Identifying Elements in an Essay

What is the hook in the essay?

• Everywhere people turn -- websites, magazines, and infomercials -- advice for improving health bombards them.

• Much of this advice is commercially motivated by those eager to sell questionable supplements and diet gimmicks.

• However, some of it, especially that advocating a regular exercise program, merits serious attention.

• Such a program, if it consists of at least thirty minutes three times a week and if a person's physician approves it, provides numerous benefits.

What is the thesis statement in the essay?

• Everywhere people turn -- websites, magazines, and infomercials -- advice for improving health bombards them.

• Much of this advice is commercially motivated by those eager to sell questionable supplements and diet gimmicks.

• Regular exercise releases tension, improves muscle tone, and increases stamina

• Such a program, if it consists of at least thirty minutes three times a week and if a person's physician approves it, provides numerous benefits.

Which sentence is a topic sentence in the essay?

• One of exercise’s most immediate benefits is the release of tension.

• Tension builds in the body because of an over-accumulation of adrenaline produced by stress, anxiety, or fear.

• Doctors agree that exercising for thirty minutes releases tension.

• After tension is released, petty irritations and frustrations should be less troubling.

What is a transition used in the essay?

• One of exercise’s most immediate benefits is the release of tension.

• Tension builds in the body because of an over-accumulation of adrenaline produced by stress, anxiety, or fear.

• Doctors agree that exercising for thirty minutes releases tension.

• After tension is released, petty irritations and frustrations should be less troubling.

What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

• Tension builds in the body because of an over-accumulation of adrenaline produced by stress, anxiety, or fear.

• Doctors agree that exercising for thirty minutes releases tension.

• Improved muscle tone is a second benefit of regular exercise.

• After tension is released, petty irritations and frustrations should be less troubling.

What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

• A stronger, less stressed body is more capable of withstanding normal fatigue than a tense, weak one.

• A worker who exercises regularly should be able to complete a forty-hour week and still retain enough energy for non-work activities.

• Similarly, a student who exercises regularly is in better shape, literally and figuratively, for pushing through during the busiest time of the semester.

• Improved endurance is one of the most important benefits of a regular exercise program.

What is the main idea of the first paragraph?

• Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.

• Physical activity can improve mental health and mood.

• Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.

What is the main argument presented in the essay?

• Exercise is the only way to release tension.

• Commercially motivated advice is always questionable.

• A regular exercise program provides numerous benefits.

• Adrenaline accumulation is the main cause of stress.

Which sentence is a supporting detail in the essay?

• Doctors agree that exercising for thirty minutes releases tension.

• Exercise is the only way to release tension.

• Commercially motivated advice is always questionable.

• Adrenaline accumulation is the main cause of stress.

What is the thesis statement in the essay?

• Exercise is beneficial for health.

• Regular exercise program provides numerous benefits.

• Exercise helps in releasing tension.

• Exercise should be done for at least thirty minutes three times a week.