RICAS Evidence-Based Writing 2

Question 1

A student writes: 'Many scientists believe climate change is real.' Which revision best supports this claim with evidence?

Accepted Answer

According to a 2023 NASA report, 97% of actively publishing climate scientists agree that human-caused climate change is occurring.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Although solar energy has high upfront costs, it saves money over the long term.

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Research shows students in online courses have a 20% lower completion rate than those in traditional classrooms.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

By inhabiting the lives of fictional characters, readers practice understanding perspectives unlike their own.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Each of the contestants were given a separate room.

Answer

'Each' is singular and requires the singular verb 'was given,' not 'were given.'

(RICAS) Rhode Island State Practice Test