English Essentials

Name:__________________________________________Date:_______________Score:__________

Part I. True or False. Write the word WIN if the statement is correct and LOSE if the statement is
false. (20 points)

1. A metaphor connects an idea or image in your writing to something new and unexpected and
creates a powerful picture for your readers.
2. A fragment is a group of words used as a sentence. It is not a sentence though, because it lacks
a subject, a verb, or some essential part.
3. An incomplete comparison is the result of leaving out a word or word that are necessary to show
exactly what is being compared to what.
4. A comma splice is a mistake made when two independent clauses are connected with only a
comma.
5. A run-on sentence is actually two sentences joined without adequate punctuation or a
connecting word.
6. Deadwood is wording that fills up lots of space but does not add anything important or new to
the overall meaning.
7. A trite expression is one that is overused and stale; as a result, it sounds neither sincere nor
natural.
8. Jargon is language used in a certain profession or by a particular group of people.
9. A clich is an overused word or phrase that springs quickly to mind but just as quickly bores
the user and the audience.
10. Double negative is a sentence that contains two negative words.
11. A narrative paragraph tells a story of one kind or another.
12. A descriptive paragraph is one which the sentences work together to present a single, clear
picture of a person, place, thing or idea.
13. An expository paragraph is one that presents facts, gives directions, defines terms, and so on.
14. Sensory details are personal details that come to you through senses.
15. Memory details are personal details that you recall from past experiences.
16. A topic outline is a listing of the topics to be covered in a piece of writing; it contains no specific
details.
17. Syntax is the order and relationship of the words in a sentence.
18. A personal narrative is a personal writing that covers an event in the writers life; it often
contains personal comments and observations as well as a description of the event.
19. Details that appeal to the senses and help the reader see, feel, smell, taste and hear the subject
written about are vivid details.
20. Writing or speaking in which reasons or arguments are presented in a logical way is referred to
as argumentation.

Part II. Essay. Your essay will be graded based on this rubric. Consequently, use this rubric as a
guide when writing your essay and check it again before you submit it. (30 points)
6- Answer is appropriate to the question. Content is factually correct. Clear sense of order. Begins with the topic sentence.
Supporting points are presented in a logical progression. Develops each point with specific details. Answer question
completely. No major grammatical or spelling errors.

4- Answer is appropriate to the question. Content may have one or two factual errors. May lack the topic sentence, but
points are presented in a logical progression. Each point supported with some details and evidence. All important points
included. Accurate word choice. No more than 2 major errors and a few minor errors.

2- Content relates peripherally to the question; contains significant errors. Logic of argument is minimally perceivable.
Points presented in a logical progression. Sparse details or evidence. Question only partially answered. Ordinary word
choice; use of scientific terminology avoided. Some serious errors (but they dont impair communication).

1- Content unrelated to question. Lacks clear organizational plan. Reader is confused. Statements are unsupported by
any detail or explanation. Limited vocabulary; errors impair communication.

1. Discuss the six traits of an effective style.

2. Explain the modelling process.
3. Give at least two methods of arranging details and briefly explain each.
4. Differentiate narrative and descriptive paragraph.
5. Give at least three importance of having paragraph structure.
God bless!