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

A thesis statement presents the main argument or central claim of an essay and tells the reader what the writer intends to prove or explain.

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

In a series of three or more items, commas are placed after each item, including an Oxford comma before the final conjunction.

Question 3

Which sentence is written in the active voice?

Accepted Answer

Maria read the book.

Answer

Active voice has the subject performing the action: Maria (subject) read (verb) the book (object).

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 must have a subject and predicate and express a complete thought; a fragment is missing one or more of these elements.

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

'Their' is possessive (their house), 'there' refers to a place (over there), and 'they're' is a contraction for 'they are.'

PSSA - Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Practice Test