Study Questions: Chapter 8
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Multiple Choice Questions
1. The main difference between argumentative and expository essays is that argumentative writing seeks to ________.
a) convince
b) guide through a set of instructions
c) inform
d) None of the above
A (p. 150)
2. An essay that explains the stages of a process is called a ________ essay.
a) definition
b) process-analysis
c) compare-and-contrast
d) stage-analysis
B (p. 153)
3. The ________ considers all the points that relate to the first subject of comparison, and then considers all the points as they apply to the second subject of comparison.
a) point-by-point method
b) comparison and contrast essay
c) process-analysis essay
d) block method
D (p. 150)
4. In organizing a compare-and-contrast essay, a writer may apply ________.
a) the block method
b) the point-by-point method
c) process analysis
d) Both A and B
D (pp. 161–62)
5. Before writing a process essay, the writer should first consider the ________.
a) audience and purpose
b) arrangement
c) focus
d) All of the above
A (p. 153)
6. The first step in planning a comparison and contrast essay is to ________.
a) define each subject being compared
b) select the bases of comparison for the main points
c) ensure that the topics are comparable
d) select an organization method
C (p. 161)
7. According to the textbook, a writer should avoid ________ clauses in a process essay.
a) adjectival
b) genitive
c) noun
d) imperative
D (p. 154)
8. An expository essay can use ________ organizing method(s) from one paragraph to the next.
a) more than one
b) only one
c) a total of three
d) a total of five
A (p. 153)
9. Definitions are frequently used in ________ essays.
a) natural science
b) humanities
c) social science
d) All of the above
D (p. 158)
10. After determining the topics to be compared in a comparison and contrast essay, the writer needs to choose at least ________ base(s) of comparison for the main points of the essay.
a) one
b) two
c) three
d) four
C (p. 160)
Short Answer Questions
1. Writing that seeks to explain or inform is ________.
expository (p. 150)
2. Process-analysis essays often seek to stimulate reader ________.
interest (p. 153)
3. In a process essay, a writer should avoid using ________ clauses.
imperative (pp. 133–134)
4. ________ is crucial when writing a compare and contrast essay.
Organization (p. 161)
5. In their multiple forms, expository essays can show steps in a ________, classify or ________ a subject, or use ________ to help a reader understand a subject.
process, divide, definition (p. 150)
6. An essay that describes stages in a process is called a process-analysis essay. This type of essay may be used to stimulate ________ or to familiarize readers with a ________.
interest; process (p. 153)
7. An effective compare and contrast essay must be clearly laid out. A writer may use either ________ or________ methods to ensure this requirement is met.
block; point-by-point (p. 161)
8. In a process essay, the ________ may vary depending on audience and purpose.
introduction (p. 154)
9. If a writer provides an inaccurate definition in an essay, he or she will fail to prove ________.
credibility (p. 158)
10. Unlike an expository essay, argumentative essays try to argue or ________.
persuade (p. 150)