PAT PAT Writing Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence best represents a strong topic sentence for a paragraph about recycling?
- Recycling is a very important thing that people do.
- Recycling reduces waste and conserves natural resources for future generations. (Correct answer)
- Many people recycle cans, bottles, and paper.
- Recycling centers are located in many cities.
Correct answer: Recycling reduces waste and conserves natural resources for future generations.
A strong topic sentence states the main idea clearly and includes supporting detail, as option B does.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a concluding sentence in a paragraph?
- To introduce a new idea for the reader to think about
- To list all the facts mentioned in the paragraph
- To restate the main idea and wrap up the paragraph (Correct answer)
- To ask the reader a question
Correct answer: To restate the main idea and wrap up the paragraph
A concluding sentence restates the main idea and signals that the paragraph is ending.
Question 3: Which revision best corrects the awkward sentence: 'The dog the bone buried in the yard'?
- The bone the dog buried in the yard.
- The dog buried the bone in the yard. (Correct answer)
- In the yard the bone buried the dog.
- Buried the dog the bone in the yard.
Correct answer: The dog buried the bone in the yard.
A clear sentence requires the subject (dog) to come before the verb (buried) followed by the object (bone).
Question 4: In the writing process, which step comes AFTER brainstorming?
- Publishing
- Revising
- Drafting (Correct answer)
- Editing
Correct answer: Drafting
The writing process order is: prewriting/brainstorming → drafting → revising → editing → publishing.
Question 5: Which type of writing aims to convince the reader to agree with a point of view?
- Narrative writing
- Descriptive writing
- Persuasive writing (Correct answer)
- Expository writing
Correct answer: Persuasive writing
Persuasive writing uses arguments and evidence to convince the reader to adopt the writer's position.
Question 6: A student wants to add supporting details to this sentence: 'Exercise is good for you.' Which detail best supports this claim?
- Many people enjoy playing sports.
- Exercise can be done outdoors or indoors.
- Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves mood. (Correct answer)
- Some exercises require special equipment.
Correct answer: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves mood.
The best supporting detail directly explains why the claim (exercise is good for you) is true.
Which sentence best represents a strong topic sentence for a paragraph about recycling?