CLAST Essay Writing and Composition

Question 1

On the CLAST essay section, what is the PRIMARY purpose of a thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

To state the main argument or claim the essay will support

Answer

A thesis statement presents the central claim or argument that the body of the essay develops and supports.

Question 2

Which essay structure does the CLAST essay section primarily assess?

Accepted Answer

Five-paragraph expository or argumentative essay

Answer

The CLAST assesses organized, academic writing typically structured as an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Question 3

A topic sentence in a body paragraph should:

Accepted Answer

State the main point of that paragraph and relate to the thesis

Answer

Each topic sentence announces the specific focus of its paragraph and connects that focus to the overall thesis.

Question 4

When writing a CLAST essay, which type of evidence is MOST effective for supporting an argument?

Accepted Answer

Specific facts, statistics, or concrete examples

Answer

Specific, verifiable evidence — facts, statistics, concrete examples — provides the strongest support for an argument.

Question 5

What is the function of the concluding paragraph in a CLAST essay?

Accepted Answer

Restate the thesis and summarize key points

Answer

A conclusion restates the thesis in new words and summarizes the essay's key supporting points.

CLAST - College Level Academic Skills Test Practice Test