(1) The name Alaska comes from the native Aleut word Alyeska, which means great land. (2) The first people to arrive on the land, that is now known as Alaska, probably came from Russia about 13,000 years ago. (3) They either crossed the Bering Land Bridge that connected Alaska and Russia. (4) They might have sailed.
(5) In 1867, the United States purchased the land for two cents an acre. (6) It turned out to be a good investment because in 1872, gold was found on the land. (7) It wasn’t until 1959 that Alaska became part of the United States. (8) It was the 49th state to join.
(9) Alaska has many natural wonders that tourists come from miles around to experience. (10) Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, can be found in Denali National Park. (11) It’s often called, “The Great One,” and is about 20,320 feet above sea level. (12) Alaska has about 100,000 glaciers. (13) The largest glacier found in North America can be found there. (14) It’s called the Bering Glacier and covers 2,250 square miles. (15) The taiga forest can be found in the center of the state and rain forests run along the southeast coast. (16) Let’s not forget about the 40 active volcanoes.
(17) Alaska is also home to some interesting animals. (18) Polar bears, beluga whales, moose and brown bears are just a few. (19) Pacific walruses can also be found hanging out on the ice.
(20) The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, can be seen in Alaska. (21) The Northern Lights are brightly colored lights that can be seen in the sky. (22) They appear to be dancing bars of light that go from one color to another. (23) They are caused by collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere. (24) Whatever your interests, Alaska has something for you!
Question
Rex would like to add a more effective controlling idea. Which sentence should Rex add before sentence 1 to serve as a more effective controlling idea for his paper?
Responses
A Last summer, I went on a cruise to Alaska with my grandma. Last summer, I went on a cruise to Alaska with my grandma.
B Alaska features unique wildlife which attracts many tourists to the state. Alaska features unique wildlife which attracts many tourists to the state.
C Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is only accessible by plane or boat.Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is only accessible by plane or boat.
D Alaska is a unique state that has many fascinating sights to see. Alaska is a unique state that has many fascinating sights to see.
1 answer
The best choice for a more effective controlling idea to add before sentence 1 is:
D. Alaska is a unique state that has many fascinating sights to see.
This sentence sets the stage for the various topics discussed in Rex’s paper, including the state's history, geography, natural wonders, wildlife, and attractions, providing a cohesive overview of what the paper will address.
