NBT Writing Skills & Essay Composition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the strongest thesis statement for an essay about climate change?
- Climate change is a big problem.
- This essay will discuss climate change.
- Governments must implement carbon taxes immediately because financial incentives are the most effective driver of industrial emissions reduction. (Correct answer)
- Some people think climate change is serious.
Correct answer: Governments must implement carbon taxes immediately because financial incentives are the most effective driver of industrial emissions reduction.
A strong thesis is specific, arguable, and signals the direction of the essay. Option C makes a clear, debatable claim and states the reasoning ("because..."), meeting all criteria for an effective thesis.
Question 2: What is the primary function of a concluding paragraph in an academic essay?
- To introduce new arguments that were not covered in the body
- To restate the thesis and summarise key points without introducing new information (Correct answer)
- To provide a list of all sources used
- To address the counterargument in detail
Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarise key points without introducing new information
A conclusion restates the thesis (in different words), summarises the main arguments, and offers a final reflection or call to action. It should NOT introduce new information or arguments.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a transition phrase showing CONTRAST?
- Furthermore,
- In addition,
- Nevertheless, (Correct answer)
- For example,
Correct answer: Nevertheless,
"Nevertheless" signals that what follows contrasts with or qualifies what was just said. The other options show addition ("Furthermore," "In addition") or exemplification ("For example").
Question 4: In essay planning, what is the purpose of creating an outline?
- To write the first draft quickly without thinking
- To organise ideas logically before writing, ensuring a coherent structure (Correct answer)
- To identify all spelling errors
- To count the number of paragraphs needed
Correct answer: To organise ideas logically before writing, ensuring a coherent structure
An outline helps writers organise their main argument, sub-arguments, and evidence in a logical sequence before writing. It prevents disorganised or repetitive writing.
Question 5: A student writes: "The government should invest in renewable energy. Renewable energy is sustainable. Sustainability is important for the future." What writing problem does this exhibit?
- Incorrect grammar
- Circular reasoning — no new information is added between sentences (Correct answer)
- Overuse of transition words
- Too much evidence
Correct answer: Circular reasoning — no new information is added between sentences
The paragraph restates the same idea in different words without developing or supporting it with evidence. This is circular writing that lacks substance and does not advance the argument.
Question 6: Which of the following best demonstrates academic register (formal tone)?
- I totally think the government messed up.
- The government's response was, like, really bad.
- This analysis suggests that governmental policy failed to adequately address the crisis. (Correct answer)
- The government didn't do a good job at all.
Correct answer: This analysis suggests that governmental policy failed to adequately address the crisis.
Academic register requires formal vocabulary, objective language, and avoidance of colloquialisms. Option C uses formal language ("this analysis suggests," "adequately address") appropriate for academic writing.
NBT Writing Skills & Essay Composition 2
Which of the following is the strongest thesis statement for an essay about climate change?