SSAT SSAT Practice Test (Writing Sample) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which transition word best shows contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- However (Correct answer)
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
However is a transitional word used to introduce a contrasting idea or exception.
Question 2: What should each body paragraph in a well-structured essay begin with?
- A quote
- A topic sentence (Correct answer)
- A question
- A statistic
Correct answer: A topic sentence
A topic sentence introduces the main point of each body paragraph and supports the thesis.
Question 3: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
- The students was excited.
- The team are playing well.
- The dog runs fast. (Correct answer)
- Each of the boys were ready.
Correct answer: The dog runs fast.
'The dog runs fast' correctly matches the singular subject 'dog' with the singular verb 'runs.'
Question 4: What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph in an essay?
- To introduce new evidence
- To restate the thesis and summarize the main points (Correct answer)
- To ask new questions
- To list sources
Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarize the main points
The conclusion restates the thesis and ties together the main supporting points made in the essay.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a specific, vivid detail?
- The dog was big.
- The car was nice.
- The ancient oak tree stood sixty feet tall and shaded the entire yard. (Correct answer)
- The food was good.
Correct answer: The ancient oak tree stood sixty feet tall and shaded the entire yard.
Specific, vivid details include precise measurements and descriptive language that paint a clear picture.
Question 6: In an SSAT essay, which approach should you avoid?
- Supporting your argument with examples
- Using transitional phrases
- Writing off-topic and ignoring the prompt (Correct answer)
- Organizing your essay with clear paragraphs
Correct answer: Writing off-topic and ignoring the prompt
Straying off-topic fails to address the prompt and weakens the essay's focus and score.
SSAT SSAT Practice Test (Writing Sample) 2
Which transition word best shows contrast between two ideas?