Pamela Arlov Middle Georgia State University Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing Seventh Edition Answer Key to accompany Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 1 CHAPTER 1 The Writing Process Answer the following questions to review your knowledge of the writing process. 1. The five steps in the writing process are __________, _________, ________, ________, and ____________. 2. The “thinking step” in the writing process is called __________. 3. The part of the writing process that involves correcting grammar and punctuation is called ____________. 4. Major changes would most likely be made during the ________ step in the writing process. 5. True or false? The steps in the writing process often overlap. T F Exercise 1-1 The Writing Process prewriting planning drafting revising proofreading prewriting proofreading revising Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 2 CHAPTER 2 Preparing to Write Do a two-sided brainstorming on one of the following narrowed topics. When you are through, see which side has more supporting statements. Are you sur- prised, as Tamika was in her two-sided brainstorming? Answers will vary. 1. Using credit cards is dangerous to a person’s financial health. 2. Good manners are still necessary in the modern world. 3. Public video surveillance is a protection rather than a violation of citizens’ privacy. 4. If two adults are in love, large differences in their ages do not matter. Exercise 2-1 Brainstorming Freewrite on one of the following topics; then see if you have a focus for a pos- sible essay. Answers will vary. Exercise 2-2 Freewriting 1. dogs 2. friendship 3. music 4. food Do a focused freewriting on one of the following topics. Answers will vary. 1. What kinds of risks are good to take? 2. Why are people superstitious? 3. What kinds of music do you enjoy? 4. Is family more or less important than it was in your grandparents’ day? Exercise 2-3 Focused Freewriting Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 3 If you have access to a computer, do an invisible writing on one of the following topics. Then see if you have a focus for an essay. Answers will vary. Exercise 2-4 Invisible Writing 1. transportation 2. competition 3. newspapers 4. littering Do a cluster diagram on one of the following topics. Answers will vary. Exercise 2-5 Clustering 1. fitness 2. goal setting 3. automobiles 4. bad habits Choose one of your practice prewritings and make an outline for a paragraph or essay. Answers will vary. Exercise 2-6 Outlining Write a journal entry on one or more of the following topics. Answers will vary. Exercise 2-7 Journal Writing Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 4 CHAPTER 3 Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization In each group of thesis statements, circle the letter of the thesis with the strongest parallel structure. 1. a. A dog is an ideal animal companion for me because dogs are protective, suit my active lifestyle, and a dog can be trained. b. A dog is an ideal animal companion for me because a dog will protect me, join me in outdoor activities, and respond to training. c. A dog is an ideal animal companion for me because a dog will protect me, join me in outdoor activities, and trained easily. 2. a. Looking at a Google Maps photo of my childhood home, I see that it is smaller, neater, and prettier than I remember. b. Looking at a Google Maps photo of my childhood home, I see that it is much smaller than I remember, the porch and yard are neater, and the paint and roof have been changed and the front yard landscaped. c. Looking at a Google Maps photo of my childhood home, I see that it is really small, has been taken care of, and pretty. 3. a. Text messaging is perfect for short messages because it is quiet, unlike calling on a cell phone, and it is quick and does not interrupt the person being called. b. Text messaging is perfect for short messages because in some places, like movie theaters, it’s rude to talk aloud; it is fast, and less distracting than a phone call. c. Text messaging is perfect for short messages because it is quieter, faster, and less distracting than a phone call. Exercise 3-1 Parallel Structure in Thesis Statements Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 5 Complete the following thesis statements, making sure to list the points in paral- lel structure. Answers will vary; sample answers are provided. 1. The convenient parking, the _______________, and the _______________ _______________ are advantages of shopping in a mall. 2. Classmates who talk in class, _______________, and _______________ _______________ are disruptive influences. 3. _______________, _______________, and _______________ are the main ingredients for a party. 4. Any employer would be fortunate to hire me. I would bring enthusiasm, _______________, and _______________ to my job. 5. I would like living in a small town. Small towns are _______________, _______________, and _______________. Exercise 3-2 Completing Thesis Statements variety of stores enclosed environment arrive late make noise during tests Food music friends dependability experience quiet friendly family oriented Write a thesis listing points on three of the following topics. Include one thesis with points listed first, at least one with points listed last, and at least one with points listed separately. Remember to use parallel structure. Answers will vary; sample answers are provided. 1. What are the keys to maintaining good health? Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest are the keys to maintaining good health 2. If you could possess any one talent or ability, what would you choose? Why? I wish I had a talent for singing. I would love to be able to express myself musically, entertain my friends and family, and start a new career. 3. Is a cell phone a necessity of modern life? Communication, navigation, and information are just a few of the reasons a cell phone is necessary to modern life. Exercise 3-3 Writing a Thesis Statement Listing Points Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 6 4. Do you prefer working alone or in a group? I enjoy working in groups because I like to exchange ideas, socialize with fellow work- ers, and share difficult tasks. 5. Do you enjoy being outdoors? Why or why not? Insects, allergies, and hot, muggy weather keep me indoors during the summer months. Write a thesis that does not list points on three of the following topics. Answers will vary; sample answers are provided. 1. Is it better to take risks or to play it safe? Taking risks for the right reasons is better than playing it safe. 2. Some are promoting the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally a big day for retailers, as “Buy Nothing Day,” a day of awareness about holiday over- spending. Would you participate in “Buy Nothing Day”? For several reasons, I will spend “Buy Nothing Day” shopping on the Internet. 3. If someone offered you $10,000 under the condition that you spend it only on things (such as clothes, vehicles, or jewelry) or only on experiences (such as concerts, trips, or plays), which would you choose? If I had $10,000 to spend on things or experiences, I would choose to spend it on experiences. 4. If you were building a house and had enough in your budget for just one porch, would you choose to build a front porch or a back porch? Why? If I had to choose between a front porch and a back porch for my house, I would build a back porch. 5. Is it better to grow up in a small family or in a large family? Why? Though there can be just as much love in a small family as in a large one, I am still glad that I grew up in a large family. Exercise 3-4 Writing a Thesis Statement without Points Listed Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 7 Each of the following thesis statements contains one point that overlaps with another point. Cross out that point, and write in one that does not overlap with any other point. Answers will vary; sample answers are provided. 1. Although I enjoy my job, I sometimes tire of the long hours, the stress, and pressure. the low pay 2. Our college’s snack bar is a place to meet friends, a place to study, and a place to gather. a place to eat 3. Trustworthiness, honesty, and a sense of humor are qualities I look for in a friend. intelligence 4. I broke off my engagement because I needed to finish college before marry- ing, I wanted my freedom, and I was not ready for a long-term commitment. my parents believed I was too young 5. Internships help students gain experience in their field, learn outside a class- room environment, and work in their future career. meet professionals who can mentor them. Exercise 3-5 Eliminating Overlap Each of the following thesis statements contains one point that is too broad. Cross out that point, and write in a point that can be developed within one paragraph. Answers will vary; sample answers are provided. 1. Spending a year or two on a job before going to college can provide a student with the opportunity to earn money for a college education, to see what the real world is like, and to learn responsible work habits. to decide on a major 2. I like Ms. Brennan, my supervisor, because of her fairness, her sense of humor, and her good qualities. her compassion Exercise 3-6 Eliminating Points That Are Too Broad Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 8 3. For me, the ideal job provides on-site child care, up-to-date equipment, and great working conditions. good health insurance 4. Cats make good pets because they are quiet, independent, and have the right qualities. funny 5. I dislike driving at night because of my poor night vision, fear of something happening to me, and the possibility of a breakdown. fear of accidents Each of the following thesis statements contains one point that is too narrow. Cross out that point, and write in a point that is large enough to develop within a paragraph. Answers will vary; sample answers are provided. 1. Growing up with three sisters has taught me to stand up for myself, to share my hair dryer, and to cherish my family ties. to share 2. I enjoy my job at First National Bank because the working conditions are pleasant, I make $12.80 per hour , and my coworkers are helpful. the salary and benefits are competitive 3. The latest safety devices, a medium blue color, and reliability are the features I look for in a car. an attractive appearance 4. My dog is playful, protective, and named Butch. loving 5. We enjoyed the lake because of its eighty-degree water temperature, its long, sandy beach, and its abundant plant and animal life. sparkling water Exercise 3-7 Eliminating Points That Are Too Narrow Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 9 Develop a thesis statement and topic sentences on two of the following four topics. Use emphatic order for one of your chosen topics and reverse emphatic order for the other. Answers will vary. 1. Why are people afraid of aging? 2. What do you hope to accomplish within the next five years? 3. What skills—academic or nonacademic—should everyone have? 4. People usually regard anger as destructive and unproductive. Is anger ever useful? Your Answers Emphatic Order Thesis _____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 1 (least important idea) _________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 2 (second most important idea) __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 3 (most important idea) ________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Reverse Emphatic Order Thesis ______________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 1 (most important idea) _________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 2 (second most important idea) __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 3 (least important idea) _________________________________ Exercise 3-8 Using Emphatic Order Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 10 Develop a thesis and topic sentences for one of the following topics. Determine which point is the weakest, and sandwich it in the middle of your thesis. Be prepared to explain the logic you used to your instructor and classmates. Answers will vary. 1. Do you think you were ready for college? Why or why not? 2. What can you tell about a person from the way he or she dresses? 3. Who is your role model and what do you admire most about that person? Your Answer Thesis _____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 1 (strong point) ________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 2 (weak point) _________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 3 (strong point) ________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Exercise 3-9 Using Sandwich Order Using chronological order, develop a thesis and three topic sentences for one of the following topics. Answers will vary. 1. Write about your worst date. What went wrong? 2. When you get off from work or out of school, what do you do to unwind? 3. What went into your decision to attend the college you now attend? Exercise 3-10 Using Chronological Order Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 11 Your Answer Thesis _____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 1 ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 2 ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Topic sentence 3 ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 12 CHAPTER 4 Introducing the Essay Arrange the following numbered sentences into a broad-to-narrow introduction, ending with the thesis. 1. Among the skillet meals, boxed dinners, and canned cuisine, one convenience food stands out. 2. Manufacturers have developed a variety of convenience foods for people who do not have the time or the desire to cook. 3. Microwaveable frozen meals offer superior variety, nutrition, and ease of preparation. 4. Most people enjoy eating, but not everyone enjoys cooking. The sentences should be arranged in the following order: ________________, ________________, ________________, ________________. Exercise 4-1 A Broad-to-Narrow Introduction 4 2 1 3 Arrange the following numbered sentences so that they form a narrow-to-broad introduction, ending with the thesis. 1. Adopting a shelter animal is good for the animal, good for the owner, and good for the community. 2. The shelter worker told me that this particular cat had been at the shelter longer than any of the others. 3. I picked up a gray cat and scratched under her chin as she purred. 4. I decided then and there that I would give Maggie May a home. The sentences should be arranged in the following order: ____________, ____________, ____________, ____________. Exercise 4-2 A Narrow-to-Broad Introduction 3 2 4 1 Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 13 Choosing from the list of quotations below, follow the directions for each num- bered part of the exercise. Answers will vary; samples answers are provided. Quotations The only way to have a friend is to be one. —Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays, First Series: Friendship The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do. —B. F. Skinner, Contingencies of Reinforcement In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. —Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody. —Mark Twain, Following the Equator, Vol. 1 Wisdom is not bought. —African proverb I never cut class. I loved getting A’s. I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I thought, “Being smart is cooler than anything in the world.” —Michelle Obama, remarks at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, London, April 2, 2009 Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes. —Henry David Thoreau, Walden 1. Write an opening sentence using an exact quotation and the author’s name. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Write an opening sentence using an exact quotation but pretending you do not know the author’s name. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Write an opening sentence paraphrasing one of the quotations and again pre- tending you do not know the author’s name. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ B. F. Skinner wrote, “The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” Someone once said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Someone once wrote that people should be wary of any situation that requires new clothes. Exercise 4-3 Opening with a Quotation Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing Page 14 4. Write a transitional sentence connecting the quotation to the thesis in the fol- lowing introduction. “The brain is like a muscle,” Carl Sagan said. “When we use it, we feel good.” (Transitional sentence) _______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ My experiences in a college classroom have made me more self-reliant, more certain of my abilities, and less fearful of being wrong. 5. Write an introduction that opens with a quotation and leads with a transitional sentence into one of the following thesis statements (or one of your own). a. Buying clothing is frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive. b. Every first-year student needs to know how to form new relationships during the first term at a new college. c. The aspects of my personality that I like least are my impatience, my stubbornness, and my tendency to procrastinate. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Sagan’s statement is certainly true in my case. Mark Twain wrote, “Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” While I try to be sunny most of the time, I do have a dark side. The aspects of my personality that I like least are my impatience, my stubbornness, and my tendency to procrastinate. Read the following anecdotal introduction; then answer the questions that follow. 1 Last night, my sister Hannah picked at her dinner, eating only her salad and her green beans. 2 Before bed, she exercised, then stood at the mirror critically eyeing her waist, which is approximately the same size as her hips. 3 When I asked her what she was doing, she said she was too fat and had to lose weight. 4 Hannah is only nine years old, but she is already in pursuit of a goal that is impossible and unhealthy. 5 The modern obsession with having a reed-thin body is encouraged by the fashion industry, the media, and even the manufacturers of food. 1. How many sentences does the anecdote contain? ________________ 2. Which sentence contains the transition to the thesis? ________________ 3 Sentence 4 Exercise 4-4 An Anecdotal Introduction