RICAS Evidence-Based Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student writes: 'Many scientists believe climate change is real.' Which revision best supports this claim with evidence?
- According to a 2023 NASA report, 97% of actively publishing climate scientists agree that human-caused climate change is occurring. (Correct answer)
- A lot of people think climate change is happening and it is a big problem.
- Climate change is definitely real because we can see the effects everywhere.
- Some scientists have written papers about climate change being caused by humans.
Correct answer: According to a 2023 NASA report, 97% of actively publishing climate scientists agree that human-caused climate change is occurring.
Citing a specific, credible source with a precise statistic makes the claim far more persuasive and verifiable.
Question 2: Which sentence uses a transition that best shows a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore, the new policy reduced costs and improved efficiency.
- Although solar energy has high upfront costs, it saves money over the long term. (Correct answer)
- Similarly, wind power and solar power are renewable energy sources.
- In addition, electric cars produce fewer emissions than gas-powered vehicles.
Correct answer: Although solar energy has high upfront costs, it saves money over the long term.
'Although' signals a contrast between an initial disadvantage and a long-term benefit.
Question 3: Read the claim: 'Online learning is just as effective as in-person learning.' Which piece of evidence WEAKENS this claim?
- A university study found that online students scored 10% higher on standardized tests.
- Many students prefer the flexibility of studying from home.
- Research shows students in online courses have a 20% lower completion rate than those in traditional classrooms. (Correct answer)
- Online platforms allow access to courses not available locally.
Correct answer: Research shows students in online courses have a 20% lower completion rate than those in traditional classrooms.
A lower completion rate directly challenges the idea that online learning is equally effective.
Question 4: A paragraph argues that reading fiction builds empathy. Which concluding sentence best reinforces this argument?
- There are many different genres of fiction, including mysteries, romances, and science fiction.
- Some people prefer nonfiction because it contains true stories.
- Libraries offer a wide variety of books for all age groups.
- By inhabiting the lives of fictional characters, readers practice understanding perspectives unlike their own. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: By inhabiting the lives of fictional characters, readers practice understanding perspectives unlike their own.
This sentence directly links the act of reading fiction to the skill of perspective-taking, which is the basis of empathy.
Question 5: Which sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement?
- The committee has reached its final decision.
- Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared for the fire drill.
- Each of the contestants were given a separate room. (Correct answer)
- The news from the front lines was alarming.
Correct answer: Each of the contestants were given a separate room.
'Each' is singular and requires the singular verb 'was given,' not 'were given.'
Question 6: A student wants to add a sentence to improve the coherence of this paragraph about recycling. Which sentence fits best at the beginning?
- Many cities now require residents to sort their waste into separate bins. (Correct answer)
- Plastic bottles were invented in the 1940s.
- The color of a recycling bin varies by municipality.
- Some artists use recycled materials to create sculptures.
Correct answer: Many cities now require residents to sort their waste into separate bins.
Introducing mandatory sorting policies directly sets up a discussion of recycling practices and their community impact.
Question 7: Which of the following is the most precise and formal word to replace 'good' in an argumentative essay?
- nice
- okay
- beneficial (Correct answer)
- fine
Correct answer: beneficial
'Beneficial' is specific, formal, and conveys a clear positive effect, unlike vague synonyms.
RICAS Evidence-Based Writing 2
A student writes: 'Many scientists believe climate change is real.' Which revision best supports this claim with evidence?