PARCC Writing Practice Questions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A well-organized essay introduction should typically include:
- The conclusion's exact wording
- A hook, context, and a thesis statement (Correct answer)
- Only a list of body paragraph topics
- A single unrelated quotation
Correct answer: A hook, context, and a thesis statement
An effective introduction engages the reader, provides context, and states the thesis.
Question 2: Which word choice is most precise for a formal, informative essay?
- The results were kind of good.
- The results were significantly positive. (Correct answer)
- The results were okay I guess.
- The results were super awesome.
Correct answer: The results were significantly positive.
Formal writing uses precise, objective language rather than vague or casual phrasing.
Question 3: What is the main purpose of a counterclaim in an argumentative essay?
- To confuse the reader
- To acknowledge an opposing view and then refute it (Correct answer)
- To repeat the thesis
- To end the essay abruptly
Correct answer: To acknowledge an opposing view and then refute it
Addressing a counterclaim shows the writer considered other views and strengthens the argument.
Question 4: Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
- The team of players are ready.
- The team of players is ready. (Correct answer)
- The team of players were ready now.
- The team of players be ready.
Correct answer: The team of players is ready.
'Team' is a singular collective noun, so it takes the singular verb 'is'.
Question 5: Which sentence best demonstrates an effective conclusion strategy?
- In conclusion, this is the end of my essay.
- These findings show why conservation efforts deserve our continued support. (Correct answer)
- I already said everything before.
- The first reason was about water.
Correct answer: These findings show why conservation efforts deserve our continued support.
A strong conclusion reinforces the main point and leaves the reader with significance.
Question 6: In a narrative, dialogue should be punctuated so that:
- Quotation marks surround the spoken words and a comma separates the tag (Correct answer)
- No punctuation is needed at all
- Each word gets its own quotation mark
- Periods replace all quotation marks
Correct answer: Quotation marks surround the spoken words and a comma separates the tag
Spoken words go inside quotation marks, with commas separating them from dialogue tags.
Question 7: Which choice corrects the faulty pronoun reference: 'When Maria met Lena, she was nervous'?
- When Maria met Lena, they was nervous.
- When Maria met Lena, Maria was nervous. (Correct answer)
- When Maria met Lena, she nervous.
- When Maria met Lena, them was nervous.
Correct answer: When Maria met Lena, Maria was nervous.
Replacing the ambiguous 'she' with 'Maria' clarifies who was nervous.
PARCC Writing Practice Questions 3
A well-organized essay introduction should typically include: