GREAT WRITING 5: FROM GREAT ESSAYS TO RESEARCH
ANSWER KEY
Unit 1
Activity 1, page 5
1. Possible answer: The purpose of this essay is to argue that
electronic voting systems are less reliable than paper ballots.
2. 5 paragraphs; 3 body paragraphs
3. a. 2 citations
b. References
c. They are the same.
4. Possible answer: Computer hackers can change the
outcome of an election.
Activity 2, page 8
Possible answers:
1. Yes, because the author asks a question and draws the
reader into the essay. Also, the reader wants to know why
we should not rely on technology for voting.
2. Yes, because the reader wants to learn about the four
strategies of camouflage and how they differ.
3. Answers will vary.
4. Answers will vary.
Activity 3, page 9
1. a. Hook: Can computer technology be used to steal an
election?
b. Question
2. a. Hook: The animals that can live the longest are the ones
that hide the best.
b. Statement that surprises
3. a. Hook: Many students dread them, but tests are a key part
of the educational experience.
b. Dilemma/conflict
Activity 4, pages 10–11
Possible answers:
1. Hook: Some airline passengers pay twice as much as the
person they are sitting next to.
Type of hook: Surprising statement
2. Hook: Passwords need to be easy to remember yet
complex enough to keep accounts secure.
Type of hook: Dilemma/conflict
3. Hook: What makes the best jury?
Type of hook: question
4. Hook: These days kale is on nearly every menu. What has
made it so popular?
Type of hook: Surprising statement / question
Activity 5, page 12
1. a. Thesis statement (controlling idea is underlined): The
four primary strategies of camouflage include concealing
coloration, disruptive coloration, disguise, and mimicry.
b. Expected organization: The writer will discuss four
strategies of camouflage, one strategy per body paragraph.
2. a. Thesis statement (controlling idea is underlined): A
wide variety of study skills and techniques can aid students
as they work towards their objectives in all of their classes.
b. Expected organization: The writer will discuss different
studying strategies in relation to students’ objectives.
3. Answers will vary.
Activity 6, page 12
Answers will vary.
Activity 7, pages 13–15
___5__With mimicry, an animal’s coloring makes it resemble
another, more dangerous creature so that they are virtually identical.
___3__Animals such as zebras and giraffes show disruptive
coloration.
___4__With disguise, some animals resemble specific elements
of their surroundings rather than their environment as a whole.
___2__Concealing coloration helps animals to blend into their
surroundings and create a visual illusion.
Possible answer: Yes, the topic sentences do an effective job of
building on the ideas expressed in the thesis because they each
elaborate on the ideas introduced.
Activity 8, page 16
Essay 1.1
1. Key words from the introduction paragraph: Computer
technology, societies, voting, elections
2. Paragraph 1 ends with “Societies should not rely solely on
electronic systems for voting because elections are too
important to trust to computers.”
The conclusion returns to this idea with “Since voting is
critically important to the effective working of society,
governments should not rely only on computers for all
elections.”
3. The writer gives an opinion.
Essay 1.2
1. Key words from the introduction paragraph: camouflage,
strategies, predators, predation, hiking
2. Paragraph 1 ends with “The four primary strategies of
camouflage include concealing coloration, disruptive
coloration, disguise, and mimicry.”
The conclusion returns to this idea with “Whether by
concealing coloration, disruptive coloration, disguise, or
mimicry, animals need the protections of camouflage if
they are to escape their natural foes.”
3. The writer gives an (expert’s) opinion. “ . . . as Emlen (2014)
observes, “Animals that panic, dashing from their hiding
places at the wrong time, or animals that walk or fly
with the wrong gait, can break camouflage with deadly
consequences” (p. 18).”
1
Activity 9, page 17
Answers will vary.
9. vastly
10. vast
Activity 10, page 19
Activity 15, page 22
Possible answers:
1. a weather delay: a delay that is caused by the weather
2. a money shortage: a shortage of money
3. a rice cooker: a machine that cooks rice
4. an air traffic control mistake: a mistake with the control of
air traffic
5. an earthquake warning system malfunction: a malfunction
with the warning system for an earthquake
Answers will vary.
Activity 11, page 19
government officials
voting machines
voter registration
paper receipts
paper slips
voting procedure
Activity 12, page 20
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
acronym - UFO
conceal - hide
dispute - disagreement
enhance - increase
normal - usual
pace - speed
predator - attacker
retain - keep
vastly - significantly
verify - check
Activity 13, pages 20–21
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
In subsequent months
flee from the scene
blend into your surroundings
take an unnecessary risk
a vastly different result
dread seeing the dentist
endure hardships
a coherent strategy
a normal body temperature
enhance the flavor
Activity 14, page 21
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
2
deviation
deviates
endurance
endured
enhanced
enhances
evolved
evolve
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
Activity 16, page 22
1. The candidate’s TV commercial was a crucial part of her
campaign.
2. Some animals have developed very clever ways of
protecting themselves.
3. In many courses, the final exam is worth as much as 50% of
the final grade.
4. The three largest countries in the South America is are
Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.
5. Selling a product successfully in a foreign country may
require to make making changes to the product.
Activity 17, page 23
Possible answers:
1. The main cause of the problem is a severe lack of natural
resources such as coal and oil.
OR
A severe lack of natural resources such as coal and oil is the
main cause of the problem.
2. The president and vice-president played a part in passing a
bill that raises taxes on sodas and other sugary drinks.
3. In the experiment last week, the scientists placed coffee
plants in special containers to see how much oxygen the
plants would produce.
OR
Last week in the experiment, the scientists placed coffee
plants in special containers to see how much oxygen the
plants would produce.
Activity 18, page 24
Possible answers:
No Babies Allowed?
Should parents be allowed to bring their young baby to an
upscale restaurant? Recently there has been some debate about
this issue. Restaurant customers sometimes complain that a
crying baby can ruin their special evening out. They say that it is
not acceptable that they have paid a lot of money for a special
evening and then a crying baby spoils their experience. Some
parents say that everyone has the right to eat in any restaurant.
For them, the price of the meal should not determine who
can and cannot eat at that restaurant. Restaurant owners find
themselves in a difficult situation because they do not want to
lose affluent customers who are willing to spend a lot of money
at their places of business. However, these same owners do not
want to appear to be cold-hearted when it comes to children.
It is indeed a difficult situation. In the meantime, it appears
that different restaurants will have different policies about
customers bringing young babies with them.
Activity 19, page 25
1.
2.
3.
4.
A cause-effect essay: Topic 4
A comparison essay: Topic 1
A reaction essay: Topic 2
An argumentative essay: Topic 3
Activity 20, page 25
Answers will vary.
Unit 2
Activity 1, page 28
Possible answers:
1. Brainstorm ideas.
2. Read about the topic.
3. Make an outline.
Activity 2, page 29
A. h. Cell phones are addictive.
B. A answering a text while driving is not rational.
V. Topic of Body Paragraph 4: b. People think that using a
cell phone does not affect ability to do other things at
same time.
A. The Occupational Safety and Health administration warns
drivers that reaction time is greatly slowed down.
B. Example: g. Texting causes the same delayed reaction
as driving while drinking.
VI. Conclusion
A. The ending of the story is not as bad as it could have been.
B. d. Advice—turn your cell phone off.
Answers will vary.
Activity 7, page 34
Activity 3, page 30
Answers will vary.
Possible answers:
1. b. How music affects our mood
c. The best music to study with
2. b. Why the service industry is growing
c. The best jobs in the 21st century
3. b. Why football is popular in the U.S.
c. Sports in education
4. b. A vegetarian diet
c. Steps to being healthy with nutrition
Activity 8, page 36
Activity 4, page 32
Possible answers:
Pros:
Children learn about limits.
Children can spend more time outside getting exercise.
There is less risk of damaging vision.
Cons:
It is hard to enforce time limits.
Children may be using their screens for educational
information.
Activity 5, page 33
Answers will vary.
Activity 6, page 33
Title: The Dangers of Texting While Driving
I. Introduction
A. Hook: Establish that texting while driving is dangerous.
B. Thesis statement: e. My car accident was completely
avoidable—I was texting while driving.
II. Topic of Body Paragraph 1: Beginning of the story
A. c. I was expecting a text message.
B. I answered the message.
C. f. I took my eyes off the road.
III. Topic of Body Paragraph 2: My accident could have been
worse.
A. I had an accident. I hit a parking meter.
B. a. Police officer gave me a ticket.
IV. Topic of Body Paragraph 3: People feel a strong need to
answer their cell phones.
Possible answers:
The Value of Bargaining
Bargaining for the best price when you are shopping is a
tough experience. The buyer wants to purchase a product at
the lowest possible price whereas the seller wants to maximize
the potential for profit. While the desires of the buyer and the
seller completely oppose each other, it is in the best interest of
buyers to strategize exactly how they will convince a seller to
lower his/her prices. Although prices are often not negotiable,
it never hurts to bargain with the seller.
Activity 9, pages 37–38
Paragraph 1: The vehicle I was driving at the time was
approximately five years old.
Paragraph 2: Every day I receive up to 50 text messages.
Paragraph 3: The police who arrived at the accident scene were
very polite.
Paragraph 4: According to Hayley Tsukayama’s article, the World
Health Organization says that video games are a
serious addiction for millions of people.
Paragraph 5: Some cell phones can help drivers immediately
call for emergency help if an accident occurs.
Paragraph 6: Why do people continue to mix texting and driving?
Activity 10, page 39
Possible answers:
Confusing Nouns
Learning nouns in a new language may seem easy, but in
fact the grammar of nouns can vary from language to language.
Spanish, for example, has male nouns and female nouns, but
why newspaper is masculine and magazine is feminine is a
mystery. Japanese nouns have no plural form, so Japanese
learners of English may think -s is unnecessary in the phrase
many books because the word many already means plural. In
German, all nouns are capitalized whereas English capitalizes
nouns that name specific people, places, and things. For
example, English does not capitalize woman or city, but it
does capitalize Susan and Cairo. Finally, some languages mark
the role of the noun as subject or direct object, so in Japanese,
-wa is often added to a noun as subject and -o to a noun as the
direct object of a verb. English does not require suffixes to mark
the role of nouns in a sentence. Because nouns express basic
ideas such as the name of a person, place, or thing, they seem
easy, but they can be confusing.
Answer Key
3
Activity 11, pages 40–41
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
react
consists
stand out
is
has
are
are
provides
share
involves
Activity 12, page 41
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
is
centers
have
uses
promote
portrays
are
sends
live
helps
promotes
Activity 13, page 42
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
anticipate - expect
at once - immediately
bargain - deal
desire - want
minor – less important
occupational - work
shift - change
thereby - as a result
tragic - sad
virtually - nearly
Activity 14, pages 42–43
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
has not been tough enough
receive up to $1 million
a sudden shift in people’s attitudes
cause serious harm
bargain with someone
an occupational hazard
an ability to multitask
a rational mind
a deep desire to learn
a minor concern
Activity 15, pages 43–44
1. harmful
2. harm
3. maximum
4
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
maximize
negotiation
negotiable
shift
shifted
Tragically
tragedy
Activity 16, page 44
Answers will vary.
Activity 17, page 44
1. Sometimes a word can be more than one part of speech
with no change at all, but other times the ending of the
word changes to indicate whether it is a noun, verb,
adjective, or adverb.
2. A roller coaster is a type of the amusement park attraction
with a railroad system where cars can to travel up and
down slopes at fast speeds.
3. The country of Switzerland lies in the center of Europe, while
Norway and Greece is are at the extremes of the continent.
4. Jambalaya is a dish from Louisiana that people make it
with rice, vegetables, and seafood.
5. Texting and driving can have tragedy tragic results, so it is
best don't not to look at a phone at all when operating a car.
Activities 18, page 45
Possible answers:
1. The team anticipates tough competition in next week’s
championship game.
2. The child’s desire for attention did not seem rational.
3. Some people can multitask up to three tasks at once.
4. In some places, bargaining can help maximize your dollar.
5. Some of the minor details of the contract are negotiable.
Activity 19, page 45
Possible answers:
1. Owning a car in Vietnam is very expensive because of a
high government tax, so there are many more motorcycles
than cars.
OR
Because of a high government tax, owning a car in Vietnam
is very expensive, so there are many more motorcycles than
cars.
OR
In Vietnam there are many more motorcycles than cars
because a high government tax makes owning a car very
expensive.
2. Rabbits are natural runners and can reach speeds of up to
30 or 40 mph.
OR
Rabbits are natural runners that can reach speeds of up to
30 or 40 mph.
3. The highest score for a game in the World Cup occurred when
Austria defeated Switzerland 7–5 in the quarterfinal in 1954.
Activity 20, pages 46–47
Answers will vary.
Unit 3
Activity 1, pages 50–51
1.
2.
3.
4.
a. NC; b. C
a. C; b. NC
a. NC; b. C
a. NC; b. C
2. Mark Twain suggested that we will have more regret if we
don’t participate in activities or life rather than if we do.
3. Lin Yutang noted that you find true peace when you do
not struggle against difficulties.
4. Alice Walker pointed out that the easiest way to lose power
is to think you don’t have it.
5. Oscar Wilde thought that we should enjoy life rather than
take it too seriously.
Activity 2, pages 53–54
Activity 7, page 59–60
Most important ideas highlighted in bold.
Sentence 1: With the arrival of the South Florida Railroad in
1880, Orlando was on its way to intensive growth.
Sentence 2: Two decades later, Orlando experienced rapid
growth again on an incredible scale when Walt Disney World
opened its gates to tourists in 1971.
1. a. TS – too similar
1. b. X – different meaning
1. c. P – best paraphrase
2. a. TS – too similar
2 b. P – best paraphrase
2. c. X – different meaning
Answers will vary.
Activity 3, page 54
Possible answers:
Just half a decade ago, Orlando used to be a small
agricultural town, but today it is the most visited place in Florida
because of the multiple theme parks there. In fact, more than
55 million tourists visit this area annually. These parks, however,
are not actually in the city of Orlando but rather 15 miles away.
Although all of these parks with millions of visitors are just a few
miles away, the city does not have the level of commercialism that
you see near the parks. Unfortunately, the city has problems with
traffic because of the theme park workers who live in Orlando.
Tourism has clearly affected life in the Orlando area.
Most important ideas highlighted in bold.
1. Located 22 miles southwest of Orlando, the Disney area
alone covers some 28,000 acres.
Paraphrase: Possible answer: By itself Disney includes
28,000 acres, and it is just 22 miles from Orlando.
2. In addition to having Florida’s largest hotel, Walt Disney
World has an array of thrilling attractions, including the
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and
Animal Kingdom.
Paraphrase: Possible answer: Not only is Walt Disney World
the home of the largest hotel in Florida, but it also has
many amazing theme parks.
Activity 8, page 61
Possible answers:
1. Orlando used to be a small agricultural town.
2. This is due to the many theme parks.
3. Orlando has experienced a high level of growth in the past
twenty years, but the level of commercialism remains low
despite being close to the very busy tourist area.
4. Clearly, tourism has affected life in the Orlando area.
Activity 9, page 61
Activity 10, page 62–63
Answers will vary.
Activity 4, page 56
Activity 11, page 63–64
Possible answers:
1.a. APA: According to Wilkins (1972), “While without
grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary
nothing can be conveyed” (p. 111).
b. MLA: According to Wilkins, “While without grammar
very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing
can be conveyed” (111).
2.a. APA: According to Wilkins (1972), communication
depends much more on vocabulary than on grammar (p. 111).
b. MLA: According to Wilkins, communication depends
much more on vocabulary than on grammar (111).
Possible answers:
Paragraph A: Important information
Julia Child, born in 1912, became internationally
famous in the 1960s with the publication of her cookbook,
Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The book was praised for
its sharp attention to detail, step-by-step instructions, and
clear illustrations of complex cooking techniques. Over the
remainder of her life, Child published approximately 20 more
books, including her autobiography, My Life in France. Today’s
celebrity chefs owe a debt of gratitude to Julia Child, an early
pioneer of the field.
Paragraph B: Important information
A world-renowned chef, Julia Child became famous for
her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and she
cemented her celebrity status with several television programs,
including Julia Child & Company and Dinner at Julia’s. In several
of her early programs, before television shows could be easily
edited, she made mistakes in her preparations, resulting in
failed dishes. Ironically, her mistakes endeared her to her
audience, as she demonstrated that even great chefs have bad
days. Child died in 2004, leaving behind her a lasting legacy of
delicious food.
Activity 5, page 57
1. APA: References
Wilkins, D. A. (1972). Linguistics in language. London:
Edward Arnold.
2. MLA: Works Cited
Wilkins, David A. Linguistics in Language. Edward Arnold, 1972.
Activity 6, page 58
Possible answers:
1. Thomas Edison observed that people who fail are often
those who gave up too early.
Answer Key
5
Synthesis of Paragraph A and B
Julia Child, 1912–2004, was a world-famous chef. Her first
cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, launched her
career when it was published in the 1960s. It was praised for
how it used simple language to explain complicated recipes and
made them seem simple for everyone. She was also in several
television programs that people enjoyed watching. One reason
people loved her cooking shows was that Child sometimes
made mistakes in the recipe, and people realized that cooking
was not a perfect science. Even very experienced people like
Chef Child make mistakes. She also wrote 20 books, including
her autobiography My Life in France. Today millions of people
remember this great chef who inspired them to cook without fear.
Activity 12, page 64
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
acute - severe
array - choices
complex - complicated
concede - admit you are wrong
congestion - a lot of people
found - start
fraction - a part
premium - higher quality
reveal - show
seek - look for
Activity 13, page 65
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
concede an election
a wide array of
a lasting legacy
an early pioneer
point out differences
a small fraction of the population
intensive training
bad congestion on the roads
a complex problem
reveal a secret
Activity 14, pages 65–66
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
acute
Acutely
commercialism
commercially
complex
complexity
intensive
intensifies
master
mastery
Activity 15, page 66
Answers will vary.
Activity 16, page 67
1. Due to the numerous factories in that area, the quality of
the air in that regional region of the country is quite poor.
6
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
2. According to the article, the largest states are Alaska,
Texas, and Montana, but Alaska and Montana has have
relatively small populations.
3. Unlike just twenty years ago, obtaining a good job today
require requires social networking skills.
4. An important question for to consider is whether schools
with smaller class sizes produces produce better test scores.
5. Some airline officials who were early advocates for
purchasing the new aircraft have recently complained
about the lack of training for crew members.
Activity 17, pages 67–68
Possible answers:
1. Badgers have short legs for digging, but they can run
surprisingly fast, up to 30 kph for a short period of time.
OR
Even though badgers have short legs for digging, they can
run surprisingly fast, up to 30 kph for a short period of time.
2. The famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven lost his
hearing in 1801, but he completed many of his most
famous works, including his ninth symphony, around 1820.
OR
Although the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven
lost his hearing in 1801, he composed many of his most
famous works, including his ninth symphony, around 1820.
3. Venus, which is named for the Roman goddess of love
and beauty, is the second planet from the sun and has an
average temperature of 462 degrees Celsius.
OR
Venus, named for the Roman goddess of love and beauty,
is the second planet from the sun and has an average
temperature of 462 degrees Celsius.
Activity 18, page 68
Possible answers:
1. In today’s society, some people believe that there is too
much commercialism.
2. According to this report, there is an acute problem with
immigration.
3. If the report reveals any missing funds, we will take action.
4. Without a doubt, the day I flew in a hot air balloon was the
most thrilling day of my life.
5. John Glenn was a famous astronaut and a true pioneer in
his field.
Activity 19, pages 69–70
Answers will vary.
Unit 4
Activity 1, page 76
1. ✓ the reasons that Earth’s weather has changed so much
in the last century
2. Bangkok versus Singapore as a vacation destination
3. a trip to visit my grandparents
4. ✓ the increasing use of computers in schools
5. explaining dietary guidelines for children
6. how to play the piano
7.
8.
9.
10.
✓ why some students receive scholarships
✓ falling birthrates in many countries
Answers will vary.
Answers will vary.
Activity 2, page 77
Possible answers:
Cause of stress:
Financial worries
Tests
Illness
Effects of stress:
Poor sleep
Poor health
Depression
Activity 3, pages 78–80
Pre reading questions:
Answers will vary.
Post-reading questions:
1. The purpose of this essay is to show how weather has
affected world history.
2. Thesis: Although many people believe that the weather
has little influence in their lives besides determining what
clothes they wear on a particular day, the weather has in
fact caused world history to radically shift in important
ways that are still felt today.
3. focus-on-effects method
4. APA
5. Causes:
a. a monsoon in Japan
b. fog in Long Island
c. the cold winters of Russia
Effects:
a. Kublai Khan failed to conquer Japan.
b. The British failed to defeat the American colonists.
c. France failed to conquer Russia.
6. Answers will vary.
Activity 4, pages 81–82
I. Introduction
A. Hook: Describe how people think they control their fate.
B. Suggest that people cannot control every aspect of their
environments.
C. Thesis statement: The weather has changed world
history in important ways.
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Provide the example of Kublai Khan and his invasion of Japan.
B. Cite the study of J. Delgado, who describes Kublai Khan’s
failed invasion.
C. Discuss how Japan’s identity would have changed if
Khan had succeeded in his invasion.
B. Cite the study of W. Seymour, who documents the
circumstances of the battle.
C. Discuss how the United States might have remained a
member of the British Commonwealth, if not for a heavy
fog.
IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Provide the example of Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of
Russia.
B. Cite the study of H. Belloc, who documents the effect of
the Russian winter.
C. Discuss the consequences of Napoleon’s defeat in relation
to Russia’s rise as a world power.
V. Conclusion
A. Summarize the three examples from the body paragraphs.
B. Suggest that, although weather forecasters can predict the
weather with more accuracy than in the past, the course
of history cannot be fully isolated from the effects of
the weather.
Activity 5, page 83
Possible answers:
1. Two significant effects of phone addiction are diminished
attention spans and lack of social engagement.
2. While many people complain of bad relations with their
siblings, being an only child has drawbacks.
3. Reducing one’s environmental impact, saving animals, and
maintaining good health are three reasons for choosing a
vegetarian diet.
4. Insomnia is often a result of stress and poor eating habits.
Activity 6, page 84
Paragraph 1. . . the weather has in fact caused world
history . . .
Paragraph 2
As a result of two monsoons . . .
Because of this unexpected defeat . . .
Paragraph 3
Due to this fog
Consequently, today’s United Kingdom of
England. . .
Paragraph 4
However, because his dreams of glory . . .
As a consequence of the failure of . . .
Paragraph 5. . . the weather has been a key factor in
numerous . . .
Activity 7, pages 84–85
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
If
as a consequence of / because of
Thus
in order to
Finally
because
can lead to
Furthermore
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Provide the example of the American Revolution against
Great Britain.
Answer Key
7
Activity 8, page 86
A Simple Experiment
In our experiment, we placed three live freshwater plants
into a quart jar that was is filled with fresh water at 70 degrees
Fahrenheit. We then carefully added a medium-sized goldfish.
Next, we tightened tighten the lid and wrapped tape tightly
around the lid. This very last step was is done to ensure that
no air could can enter or exit the bottle. The jar was placed
on a shelf where it was is exposed to indirect sunlight for
approximately eight hours each day. At one o’clock every day
for a week, we observed the fish swimming in the jar. On several
occasions, we noticed notice that the plants emitted multiple
bubbles of a gas. The fish survived for the entire week even
though no food or air was provided. Our original hypothesis
was that the green plants produced a gas. We now believe
believed this gas was oxygen.
Activity 9, page 87
1. C
2. F; With no remarkable difference except the color of the
exterior paint.
Possible answer: The two houses stood side by side with
no remarkable difference except the color of the exterior
paint.
3. F; A history of many intriguing stories of leprechauns,
fairies, and elves.
Possible answer: Ireland is a country with a history of many
intriguing stories of leprechauns, fairies, and elves.
4. C
5. F; Because of the unprecedented popularity of this
particular film.
Possible answer: Because of the unprecedented popularity
of this particular film, producers were extremely eager to
begin work on its sequel.
6. C
7. F; After nearly three decades of separation.
Possible answer: When the two brothers finally meet after
nearly three decades of separation, the atmosphere is
tense.
8. C
9. F; Pay a great deal to talk with a so-called expert who
claims to be able to understand what dreams mean.
Possible answer: I don’t want to pay a great deal to
talk with a so-called expert who claims to be able to
understand what dreams mean.
10. F; Since the bus workers in the area are continuing their
strike over pay.
Possible answer: Since the bus workers in the area are
continuing their strike over pay, thousands of commuters
in the capital city were once again late for work today.
Activity 10, page 88
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
8
emit - release
brutal - bad
handily - easily
obstacle - problem
unambiguously - clearly
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
retreat - go back
crush - defeat
tempting - inviting
hypothesis - idea
superior - better
Activity 11, pages 88–89
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
during the king’s reign
completely overlook the obvious
a radically different idea
according to the original hypothesis
a reciprocal agreement
a serious obstacle to achieving a goal
the soldiers were ordered to retreat
span several decades
a dreadful mistake
occur multiple times
Activity 12, page 89
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
densely
dense
intervene
intervention
justification
justify
justified
temptation
tempting
tempt
Activity 13, page 90
Answers will vary.
Activity 14, page 90
1. Flights from San Francisco were delayed because the fog
caused limited visible visibility.
2. Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United
States on January 20, 2009, and served two terms for a
total of eight years.
3. The country of Singapore was a part of the Federation of
Malaya until 1965 that is when it became an independent
country.
4. One of the most famous desserts in Argentina is dulce
de leche, which is a sugary paste that people eat with ice
cream.
5. O. Henry is the pen-name of a well-known American author
whose short stories are considered classics.
Activity 15, page 91
Possible answers:
1. The beautiful countries of Switzerland and Austria lie in the
center of Europe.
2. Because the verb get has many different meanings, it is
difficult for people who are learning English.
OR
The verb get has many different meanings, so it is difficult
for people who are learning English.
3. The Beatles were a musical group from the United
Kingdom that became internationally famous in the 1960s.
OR
The Beatles, a musical group from the United Kingdom,
became internationally famous in the 1960s.
Activity 16, page 92
Possible answers:
Lighting the World
One of the most positive outcomes of the invention of the
light bulb is that it has allowed people to expand their lives into the
dark hours of night. Human productivity increased significantly
after this invention significantly because better lighting enabled
people to read, study, work, play, and socialize into the late
hours. In addition, the prevalence of affordable lighting allowed
companies to continue to manufacture their products during the
night hours. Electric lighting also enhanced public safety, because
city streets were illuminated without the potentially potential
danger of gas. Now that electric lights are everywhere, it is almost
impossible to imagine a world without them.
Activity 17, pages 92–93
1. a
2. c
3. Possible answer: Though some people think granola bars
are good for you, they can contain a lot of sugar as well.
4. Possible answer: Earth’s population has increased
dramatically since 1800, and it looks like this growth will
continue.
Activities 18, pages 94–95
Answers will vary.
Unit 5
Activity 1, page 100
1. The steps in collecting data for a research study
2. ✓ Rio de Janeiro versus Tokyo as a site for the Summer
Olympic Games
3. ✓ Reproductive processes of mammals and reptiles
4. ✓ Societies with small families and societies with large
families
5. An analysis of voting trends and results in recent elections
in Ecuador
6. ✓ The career choice of becoming a teacher or a lawyer
7. Daily life for a student at a university
8. Information about llamas in the Andes Mountains in Peru
9. Answers will vary.
10. Answers will vary.
Activity 2, page 102
Answers will vary.
Activity 3, pages 102–105
Pre-reading questions:
Answers will vary.
Post-reading questions:
1. The purpose of this essay is to compare two different kinds
of classroom: online versus face-to-face.
2. Thesis statement: Students should not assume that either
online or face-to-face classes are superior; instead, they
should focus on what they need to learn from a particular
course and which learning paradigm will best facilitate
their education.
3. point-by-point method
4. Advantages of face-to-face classes
a. Development of communication skills
b. More opportunities for social interaction
Advantages of online classes
a. Greater convenience
b. Increased student participation
5. Answers will vary.
6. Possible answer: The writer could have discussed the
costs associated with these two kinds of courses: books,
transportation, etc.
Activity 4, page 106
Possible answers:
Title: Online and Face-to-Face Learning in the Digital Age
I. Introduction
A. Describe increasing importance of computers in education.
B. Briefly contrast online education with traditional face-toface classes.
C. Thesis statement: Students should not assume that
either online or face-to-face classes are superior; instead,
they should focus on what they need to learn from a
particular course and which learning paradigm will
best facilitate their education.
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Discuss convenience of online courses versus face-to-face
courses.
B. Provide example of how scheduling time for online
courses is more convenient than for face-to-face
courses.
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Discuss the different rates of student participation in
online versus face-to-face courses.
B. Provide scholarly evidence that supports argument that
online courses increase student participation.
IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Discuss the differences in face-to-face communication
in these two kinds of classes.
B. Provide example of specific classroom settings that benefit
from face-to-face interaction.
V. Body Paragraph 4
A. Discuss the need for adequate computer access and
skills to take online courses.
B. Suggest that some students spend too much time
learning how to use the computer technology rather than
concentrating on the subject matter.
VI. Body Paragraph 5
A. Discuss differences in personal relationships between
traditional and online classes.
Answer Key
9
B. Provide an example of how teachers cannot write effective
recommendation letters for students they do not know
personally.
VII. Conclusion
A. Suggest that students and teachers assess their learning
and instructional styles in order to create learning
environments where everyone is likely to prosper.
B. Predict that this issue will be resolved in the future.
Activity 5, page 107
Possible answers:
1. Although Walt Disney’s theme parks in Orlando and
Tokyo share many of the same attractions, there are key
differences between them as well.
2. While soccer and rugby originated from the same sport,
they are now significantly different in many ways.
3. Despite their shared reputations as political reformers,
England’s Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II saw their position
in quite different terms.
Activity 6, page 108
1. Paragraph 2: Although face-to-face . . . Shows difference
2. Paragraph 3: As opposed to some lecture classes . . .
Shows difference
3. Paragraph 4: Another difference between these two types
. . . Shows difference
4. Paragraph 5: While face-to-face classes . . . Shows difference
5. Paragraph 6: Finally, one other way traditional classrooms
are different from online classes . . . Shows difference
6. Paragraph 7: Both face-to-face and online courses. . .
Shows similarity
Activity 7, pages 109–111
Pre-reading questions:
Answers will vary.
While-reading questions:
1. too
2. Unlike
3. whereas
4. but
5. For example
6. While
7. on the other hand
8. Thus
9. As a result
10. While
11. Consequently
12. both
Activity 8, page 111
Possible answers:
1. Egypt is not as large as Saudi Arabia.
2. The population of San Francisco is not as large as the
population of Los Angeles.
3. The heart is not as complex an organ as the brain.
4. The weather in Tokyo is not as humid as in Bangkok.
10
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
5.
6.
7.
8.
The economy is growing as rapidly this year as last year.
WW1 was as not nearly as costly in terms of lives as WW2.
Community colleges are not as expensive as universities.
Introversion does not seem to be as common as
extroversion.
Activity 9, page 112
1. According to the most recent data, the population of Spain
is larger than the population/that of Greece.
2. The company’s annual report indicates excellent sales in
January, March, and July.
3. With only five days until the deadline, our team’s project is
not as good as the other team’s.
4. Many children like watching TV shows and playing video
games.
5. To apply for a loan, select from our different loan packages,
fill out an application, and submit it to a loan officer at the
bank.
6. According to the report, schools in California spend more
money per student than schools/those in New York.
7. For better heart health, three great forms of exercise involve
our legs: jogging, distance running, and brisk/fast walking.
8. To relax, many people like surfing the Internet, working in
the garden, and doing crossword puzzles.
Activity 10, page 113
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
vital - necessary
indigenous - native
encounter - find
merge - combine
simulate - similar
duplicate - copy
reluctance - hesitation
navigate - understand
prosper - succeed
isolate - alone
Activity 11, page 113–114
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
facilitate student learning
navigate the web site easily
the mass extinction of dinosaurs
effective planning is vital
an animal’s natural habitat
duplicate the results of an experiment
address a problem
a hospitable environment
a reluctance to participate
allocate enough time for a meeting
Activity 12, page 114
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
extinction
extinct
isolated
isolating
navigable
navigate
7.
8.
9.
10.
prosperity
prosperous
simulation
simulate
Unit 6
Activity 1, pages 122–123
Answers will vary.
Activity 13, page 115
Activity 2, page 125
Answers will vary.
Answers will vary.
Activity 14, page 115
Activity 3, pages 126–128
1. Before you start to write a paragraph or an essay, you
should make a simple outline.
2. Giraffes eat only leaves, so they usually live in areas with a
lot of green vegetation.
3. Miami may have more people than any another other city
in Florida, but the capital city has been is Tallahassee.
4. Three great gift ideas for a recent college graduate
includes the cash, clothing, and travel.
5. The article indicates how many adults have to wear glasses
or contacts for to read well.
Activity 15, page 116
Possible answers:
1. To have some quiet time before the rest of their family
wakes up and to get to their office on time, some people
wake up very early every day.
OR
Some people wake up early every day in order to have
some quiet time before the rest of their family wakes up
and to get to work on time.
2. A Boeing 737, which is one of the most common
commercial planes, seats approximately 140 passengers.
OR
One of the most common commercial planes, the Boeing
737, seats approximately 140 passengers.
3. According to a credible website, the top three names
for baby girls in England are Sophia, Olivia, and Emma
followed by Isabella and Ava.
OR
Sophia, Olivia, and Emma, followed by Isabella and Ava, are
the top three names for baby girls in England, according to
a credible website.
Activity 16, page 116–117
1. c
2. a
3. Possible answer:
People should let animals stay in their natural homes so
that these animals can survive and avoid extinction.
4. Possible answer:
One last distinction between face-to-face and online courses
is that there are more chances for students to interact and
develop relationships in face-to-face situations.
Activities 17, pages 117–118
Answers will vary.
Pre-reading questions:
Answers will vary.
Post-reading questions:
1. The purpose of this essay is to describe a reaction to an
infographic.
2. The National Geographic graphic “Lost and Tossed” (2016)
depicts in a clear and comprehensible way the staggering
amount of edible food that is wasted each year.
3. Reaction to the quality of the graphic: clear, comprehensible
4. Reaction to the topic of the graphic: alarming
5. Thesis statement: Given that, globally, so many people
suffer from serious hunger, the information presented in
this visual is especially alarming.
6. Answers will vary.
7. Possible answer: The writer could have included
information about how much food is wasted at restaurants
and supermarkets.
Activity 4, page 128
Title: The Shocking Truth about Food Waste
I. Introduction
A. Briefly mention how precious food is for humanity.
B. Cite National Geographic’s visual of food loss.
C. Thesis statement: Given that, globally, so many people
suffer from serious hunger, the information presented
in this visual is especially alarming.
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Most distressing revelation in the graphic: more fruits and
vegetables are lost or wasted than actually eaten
B. State that this graphic shows that all of us need to reduce
food waste.
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Another disturbing statistic about food loss: 20 percent of
food loss happens during picking and sorting.
B. Rhetorical question: With modern agricultural
equipment and technology readily available, how is it
possible to waste that much food?
IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Discuss how consumers contribute to food loss—20%.
B. This waste is unacceptable: it is insulting to the millions of
people who are suffering from hunger around the globe.
V. Conclusion
A. Prediction: We will be more motivated to do our part
toward reducing food waste.
Answer Key
11
Activity 5, page 129
Activity 10, page 134
Answers will vary.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Activity 6, page 130
1. Furthermore, along with another study (Conrad, Niles,
Neher, Roy, Tichenor, & Jahns, 2018) suggesting that
“the average person living in America wastes nearly
one pound of food daily” (14), this graphic shows that all
of us—from farmers to consumers—need to decrease
food waste.
2. With regard to other parts of the graphic, another
disturbing statistic is that 20 percent of food loss happens
during picking and sorting.
3. Without a doubt, this is unacceptable.
4. Indeed, just as most people cannot imagine wasting food,
they are shocked to find out how much food is actually
wasted every day.
Activity 7, page 131
1. Long before Colgate started selling its toothpaste in the
1800s, the ancient Egyptians had a recipe for toothpaste.
2. At college, students learn key skills in order that they can
be prepared for a good job after graduation.
3. This website is especially useful for young teens even
though it was originally designed for the people of their
grandparents’ age.
4. Because the senator’s popularity is so low, it is unlikely
that he will win in the next election.
5. Even if the team wins all its remaining games, it will have a
losing record for the year.
6. Some sociologists note that the rich are getting richer
whereas the poor are getting poorer.
Activity 8, page 129–131
Possible answers:
1. Even though / Although / Though
2. When
3. because / since
4. Additionally / Furthermore / In addition / Also
5. Regarding
6. Even though / Although / Though
7. Indeed / In fact
8. Finally / In addition / Furthermore
9. While / Although / Even though / Though
10. Nonetheless / However
Activity 9, page 133
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
alarming - shocking
commodity - product
compile - organize
depict - show
edible - can eat
expire - end
rank - order
reputable - respectable
revelation - announcement
taken aback - surprised
12
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
eagerly await a response
ranked as the best in the world
deeply disturbing
compile a list
a recent opinion poll
an alarming report
be taken aback by surprising news
readily available
due to expire soon
an embarrassing revelation
Activity 11, pages 134–135
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
disturbed
disturbing
eager
eagerly
expires
expired
reputation
reputedly
reveals/revealed
revelation
Activity 12, page 135
Answers will vary.
Activity 13, page 135
1. Although the United Kingdom and New Zealand are similar
for in size, but New Zealand has just under 5 million people
while the United Kingdom has more than 63 million people.
OR
Although The United Kingdom and New Zealand are
similar for in size, but New Zealand has just under 5 million
people while the United Kingdom has more than 63 million
people.
2. Because of Vietnam has such an incredible variety of
interesting places to see and experience, more than 10
millions tourists visit this country each year.
3. One thing that makes Arabic as a foreign language difficult
to master is that many different dialects are spoken, which
means that the Arabic in Egypt may not resemble to the
Arabic in Morocco or Oman.
4. Few people outside the city of Pittsburgh knows know
about its riverside trails where people bike or jog and
enjoying enjoy the river scenery.
5. According to a reputable higher education website, at
least 38 schools in the United Kingdom that offer courses
in chemical engineering at the undergraduate level.
Activity 14, page 136
1. It is alarming that 20 percent of fruits and vegetables are
lost during picking and sorting.
OR
The loss of 20 percent of fruits and vegetables during
picking and sorting is alarming.
2. Of the 12 verb tenses in English, one of the most difficult
for English language learners is the present perfect tense.
OR
For English language learners, the present perfect tense is
one of the most difficult of the 12 verb tenses.
3. Many people are surprised to learn (that) the three official
languages in New Zealand are English, Maori, and sign
language.
OR
The three official languages in New Zealand are English,
Maori, and sign language, which many people are
surprised to learn.
Activity 15, page 137
Possible answers:
Banning Plastic Straws
Should plastic straws be banned? Many environmental activists
are concerned about the number of plastic products that are
produced and then thrown away after a single use. Plastic
products disintegrate very slowly, so they can contribute to
horrible environmental problems. One example of this kind of
problem is the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch, which is a
79-thousand-ton floating trash island. Environmentalists will
hope that if people learn that they do not need plastic straws,
they will reconsider their use of other plastic products. A vast
number of products today are packaged and sold in plastic.
Banning plastic straws will not solve this problem entirely, but
it would be a good first step.
Activity 16, page 137–138
1. b
2. c
3. Possible answer:
Beginning with the movie The Jazz Singer, actors were able
to speak their lines instead of gesturing their reactions,
which marked the end of silent movies.
4. Possible answer:
Wikipedia reports that curling started in Scotland in the
1500s and was played on frozen lakes.
Activity 17, pages 139–140
Answers will vary.
Unit 7
Activity 1, page 146
1. The first time someone flew in a plane.
2. ✓ The choice of a specific candidate to vote for in an
election
3. How and why birds migrate south for the winter
4. Steps in negotiating an international contract
5. ✓ The necessity of higher taxes on gasoline
6. ✓ Why schools should offer after-school programs for ­
at-risk students
7. ✓ Reasons that you deserve a pay raise
8. How to play chess well
9. Answers will vary.
10. Answers will vary.
Activity 2, page 147–148
Possible answers:
Topic: Requiring future parents to take parenting classes
Pro:
1. Parents will be more confident.
2. Young parents can meet other future parents and learn
from one another.
Con:
1. Teaching future parents about child raising is a family’s
responsibility.
2. Time spent in class means time spent away from work or
leisure.
Topic: Allowing the death penalty
Pro:
1. Taxpayers will not have to pay to keep the offenders in
prison.
2. The threat of the death penalty will keep people from
committing violent crimes.
Con:
1. The individual may have been wrongly convicted.
2. No one should have the right to take another person’s life.
Topic: Getting a pet for a child
Pro:
1. Pets are good companions for children.
2. A pet’s death can teach children how to grieve.
Con:
1. A pet might hurt the child.
2. Parents may have to take care of the pet if the child fails to
take responsibility.
Activity 3, pages 148–151
Pre-reading questions:
1. Answers will vary.
2. Possible answers
Topic: Studying abroad for one semester
Pro:
1. Studying abroad could help students learn life skills not
taught in schools, like budgeting and being aware of other
cultures.
2. Students could practice language skills in real life rather
than in a classroom.
Con:
1. If students are immature or rude, they could give a bad
impression of their country when abroad.
2. Students may consider the semester abroad as a vacation.
Post-reading questions:
1. The purpose of this essay is to argue that study abroad
programs are beneficial for students and their future careers.
2. Thesis statement: Colleges and universities should require
students to study abroad for at least one semester of their
undergraduate education to prepare them for today’s
interconnected world.
3. Arguments to support viewpoint:
a. A semester abroad allows students to experience a
new culture.
Answer Key
13
b. A semester abroad gives students the opportunity to
learn a foreign language outside of the classroom.
4. Paragraph 5
The opposing idea is that the semester abroad is just a
vacation for students.
5. Answers will vary.
6. The last sentence offers an opinion.
Activity 4, pages 151–152
Possible answers:
Title: Why Studying Abroad Is The Best Classroom
I. Introduction
A. Hook: Quote about interconnectedness
B. People’s jobs now depend on international connections.
C. Thesis statement: Colleges and universities should require
students to study abroad.
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Show how studying abroad lets students experience a
foreign culture.
B. Brewer and Cunningham (2009): Studying abroad
teaches students about not only the foreign culture but
also their own culture and perspectives.
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Discuss how studying abroad contributes to learning a
foreign language.
B. Kauffmann, Martin, and Weaver (1992): Learning a
language in a real-life situation is effective.
IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Explain how studying abroad allows students to see their
academic discipline from a new perspective.
B. Provide a counterargument: …this argument may appear
illogical: Math is math, whether in Peru or Poland, and
the fundamental principles of chemistry do not change
from Ghana to Germany.
V. Body Paragraph 4
A. Address a common opposing idea that studying abroad is
just a vacation.
B. Show that A is not accurate: Study by Dwyer and Peters
(2004)
C. Argue that schools need to prepare their students for study
abroad so they know the requirements and goals.
VI. Conclusion
A. Suggest that studying abroad should be required.
B. Opinion: In a world made smaller by technological
advances, students who graduate with the experience
of living in a foreign culture will also be better
prepared to succeed in their careers.
Activity 5, page 153
Possible answers:
1. Topic: Requiring future parents to take parenting classes
Pro: Future parents should be required to take parenting
classes as there would be important benefits to the child
and his/her parents.
Con: Future parents should not be required to attend
parenting classes because being a parent is a private affair.
14
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
2. Topic: Allowing the death penalty
Pro: The death penalty should be allowed for several
important reasons.
Con: The death penalty should be banned because of three
significant reasons.
3. Topic: Getting a pet for a child
Pro: Getting a pet for children should be encouraged as it
promotes responsibility and respect for animals.
Con: Getting a pet for children should be discouraged
because of three reasons.
Activity 6 page 155
Paragraph 3: Furthermore, studying abroad also greatly
facilitates learning a new language.
Paragraph 4: Additionally, students benefit from studying their
academic discipline from a new perspective.
Activity 7, page 155
1. Counterargument: Though studying abroad offers many
advantages, some may argue that a semester or year
abroad is nothing but a vacation.
2. Possible answer:
Paraphrase of refutation: Some students do use the
study abroad experience as an excuse to have fun, but
their behavior should not cause universities to cancel study
abroad programs.
Activity 8, page 155
Possible answers:
1. Refutation: However, risking the lives of passengers is too
dangerous and can hurt the airline’s reputation.
2. Refutation: Yet many people have found ways to prevent
food waste, and their example should be followed.
3. Refutation: Nonetheless, there is evidence that a teacher’s
ability to transmit knowledge and skills can impact test
scores.
Activity 9, pages 156–158
Pre-reading questions:
Answers will vary.
While reading:
1. What is more,
2. While
3. Additionally
4. While
5. Some might argue that
6. Nevertheless,
Post-reading questions:
1. The purpose of this essay is to argue that governments
should do more to protect the oceans by preventing
overfishing and promoting alternative methods.
2. Thesis statement: Governments must encourage
sustainable fishing practices and other regulatory guidelines
to ensure that the oceans preserve their variety of animal
and plant life as well as sufficient fish populations.
3. Counterargument: Some might argue that the oceans are
so huge that there must be plenty of fish left.
4. Answers will vary.
Activity 10, page 159
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
must
should
should
should
could
might
might
Activity 11, page 160
1. The audience was completely disgusted by the speaker’s
remarks.
2. The medical tests used to diagnose heart disease are highly
accurate.
3. One thing that we know about the weather is that it can be
utterly unpredictable.
4. Although the drug is expensive, it has proven to be highly
effective.
5. It can be extremely difficult to persuade citizens to vote for
higher taxes.
Activity 12, page 161
Possible answers:
1. virtually
2. fairly / relatively
3. extremely/ deeply
4. scarcely / hardly
5. absolutely / utterly
6. highly
7. totally / utterly / completely
Activity 13, page 162
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
collapse - destruction
compound - increase
considerably - greatly
deplete - finish
downplay – less serious
framework - plan
gravity - seriousness
in a new light - in a different way
suspend - stop for a time
trigger - cause to happen
Activity 14, pages 162–163
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
an incentive to work hard
downplay the significance
make an incorrect assumption
recognize the gravity of the situation
trigger an explosion
compensate for a weakness
a sustainable way of life
the collapse of the industry
invalidate a contract
considerably more expensive
Activity 15, pages 163
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
assume
assumption
considerable
considerably
depletion
depleted
revolution
revolutionary
sustainability
sustainable
Activity 16, page 164
Answers will vary.
Activity 17, page 165
1. While most country countries around the world require a
person to be at the least 18 years old to obtain a driver’s
license, in some parts of the United States and Canada, the
minimum age is as young as 14.
2. One way to minimize the number of people who/that
catch a cold each year is to encourage them to wash their
hands frequent frequently.
3. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the play that continues
J. K. Rowling’s famous fantasy series, begins 19 years after
the events of the last book in the series, Harry Potter and
the Deathly Hallows.
4. Banjos and guitars are similar musical instruments, but
banjos typically have four or five strings, whereas guitars
typically they have six.
5. One of the earliest educational video games, The Oregon
Trail, which first appeared in 1971, allows students to learn
about life as 19th-century American pioneers.
Activity 18, pages 165–166
Possible answers:
1. Flights that depart from San Francisco are often delayed
because of the unpredictable fog that blankets the city.
OR
The unpredictable fog that blankets San Francisco often
causes flight to be delayed.
2. Aretha Franklin, who died in 2018, was an incredible singer,
songwriter, and pianist.
OR
An incredible singer, songwriter, and pianist, Aretha
Franklin died in 2018.
3. Although 51 million people live in the entire country of
South Korea, the majority of the population lives in the
province surrounding Seoul, which is the capital of the
country.
OR
51 million people live in the entire country of South Korea,
but the majority of the population lives in the province
surrounding Seoul, which is the capital of the country.
Activity 19, page 166
Possible answers:
Answer Key
15
Spam
How many emails do you receive every day that are
unwanted offers or advertisements? Most of these emails
are spam, commercial messages sent to a large number of
recipients or posted in a large number of places. Spam, which
Flynn and Kahn (2003) define as “unsolicited e-mail that is
neither wanted nor needed” by anyone, is a huge problem
today. In fact, spam threatens the entire email system. Email
is a vital method of communication today, but the annoying
mountain of spam threatens to destroy this critically important
tool. If email is to continue to be useful, laws against spam
must be strengthened and enforced to avoid the exploitation
of e-mail.
Activity 20, page 167
1.
2.
3.
b
a
Possible answers:
The Chinese poet Cáo Xuěqín wrote Dream of the Red
Chamber, which is considered one of China’s four great
classical novels.
OR
Dream of the Red Chamber, which was written by The
Chinese poet Cáo Xuěqín, is considered to be among the
four great classical novels to emerge from China.
4. Possible answers:
Built in 1891, Al Jahili Fort of Abu Dhabi was used to
defend palm groves and to house local governors.
OR
Abu Dhabi has many interesting sites, including the Al
Jahili Fort, which was built back in 1891 to defend palm
groves and provide a residence for local governors.
Activity 21, pages 168–169
Answers will vary.
Unit 8
Activity 1, page 173
1. b (Astronomy is too broad a topic for a research paper.)
2. b (World peace is too broad and abstract a topic for a
research paper.)
3. a (A comparison of works by O. Henry, William
Shakespeare, and Stephen King is too broad a topic; also,
the writers are from different historical eras and their works
have little in common.)
4. b (A comparison of job opportunities for women in Europe
in 1815, 1915, and 2015 is an interesting topic, but would
likely require more than 1,500 words to adequately explore.)
5. a (The rules of basketball do not require much research or
interpretation.)
Activity 2, page 174
Possible answers:
Research topic: The benefits of artificial intelligence
Possible questions:
1. What are examples of artificial intelligence?
2. How can these examples benefit humans?
3. Are there any drawbacks of artificial intelligence?
16
Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research
Research topic: The connections between video games and
teenage well-being
Possible questions:
1. How often do teens play video games?
2. What happens when teens play video games excessively?
3. How can teens be encouraged to do activities other than
playing video games?
Research topic: The causes of human migration
Possible questions:
1. What are the most common patterns of human migration?
2. What are some internal reasons people migrate?
3. What are some external reasons people migrate?
Activity 3, page 176
Answers will vary.
Activity 4, page 176
Answers will vary.
Activity 5, page 177
1. They are arranged alphabetically, according to the last
name of the author.
2. The last name and initial of the author are capitalized; the
first words of the article’s title and subtitle are capitalized;
all major words in the journal’s title are capitalized.
3. The book is Vocabulary myths: Applying second language
research to the classroom. (A journal entry includes the
journal name, volume number, and page references for the
specific article sourced)
4. Applied Linguistics and The Modern Language Journal each
have more than one entry.
5. The oldest source is Ott, Butler, Blake, and Ball’s “The effect
of interactive-image elaboration on the acquisition of
foreign language vocabulary.”
The most recent source that is an article is Huckin and
Coady’s “Incidental vocabulary acquisition in a second
language.” (Folse’s Vocabulary myths is the most recent
publication, but it is a book, not an article.)
6. Multiple sources by the same author are sequenced by the
date of publication.
Activity 6, page 178–179
Possible answers:
1. The naming of our planets
Thesis statement: When we learned the names of the
planets in elementary school, most of us gave little thought
to how the planets got their names, but the origin of these
names is quite interesting.
2. How Europe shaped the map of Africa
Thesis statement: If European countries had not set up
their empires in Africa, the map of the entire continent
would look very different today.
3. The meaning of O. Henry’s short story “The Gift of the Magi”
Thesis statement: In O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," the
central theme of sacrifice is evident in the actions of the
two characters.
4. The greatest achievements of Indian Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi
Thesis statement: Although some may want to focus on
her role within India, the greatest achievements of Indian
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were international.
5. The salaries of current professional basketball players
Thesis statement: The salaries of professional basketball
players may seem absurdly high, but there are good
reasons that top players earn so much money.
Activity 7, page 181–185
Pre-reading questions:
1. Possible answer: sea; The excerpt mentions a pirate.
2. Answers will vary.
Post-reading questions:
1. The purpose of the research paper is to describe how the
United States won the War of 1812 with the unexpected
ally of a pirate.
2. Thesis statement: Lafitte’s efforts in the War of 1812
certainly helped to establish the United States as a world
power, but history should neither overlook his criminality
nor minimize his accomplishments.
3. Paragraph 3 gives the background information.
4. There are three headers.
5. Nine sources are used. There are seven direct quotations.
Activity 8, page 186
1. A very simple soup can be made with chicken, onions,
tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper.
2. At midnight last night, the bill was still being considered
(by senators).
3. High-quality coffee is grown in several key countries,
including Vietnam and Brazil.
4. Thousands of auto parts are produced by this factory every
week.
5. A healthy salad can be made quite easily with any type of
lettuce and some fresh vegetables.
6. For the past two weeks, serious problems with cell phone
service have been experienced (by many customers) in the
Toronto area.
7. More than a dozen new voting districts in Tennessee were
created in the 1970s (by local governments).
8. Most travelers are exhausted by driving from Miami to
New York.
Activity 9, page 187
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
ally - friendly
commence - start
flourish - do well
fragile - weak
hostile - unfriendly
legitimate - lawful
margin - edge
notorious - negative
spy - secret
ultimatum - last
Activity 11, pages 188–189
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
all classes commence at 8 a.m.
include a one-inch margin
build a strong alliance
flourish in a new environment
a hostile environment
an entirely legitimate business
notorious for being late
deliver an ultimatum
an extremely fragile package
diplomatic relations
Activity 12, page189
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
alliance
allies / allied
diplomatic
diplomacy
flourish
flourishing
legitimate
legitimately
notorious
notoriously
Activity 13, page 190
Answers will vary.
Activity 14, pages 190–193
Online Courses
As computers become/have become increasingly
important in education, many more online courses 2 are
being offered/are offered by colleges and universities. In this
new type of education, some students never even 3 set foot
on campus to earn a degree. Online learning 4 has caused a
revolution in education, but its benefits need 5 to be measured
against its liabilities when it 6 is compared to traditional faceto-face instruction. Students should not 7 assume that either
online or face-to-face classes are superior. Instead, students
should 8 pay attention to the information they 9 need from a
particular course and which type of learning 10 facilitates their
education the best.
1
Activity 10, page 188
Step 1
1. No, you cannot select your own topic. Yes, there is a
specific topic. Yes, you can modify the topic.
2. 1,000 words
3. Three outside sources are required, including at least two
sources from an academic journal.
4. The expected type of citation is not stated.
Steps 2-12
Answers will vary.
Answer Key
17