State Test Practice Writing & Composition

Question 1

Which of the following is the best example of a strong thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory recycling programs in public schools would reduce waste, teach environmental responsibility, and benefit local communities.

Answer

My essay is about recycling.

Answer

This essay will discuss some things about recycling.

Answer

Recycling is good for the environment.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a transition word or phrase in an essay?

Accepted Answer

To connect ideas smoothly and show relationships between sentences and paragraphs

Answer

To introduce the main argument

Answer

To provide evidence for a claim

Answer

To restate the thesis

Question 3

Which sentence uses an active voice?

Accepted Answer

The student completed the homework.

Answer

The homework was completed by the student.

Answer

The ball was kicked by the player.

Answer

The paper was written by the teacher.

Question 4

What is plagiarism?

Accepted Answer

Using someone else's ideas or words without giving them credit

Answer

Citing sources in your essay

Answer

Paraphrasing a source correctly

Answer

Quoting a source with quotation marks

Question 5

What is the correct way to write a direct quotation in an essay?

Accepted Answer

Write the exact words inside quotation marks and cite the source

Answer

Paraphrase the quote without any punctuation

Answer

Only include the author's last name with no punctuation

Answer

Summarize the quote in italics

Question 6

In a five-paragraph essay, what is the typical structure?

Accepted Answer

Introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion

Answer

Three body paragraphs, one introduction, one conclusion

Answer

Introduction, conclusion, three body paragraphs

Answer

Five body paragraphs with no introduction