Asignatura: English Concepto(s): Trimestral Review

Docente: Miguel Tomás

Nombre: Grupo: 10th Grade Fecha:

TRIMESTRAL REVIEW
BASICS OF ESSAY WRITING – REVIEW

To write an essay or any form of written media, it’s important to take into consideration its structure. It
allows us to properly organize and present our ideas as writers and allows the reader to logically follow
the story from its exposition to its conclusion. There are many different ways to write texts, however,
throughout the trimester we’ve explored two formats – Texts meant for advertising (Ad pitches), and
short stories.

Although starkly different in presentation, they both share a similar purpose – to communicate.
Communication is the basis of our societies and the thread that connects us as humans since the very
beginning of our existence.

Let’s review now the first elements we discussed when writing, applicable to both written pieces we’ve
explored this trimester.

Hook Statements
A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab
the reader’s attention so that they want to read on.

It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or
anecdote. Be mindful that the hook has to be related to the overall topic of the paper. Here are a few
examples of each type of hook.

Question Hook

A question hook is when you ask the reader something that they can visualize and try to think of in their
own minds. Then, the writer answers the question.

Quotation Hook

A quotation hook is when a quote is used and explained that has relevance to the topic at hand. Make
sure this quote comes from a credible source. Also, talk about the quote’s meaning afterwards to
ensure that the reader isn’t confused.
Statistic Hook

A statistic hook can be used for more informational pieces of writing. The writer uses a quote from a
source that relates to the main idea of the paper, but the quote must have some type of statistics, such
as numbers, decimals, or and/or percentages. The meaning and relationship of the quote to the paper
needs to be explained afterwards just in case the reader does not quite understand.

Anecdotal Hook

When a writer uses a short story to relate to the topic and gain the reader’s attention, they are using an
anecdote. This story can be a short, personal story or a figment of your imagination. Make sure that it
relates to the main idea of the paper. Show the relevance that it has to the topic of the paper.

ACTIVITY 1. Read the following paragraphs and underline the hook. Then, write
what type of hook was used in the line below.
A) I'll never forget the first time I fell flat on my face while learning to ride a bike. It was a bruising
experience, both to my ego and my knees. But as I dusted myself off and got back on that bike, I
realized that failure wasn't the end of the road—it was just a detour on the way to success. That
childhood lesson has stuck with me through the years, reminding me that every stumble is an
opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.

Hook used: _______________________________________

B) As Winston Churchill once famously remarked, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the
courage to continue that counts." These words of wisdom serve as a poignant reminder that our
response to adversity ultimately determines our path forward. But how do we summon the
courage to persevere in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, and where do we find
the resilience to bounce back stronger than before?

Hook used: _______________________________________

C) What if the key to unlocking our fullest potential lies in embracing failure rather than fearing it?
Throughout history, countless individuals have faced setbacks and obstacles on their journey
towards success. But what sets apart those who persevere from those who succumb to defeat,
and how can we cultivate a mindset that views failure as a stepping stone rather than a
stumbling block?

Hook used: _______________________________________

D) Recent studies have shown that the fear of failure is one of the primary obstacles holding
people back from pursuing their dreams, with nearly 90% of individuals admitting to
experiencing anxiety about failing. This fear not only stifles creativity and innovation but also
prevents many from taking the necessary risks to achieve their goals. So, how can we break free
from the grip of fear and embrace failure as an essential part of the learning process?

Hook used: _______________________________________

 E) In the words of Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." This
profound insight speaks to the collaborative nature of human existence. It reminds us that our
greatest achievements often stem from the collective efforts of individuals working towards a
common goal. But what happens when conflicts arise within these collaborations, and how do
we overcome the obstacles that threaten to tear us apart?

Hook used: _______________________________________

F) I'll never forget the time I got lost in a bustling foreign city, unable to speak the local language
and feeling completely out of place. It was a humbling experience that taught me the
importance of empathy and understanding in cross-cultural communication. Through the
kindness of strangers and small acts of compassion, I was able to find my way back and forge
connections that transcended language barriers.

Hook used: _______________________________________

G) Have you ever stopped to ponder the intricate web of relationships that shape our lives? From
family bonds to friendships forged over time, our connections with others define who we are
and how we navigate the world. But what happens when those relationships are tested, and
how do we maintain our sense of self in the face of adversity?

Hook used: _______________________________________

Background Information
Background information identifies and describes the history and nature of a well-defined topic
concerning existing literature. The background information should indicate the root of the topic being
discussed, appropriate context of the topic in relation to theory and research. Background information
does not replace the literature review section of a written essay; it is intended to place the topic within
a specific context. Example:

During the Renaissance, Europe experienced a profound cultural and intellectual awakening that
reshaped the course of history. Emerging from the shadow of the Middle Ages, this period marked a
resurgence of interest in classical learning, art, and science. The Renaissance, which means "rebirth" in
French, saw a revival of ancient Greek and Roman ideals, sparking a renewed sense of curiosity and
creativity among scholars, artists, and thinkers. It was a time of exploration and discovery, as voyages to
distant lands expanded horizons and trade routes brought new ideas and goods to European shores. The
era also witnessed the flourishing of artistic masterpieces by luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci,
Michelangelo, and Raphael, whose works continue to inspire awe and admiration centuries later. The
Renaissance was a time of unparalleled innovation and cultural ferment, laying the groundwork for the
modern world as we know it. Understanding its significance provides invaluable insight into the origins
of many of the ideas, institutions, and achievements that define Western civilization.

It is clear that the topic being discussed in this paragraph is the Renaissance, because of the way
the creator develops the concept, contextualizes the period, and mentions prominent figures
from it.
ACTIVITY 2. Read the following paragraphs, and write the main topic of each one
based on the background information given through the text.

A) Beginning in the late 18th century in Britain, the Industrial Revolution marked a seismic shift in
human history, transforming economies, societies, and daily life. With the invention of
machinery powered by steam and later electricity, traditional modes of production gave way to
mechanized factories and mass production. This revolution, initially centered around textile
manufacturing, soon spread to other industries such as iron, coal mining, and transportation.
The advent of the steam engine revolutionized transportation and enabled the rapid expansion
of railways, connecting distant regions and facilitating the movement of goods and people on
an unprecedented scale. As cities swelled with migrants seeking employment in factories,
urbanization accelerated, reshaping the social fabric and giving rise to new challenges and
opportunities. The Industrial Revolution fundamentally altered the way people lived and
worked, laying the foundation for modern industrialized societies and shaping the trajectory of
global development. Understanding its impact is essential for comprehending the
complexities of the modern world and the ongoing debates surrounding industrialization,
technological progress, and economic growth.

Main topic: ____________________________________________.

B) The Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries marked a profound shift in human
understanding of the natural world, laying the groundwork for modern science and ushering in
an era of intellectual ferment and discovery. Building on the foundations laid by Copernicus,
Kepler, Galileo, and Newton, scientists challenged traditional beliefs about the cosmos,
replacing medieval conceptions with a new mechanistic worldview grounded in observation,
experimentation, and mathematical reasoning. This revolution in thought not only
revolutionized our understanding of physics, astronomy, and biology but also transformed
society by fostering a spirit of inquiry, innovation, and skepticism. The Scientific Revolution
remains a pivotal moment in human history, reshaping our relationship with nature and paving
the way for the technological advancements that define the modern world. Understanding its
impact is essential for grasping the origins of scientific inquiry and the ongoing quest for
knowledge and understanding.

Main topic: ____________________________________________.

 WRITING A SHORT STORY

Five Elements of Fiction: Plot, Setting, Character, Point of View, Theme

Plot - How the author arranges events to develop the basic idea; it is the sequence of events in a story
or play. The plot is a planned, logical series of events having a beginning, middle, and end. The short
story usually has one plot so it can be read in one sitting.

There are five essential parts of the plot:

1) Exposition (introduction) - Beginning of the story; characters, background, and setting revealed.

2) Rising Action - Events in the story become complicated; the conflict is revealed. These are events
between the introduction and climax.

3) Conflict - Essential to plot, opposition ties incidents together and moves the plot. Not merely limited
to arguments, conflict can be any type of struggle the main character faces. Within a short story, there
may be only one central struggle, or there may be many minor obstacles within a dominant struggle.

There are two types of conflict:

• Internal- Struggle within one's self.

o Character vs. Self - Struggles with own soul, physical limitations, choices, etc.
• External - Struggle with a force outside one's self.
o Character vs. Character - Struggles against other people.
o Character vs. Nature - Struggles against animals, weather, environment, etc.
o Character vs. Society - Struggles against ideas, practices, or customs of others

4) Climax - A turning point of the story. Readers wonder what will happen next; will the conflict be
resolved or not? Consider the climax as a three-fold phenomenon:

• Main character receives new information.

• Main character accepts this information (realizes it but does not necessarily agree with it).
• Main character acts on this information (makes a choice that will determine whether or not
objective is met).

4) Falling action - Resolution begins; events and complications start to fall into place. These are the
events between climax and denouement.

5) Resolution (Conclusion) - Outcome of events in the story.

Short Stories: Characteristics

• Can usually be read in one sitting.
• Concise: Information offered in the story is relevant to the tale being told. This is unlike a novel,
where the story can diverge from the main plot.
• Usually tries to leave behind a single impression or effect.
• Usually, though not always built around one character, place, idea, or act.
 • Because they are concise, writers depend on the reader to bring personal experiences and
prior knowledge to the story.

ACTIVITY 3. Read the following story, and separate each part of the structure according to the 5
main elements of a short story (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution):

In the heart of an ancient city, lived a young street artist named Alejandro. With quick strokes of his
brush, he breathed life into the walls, transforming boring buildings into vibrant monuments of color and
imagination. Each mural told a story—a look into the soul of the city, its history, and its dreams.

One day, as Alejandro painted under the bright sun, he saw a shy, young girl watching him from the
shadows. She seemed very curious about his art. Intrigued by her presence, Alejandro invited her to join
him, handing her a brush and guiding her hand as they painted side by side. In that moment, with all the
laughter and shared creativity, a bond formed—a connection that went above language and culture.

As the sun set below the horizon, making the city shine in gold and red in the sky, Alejandro and the girl
stepped back to admire their masterpiece—a testament to the beauty that was created when hearts and
minds came together in harmony. And as they said goodbye, their souls excited with a new friendship,
Alejandro knew that the true magic of art wasn’t in the strokes of a brush, but in the connections forged
between spirits joined by a shared passion for life's endless possibilities.

What do you believe is the purpose of this story, and why? (inform, entertain, educate…)

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ACTIVITY 4. Try to find the same elements in your own story.

Bonus Activity:

Lo que Aprendí:
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Lo que me pregunto:

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Lo que valoro:

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