Question 1

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Soda may be one of America s favorite beverages, but many experts now believe that drinking soda is bad for our health. (2) Because soda is high in calories but offers no nutritional value, it contributes to weight gain and obesity. (3) The sugar and acid in soda can cause unhealthy tooth decay. (4) Even sugar-free drinks may cause health problems because, as some studies have indicated, artificial sweeteners may increase the risk for cancer and other diseases. (5) Other research has shown that drinking soda is harmful to bones. (6) The phosphorus in soda causes bones to lose calcium. (7) As a result, they weaken and break more easily. Select the number of the topic sentence in the paragraph above.
A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3

Accepted Answer

The topic sentence of this paragraph is sentence 1, as it introduces the main idea of the paragraph - that experts believe drinking soda is bad for our health. The following sentences provide supporting evidence for this claim.

Question 2

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Amateur stargazing is an interesting and rewarding hobby. (2) Exploring astronomy builds knowledge about our amazing universe. (3) It s an inexpensive pastime, too. (4) All that s needed is a telescope, a book about how to understand what you re looking at, and maybe a membership in an astronomical club. (5) Studying the night sky is free! (6) That s why astronomy is also a great family activity. (7) In fact, looking at the heavens may awaken a love of science in children. (8) Plus, those who star-gaze long enough might even make an important discovery. (9) After all, many amateur astronomers have discovered comets, asteroids, and other heavenly bodies. (10) In 2005, for example, two amateur sky-watchers in New Zealand discovered a new planet 15,000 miles from Earth using only a backyard telescope. How many arguments support the topic sentence?
A) two
B) three
C) four

Accepted Answer

The paragraph presents four arguments to support the topic sentence: amateur stargazing is an interesting and rewarding hobby, exploring astronomy builds knowledge about our amazing universe, it is an inexpensive pastime, and studying the night sky is free.

Question 3

Instructions: Read each one of the following essay introductions. Select the letter of the method the writer used to begin the composition. The essay below begins with a(n) Joe Ward, a recent graduate of his local community college, has been searching for a job. During his job search, he has had numerous interviews with a variety of companies. There are two companies from which Joe would particularly like to receive an offer. If he gets offers from both, Joe is unsure about how he will decide which job to take, because both jobs offer different but excellent opportunities. The fortunate job seeker who is faced with this dilemma should consider several important factors in making this important decision. Adapted from Amy Solomon et al., 100% Job Search Success , 2 nd edition. Wadsworth, 2012, p. 160
A) illustration.
B) direct quotation.
C) contradiction.

Accepted Answer

The essay begins with an illustration, introducing Joe Ward and his current situation of job hunting and having multiple job offers. The essay begins with an illustration by introducing Joe Ward, a recent graduate who is searching for a job and has had numerous interviews with companies. It sets the stage for discussing the dilemma he is facing in deciding between two job offers.

Question 4

Instructions: The paragraphs of the following essay have been scrambled so that they are out of order. Read them and then answer the question(s) that follow. Overcoming Student Depression _____ (1) Today, I m grateful to my college for wanting to help people like me, and I urge anyone who is feeling depressed to find out more about his or her college s resources. (2) Students shouldn t go on floundering until they drown, not when there are people ready to toss out a life preserver and pull them in to safety. _____ (3) I got this help by visiting my college s student health service. (4) Like many colleges, the one I attended had beefed up its resources for students who are having trouble coping with their new challenges. (5) I was able to take advantage of free on-campus counseling with a qualified therapist named Becky. (6) I told her how I felt, and she helped me figure out how to deal more effectively with the stress I was under. (7) I learned, for example, about how to use time management and exercise to better cope with everything I had to do. (8) Before long, I felt the cloud I had been under begin to lift. (9) I was still busy, but I didn t feel as overwhelmed, and my grades improved from Cs and Ds to As and Bs. _____ (10) Second, I found out that my feelings were fairly common. (11) I searched for information online and found out that, according to an American College Health Association study, 10 percent of college students had been diagnosed with depression. (12) In addition, the National Mental Health Association reports that one-third of all college freshmen say they feel overwhelmed a great deal of the time. (13) It was a relief to discover that I wasn t alone. (14) Knowing that encouraged me to take the next step and get the help I needed. _____ (15) The first thing I did was admit to myself that I was depressed. (16) One day while sitting in one of the student lounges on campus, I picked up a pamphlet published by my college s student health service. (17) It included a list of questions, such as Do you often feel sad, anxious, or empty? Do you often feel fatigued or low in energy? Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions? (18) I was surprised when I found myself answering yes to almost every one of these questions. (19) Since then, I ve found out that most colleges are trying to educate students about the signs and symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. (20) Through information posted on college web sites; printed materials like pamphlets and posters; and even forums followed by free screenings for eating disorders, alcoholism, and anxiety, colleges are helping students like me recognize when they are battling a very serious problem. _____ (21) When I first started college, I was excited and happy. (22) It wasn t long, though, before I began to feel overwhelmed. (23) I could barely keep up with all of the assignments, tests, and papers of five different challenging classes. (24) At the same time, I was in an unfamiliar new environment, homesick for my family and friends back home. (25) After a while, I wasn t handling the pressures well at all; in fact, it was all I could do to get myself out of bed every morning. (26) Fortunately, though, I was able to take positive steps to identify and solve my problem. Select the number of the sentence that is the thesis statement of this essay. a. Sentence 21 b. Sentence 25 c. Sentence 26

Accepted Answer

Sentence 26 is the thesis statement of this essay because it states the main idea of the essay, which is that the author was able to take positive steps to identify and solve his or her problem with depression.

Question 5

Instructions: Each of the following sentences states what you are trying to persuade someone to do. Beneath each sentence are four reasons that attempt to convince this person that he or she should take this particular course of action. Select the letter of the reason that seems irrelevant, illogical, or untrue. If you wanted to persuade parents to enroll their children in piano lessons, you could say that
A) learning to play a musical instrument improves mathematical reasoning.
B) people who play piano are more talented than anyone else.
C) kids who play instruments tend to get higher SAT scores.
D) music training boosts many children s self-esteem by helping them discover hidden talents.

Accepted Answer

The reason given in choice B is not necessarily true and may not convince someone to enroll their child in piano lessons. It also implies a biased view towards piano players. Reason B is not backed up by any evidence and is purely subjective. It may not persuade the parents as it seems like an exaggeration.

Question 6

Instructions: Read each of the following essay conclusions. Choose the letter of the method the writer used to end the composition. The essay below concludes with a For all the predictions that ebooks will transform education, the evidence is clear: students, at least for now, prefer paper textbooks. They want to flip back and forth, scribble in the margins, and, in short, learn and study the old-fashioned way.
A) call to action.
B) final point.
C) question.

Accepted Answer

The writer uses the final point method to conclude by summarizing the main point of the essay and ultimately stating their stance on the topic at hand.

Question 7

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Houseguests can be classified according to their level of self-sufficiency as independent, semidependent, or completely dependent. (2) Independent guests make an effort to fit their routines to yours; they make their own beds, cook breakfast if they get up early, and know how to entertain themselves if you have other things to do. (3) These usually are the guests you want to invite back. (4) Semidependent guests demand more of your attention and companionship; they may want to be driven around town or may urge you to play pool with them even though you hate pool or have a term paper due. (5) Still, the guests in this category may have charming qualities that make their visit worthwhile. (6) Most infuriating are the helplessly dependent guests, who enter your house as if it were a hospital or spa, expecting to be taken care of. (7) My friend George, for example, sprawls on a chair, his feet on my coffee table, complaining about his love life while I cook dinner, set the table, and change the CDs. (8) After two days of waiting on George while I try to solve his problems, I m exhausted. (9) As these categories show, houseguests are a mixed blessing some more mixed than others. Give the number of the topic sentence in the paragraph above.
A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3

Accepted Answer

The first sentence introduces the topic and the classification of houseguests according to their level of self-sufficiency, making it the topic sentence. The topic sentence is the main idea or the central point of the paragraph. It indicates what the rest of the paragraph will be about. In this case, the first sentence introduces the three categories of houseguests based on their level of self-sufficiency. Therefore, sentence 1 is the topic sentence.

Question 8

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Amateur stargazing is an interesting and rewarding hobby. (2) Exploring astronomy builds knowledge about our amazing universe. (3) It s an inexpensive pastime, too. (4) All that s needed is a telescope, a book about how to understand what you re looking at, and maybe a membership in an astronomical club. (5) Studying the night sky is free! (6) That s why astronomy is also a great family activity. (7) In fact, looking at the heavens may awaken a love of science in children. (8) Plus, those who star-gaze long enough might even make an important discovery. (9) After all, many amateur astronomers have discovered comets, asteroids, and other heavenly bodies. (10) In 2005, for example, two amateur sky-watchers in New Zealand discovered a new planet 15,000 miles from Earth using only a backyard telescope. Select the number of the topic sentence in the paragraph above.
A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3

Accepted Answer

The first sentence, "Amateur stargazing is an interesting and rewarding hobby," introduces the topic of amateur stargazing and sets the overall focus for the paragraph. Therefore, it is the topic sentence.

Question 9

Instructions: Each of the following groups of things has been divided according to a single basis of classification. However, one item in each group does not belong; it does not fit that single basis of classification. Read each group of items carefully; then select the letter of the one item that does not belong. Next, select the single basis of classification that includes the rest of the group. Part A: Clothes a. church, mosque, or synagogue attire b. evening wear c. office attire d. designer clothing Part B: Basis of classification: a. level of formality b. price c. color of fabric

Accepted Answer

The answer of Instructions: Each of the following groups of...

Question 10

Instructions: Read each one of the following essay introductions. Select the letter of the method the writer used to begin the composition. The essay below begins with a Parents have long debated the best method for disciplining children. Some parents advocate using only nonphysical methods, which include rewards for good behavior and time-outs, or removal of privileges as punishment for bad behaviors. Many other parents have long insisted that physical methods, such as spanking, are an effective and necessary disciplinary tool. Spanking, however, is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Three potentially harmful effects of spanking make it an undesirable discipline method.
A) direct quotation.
B) surprising fact or idea.
C) general idea that is narrowed to a specific thesis statement.

Accepted Answer

The introduction begins with a broad idea that is then narrowed down to a specific thesis statement about the use of spanking as a disciplinary tool.

Question 11

Instructions: Read each one of the following essay introductions. Select the letter of the method the writer used to begin the composition. The essay below begins with a(n) Most people would agree that children should participate in team sports to have fun and develop good character. But a recent survey conducted by the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance, a national coalition of sports organizations that includes the National Collegiate Athletic Association and three of the four major professional leagues, found that today s parents and coaches have a very different idea about why children should play sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball. They believe that winning is more important than anything. Go to any youth game, and there will be at least one mom, dad, or coach who is yelling at the kids as though they re playing in a professional-level championship. These people have lost sight of the children s best interests, and they need to be reminded of the real value of participating in sports.
A) single-sentence thesis statement.
B) illustration.
C) contradiction.

Accepted Answer

The essay begins with a contradiction by presenting the idea that most people believe children should participate in team sports for fun and character development, but then shows how a recent survey found that parents and coaches prioritize winning over those benefits.

Question 12

Instructions: Each of the following sentences states what you are trying to persuade someone to do. Beneath each sentence are four reasons that attempt to convince this person that he or she should take this particular course of action. Select the letter of the reason that seems irrelevant, illogical, or untrue. If you wanted to persuade someone to support the construction of a new nuclear power plant, you could say that nuclear energy
A) will solve all of America s problems.
B) is a safe, reliable source of power.
C) keeps citizens heating and cooling costs low.
D) doesn t pollute the environment.

Accepted Answer

It is illogical to claim that nuclear energy will solve all of America's problems, as there are many other issues that cannot be solved by power generation alone. Claiming that nuclear energy will solve all of America's problems is an exaggeration and not a logical or relevant reason to persuade someone to support the construction of a new nuclear power plant.

Question 13

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Soda may be one of America s favorite beverages, but many experts now believe that drinking soda is bad for our health. (2) Because soda is high in calories but offers no nutritional value, it contributes to weight gain and obesity. (3) The sugar and acid in soda can cause unhealthy tooth decay. (4) Even sugar-free drinks may cause health problems because, as some studies have indicated, artificial sweeteners may increase the risk for cancer and other diseases. (5) Other research has shown that drinking soda is harmful to bones. (6) The phosphorus in soda causes bones to lose calcium. (7) As a result, they weaken and break more easily. How many causes or effects does the writer present?
A) one
B) four
C) seven

Accepted Answer

The writer presents four causes or effects of drinking soda on health - contributing to weight gain and obesity, causing unhealthy tooth decay, increasing the risk for cancer and other diseases, and harming bones by causing loss of calcium.

Question 14

Instructions: The paragraphs of the following essay have been scrambled so that they are out of order. Read them and then answer the question(s) that follow. Overcoming Student Depression _____ (1) Today, I m grateful to my college for wanting to help people like me, and I urge anyone who is feeling depressed to find out more about his or her college s resources. (2) Students shouldn t go on floundering until they drown, not when there are people ready to toss out a life preserver and pull them in to safety. _____ (3) I got this help by visiting my college s student health service. (4) Like many colleges, the one I attended had beefed up its resources for students who are having trouble coping with their new challenges. (5) I was able to take advantage of free on-campus counseling with a qualified therapist named Becky. (6) I told her how I felt, and she helped me figure out how to deal more effectively with the stress I was under. (7) I learned, for example, about how to use time management and exercise to better cope with everything I had to do. (8) Before long, I felt the cloud I had been under begin to lift. (9) I was still busy, but I didn t feel as overwhelmed, and my grades improved from Cs and Ds to As and Bs. _____ (10) Second, I found out that my feelings were fairly common. (11) I searched for information online and found out that, according to an American College Health Association study, 10 percent of college students had been diagnosed with depression. (12) In addition, the National Mental Health Association reports that one-third of all college freshmen say they feel overwhelmed a great deal of the time. (13) It was a relief to discover that I wasn t alone. (14) Knowing that encouraged me to take the next step and get the help I needed. _____ (15) The first thing I did was admit to myself that I was depressed. (16) One day while sitting in one of the student lounges on campus, I picked up a pamphlet published by my college s student health service. (17) It included a list of questions, such as Do you often feel sad, anxious, or empty? Do you often feel fatigued or low in energy? Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions? (18) I was surprised when I found myself answering yes to almost every one of these questions. (19) Since then, I ve found out that most colleges are trying to educate students about the signs and symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. (20) Through information posted on college web sites; printed materials like pamphlets and posters; and even forums followed by free screenings for eating disorders, alcoholism, and anxiety, colleges are helping students like me recognize when they are battling a very serious problem. _____ (21) When I first started college, I was excited and happy. (22) It wasn t long, though, before I began to feel overwhelmed. (23) I could barely keep up with all of the assignments, tests, and papers of five different challenging classes. (24) At the same time, I was in an unfamiliar new environment, homesick for my family and friends back home. (25) After a while, I wasn t handling the pressures well at all; in fact, it was all I could do to get myself out of bed every morning. (26) Fortunately, though, I was able to take positive steps to identify and solve my problem. Part A: Select the letter of the answer that numbers the paragraphs in the order they should appear in the essay. a. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 b. 2, 5, 4, 1, 3 c. 1, 3, 5, 2, 4 Part B: Identify the number of the topic sentence in the third paragraph of the reordered sequence. a. Sentence 1 b. Sentence 10 c. Sentence 21 Part C: What transitional expression shows the relationships between paragraphs 2 and 3 in the reordered sequence? a. The first thing b. Second c. Today Part D: What linking technique does the writer use at the beginning of the fourth paragraph in the reordered sequence? a. He repeats key words or ideas from the thesis statement. b. He refers to a word or idea from the preceding paragraph. c. He uses a transitional sentence.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Instructions: The paragraphs of the following essay...

Question 15

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Soda may be one of America s favorite beverages, but many experts now believe that drinking soda is bad for our health. (2) Because soda is high in calories but offers no nutritional value, it contributes to weight gain and obesity. (3) The sugar and acid in soda can cause unhealthy tooth decay. (4) Even sugar-free drinks may cause health problems because, as some studies have indicated, artificial sweeteners may increase the risk for cancer and other diseases. (5) Other research has shown that drinking soda is harmful to bones. (6) The phosphorus in soda causes bones to lose calcium. (7) As a result, they weaken and break more easily. Which of the following is a transitional expression that indicates cause or effect?
A) Even
B) Other
C) As a result

Accepted Answer

"As a result" is a transitional expression that indicates cause and effect, connecting the weakening of bones with the consumption of soda.

Question 16

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Houseguests can be classified according to their level of self-sufficiency as independent, semidependent, or completely dependent. (2) Independent guests make an effort to fit their routines to yours; they make their own beds, cook breakfast if they get up early, and know how to entertain themselves if you have other things to do. (3) These usually are the guests you want to invite back. (4) Semidependent guests demand more of your attention and companionship; they may want to be driven around town or may urge you to play pool with them even though you hate pool or have a term paper due. (5) Still, the guests in this category may have charming qualities that make their visit worthwhile. (6) Most infuriating are the helplessly dependent guests, who enter your house as if it were a hospital or spa, expecting to be taken care of. (7) My friend George, for example, sprawls on a chair, his feet on my coffee table, complaining about his love life while I cook dinner, set the table, and change the CDs. (8) After two days of waiting on George while I try to solve his problems, I m exhausted. (9) As these categories show, houseguests are a mixed blessing some more mixed than others. How many categories are there?
A) two
B) three
C) four

Accepted Answer

The paragraph states that houseguests can be classified into three categories: independent, semidependent, and completely dependent. The paragraph states that houseguests can be classified into three categories: independent, semidependent, and completely dependent. Therefore, the best choice is B, three.

Question 17

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Houseguests can be classified according to their level of self-sufficiency as independent, semidependent, or completely dependent. (2) Independent guests make an effort to fit their routines to yours; they make their own beds, cook breakfast if they get up early, and know how to entertain themselves if you have other things to do. (3) These usually are the guests you want to invite back. (4) Semidependent guests demand more of your attention and companionship; they may want to be driven around town or may urge you to play pool with them even though you hate pool or have a term paper due. (5) Still, the guests in this category may have charming qualities that make their visit worthwhile. (6) Most infuriating are the helplessly dependent guests, who enter your house as if it were a hospital or spa, expecting to be taken care of. (7) My friend George, for example, sprawls on a chair, his feet on my coffee table, complaining about his love life while I cook dinner, set the table, and change the CDs. (8) After two days of waiting on George while I try to solve his problems, I m exhausted. (9) As these categories show, houseguests are a mixed blessing some more mixed than others. On what basis does the writer classify houseguests?
A) level of self-sufficiency
B) length of stay
C) reason for visit

Accepted Answer

The writer classifies houseguests according to their level of self-sufficiency, specifically as independent, semidependent, or completely dependent. The writer classifies houseguests according to their level of self-sufficiency, specifically as independent, semidependent, or completely dependent.

Question 18

Instructions: For each of the following statements, select the answer that correctly identifies the cause and effect. Much of today s hip hop music is fresh and interesting. As a result, it has increased in popularity.
A) Cause: Hip hop music s popularity has increased Effect: Hip hop music is fresh and interesting
B) Cause: Hip hop music is fresh and interesting Effect: Hip hop music s popularity has increased

Accepted Answer

The statement presents the cause as hip hop music being fresh and interesting, and the effect as its increased popularity. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Question 19

Instructions: For each of the following statements, select the answer that correctly identifies the cause and effect. Many people are going under the knife for cosmetic surgery because American culture glorifies youth and makes it difficult for people to handle aging.
A) Cause: American culture glorifies youth and makes it difficult for people to handle aging Effect: Many people are going under the knife for cosmetic surgery
B) Cause: Many people are going under the knife for cosmetic surgery Effect: American culture glorifies youth and makes it difficult for people to handle aging

Accepted Answer

The statement presents a clear cause (American culture glorifying youth and making aging difficult to handle) and effect (many people opting for cosmetic surgery). Therefore, option A correctly identifies the cause and effect relationship given in the statement. Option B presents the cause (many people opting for cosmetic surgery) as the effect and the effect (American culture glorifying youth and making aging difficult to handle) as the cause, which is not in line with the information presented in the statement.

Question 20

Instructions: Each of the following groups of things has been divided according to a single basis of classification. However, one item in each group does not belong; it does not fit that single basis of classification. Read each group of items carefully; then select the letter of the one item that does not belong. Next, select the single basis of classification that includes the rest of the group. Part A: Apartments a. two-bedroom b. three-bedroom c. penthouse d. studio apartment Part B: Basis of classification: a. location in the building b. number of bedrooms c. cost of rent

Accepted Answer

The answer of Instructions: Each of the following groups of...

Quiz 1: Writing Effective Paragraphs

Instructions: For each of the following statements, select the answer that correctly identifies the cause and effect. Much of today s hip hop music is fresh and interesting. As a result, it has increased in popularity.

Instructions: For each of the following statements, select the answer that correctly identifies the cause and effect. Many people are going under the knife for cosmetic surgery because American culture glorifies youth and makes it difficult for people to handle aging.