ENG115 UNIT 2 - CHALLENGE 4 Topics and Thesis Statements. Summmer 2020. Answers and Explanatio

ENG 115UNIT 2 - CHALLENGE 4

Topics and Thesis Statements

1 — Essay Writing and the "Big Picture"

Define "big picture" scale as it is related to essay writing.

Constructing a(n) __________ before drafting an essay provides a "big picture" overview of how the essay will be developed and organized.

·         a.) conclusion

·         b.) thesis

·         c.) outline

·         d.) introductory paragraph

2 — Combating Writer's Block

Identify strategies for combating writer's block.

Choose the true statement about writer's block.

·         a.) Editing or proofreading are ineffective methods of combatting writer’s block.

·         b.) If feeling blocked, a writer should return to her thesis statement and begin a new draft.

·         c.) An outline created in the prewriting stage can alleviate the problem of not knowing what to write next while drafting.

·         d.) If a piece of writing isn’t perfect as you draft, it’s usually a good idea to start over with fresh ideas.

3 — Drafting and the Rhetorical Situation

Understand the rhetorical situation and its role in the drafting process.

The rhetorical situation of any written work involves the writer’s purpose and presumed audience, the cultural and historical context of the topic, and the writer’s __________.

·         a.) personal background

·         b.) writing style

·         c.) cited sources

·         d.) previous works

4 — Defining Your Essay Topic

Recognize whether a topic is too broad, too narrow, or appropriate for the parameters of an assignment.

Margo is writing a one-page personal narrative.

Which topic would be too broad for Margo given the specifics of the assignment?

·         a.) Her soccer uniform

·         b.) Her most memorable soccer game

·         c.) The history of soccer

·         d.) Her soccer schedule

5 — Thesis Statements

Understand the importance of a good thesis statement.

Choose the FALSE statement about thesis statements.

·         a.) Once a thesis statement is drafted, it should not be revised

·         b.) In short essays, the thesis statement usually appears in the first paragraph.

·         c.) A good working thesis statement helps the writer maintain focus while drafting

·         d.) The thesis statement articulates an essay’s controlling idea.

6 — Theses: Asking what and why

Understand how to ask "what" and "why" questions to improve a thesis statement

When asking “why” about a thesis statement, writers should consider the “occasion for writing.” This includes thinking about __________.

·         a.) the types of support they will use

·         b.) the significance of their chosen topic

·         c.) their purpose and intended audience

·         d.) their personal ability to create an argument

7 — Narrowing Your Thesis

Understand strategies for narrowing a thesis statement.

Asking questions about a working thesis can help a writer narrow her focus. All of the following are effective questions to ask EXCEPT __________.

·         a.) where did my interest in this topic come from?

·         b.) What do I want to say about this topic?

·         c.) who is my intended audience?

·         d.) what is my goal with this piece fo writing?

8 — Your Thesis: Too Broad, Too Narrow, or Just Right?

Understand what makes a thesis statement too narrow, too broad, or appropriate for a short essay.

Choose the working thesis statement that is too broad for a 3-5 page essay on the effects of fast food on Americans.
a.)  Consuming fast food has impacted the health of Americans in a negative fashion.

·         b.) The consumption of fast food is making Americans more obese.

·         c.) Fast food has a long history in the United States.

·         d.) The convenience of fast food has changed Americans' dining habits.