Regents English Writing Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the Regents ELA exam, the argument essay requires students to:
- write a personal story about a memorable event
- develop a claim supported by evidence from provided texts (Correct answer)
- summarize all three texts without taking a position
- write a poem using literary devices
Correct answer: develop a claim supported by evidence from provided texts
The Regents argument task asks students to state a clear claim and support it with evidence drawn from the provided source texts.
Question 2: Which part of an essay introduces the topic and states the writer's main argument?
- Body paragraph
- Conclusion
- Introduction (Correct answer)
- Transition
Correct answer: Introduction
The introduction provides context for the topic and ends with a thesis statement that announces the essay's central argument.
Question 3: A thesis statement should:
- ask a question without providing an answer
- state the writer's main claim or argument in a clear, specific sentence (Correct answer)
- list every piece of evidence used in the essay
- summarize what other people think about the topic
Correct answer: state the writer's main claim or argument in a clear, specific sentence
A thesis statement presents the writer's position or central argument that the rest of the essay will develop and support.
Question 4: Which sentence is the best example of a strong thesis statement for a Regents argument essay?
- Climate change is a topic that many people discuss.
- There are pros and cons to renewable energy.
- Investing in renewable energy is essential to combating climate change and protecting public health. (Correct answer)
- This essay will discuss renewable energy.
Correct answer: Investing in renewable energy is essential to combating climate change and protecting public health.
A strong thesis makes a specific, arguable claim rather than stating a fact or announcing the essay's structure.
Question 5: Transitions between paragraphs in an essay serve to:
- introduce an entirely new topic unrelated to the essay
- create smooth connections between ideas and guide the reader through the argument (Correct answer)
- repeat the thesis word for word
- end the essay abruptly
Correct answer: create smooth connections between ideas and guide the reader through the argument
Transitions link paragraphs by showing the logical relationship between ideas, improving the essay's flow and coherence.
Question 6: The concluding paragraph of an essay should:
- introduce new evidence and arguments not discussed earlier
- restate the thesis in the same exact words used in the introduction
- synthesize the main points and reinforce the essay's overall argument (Correct answer)
- begin with 'In conclusion' as the only requirement
Correct answer: synthesize the main points and reinforce the essay's overall argument
A strong conclusion brings together the essay's key points and reinforces the thesis without introducing entirely new material.
Regents English Writing Skills 1
In the Regents ELA exam, the argument essay requires students to: