PSSA PSSA Writing and Grammar

Question 1

What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

Accepted Answer

To present the main argument or central claim of the essay

Answer

To introduce background information about the topic

Answer

To summarize the evidence used in the body paragraphs

Answer

To provide a definition of the essay's key terms

Question 2

What is the correct use of a comma in a series?

Accepted Answer

Commas are placed after each item in the series, including before the conjunction

Answer

Commas are only needed between the last two items

Answer

Commas are not needed if items are connected by 'and'

Answer

Only one comma is used, before the final item

Question 3

Which sentence is written in the active voice?

Accepted Answer

Maria read the book.

Answer

The book was read by Maria.

Answer

The homework was finished by the students.

Answer

The trophy was won by the team.

Question 4

What is the difference between a complete sentence and a sentence fragment?

Accepted Answer

A complete sentence has a subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought; a fragment is missing one of these

Answer

A complete sentence has a subject; a fragment has both subject and predicate

Answer

A complete sentence is longer; a fragment is shorter

Answer

A complete sentence ends with a period; a fragment ends with a comma

Question 5

When should you use 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're' correctly?

Accepted Answer

'Their' is possessive; 'there' shows location; 'they're' means 'they are'

Answer

They are all interchangeable

Answer

'Their' shows location; 'there' is possessive; 'they're' means 'they are'

Answer

'Their' means 'they are'; 'there' is possessive; 'they're' shows location

Question 6

What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph in an essay?

Accepted Answer

To restate the thesis and summarize key points, providing a sense of closure

Answer

To introduce a new argument not covered in the body

Answer

To list all the sources used in the essay

Answer

To begin with a transition word and present more evidence