STEP Writing Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a topic sentence in a paragraph about Saudi tourism?
- Hotels in Saudi Arabia are very nice.
- Saudi Arabia has become a major tourism destination due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and ambitious entertainment projects. (Correct answer)
- Many people visit Saudi Arabia.
- Tourism is good.
Correct answer: Saudi Arabia has become a major tourism destination due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and ambitious entertainment projects.
An effective topic sentence is specific, informative, and previews the paragraph's content. Option B states the main idea (Saudi Arabia as a major destination) and previews three supporting points (heritage, landscapes, entertainment) that will be developed in the paragraph.
Question 2: What is the correct order of a standard five-paragraph essay?
- Body, conclusion, introduction
- Introduction (with thesis), body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, body paragraph 3, conclusion (Correct answer)
- Conclusion, body, introduction
- Any order is acceptable
Correct answer: Introduction (with thesis), body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, body paragraph 3, conclusion
Standard essay structure: Introduction (hook, background, thesis statement), three body paragraphs (each with topic sentence, evidence, analysis), and conclusion (restated thesis, summary, final thought). This structure is expected in STEP writing tasks.
Question 3: Identify the sentence with correct punctuation:
- The students, who studied hard passed the exam.
- The students who studied hard, passed the exam.
- The students, who studied hard, passed the exam. (Correct answer)
- The students who studied hard passed the exam
Correct answer: The students, who studied hard, passed the exam.
The clause 'who studied hard' is non-restrictive (provides extra info about ALL students), so it needs commas on BOTH sides. If it were restrictive (only specific students who studied hard), no commas would be needed. Option D lacks a period at the end.
Question 4: Which transitional word shows addition?
- However
- Furthermore (Correct answer)
- Nevertheless
- Although
Correct answer: Furthermore
'Furthermore' adds information to what has already been stated. Other addition transitions: moreover, in addition, additionally, also, besides. Contrast transitions (however, nevertheless, although) show opposing ideas. Using transitions correctly improves STEP writing scores.
Question 5: What is a thesis statement?
- A question asked at the beginning of an essay
- A clear, arguable claim that states the main idea and direction of the essay (Correct answer)
- A summary at the end of the essay
- The title of the essay
Correct answer: A clear, arguable claim that states the main idea and direction of the essay
A thesis statement appears at the end of the introduction and states the essay's central argument or claim. It should be specific, arguable (not a fact), and preview the essay's structure. Example: 'Saudi Arabia's investment in renewable energy will benefit the economy, environment, and society.'
Question 6: Which sentence avoids the common error of a run-on sentence?
- Riyadh is the capital it is a large city.
- Riyadh is the capital, it is a large city.
- Riyadh is the capital; it is a large city. (Correct answer)
- Riyadh is the capital and it is large city.
Correct answer: Riyadh is the capital; it is a large city.
A semicolon correctly joins two related independent clauses. Option A is a run-on (two clauses with no punctuation). Option B is a comma splice (two clauses joined by only a comma). Option D has a grammar error ('a' is missing before 'large city').
STEP Writing Skills 1
Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a topic sentence in a paragraph about Saudi tourism?