CTBS Writing and Composition 2

Question 1

Which sentence contains a clear main idea supported by specific evidence?

Accepted Answer

Dogs make excellent pets because they are loyal, trainable, and provide companionship.

Answer

Dogs are better than cats because of many reasons.

Answer

Some animals make good pets.

Answer

Pets can be a lot of work for their owners sometimes.

Question 2

A student writes: 'My favorite food is pizza. Pizza is round. I eat pizza on Fridays.' What is the biggest weakness of this paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The sentences do not develop or support a central idea.

Answer

The sentences are too long and complex.

Answer

The paragraph lacks a clear topic sentence.

Answer

The paragraph has too many different ideas.

Question 3

Which revision corrects the run-on sentence: 'Maria finished her homework she went outside to play'?

Accepted Answer

Maria finished her homework, and she went outside to play.

Answer

Maria finished her homework. she went outside to play.

Answer

Maria finished, her homework she went outside to play.

Answer

Maria finished her homework she, went outside to play.

Question 4

What does it mean to 'revise' a piece of writing?

Accepted Answer

To improve the content, organization, and clarity of the writing

Answer

To check for spelling and punctuation errors only

Answer

To recopy the draft neatly without making changes

Answer

To choose a topic and brainstorm ideas

Question 5

Which of the following is the best example of descriptive writing?

Accepted Answer

The salty breeze carried the sound of crashing waves across the warm, golden sand.

Answer

You should always wear sunscreen when you go to the beach.

Answer

The history of the beach as a vacation destination spans centuries.

Answer

Last summer I went to the beach and had fun.

Question 6

A student wants to write a narrative about a memorable event. Which element is MOST important to include?

Accepted Answer

A sequence of events told from a specific point of view

Answer

Statistics and data supporting the event's importance

Answer

Arguments for why the reader should agree with the writer

Answer

A definition of all unfamiliar vocabulary words

Question 7

Which word in this sentence is an example of figurative language? 'The wind whispered secrets through the trees.'

Accepted Answer

whispered

Answer

trees

Answer

through

Answer

wind