Essay Writing Skills Quiz

Question 1

What is a thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

A sentence that states the main argument of an essay

Answer

The title of an essay

Answer

The concluding paragraph

Answer

A quotation from a source

Question 2

What does PEEL stand for in essay paragraph structure?

Accepted Answer

Point, Evidence, Explain, Link

Answer

Plan, Edit, Evaluate, Learn

Answer

Point, Example, Explain, Language

Answer

Purpose, Evidence, Elaborate, Logical

Question 3

What is the purpose of an introduction in an essay?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the topic, context, and thesis

Answer

To summarise the entire essay in detail

Answer

To present all the evidence

Answer

To conclude the argument

Question 4

What is 'hedging language' in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Language that makes cautious rather than absolute claims

Answer

Surrounding your essay with a clear border

Answer

Avoiding any strong opinions

Answer

Writing that is evasive and unhelpful

Question 5

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

Accepted Answer

Primary sources are original; secondary sources analyse or interpret primary ones

Answer

Primary sources are more important

Answer

Secondary sources are always better

Answer

Primary sources are older

Question 6

What is 'coherence' in essay writing?

Accepted Answer

Ideas flowing logically and clearly throughout the essay

Answer

Using fancy vocabulary

Answer

Having a clear conclusion

Answer

Using correct grammar

Question 7

What is the purpose of a conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To summarise the main points and restate the thesis in light of the argument

Answer

To introduce new evidence

Answer

To list sources used

Answer

To provide background context

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

To signal relationships between ideas (contrast, addition, cause/effect)

Answer

To add technical vocabulary

Answer

To cite sources correctly

Answer

To make paragraphs longer

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

An argument against your own thesis, which you then address or refute

Answer

A second essay making the opposite point

Answer

An irrelevant point that weakens your argument

Answer

A quotation that disagrees with your source

Question 10

What does 'analyse' mean in an essay question?

Accepted Answer

Break down, examine critically, and explain how and why

Answer

List and describe

Answer

Explain in great detail

Answer

Argue for one side only

Question 11

What is 'embedding' a quotation?

Accepted Answer

Weaving a quote smoothly into your own sentence

Answer

Hiding a quote so it's hard to find

Answer

Putting a quote in the middle of a paragraph

Answer

Starting an essay with a famous quote

Question 12

What does 'evaluate' mean in an essay question?

Accepted Answer

Weigh up strengths and weaknesses to form a judgement

Answer

List the facts

Answer

Describe without judgement

Answer

Research the topic carefully

Question 13

What is 'plagiarism'?

Accepted Answer

Presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own

Answer

Using too many quotations

Answer

Writing too informally

Answer

Making spelling errors

Question 14

In academic writing, what should you avoid?

Accepted Answer

Using first person ('I think...')

Answer

Using evidence

Answer

Developing an argument

Answer

Structuring paragraphs clearly

Question 15

What is a 'bibliography'?

Accepted Answer

A list of sources consulted in an essay or research paper

Answer

A list of all your main arguments

Answer

A history of the topic you wrote about

Answer

The introduction of a research paper

Question 16

What does the essay question word 'discuss' require?

Accepted Answer

Explore different aspects and perspectives, reaching a conclusion

Answer

List all the facts you know

Answer

Choose one side and argue it strongly

Answer

Describe only without opinion

Question 17

What is 'register' in writing?

Accepted Answer

The level of formality appropriate to the context and audience

Answer

A list of students

Answer

A type of punctuation

Answer

The length of an essay

Question 18

What is an 'anaphora' argument technique in essays?

Accepted Answer

Repeating a key phrase at the start of successive sentences for emphasis

Answer

A reference to an ancient text

Answer

A type of evidence from personal experience

Answer

A final summary point

Question 19

What is the function of a 'topic sentence'?

Accepted Answer

To state the main point of a paragraph at its start

Answer

To end a paragraph

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To cite a source

Answer

To provide evidence

Question 20

What is 'synthesis' in essay writing?

Accepted Answer

Combining information from multiple sources to form a unified argument

Answer

Summarising one source in detail

Answer

Writing a very short essay

Answer

Using only primary sources