STEP Writing Skills 3

Question 1

Which revision best improves this sentence? 'There are many factors that contribute to the success of a business.'

Accepted Answer

Many factors contribute to business success.

Answer

'Many factors contribute to business success' eliminates the weak 'There are' opening and the wordy 'that contribute to the success of a,' creating a more direct and concise sentence.

Question 2

Choose the most effective thesis statement for an essay about remote work:

Accepted Answer

While remote work offers significant flexibility, organizations must address challenges in communication, team cohesion, and performance evaluation to fully realize its benefits.

Answer

This thesis is effective because it takes a nuanced position, acknowledges benefits (flexibility), identifies specific challenges, and previews the essay's structure.

Question 3

Which transition word or phrase best connects these two sentences? 'The initial results were promising. _____, the long-term data revealed unexpected complications.'

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

'However' signals a contrast between the promising initial results and the unexpected complications found in long-term data.

Question 4

Which sentence demonstrates the best use of parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

The manager likes planning projects, organizing teams, and implementing strategies.

Answer

Parallel structure requires consistent grammatical forms in a series. 'Planning, organizing, and implementing' all use the same -ing (gerund) form.

Question 5

What is the primary problem with this paragraph opening? 'Pollution is bad. It harms the environment. We should stop polluting. Many people agree.'

Accepted Answer

The sentences are too short and simplistic, lacking development and sophistication

Answer

The sentences are grammatically correct but too short, simple, and undeveloped. Academic writing requires varied sentence length, specific details, and deeper analysis.

STEP Practice Test

STEP Practice Test

STEP Writing Skills 3