CLAST Essay Writing and Composition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which revision BEST strengthens this weak thesis: 'Social media has effects on teenagers.'?
- Social media is very popular with teenagers today.
- Excessive social media use negatively affects teenagers' mental health and academic performance. (Correct answer)
- Teenagers use social media a lot.
- This essay will discuss social media and teenagers.
Correct answer: Excessive social media use negatively affects teenagers' mental health and academic performance.
Option B makes a specific, arguable claim with clear direction, unlike the vague original.
Question 2: What does 'coherence' mean in the context of CLAST essay writing?
- Using many complex vocabulary words
- Using ideas that flow logically and are clearly connected (Correct answer)
- Writing lengthy paragraphs
- Avoiding all use of transitional phrases
Correct answer: Using ideas that flow logically and are clearly connected
Coherence refers to the logical flow and clear connection of ideas throughout an essay.
Question 3: A CLAST essay prompt says 'Take a position on whether community service should be required in high school.' This is asking you to write:
- A descriptive essay
- A narrative essay about personal experience
- An argumentative essay with a clear position (Correct answer)
- A compare-and-contrast essay
Correct answer: An argumentative essay with a clear position
Prompts asking you to 'take a position' call for argumentative writing with a clear stance supported by reasons.
Question 4: Which transition word BEST connects a paragraph that contrasts with the previous paragraph?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- However (Correct answer)
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
'However' signals contrast, making it appropriate to introduce an opposing or contrasting idea.
Question 5: In essay scoring, 'unity' refers to:
- Using only one source
- All sentences and paragraphs supporting the thesis (Correct answer)
- Writing only one body paragraph
- Avoiding the use of pronouns
Correct answer: All sentences and paragraphs supporting the thesis
Unity means every sentence and paragraph relates directly to and supports the essay's central thesis.
Question 6: Which approach is MOST appropriate when beginning a CLAST essay introduction?
- State 'In this essay I will...' immediately
- Use a broad, engaging hook followed by narrowing context and a thesis (Correct answer)
- Begin directly with the thesis statement as the first sentence
- Apologize for any possible errors in the essay
Correct answer: Use a broad, engaging hook followed by narrowing context and a thesis
An effective introduction uses a hook to engage readers, provides context, and ends with the thesis.
CLAST Essay Writing and Composition 2
Which revision BEST strengthens this weak thesis: 'Social media has effects on teenagers.'?