GLA GLA Writing Skills and Composition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the key elements of a strong introductory paragraph in a GLA essay?
- A list of all evidence used in the essay
- An engaging opening, brief context for the topic, and a clear thesis statement (Correct answer)
- A detailed summary of the source text provided
- A personal story followed by an opinion
Correct answer: An engaging opening, brief context for the topic, and a clear thesis statement
A strong introduction hooks the reader, provides necessary context, and ends with a thesis that states the essay's central argument.
Question 2: How do topic sentences function within body paragraphs in GLA writing?
- They conclude the paragraph's argument
- They state the specific point the paragraph will prove and connect it to the thesis (Correct answer)
- They introduce background information from outside the text
- They summarize all previous paragraphs
Correct answer: They state the specific point the paragraph will prove and connect it to the thesis
Topic sentences serve as the controlling idea of a body paragraph, telling readers what claim the paragraph will support and tying it to the overall argument.
Question 3: What is the purpose of including a counterargument in a GLA persuasive or argumentative essay?
- To weaken the writer's own position
- To acknowledge an opposing view and then refute it, which strengthens the overall argument (Correct answer)
- To add length to the essay without adding new evidence
- To confuse the reader about the writer's stance
Correct answer: To acknowledge an opposing view and then refute it, which strengthens the overall argument
Addressing a counterargument and explaining why it is less convincing than your own position demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens the essay's persuasiveness.
Question 4: Which grammatical error is most frequently penalized in GLA writing assessments?
- Using too many commas in a list
- Run-on sentences and comma splices that result from incorrectly joining independent clauses (Correct answer)
- Starting a sentence with 'And' or 'But'
- Using the passive voice occasionally
Correct answer: Run-on sentences and comma splices that result from incorrectly joining independent clauses
Run-on sentences and comma splices indicate a misunderstanding of sentence boundaries and are among the most penalized errors in standardized writing assessments.
Question 5: What does 'sentence variety' contribute to the quality of a GLA writing response?
- It increases word count without adding meaning
- It improves readability and demonstrates command of language by mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences (Correct answer)
- It confuses the evaluator with unexpected structure changes
- It is penalized because it disrupts the flow of writing
Correct answer: It improves readability and demonstrates command of language by mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences
Varying sentence length and structure prevents monotony, maintains reader engagement, and signals mature writing ability to GLA evaluators.
Question 6: How should students best allocate their time during the GLA writing portion of the assessment?
- Spend all available time drafting without planning or reviewing
- Divide time among planning/outlining, drafting, and revising/editing to produce a complete, polished response (Correct answer)
- Skip the planning phase to leave more time for writing
- Use all available time only on the introduction
Correct answer: Divide time among planning/outlining, drafting, and revising/editing to produce a complete, polished response
Effective time management on timed writing tasks involves brief planning to organize ideas, focused drafting, and time reserved for revision and editing.
GLA GLA Writing Skills and Composition 3
What are the key elements of a strong introductory paragraph in a GLA essay?