1. ASManager2.zip Driver
2. j_expln.txt File Contents

j_expln.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2.zip)

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"Explain" Essay Questions

Essay questions will sometimes ask you to explain something. This means you must make the topic very clear and understandable to the reader. "Explain" essay answers require you to clarify ideas, give facts, provide directions, or describe a process. From your explanation, your reader should be able to understand cause and effect relationships.

Do not confuse explain with describe. Describe simply requires you to recall what you know about something. Explain means to think about and develop an understanding of the subject.

Explain why the disarmament talks were considered a failure.

Explain the physiological processes that bring on increased respiration during exertion.

Explain the actions of the heroine when she hid the stolen silver.

Strategy

Outline the information.

To explain something you must have very clear, step-by-step organization. An outline will help you set up an "explain" essay answer. Each subtopic has equal importance in answering the question. Each subtopic is sequential.

Essay Question

Explain how you can determine how far away a thunderstorm is.

Topic: Determining how far away a thunderstorm is.

Subtopics

a. Count the seconds between when you see the flash and when you hear the thunder.

b. Sound travels about one mile in five seconds.

c. Divide the number of seconds you count by five to find the number of miles.

Now it should be easier to answer the question.

Step 1

Rephrase and incorporate the question into your topic sentence.

I will explain an easy method for determining how far away a thunderstorm is.

Step 2

Write the steps you organized into a paragraph that supports your topic sentence. Remember what your topic sentence says you will do is explain the method. Don't wander from this objective.

You need a watch with a second hand. As soon as you see the flash of lightning, check the time and determine how many seconds pass until you hear the thunder. Sound travels about one mile in five seconds. Therefore, divide the number of seconds by five to find out about how many miles the thunderstorm is from you.

Step 3

Write a summary sentence.

This method is easy, doesn't require expensive equipment, and can be used wherever you are.

Outline information to answer each of the following essay questions. Try to keep each subtopic of equal importance and in correct sequence.

Remember! The question wants an explanation not a description.

1. Explain a cat's reaction to the sudden appearance of an unfamiliar dog.

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2. Explain why the superstition that breaking a mirror can cause seven years of bad luck cannot be true.

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3. Explain your favorite leisure time activity so someone else could do it.

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4. Explain the difference between an aristocracy and a democracy.

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5. Explain why it is difficult to be a new student at your school.

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Name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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Now choose one of the essay questions and write a complete essay answer.

1. Type your chosen question here.

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2. Scroll up and copy your outline down to this space.

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3. Now write an essay answer of at least one paragraph. Remember these important tips.

a) Include the question in the topic sentence at the very beginning. "I will explain why it is difficult to be a new student at our school."

b) Organize your ideas so they follow each other logically.

c) Provide enough details and examples to make your answer interesting and original.

d) Make sure each detail or example relates to the topic.

e) Write an interesting summary or completing statement.

"Explain" Essay

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Retype or copy your essay answer in the space below. Then share it with a friend or with your writing support group and make revisions. Think about these questions.

1. How clearly do you state the purpose of your essay?

2. How orderly is your presentation?

3. Do you present interesting examples?

4. Do the examples relate to the topic?

5. Is your closing statement a good summary?

Revised "Explain" Essay

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If you haven't done so already, name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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end of activity
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