| Name: ______________________________ | Date: ______________ |
Instructions
- A short essay usually has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Begin with a clear main idea, support it with details, and explain your thinking.
- Use linking words to guide your reader from one idea to the next.
- Reread your essay to check its meaning, evidence, grammar, and punctuation.
Example: Write a short essay explaining why school gardens are valuable.
Answer: School gardens are valuable because they help students learn in an active way. First, students can observe how plants grow and understand science concepts more clearly. They also learn responsibility by watering plants and caring for living things. In addition, a garden can provide a peaceful place to work with classmates. For these reasons, school gardens make learning more practical, social, and memorable.
Part 1: Essay Essentials
Choose the best answer about short-essay structure.
1. What is the main purpose of an introduction?
| ○ A. To present the topic and main idea | ○ B. To list every detail |
| ○ C. To repeat the conclusion | ○ D. To add unrelated information |
2. Which sentence is the strongest thesis for an essay about reading?
| ○ A. Reading is a thing people do. | ○ B. Books are everywhere. |
| ○ C. Reading fiction can improve imagination, vocabulary, and empathy. | ○ D. I have a book at home. |
3. What should a body paragraph usually include?
| ○ A. A topic sentence, supporting details, and explanation | ○ B. Only a question |
| ○ C. A title and name | ○ D. Several unrelated topics |
4. Which linking word best shows a result?
| ○ A. However | ○ B. For example |
| ○ C. Therefore | ○ D. Meanwhile |
Part 2: Build the Essay
Match each writing part with its best description.
| 5. | Introduction | __________ | A. Expresses the essay's central claim |
| 6. | Thesis | __________ | B. Develops one reason with details and explanation |
| 7. | Body paragraph | __________ | C. Introduces the topic and states the main idea |
| 8. | Conclusion | __________ | D. Provides facts, examples, or experiences that support a claim |
| 9. | Evidence | __________ | E. Summarizes the main point and leaves a final thought |
Part 3: Linking Ideas
Complete each sentence with the word or phrase that best connects the ideas.
10. The trail was steep; __________, the hikers continued upward.
11. The class planted herbs. __________, students used them in a cooking activity.
12. For example, volunteering can teach teamwork. __________, it may also build confidence.
13. The evidence supports the claim; __________, the argument is convincing.
Part 4: Plan Your Ideas
Answer each question to prepare a short essay about a mysterious garden.
14. Choose one position: Should the mysterious garden be opened to everyone? State your claim. |
15. Give one reason that supports your claim. |
16. Give a specific example or detail that supports your reason. |
17. Write a concluding thought that does not simply repeat your claim. |
Part 5: Draft and Revise (optional challenge)
Write or revise sentences so they form a clear, concise short essay.
18. Combine these ideas using a linking word: The garden is beautiful. It attracts many visitors. |
19. Improve this weak thesis: Gardens are nice. |
20. Write a topic sentence for a body paragraph about the garden's educational value. |
21. Write a three- to five-sentence conclusion for an essay arguing that the garden should be protected. |
Answer Key
| 1. | A (To present the topic and main idea) |
| 2. | C (Reading fiction can improve imagination, vocabulary, and empathy.) |
| 3. | A (A topic sentence, supporting details, and explanation) |
| 4. | C (Therefore) |
| 5. | C (Introduces the topic and states the main idea) |
| 6. | A (Expresses the essay's central claim) |
| 7. | B (Develops one reason with details and explanation) |
| 8. | E (Summarizes the main point and leaves a final thought) |
| 9. | D (Provides facts, examples, or experiences that support a claim) |
| 10. | however |
| 11. | Later |
| 12. | In addition |
| 13. | therefore |
| 14. | The mysterious garden should be opened to everyone because it could benefit the whole community. |
| 15. | It could provide a peaceful place for people to learn about nature. |
| 16. | Visitors could study unusual plants and help care for the garden. |
| 17. | Sharing the garden would turn its mystery into a source of discovery for many people. |
| 18. | The garden is beautiful; therefore, it attracts many visitors. |
| 19. | Community gardens are valuable because they provide food, learning opportunities, and a place for neighbors to work together. |
| 20. | The mysterious garden could help visitors learn important lessons about nature. |
| 21. | The mysterious garden deserves protection because it supports learning, beauty, and wildlife. Its plants and habitats may be impossible to replace. By caring for it now, the community can preserve its benefits for the future. |