CAASPP Writing 2

Question 1

A student writes: 'The experiment was conducted by the scientists carefully.' Which revision best improves this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The scientists carefully conducted the experiment.

Answer

Active voice (subject performs the action) is clearer and more direct than passive voice.

Question 2

Which transition word best connects these sentences: 'Maria studied for hours. _____, she felt confident on test day.'

Accepted Answer

Therefore

Answer

'Therefore' signals a logical cause-and-effect relationship between studying and feeling confident.

Question 3

In an argumentative essay, which type of evidence is MOST effective for supporting a claim?

Accepted Answer

Statistics and data from credible research studies

Answer

Statistics and data from credible sources provide objective, verifiable support for argumentative claims.

Question 4

A student's essay has this thesis: 'Dogs make good pets.' What is the MAIN weakness of this thesis?

Accepted Answer

It makes a claim that is too obvious and not arguable.

Answer

An effective thesis makes a specific, debatable claim; 'dogs make good pets' is too vague and widely accepted to argue.

Question 5

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

Covered in mud, the boy's shoes were left outside.

Answer

In that sentence, 'covered in mud' incorrectly modifies 'shoes' when the intended meaning is unclear—the boy was covered in mud.

CAASPP - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Practice Test