Core Academic Skills Assessment Writing: Text Types and Purposes 3

Question 1

Which revision BEST strengthens the following claim: 'Social media is bad for teens.'?

Accepted Answer

Excessive social media use has been linked to increased anxiety and depression in adolescents.

Answer

The strongest claim is specific, qualified, and supported by evidence rather than vague or circular.

Question 2

In argumentative writing, a counterargument is included primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge opposing views and refute them to strengthen the argument

Answer

Addressing counterarguments shows the writer has considered multiple perspectives and reinforces the credibility of the original claim.

Question 3

Which transition word BEST signals a cause-and-effect relationship?

Accepted Answer

Consequently

Answer

'Consequently' indicates that one event results from another, making it the clearest cause-and-effect transition.

Question 4

A personal narrative essay differs from an autobiography primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Focuses on a single meaningful event or experience

Answer

Personal narratives zoom in on one specific experience and its significance, while autobiographies span a broader timeline.

Question 5

Which element is ESSENTIAL in a well-written argumentative essay but NOT in a descriptive essay?

Accepted Answer

Evidence and reasoning to support a position

Answer

Argumentative essays require logical evidence and reasoning to defend a debatable claim; descriptive essays focus on portraying a subject vividly.

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test