Essay Writing Crash Course Quiz

What is the main goal of an academic essay?

• To entertain the reader

• To persuade readers of a position or perspective

• To describe a personal experience

• To summarize a book

Answer explanation

The main goal of an academic essay is to persuade readers of a position or perspective, presenting arguments and evidence to support that viewpoint, rather than merely entertaining, describing personal experiences, or summarizing.

What are the three main stages of writing an essay?

• Drafting, Revising, Publishing

• Research, Writing, Editing

• Preparation, Writing, Revision

• Introduction, Body, Conclusion

Answer explanation

The three main stages of writing an essay are Preparation, Writing, and Revision. Preparation involves planning and research, Writing is the actual composition, and Revision focuses on refining and improving the draft.

What should you do first in the preparation stage?

• Create an outline

• Choose a topic and understand the assignment

• Write the introduction

• Revise the essay

Answer explanation

Choosing a topic and understanding the assignment is crucial as it lays the foundation for your work. Without a clear topic and comprehension of the requirements, subsequent steps like outlining or writing the introduction may be misguided.

What is the purpose of the thesis statement?

• To state the main point or argument of the essay

• To introduce the essay's structure

• To provide background information

• To summarize the conclusion

Answer explanation

The thesis statement serves to state the main point or argument of the essay, guiding the reader on what to expect and providing a clear focus for the writing.

What should the introduction of an essay do?

• List all references

• Grab the reader’s interest and present the thesis

• Summarize the entire essay

• Provide detailed evidence

Answer explanation

The introduction of an essay should grab the reader’s interest and present the thesis, setting the stage for the argument. It does not list references, summarize the entire essay, or provide detailed evidence.

What is the main function of topic sentences in the body paragraphs?

• To provide evidence

• To summarize the essay

• To introduce the argument of the paragraph

• To conclude the paragraph

Answer explanation

The main function of topic sentences is to introduce the argument of the paragraph, setting the stage for the supporting details that follow. This helps readers understand the focus of each paragraph.

What is the next step after completing the preparation stage?

• Choosing a new topic

• Creating an outline

• Revising the essay

• Writing the introduction

Answer explanation

After completing the preparation stage, the next step is to write the introduction. This sets the stage for your essay and introduces the main topic to the reader.

What is the primary purpose of a body paragraph in an essay?

• To introduce the essay's topic

• To restate the thesis

• To provide evidence and analysis supporting the thesis

• To summarize the entire essay

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a body paragraph is to provide evidence and analysis supporting the thesis. This is where the main arguments are developed, making it essential for substantiating the essay's claims.

What is the significance of a thesis statement in an essay?

• It introduces the conclusion

• It lists all the references used

• It states the main argument or point of the essay

• It provides a summary of the essay

Answer explanation

The thesis statement is crucial as it states the main argument or point of the essay, guiding the reader on what to expect and providing a clear focus for the writing.

What is the purpose of conducting research before writing an essay?

• To fill up the word count

• To gather evidence and support for your arguments

• To impress the reader with complex vocabulary

• To avoid writing the essay

Answer explanation

Conducting research before writing an essay is essential to gather evidence and support for your arguments, ensuring your claims are credible and well-founded.