Essay Writing Skills Quiz

1. What is a thesis statement?

1. A quotation from a source
2. A sentence that states the main argument of an essay
3. The concluding paragraph
4. The title of an essay

2. What does PEEL stand for in essay paragraph structure?

1. Plan, Edit, Evaluate, Learn
2. Point, Evidence, Explain, Link
3. Point, Example, Explain, Language
4. Purpose, Evidence, Elaborate, Logical

3. What is the purpose of an introduction in an essay?

1. To conclude the argument
2. To introduce the topic, context, and thesis
3. To present all the evidence
4. To summarise the entire essay in detail

4. What is 'hedging language' in academic writing?

1. Avoiding any strong opinions
2. Language that makes cautious rather than absolute claims
3. Surrounding your essay with a clear border
4. Writing that is evasive and unhelpful

5. What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

1. Primary sources are more important
2. Primary sources are older
3. Primary sources are original; secondary sources analyse or interpret primary ones
4. Secondary sources are always better

6. What is 'coherence' in essay writing?

1. Having a clear conclusion
2. Ideas flowing logically and clearly throughout the essay
3. Using correct grammar
4. Using fancy vocabulary

7. What is the purpose of a conclusion?

1. To introduce new evidence
2. To list sources used
3. To provide background context
4. To summarise the main points and restate the thesis in light of the argument

8. What are 'discourse markers' or 'linking phrases' used for?

1. To add technical vocabulary
2. To cite sources correctly
3. To make paragraphs longer
4. To signal relationships between ideas (contrast, addition, cause/effect)

9. What is a 'counter-argument' and why is it useful?

1. A quotation that disagrees with your source
2. A second essay making the opposite point
3. An argument against your own thesis, which you then address or refute
4. An irrelevant point that weakens your argument

10. What does 'analyse' mean in an essay question?

1. Argue for one side only
2. Break down, examine critically, and explain how and why
3. Explain in great detail
4. List and describe

11. What is 'embedding' a quotation?

1. Hiding a quote so it's hard to find
2. Putting a quote in the middle of a paragraph
3. Starting an essay with a famous quote
4. Weaving a quote smoothly into your own sentence

12. What does 'evaluate' mean in an essay question?

1. Describe without judgement
2. List the facts
3. Research the topic carefully
4. Weigh up strengths and weaknesses to form a judgement

13. What is 'plagiarism'?

1. Making spelling errors
2. Presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own
3. Using too many quotations
4. Writing too informally

14. In academic writing, what should you avoid?

1. Developing an argument
2. Structuring paragraphs clearly
3. Using evidence
4. Using first person ('I think...')

15. What is a 'bibliography'?

1. A history of the topic you wrote about
2. A list of all your main arguments
3. A list of sources consulted in an essay or research paper
4. The introduction of a research paper

16. What does the essay question word 'discuss' require?

1. Choose one side and argue it strongly
2. Describe only without opinion
3. Explore different aspects and perspectives, reaching a conclusion
4. List all the facts you know

17. What is 'register' in writing?

1. A list of students
2. A type of punctuation
3. The length of an essay
4. The level of formality appropriate to the context and audience

18. What is an 'anaphora' argument technique in essays?

1. A final summary point
2. A reference to an ancient text
3. A type of evidence from personal experience
4. Repeating a key phrase at the start of successive sentences for emphasis

19. What is the function of a 'topic sentence'?

1. To cite a source
2. To end a paragraph
3. To provide evidence
4. To state the main point of a paragraph at its start

20. What is 'synthesis' in essay writing?

1. Combining information from multiple sources to form a unified argument
2. Summarising one source in detail
3. Using only primary sources
4. Writing a very short essay