CHSPE Essay Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence best serves as a thesis statement for a persuasive essay?
- Many people have different opinions about social media.
- Social media should be banned in schools because it distracts students and reduces academic performance. (Correct answer)
- Social media was invented in the early 2000s and has grown rapidly.
- I will discuss the pros and cons of social media in this essay.
Correct answer: Social media should be banned in schools because it distracts students and reduces academic performance.
A strong thesis takes a clear, arguable position and previews the reasons that will be developed.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
- To provide a statistic that supports the essay's argument.
- To transition smoothly from the previous paragraph.
- To introduce and control the main idea of that paragraph. (Correct answer)
- To restate the thesis in different words.
Correct answer: To introduce and control the main idea of that paragraph.
A topic sentence states the single controlling idea that every sentence in its paragraph must support.
Question 3: A student writes: 'The new school schedule is bad. It is really very bad for students.' What is the main weakness?
- The sentences are too long and complex.
- The claim lacks specific supporting evidence or reasons. (Correct answer)
- The paragraph has no topic sentence.
- The student uses passive voice incorrectly.
Correct answer: The claim lacks specific supporting evidence or reasons.
Repeating the claim without evidence or reasons leaves the reader with no reason to accept the argument.
Question 4: Which transition best signals a contrasting idea?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- However (Correct answer)
- Therefore
Correct answer: However
'However' introduces a contrast or exception to the point just made.
Question 5: In the CHSPE essay, which type of evidence most strengthens an argument about public health?
- A personal anecdote from the writer's own experience.
- A statistic from a credible health organization. (Correct answer)
- An opinion shared by the writer's friends.
- A rhetorical question directed at the reader.
Correct answer: A statistic from a credible health organization.
Verifiable data from credible sources provides objective support that readers are most likely to find convincing.
Question 6: What does 'audience awareness' mean in essay writing?
- Knowing how many people will read your essay.
- Adjusting your tone, vocabulary, and examples to suit your intended readers. (Correct answer)
- Including a section that directly addresses reader objections.
- Writing about topics that are popular with young people.
Correct answer: Adjusting your tone, vocabulary, and examples to suit your intended readers.
Audience awareness means tailoring language, tone, and content so the writing is accessible and persuasive to specific readers.
Question 7: Which revision most improves the vague sentence 'People do things that hurt the environment'?
- Many human actions harm the environment in various ways.
- Consumers who drive gasoline-powered cars release carbon dioxide that accelerates climate change. (Correct answer)
- The environment is hurt by people who are not careful.
- Lots of harmful things happen to our planet every day.
Correct answer: Consumers who drive gasoline-powered cars release carbon dioxide that accelerates climate change.
Replacing vague nouns and verbs with specific details makes writing clearer and more persuasive.
CHSPE Essay Writing 2
Which sentence best serves as a thesis statement for a persuasive essay?