Regents English Writing Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When citing a source in a Regents essay, a student should:
- never mention where evidence came from
- use the text number or title to identify which passage the evidence is from (Correct answer)
- only cite sources at the end of the essay
- make up quotes if the exact wording is forgotten
Correct answer: use the text number or title to identify which passage the evidence is from
On the Regents exam, students identify evidence by referencing the text number or title so evaluators know where the evidence originates.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a body paragraph in an essay?
- To introduce the topic for the first time
- To present one main idea with supporting evidence and analysis (Correct answer)
- To restate the conclusion of the essay
- To list all the sources used
Correct answer: To present one main idea with supporting evidence and analysis
Each body paragraph develops one key point with evidence and explanation that supports the essay's overall thesis.
Question 3: Elaboration in a body paragraph means:
- copying a quote from the text without any explanation
- explaining and analyzing how the evidence supports the claim (Correct answer)
- starting every sentence with the same transition word
- writing as many sentences as possible regardless of relevance
Correct answer: explaining and analyzing how the evidence supports the claim
Elaboration requires the writer to explain the significance of evidence and connect it explicitly to the paragraph's claim and overall thesis.
Question 4: Which type of evidence is typically considered most credible in an argument essay?
- Personal opinions and feelings
- Statistics, expert quotes, and documented facts (Correct answer)
- Rumors and hearsay
- Fictional examples from novels
Correct answer: Statistics, expert quotes, and documented facts
Credible evidence includes measurable data, expert testimony, and verified facts that can be checked and confirmed.
Question 5: Counterargument in an essay is used to:
- abandon the writer's original thesis
- acknowledge and then refute an opposing viewpoint to strengthen the argument (Correct answer)
- list facts that contradict the essay entirely
- replace the conclusion with a different opinion
Correct answer: acknowledge and then refute an opposing viewpoint to strengthen the argument
Addressing a counterargument demonstrates awareness of opposing views and strengthens the writer's position by showing why the opposition is flawed.
Question 6: Which writing strategy helps maintain consistency in an essay?
- Switching between first and third person in each paragraph
- Maintaining a consistent point of view and verb tense throughout (Correct answer)
- Starting each paragraph with a different font style
- Using a different thesis in each body paragraph
Correct answer: Maintaining a consistent point of view and verb tense throughout
Consistent point of view and verb tense prevent confusion and create a professional, unified piece of writing.
Regents English Writing Skills 2
When citing a source in a Regents essay, a student should: