ESOL Writing Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
- To provide specific examples and evidence
- To state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
- To summarize the previous paragraph
- To transition smoothly to the next paragraph
Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph
A topic sentence introduces and states the central idea that all other sentences in the paragraph will support.
Question 2: Which sentence would work best as a topic sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of exercise?
- Many people go to the gym on weekdays.
- Running shoes come in many different styles.
- Regular exercise improves both physical and mental health. (Correct answer)
- Some people prefer swimming while others prefer running.
Correct answer: Regular exercise improves both physical and mental health.
A strong topic sentence makes a clear, arguable claim that the paragraph's supporting details can develop.
Question 3: Which organizational pattern is best suited for writing about the steps in a process?
- Compare and contrast
- Cause and effect
- Chronological order (Correct answer)
- Problem and solution
Correct answer: Chronological order
Chronological order arranges information by time sequence, making it ideal for instructions or step-by-step processes.
Question 4: What does paragraph "unity" mean in writing?
- All sentences in the paragraph are about the same length.
- All sentences relate to and support the paragraph's topic sentence. (Correct answer)
- The paragraph contains exactly five sentences.
- The paragraph begins and ends with identical ideas.
Correct answer: All sentences relate to and support the paragraph's topic sentence.
Unity means every sentence in a paragraph directly connects to and supports the main idea stated in the topic sentence.
Question 5: Which sentence does NOT belong in a paragraph about air pollution in cities?
- Car exhaust releases harmful chemicals into the air.
- Factory smoke contributes to poor air quality.
- Many cities have parks where people can relax. (Correct answer)
- Littering makes urban streets look dirty and unsafe.
Correct answer: Many cities have parks where people can relax.
The sentence about parks does not relate to the topic of pollution, so it disrupts paragraph unity.
Question 6: What should a concluding sentence in a body paragraph do?
- Introduce a completely new idea for the next paragraph
- Copy the topic sentence word for word
- Restate the main idea and wrap up the supporting details (Correct answer)
- Ask the reader a question to think about
Correct answer: Restate the main idea and wrap up the supporting details
A concluding sentence reinforces the paragraph's main point and signals to the reader that the paragraph's discussion is complete.
Question 7: Which transition word best signals a CONTRAST between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- However (Correct answer)
- Therefore
Correct answer: However
"However" signals that the idea that follows contrasts with or qualifies what was previously stated.
ESOL Writing Skills 3
What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?