CAEC Extended Response and Informational Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an example of a topic sentence for a body paragraph about public transportation?
- Many cities exist around the world.
- Public transportation reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions. (Correct answer)
- I like taking the bus.
- Transportation is important.
Correct answer: Public transportation reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions.
A strong topic sentence makes a specific, arguable claim that the paragraph will then develop with evidence.
Question 2: On the CAEC Extended Response section, test-takers are primarily evaluated on which of the following?
- Handwriting clarity and neatness
- The ability to develop and support a clear, organized argument (Correct answer)
- The number of vocabulary words used
- How quickly the response is written
Correct answer: The ability to develop and support a clear, organized argument
CAEC scoring focuses on the quality of argument development, organization, and use of evidence rather than surface features like speed or handwriting.
Question 3: Which sentence uses the most formal tone appropriate for an extended response?
- This stuff about climate change is a big deal.
- Climate change is, like, really affecting everyone.
- Climate change poses significant environmental and economic challenges worldwide. (Correct answer)
- Climate change — wow, it's serious!
Correct answer: Climate change poses significant environmental and economic challenges worldwide.
Formal academic writing avoids slang, colloquialisms, and exclamatory language, using precise and professional vocabulary instead.
Question 4: What does 'coherence' mean in the context of extended response writing?
- The essay is very long and detailed
- Ideas flow logically and are clearly connected throughout the essay (Correct answer)
- Every sentence contains a transition word
- The essay uses only simple sentences
Correct answer: Ideas flow logically and are clearly connected throughout the essay
Coherence refers to how smoothly and logically ideas connect, allowing the reader to follow the writer's reasoning without confusion.
Question 5: A CAEC test-taker writes: 'The government should invest in renewable energy. Coal is a fossil fuel. Many people work in factories.' What is the main writing problem here?
- The sentences are too long
- The ideas are not connected or developed around a central point (Correct answer)
- Too many examples are given
- The vocabulary is too advanced
Correct answer: The ideas are not connected or developed around a central point
These sentences list unrelated facts without connecting them to a clear main idea or argument, resulting in poor development and organization.
Question 6: Which revision best improves the vague sentence: 'Technology has changed things a lot'?
- Technology is very important in today's world.
- Digital technology has transformed communication, making information instantly accessible worldwide. (Correct answer)
- Technology changed a lot of things for people everywhere.
- Things have changed because of technology.
Correct answer: Digital technology has transformed communication, making information instantly accessible worldwide.
The revised sentence specifies the type of technology, the area of impact, and the nature of the change, making it precise and informative.
CAEC Extended Response and Informational Writing 2
Which of the following is an example of a topic sentence for a body paragraph about public transportation?