Unit Checkpoint: Multi-Paragraph Writing
Instructions
This checkpoint tests everything you learned about writing multi-paragraph essays. Answer all questions to see how well you've mastered these skills.
Questions
1. What are the three main parts of an essay?
A) Beginning, middle, end
B) Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
C) Hook, details, summary
D) Title, sentences, period
Answer
B) - An essay has an introduction, body paragraphs (usually 3), and a conclusion.
2. What is the purpose of a hook in an introduction?
A) To end the essay
B) To give the main details
C) To grab the reader's attention
D) To list all the topics
Answer
C) - A hook is an interesting sentence that grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read more.
3. What does a topic sentence do?
A) Ends the paragraph
B) Tells what the paragraph is mainly about
C) Gives examples
D) Connects two essays
Answer
B) - A topic sentence tells the main idea of that paragraph.
4. Which is the best transition to begin a second body paragraph?
A) In conclusion
B) The end
C) Additionally
D) First
Answer
C) - "Additionally" or "Also" shows you're adding another point. "First" would be for the first body paragraph.
5. Read this introduction: "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? Birds are amazing animals that can do just that! Birds are fascinating because of how they fly, what they eat, and where they live." What is the main idea (thesis)?
A) Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly?
B) Birds are amazing animals.
C) Birds are fascinating because of how they fly, what they eat, and where they live.
D) Flying is fun.
Answer
C) - The thesis statement tells what the whole essay will be about - in this case, three things about birds.
6. How many body paragraphs does a typical five-paragraph essay have?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Five
Answer
C) - A five-paragraph essay has: 1 introduction + 3 body paragraphs + 1 conclusion = 5 paragraphs.
7. Which sentence does NOT belong in a body paragraph about why exercise is good for you? "Exercise makes your muscles stronger. It helps your heart stay healthy. My favorite color is blue. Exercise also helps you sleep better."
A) Exercise makes your muscles stronger.
B) It helps your heart stay healthy.
C) My favorite color is blue.
D) Exercise also helps you sleep better.
Answer
C) - "My favorite color is blue" has nothing to do with exercise and doesn't belong in this paragraph.
8. What should a conclusion paragraph include?
A) New information and details
B) A restatement of the main idea and a final thought
C) A question with no answer
D) The introduction again, word for word
Answer
B) - A conclusion restates the main idea in different words and ends with a final thought or call to action.
9. Which transition word shows you're giving the most important reason?
A) First
B) Also
C) However
D) Most importantly
Answer
D) - "Most importantly" signals that the following point is the strongest or most significant reason.
10. Put these essay parts in the correct order: Body 1, Conclusion, Introduction, Body 3, Body 2
A) Body 1, Body 2, Body 3, Introduction, Conclusion
B) Conclusion, Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, Body 3
C) Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, Body 3, Conclusion
D) Introduction, Conclusion, Body 1, Body 2, Body 3
Answer
C) - The correct order is: Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, Body 3, Conclusion.
How Did You Do?
- 9-10 correct: Excellent! You've mastered multi-paragraph writing!
- 7-8 correct: Good job! Review the questions you missed.
- 5-6 correct: Keep practicing! Review the lessons in this unit.
- Below 5: Go back and review all the lessons before moving on.
Next Steps
- Review any concepts you found challenging
- Practice writing five-paragraph essays on topics you enjoy
- Use transitions to connect your ideas smoothly
- Continue to the next ELA unit: Text Features