sentences
Concluding sentence
A ________________ supports your TS. (facts, quotes, examples, etc. from text). It can’t be argued with and is evidence that supports your point!
Topic sentence
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Concluding Sentence
___________is your analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text.
Topic sentence
Concrete detail
Commentary sentences
Concluding sentence
A good paragraph will also use _______________ words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect your ideas.
Adjective
Transition
Vocabulary
Interesting
Choose the best topic sentence: [_______________________________] Unlike some breeds of dogs, they do not need a lot of exercise every day. Crowds and loud noises do not make them nervous. Also, they do not mind being alone for hours, if you need to be away at work. On top of all this, they are known to be patient and loving with children. If you are a city-dwelling family looking for a pet, I highly recommend this breed of dog.
Every family should have a dog.
Greyhounds are a good choice of dog for people who live in cities.
Not all dogs are happy living in the city.
All breeds of dogs are pretty much alike -- it's all the same.
Choose the best topic sentence: [_______________________________] She always takes the time to listen to me. When I was in the hospital, she came to visit me. She always makes sure I get the medication I need. Several of my friends now go to see her, and they like her as much as I do!
I am very happy with my doctor.
It is hard to find a good doctor.
Seeing a doctor has become very expensive.
I love my mother.
Choose TWO commentary sentences for this topic sentence: Young children should not be allowed to cross Fourth Avenue by themselves.
There are many good restaurants on that street.
Last year, two children were injured while crossing that street.
Cars are always speeding down that avenue.
There is a school located on Fourth Avenue.
Choose TWO commentary sentences for this topic sentence: I need to look for a new job.
Since we now have another child, my salary really isn't enough for our family.
I like working with my brother.
The commute is very long, and I would like to spend more time with my family.
This is a tough economy, and I am lucky that I still have a job.
Choose TWO commentary sentences for this topic sentence: Students need to learn good ways to study.
Sometimes doing homework in a group can be helpful.
Making friends is important to happiness and success.
Many high-paying jobs require a college degree.
Studying instead of sleeping doesn't help learning or test scores.
"Anna is afraid of spiders. She screams every time she sees one. If she sees one, she runs away." Identify the commentary sentence in this paragraph.
Anna is afraid of spiders.
She screams every time she sees one.
None of the above
Matilda's parents owned quite a nice house with three bedrooms upstairs, while on the ground floor there was a dining room and a living room, and a kitchen. Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars and it seemed he did pretty well at it. "Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars and it seemed he did pretty well at it. "- In this paragraph, what is this sentence?
Topic Sentence
Commentary Sentence
Both
None of the above
John hates doing laundry and folding clothes. He thinks all this takes a lot of his time. Also, he believes he is not good at it as he never gets any wrinkles out. In this paragraph, what is the topic sentence?
John hates doing laundry and folding clothes.
He thinks all this takes a lot of his time.
Also, he believes he is not good at it as he never gets any wrinkles out.
None of the above.
Topic Sentence (claim) & Concrete Detail (Evidence): Students should be paid to go to school. According to recent research, 80% of high school students want a job but only 35% have been able to get one.
Write the commentary
Topic Sentence (claim) & Concrete Detail (Evidence): Single gender schools are not effective learning environments. Child psychologists assert that children need exposure to a variety of people to ensure healthy brain development. Write the commentary
Topic Sentence (claim) & Concrete Detail (Evidence): Many schools require uniforms, but they are not necessary for learning. In fact, students who are required to wear uniforms are 25% less happy in school than those who do not have uniforms. Write the commentary
