PAPA Essay Writing & Composition 2

Question 1

A student writes: 'The policy has many effects on people and society and things.' Which revision best improves sentence precision?

Accepted Answer

The policy affects people, communities, and economic outcomes.

Answer

Replacing vague words like 'effects' and 'things' with specific nouns (communities, economic outcomes) makes the sentence more precise and credible.

Question 2

Which transitional phrase best signals a concession before a counterargument?

Accepted Answer

Admittedly, critics argue that...

Answer

'Admittedly' signals the writer acknowledges an opposing point before refuting it, which is the defining function of a concession.

Question 3

An essay prompt asks you to 'analyze the causes' of a historical event. Which thesis statement best responds to this prompt?

Accepted Answer

The Great Depression resulted from bank failures, agricultural collapse, and flawed federal policy.

Answer

This thesis directly identifies three specific causes, directly answering an 'analyze causes' prompt with a clear, arguable claim.

Question 4

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Having finished the report, the deadline was met with ease.

Answer

In 'Having finished the report,' the subject doing the finishing is missing — the deadline cannot finish a report, making this a dangling modifier.

Question 5

In argumentation, what is the primary function of a rebuttal paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge an opposing view and then explain why the writer's position is still stronger

Answer

A rebuttal acknowledges the counterargument and then refutes it, demonstrating the writer's awareness of complexity and strengthening their position.

(PAPA) Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment Practice Test