Essay Questions

Exercise 1.Analyzing short writing assignments.

1. Enumerate the major features of effective academic writing. Discuss them in detail.
2. Some students like to study alone, but others enjoy studying in groups. Which do you prefer?
Discuss two or three advantages of the method you prefer. Include convincing examples,
details, and personal support.
3. The 21 century has begun. What changes do you think the new century will bring. Use
examples and details in your answer.
4. Some people work more effectively during the day, while other people work much more
effectively at night. Discuss which type of person you are. Give reasons and example to
support your response.
5. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of
family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through
personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about
life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference?
6. Many people value hard work and success. Working hard brings many rewards, such as
status, a good income, and a nice home. Despite these benefits from hard work, working too
hard can have serious consequences. What are two or three effects of overworking? Provide
convincing examples, details and personal experience as support.
7. It can be quite difficult to learn a new language. What do you think are the most difficult
aspects of learning a new language? Give reasons and examples to support your response.
8. Studying in a university is challenging. Some students excel, some do an adequate job, but
others fail. Why do some students do well? Discuss two or three major characteristics
(qualities) of good students. Provide specific details, examples, and your own personal
experience or that of someone you know.
9. Music tells something about the culture. What does the music of your country reveal about
the culture of your country? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
10. In some countries people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office
buildings. Do you think this is a good law or a bad law? Use specific reasons and examples
to support your position.
Exercise 2. Analyze the following theses.
Note: The thesis, the main idea of the whole essay, must be clear, focused and narrow; it must
answer the question. The thesis can be supported with examples. Remember: thesis is always a
complete sentence, never a question
1. a. Russia produces the best opera singers in the world.
b. Russian folk music reflects the character of the people..
c. Why should you listen to Russian music?
2. a. Smoking in public is controversial.
b. No-smoking laws in public buildings are a good idea and have many benefits for everyone.
c. Smoking causes cancer and other diseases, you should quit while you still can.
3. a. Learning a foreign language is very important.
b. How many languages should an educated person know?
c. Learning a new language is challenging for several reasons.
4. a. There are several advantages and disadvantages of studying alone.
b. There are two major ways to study
c. Studying with others is a good idea for three reasons.
5. a. People overwork for three major reasons.
b. Hard work and success are important.
c. Overworking can cause two major problems.
Exercise 3. The following items contain topic sentences and three subtopics. One
of the subtopics in each item is weak. Study the examples and explain which of
the subtopics is “weak”.
1. Technology benefits people’s lives in three areas.

a. Transportation
b. Industry.
c. Kitchen.

2. Nonnative students have problems on campus

a. Taking notes
b. Writing compositions.
c. Getting along with roommates.

3. In choosing a school, students should carefully consider the following things.

a. Caliber of the faculty in their major.

b. Requirements.
c. Workload
Exercise 4. Complete each of the following unfinished subtopic statements with
a logical word or phrase that is parallel to the other items (the same grammatical
structure) Write a suitable topic sentence on the lines provided.
Example.
I dislike living in big cities because of the air polution.
I dislike living in big cities because of the crime.
I dislike living in big cities because of the __traffic______

Topic Sentence I dislike living in big cities because of the air pollution, crime, and traffic.
Big cities can be unpleasant places to live for three reasons.

1. I look forward to the future because I plan to ___________

I look forward to the future because I plan to find a good job.
I look forward to the future because I plan to get married and raise a family.
Topic sentence _______________________________________________

2. A good teacher is well organized.

A good teacher is __________________________________________
A good teacher is __________________________________________

Topic sentence ______________________________________________

3. In the future, people need to solve the problems caused by pollution.

In the future, people need to solve the problems caused by___________________
In the future, people need to solve the problems caused by ___________________

Topic sentence______________________________________________________