AASA Writing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence is an example of a strong topic sentence for an informational paragraph about recycling?
- Recycling is something people do.
- Recycling reduces waste and helps protect the environment. (Correct answer)
- I like to recycle cans and bottles.
- There are many things you can recycle.
Correct answer: Recycling reduces waste and helps protect the environment.
A strong topic sentence states the main idea clearly and specifically, which option B does by identifying both the action (reduces waste) and its benefit.
Question 2: A student writes: 'The dog ran fast. The dog jumped over the fence. The dog barked loudly.' What is the BEST revision?
- The fast dog ran and jumped and barked.
- The dog ran fast, jumped over the fence, and barked loudly. (Correct answer)
- Running fast, the dog. Jumping the fence. Barking.
- The dog was fast and it jumped and it barked.
Correct answer: The dog ran fast, jumped over the fence, and barked loudly.
Combining the three short, choppy sentences into one compound sentence using commas and a conjunction improves flow and readability.
Question 3: Which transition word BEST connects two contrasting ideas in an argumentative essay?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- However (Correct answer)
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a contrast or opposing idea, making it the correct transition for connecting two contrasting points.
Question 4: In a narrative essay, what is the purpose of the climax?
- To introduce the main characters and setting
- To provide background information about the conflict
- To reach the highest point of tension or turning point in the story (Correct answer)
- To wrap up the story and resolve all problems
Correct answer: To reach the highest point of tension or turning point in the story
The climax is the moment of greatest tension or the turning point in a narrative, after which the conflict begins to resolve.
Question 5: Which revision BEST improves the vague sentence: 'She went to the store and got some stuff.'?
- She went to the grocery store and purchased milk, bread, and eggs. (Correct answer)
- She went to the store and got a lot of stuff for dinner.
- Going to the store, she got stuff.
- She got stuff from the store that she needed.
Correct answer: She went to the grocery store and purchased milk, bread, and eggs.
Replacing vague words like 'went,' 'got,' and 'stuff' with specific details (grocery store, purchased, milk/bread/eggs) makes the writing clear and precise.
Question 6: What is the MAIN purpose of a concluding paragraph in an informational essay?
- To introduce new evidence that supports a different viewpoint
- To restate the thesis and summarize the main points (Correct answer)
- To ask the reader questions about the topic
- To define all the key vocabulary used in the essay
Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarize the main points
A concluding paragraph restates the thesis in new words and summarizes the main supporting points to reinforce the essay's message.
Question 7: Which sentence uses the MOST precise and descriptive language?
- The weather was bad and made people feel cold.
- It was very cold outside and windy.
- The bitter wind sliced through the air, dropping temperatures to 15 degrees. (Correct answer)
- Outside it was cold and there was a lot of wind blowing.
Correct answer: The bitter wind sliced through the air, dropping temperatures to 15 degrees.
Option C uses precise sensory details ('bitter wind,' 'sliced,' '15 degrees') that paint a vivid picture, which is the hallmark of strong descriptive writing.
AASA Writing 1
Which sentence is an example of a strong topic sentence for an informational paragraph about recycling?