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HiSET Writing practice questions

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Question 1Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph about the benefits of walking to school. Which sentence would work best as the topic sentence?

  1. Walking to school offers students several clear benefits. Correct answer.
  2. In conclusion, walking is one option among many.
  3. For example, one student in my class walks every morning.
  4. Many students live within a mile of their school building.

Explanation

A topic sentence announces the paragraph's main idea in general terms, so it must be broad enough to cover the details that follow. The sentence about clear benefits sets up a list that the rest of the paragraph can support. Details, single examples, and closing remarks cannot open a paragraph in this way.

Question 2Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "The new library has more study rooms. _____, it offers free tutoring every afternoon." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. For instance,
  2. On the other hand,
  3. In addition, Correct answer.
  4. Because of this,

Explanation

Both sentences describe advantages of the new library, so the second adds another point in the same direction. An additive transition such as "In addition" correctly signals that relationship. Contrast, cause-effect, and example transitions would misstate how the ideas connect.

Question 3Organization of Ideas

Read the paragraph: "School gardens give students hands-on science lessons. Students measure plant growth and record weather data. They also learn how soil and water affect living things. Our principal drives a blue truck. Teachers report that garden work improves students' attention in class." Which sentence should be removed to keep the paragraph unified?

  1. Teachers report that garden work improves students' attention in class.
  2. Students measure plant growth and record weather data.
  3. School gardens give students hands-on science lessons.
  4. Our principal drives a blue truck. Correct answer.

Explanation

Paragraph unity requires every sentence to support the main idea stated in the topic sentence. The sentence about the principal's truck has no connection to science learning in a garden. The remaining sentences all describe what students gain from garden work.

Question 4Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph explaining how to bake bread. Which sentence should come first?

  1. Finally, let the loaf cool before slicing.
  2. First, mix the flour, water, and yeast. Correct answer.
  3. Then, let the dough rise in a warm place.
  4. Next, knead the dough for ten minutes.

Explanation

Process paragraphs follow chronological order, so the sentence describing the earliest step opens the paragraph. Combining the flour, water, and yeast must happen before the dough can be kneaded, risen, or cooled. Any other sentence placed first would put a later step before its cause.

Question 5Organization of Ideas

Read the paragraph: "Volunteers filled thirty bags with litter from Riverside Park last Saturday. They repaired two benches and repainted the sign at the entrance. By noon, the park looked ready for the summer festival." Which sentence is the best concluding sentence?

  1. The cleanup made the park cleaner and safer for everyone. Correct answer.
  2. The summer festival is usually held in July.
  3. Volunteers should bring gloves and water when they work.
  4. Litter is often blown into the park on windy days.

Explanation

A concluding sentence should pull the paragraph together by restating its main point rather than introducing new information. The details about litter, benches, and the sign all support the idea that the park improved. The other choices add unrelated facts or advice.

Question 6Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "Learning to play the guitar takes patience. _____, many people give up after a few weeks." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. Therefore,
  2. In addition,
  3. Likewise,
  4. However, Correct answer.

Explanation

The two sentences pull in opposite directions: patience is needed, yet people quit. A contrast transition such as "However" marks that shift. Result, comparison, and addition transitions would suggest a relationship the sentences do not have.

Question 7Organization of Ideas

Read the paragraph: "Bees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen. As they move from bloom to bloom, they carry pollen with them. This transfer lets plants produce fruit and seeds. Without bees, many crops would fail." Which sentence states the main idea?

  1. Plants produce fruit and seeds after pollination.
  2. Many crops are harvested in the fall.
  3. Bees are essential to plant reproduction. Correct answer.
  4. Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers.

Explanation

The main idea is the single point that all the details explain or support. Nectar collection, pollen transfer, and crop failure all work together to show why bees matter to plant reproduction. A statement about fall harvests is unrelated to the paragraph.

Question 8Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph with this topic sentence: "Owning a dog teaches children responsibility." Which detail best supports the topic sentence?

  1. Children must feed and walk the dog daily. Correct answer.
  2. Dogs need daily exercise to stay healthy.
  3. Dogs come in a wide variety of breeds and sizes.
  4. Some dogs enjoy playing fetch in the park.

Explanation

A supporting detail must directly explain or illustrate the claim made in the topic sentence. Feeding and walking a dog are duties a child must remember and carry out every day, which is exactly what responsibility means here. The other choices describe dogs in general without connecting to a child's duties.

Question 9Organization of Ideas

A student is responding to this prompt: "Write an essay about whether schools should require students to wear uniforms." Which thesis statement is best?

  1. In this essay, I will discuss the topic of school uniforms and dress codes.
  2. Uniforms come in many colors, fabrics, and styles for students to choose.
  3. School uniforms reduce distractions and help students focus on learning. Correct answer.
  4. Many schools around the country have changed their dress codes recently.

Explanation

A thesis for this prompt must take a clear position on the uniform question and give a reason the body paragraphs can support. This sentence makes a debatable claim about distractions and focus. The others provide background, describe uniforms, or merely announce the topic.

Question 10Organization of Ideas

A student has drafted four sentences for a paragraph: (A) "As a result, the town added a second bus route." (B) "Last year, the number of riders on the town bus doubled." (C) "The extra route now carries hundreds of passengers each week." (D) "Many riders complained that the buses were too crowded." Which order is most logical?

  1. B, D, A, C Correct answer.
  2. D, B, C, A
  3. A, B, D, C
  4. B, A, D, C

Explanation

A cause-and-effect paragraph should present the situation, then the problem it created, then the response, and finally the result. Doubling ridership leads to crowding, which prompts the new route, which now carries many passengers. The other orders place effects before their causes.

Question 11Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "The trail was washed out after the storm. _____, the hike was canceled." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. In contrast,
  2. As a result, Correct answer.
  3. For instance,
  4. Similarly,

Explanation

The cancellation is a direct consequence of the washed-out trail, so a cause-and-effect transition is required. "As a result" clearly signals that outcome. Comparison, example, and contrast transitions would distort the relationship between the sentences.

Question 12Organization of Ideas

An essay about a community garden contains these four paragraphs: (1) "For years, a vacant lot on Elm Street sat empty and overgrown." (2) "In March, a group of neighbors asked the city for permission to use the lot." (3) "After the city agreed, the group cleared the lot and planted twelve raised beds." (4) "Today the garden supplies fresh vegetables to a local food bank." Which paragraph order is most logical?

  1. 4, 3, 2, 1
  2. 3, 1, 2, 4
  3. 2, 1, 4, 3
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4 Correct answer.

Explanation

A narrative essay is easiest to follow when paragraphs move in time order. The vacant lot establishes the situation, the request explains what happened next, the planting follows permission, and the food bank describes the present. Any other order puts results ahead of the events that produced them.

Question 13Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "Maya told her sister that she had won the contest. Her sister was surprised." Which revision makes the meaning clearest?

  1. Maya told her that she had won the contest.
  2. Maya told her sister, "I won the contest." Correct answer.
  3. Maya told her sister she had won it.
  4. Maya told her sister that she had won the contest, and her sister was surprised.

Explanation

When a pronoun could refer to more than one person, the sentence is ambiguous and readers cannot tell who acted. Replacing the vague pronoun with a direct quotation makes clear that Maya is the winner. The other revisions keep pronouns without clear antecedents.

Question 14Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph with this topic sentence: "The city's new bike lanes have made commuting safer." Which sentence best supports the topic sentence?

  1. Bicycle crashes on those streets fell by half. Correct answer.
  2. The city plans to add more lanes next year.
  3. The lanes are painted bright green and are six feet wide.
  4. Many cyclists ride to work in the morning.

Explanation

Effective support supplies evidence for the specific claim in the topic sentence. A sharp drop in reported bicycle crashes directly measures improved safety. Lane color, commuting habits, and future plans do not show that safety improved.

Question 15Organization of Ideas

An essay argues that schools should start later in the morning for teenagers. Which sentence is the most effective opening sentence for the essay?

  1. My high school starts at 7:45 every morning, which is very early.
  2. A later start would improve teenagers' health and grades. Correct answer.
  3. Sleep is a topic that scientists have studied for many years.
  4. Teenagers often stay up late talking with friends or watching videos.

Explanation

An introduction should engage the reader and present the position the essay will defend. This sentence states a debatable claim with two benefits that later paragraphs can develop. The others offer background, personal detail, or a vague statement without a position.

Question 16Organization of Ideas

Which sentence would be the most effective closing sentence for an essay arguing that recycling should be mandatory in the city?

  1. Some cities have tried voluntary recycling programs with mixed results.
  2. Recycling collection happens every Tuesday in our neighborhood.
  3. Aluminum cans can be recycled many times without losing quality.
  4. Mandatory recycling would cut waste and save the city money. Correct answer.

Explanation

A conclusion should restate the essay's position in a fresh, forceful way that leaves the main point in the reader's mind. This sentence restates the argument and reminds readers of its benefits. The others are body-level facts or observations that weaken the ending.

Question 17Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "Some household habits waste a surprising amount of water. _____, leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth can use several gallons." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. Nevertheless,
  2. As a result,
  3. For example, Correct answer.
  4. Therefore,

Explanation

The second sentence supplies one specific instance of the general claim in the first. "For example" correctly signals that an illustration follows. Result and contrast transitions would misstate the relationship between the two sentences.

Question 18Organization of Ideas

Read the paragraph: "Learning a second language has benefits beyond the classroom. (1) Bilingual workers often earn higher salaries. (2) Students who study a language score higher on some tests. (3) Travelers who speak the local language connect more easily with residents. (4) Language classes usually meet three times a week." Which sentence should be removed?

  1. Sentence 3
  2. Sentence 1
  3. Sentence 4 Correct answer.
  4. Sentence 2

Explanation

Paragraph unity requires every sentence to develop the idea named in the topic sentence. Sentence 4 describes class scheduling rather than a benefit of knowing a second language, so it interrupts the paragraph. Sentences 1 through 3 each supply a distinct benefit.

Question 19Organization of Ideas

A writer lists several effects of a hurricane in one paragraph. Where should the most serious effect be placed to give it the greatest emphasis?

  1. In the first sentence, before any supporting details
  2. In a separate sentence just after the topic sentence
  3. In the middle of the paragraph, between two minor effects
  4. At the end of the paragraph, as the final point Correct answer.

Explanation

Readers tend to remember best what they read last, so the strongest item in a list belongs at the end. Closing with the most serious effect gives it emphasis and gives the paragraph a strong finish. Placing it early or burying it in the middle weakens its impact.

Question 20Organization of Ideas

A student is planning an essay explaining how to prepare for a job interview. Which outline order is most logical?

  1. 1. Research the company 2. Practice answers 3. What to wear 4. Arrive early Correct answer.
  2. 1. Arrive early 2. What to wear 3. Research the company 4. Practice answers
  3. 1. What to wear 2. Research the company 3. Practice answers 4. Arrive early
  4. 1. Practice answers 2. Arrive early 3. What to wear 4. Research the company

Explanation

A how-to outline should follow the order in which the steps would actually be carried out. Researching the company must come before practicing answers, and arriving early is the last action before the interview begins. The other outlines place later steps ahead of the preparation they depend on.

Question 21Organization of Ideas

A student has written this draft thesis: "Sports are important." Which revision best narrows the thesis for a short essay?

  1. Sports, which include team and individual events, matter to many people.
  2. Many different sports are popular around the world today.
  3. Youth sports build teamwork and discipline in children. Correct answer.
  4. Sports have played a role in human culture for thousands of years.

Explanation

A thesis must be narrow enough for the essay to support it in the space available. This revision limits the claim to youth sports and names two specific benefits the body paragraphs can develop. The others are too broad or merely descriptive.

Question 22Organization of Ideas

An essay's second paragraph presents statistics on rising textbook costs. The third paragraph tells the story of a student who skipped a semester to afford books. What is the main function of the third paragraph?

  1. To summarize the statistics from the previous paragraph
  2. To illustrate the problem with a specific example Correct answer.
  3. To introduce a counterargument against the essay's thesis
  4. To propose a solution to the cost of textbooks

Explanation

A personal story that follows a set of statistics usually makes the data concrete for readers. The paragraph shows one student's experience of the problem rather than opposing the thesis, restating numbers, or offering a remedy. Identifying each paragraph's job helps a writer check that the essay's structure is clear.

Question 23Organization of Ideas

Read the sentence: "_____ the new policy has lowered energy costs, some employees say the office is now too warm in summer." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. Because
  2. Similarly
  3. Therefore
  4. Although Correct answer.

Explanation

The two clauses conflict: costs went down, but employees are unhappy with the result. A concession transition such as "Although" correctly sets up that contrast within one sentence. Cause, result, and comparison transitions would misrepresent the relationship.

Question 24Organization of Ideas

A student wants to combine these sentences: "The museum opened a new wing. The wing houses a collection of modern art. The collection draws large crowds." Which revision best combines them while improving the flow?

  1. The museum opened a new wing; the collection draws large crowds; it houses modern art.
  2. The museum opened a new wing, and the wing houses a collection of modern art, and the collection draws large crowds.
  3. The museum's new wing, which houses a collection of modern art, draws large crowds. Correct answer.
  4. Drawing large crowds, the museum opened a new wing and a collection of modern art.

Explanation

Good sentence combining removes repetition and keeps the logical relationship between ideas clear. Turning the second idea into a relative clause makes the new wing the subject and shows that the collection is what draws crowds. The other versions repeat words, use vague pronouns, or create a misplaced modifier.

Question 25Organization of Ideas

A student must write an essay comparing two proposals for reducing downtown traffic. Which organizational pattern best fits this assignment?

  1. Order of importance with the stronger proposal presented first
  2. Point-by-point comparison of the two proposals Correct answer.
  3. Chronological order from the earliest proposal to the latest
  4. Cause-and-effect order explaining why traffic increased

Explanation

A comparison essay is easiest to follow when both subjects are discussed using the same criteria in the same order. Point-by-point organization keeps those criteria side by side so readers can weigh the proposals against each other. Chronological, cause-effect, and order-of-importance patterns do not organize a comparison.

Question 26Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "Many animals use camouflage to avoid predators. _____, a polar bear's white fur blends into the snowy landscape." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. Therefore
  2. However
  3. Meanwhile
  4. For example Correct answer.

Explanation

The second sentence gives a specific instance of the general statement about camouflage. A transition that introduces an example is needed. "For example" signals that an illustration follows.

Question 27Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph with these details: "Students who walk to school arrive more alert. They also get exercise before class. Walking can save families money on gas." Which sentence is the best topic sentence for the paragraph?

  1. Walking to school has several advantages. Correct answer.
  2. Many families own more than one car.
  3. Students who walk to school arrive more alert.
  4. Exercise before class can be helpful.

Explanation

A topic sentence should state the main idea that the supporting details explain. The details list several benefits of walking to school. Only one option names that broader idea.

Question 28Organization of Ideas

Read the paragraph: "First, spread peanut butter on one slice of bread. Next, add banana slices. Bananas are a good source of potassium. Finally, press the slices together." Which sentence should be removed because it does not support the paragraph's topic?

  1. Finally, press the slices together.
  2. Next, add banana slices.
  3. Bananas are a good source of potassium. Correct answer.
  4. First, spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.

Explanation

The paragraph explains how to make a sandwich, so each sentence should describe a step in that process. A fact about nutrition does not help explain the process. Removing it keeps the paragraph focused.

Question 29Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph explaining how to change a flat tire. Which step should come first?

  1. Loosen the lug nuts first. Correct answer.
  2. Remove the flat tire and set it aside.
  3. Lower the car carefully to the ground.
  4. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Explanation

Steps in a process paragraph should follow the order in which they must be performed. The lug nuts must be loosened before the car is raised and the tire is removed. Tightening and lowering happen later.

Question 30Organization of Ideas

Read the paragraph: "Students planted tomatoes and beans in the school garden. They watered the plants every day. By August, the garden produced enough vegetables for the cafeteria." Which sentence best concludes the paragraph?

  1. Students sold the vegetables at a farmers market.
  2. Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight to grow.
  3. The cafeteria serves lunch every weekday.
  4. The garden became a valuable part of the school. Correct answer.

Explanation

A concluding sentence should bring the paragraph to a close by restating or summarizing its main idea. The paragraph shows how the garden benefited the school. The correct sentence captures that overall point.

Question 31Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "The first draft was disorganized. _____, the final essay was clear and well structured." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. For instance
  2. Similarly
  3. As a result
  4. In contrast Correct answer.

Explanation

The two sentences describe opposite qualities: disorganized versus clear and well structured. A transition showing contrast is needed. "In contrast" correctly signals that difference.

Question 32Organization of Ideas

Read the narrative: (1) We hiked for hours. (2) The trail was steep. (3) We finally reached the summit. (4) The view was worth the effort. (5) After lunch, we began the descent. (6) Rain made the path slippery. Where should a new paragraph begin?

  1. After sentence 1
  2. After sentence 4 Correct answer.
  3. After sentence 2
  4. After sentence 5

Explanation

A new paragraph should begin when the narrative shifts to a new stage or idea. Sentences 1 through 4 describe the climb and the summit. Sentence 5 begins the descent, so it starts a logical new paragraph.

Question 33Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph explaining how to boil an egg. Which sentence should come first?

  1. Fill a pot with water to cover the eggs. Correct answer.
  2. Bring the water in the pot to a rolling boil.
  3. Carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water.
  4. Remove the eggs and cool them under cold water.

Explanation

A process paragraph should begin with the first action needed. Before the water can boil or the eggs can be added, the pot must be filled with water. The remaining steps follow later.

Question 34Organization of Ideas

A student has written this draft thesis: "Volunteering is valuable." Which revision best narrows the thesis for a short essay about a local food bank?

  1. Volunteering is a valuable activity for many different people.
  2. Food banks need volunteers to sort donated canned goods.
  3. Many students volunteer in their communities each year.
  4. Volunteering at a food bank benefits everyone involved. Correct answer.

Explanation

A thesis for a short essay should be specific enough to guide the essay's focus. The draft is too broad because it could apply to any kind of volunteering. The best revision focuses on volunteering at a food bank and states a clear claim.

Question 35Organization of Ideas

A student is writing an essay arguing that the public library should stay open later. Which sentence is the most effective opening?

  1. Many people enjoy reading books in their free time.
  2. At 8 p.m., the library locks its doors while students study. Correct answer.
  3. Libraries are important buildings in many communities across the country.
  4. This essay will discuss why library hours should change.

Explanation

An effective opening should engage readers and introduce the issue directly. A specific scene showing the problem is more effective than a vague general statement. It also sets up the argument naturally.

Question 36Organization of Ideas

A student is writing a paragraph listing reasons a company should allow remote work. Where should the most persuasive reason be placed?

  1. just before the concluding sentence Correct answer.
  2. first, so readers notice it right away
  3. in a separate paragraph
  4. in the middle of the paragraph

Explanation

In a list of reasons, the strongest point is often placed last among the supporting details. This position gives it emphasis just before the paragraph concludes. Readers tend to remember the final point in a sequence.

Question 37Organization of Ideas

A student is writing an essay that compares two methods of studying for exams. Which organizational pattern would best present their similarities and differences?

  1. point-by-point comparison Correct answer.
  2. problem and solution
  3. narrative order
  4. chronological order

Explanation

A comparison essay needs a pattern that organizes similarities and differences clearly. Point-by-point comparison discusses the same feature for each method in turn. Chronological, problem-solution, and narrative patterns do not organize comparisons directly.

Question 38Organization of Ideas

A student is writing an essay explaining why a factory closure affected a small town. Which organizational pattern is most appropriate?

  1. cause and effect Correct answer.
  2. process order
  3. spatial order
  4. comparison and contrast

Explanation

The prompt asks the writer to explain why a closure led to effects in the town. That relationship is causal. Cause-and-effect organization shows how one event produces other outcomes.

Question 39Organization of Ideas

Read the sentence: "The teacher told the student that she needed to revise the essay." Which revision makes the meaning clearest?

  1. The teacher told the student, "You need to revise the essay." Correct answer.
  2. The teacher told the student that the teacher needed to revise the essay.
  3. The teacher told the student that she, the teacher, needed to revise the essay.
  4. The teacher told the student that it needed to revise the essay.

Explanation

The original sentence is unclear because "she" could refer to the teacher or the student. Direct quotation removes the ambiguity by showing exactly who must revise. Clear pronoun reference is important for coherent organization.

Question 40Organization of Ideas

A student's first paragraph discusses the advantages of city living. The second paragraph discusses the disadvantages. Which sentence best introduces the second paragraph?

  1. City living has many advantages.
  2. In conclusion, city living is popular.
  3. For example, cities offer many high-paying jobs.
  4. However, city living also has drawbacks. Correct answer.

Explanation

The second paragraph shifts from advantages to disadvantages. A transition sentence should signal that contrast and introduce the new focus. "However" and "drawbacks" make the shift clear.

Question 41Organization of Ideas

A paragraph has this topic sentence: "Regular exercise improves heart health." Which detail best supports the topic sentence?

  1. Some people find it hard to stay motivated to exercise.
  2. Many people pay for gym memberships each month.
  3. Exercise also strengthens muscles and improves flexibility.
  4. Daily brisk walking can lower blood pressure. Correct answer.

Explanation

A supporting detail should directly explain or illustrate the topic sentence. The topic sentence is specifically about heart health. Only one option gives a health effect related to the heart and blood pressure.

Question 42Organization of Ideas

Read the paragraph: "The public library offers many free resources. Patrons can borrow books and movies. The library also provides computer access and job-search help. The building was constructed in 1925. Free classes teach adults how to use spreadsheets." Which sentence should be removed because it does not support the paragraph's main idea?

  1. The library also provides computer access and job-search help.
  2. Free classes teach adults how to use spreadsheets.
  3. Patrons can borrow books and movies.
  4. The building was constructed in 1925. Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph's main idea is that the library offers free resources. Borrowing materials, computer access, and free classes all support that idea. The construction date is a historical fact unrelated to the resources.

Question 43Organization of Ideas

A student has written these sentences for a paragraph about baking a cake: (1) First, gather all the ingredients. (2) Finally, bake the cake for 30 minutes. (3) Next, mix the batter until smooth. (4) Then, pour the batter into a greased pan. Which order is most logical?

  1. 1-4-3-2
  2. 1-3-4-2 Correct answer.
  3. 3-1-4-2
  4. 1-2-3-4

Explanation

The sentences use sequence words that should guide the order. Gathering ingredients comes first, mixing follows, pouring comes next, and baking is last. The only order that follows those cues is 1-3-4-2.

Question 44Organization of Ideas

An essay argues that cities should preserve historic buildings. Which sentence would be the most effective closing sentence?

  1. Historic buildings are often located downtown.
  2. Preserving historic buildings protects local history and identity. Correct answer.
  3. Many old buildings require expensive repairs paid for by taxpayers.
  4. Some cities have laws about historic districts.

Explanation

A closing sentence should reinforce the essay's main argument and give readers a sense of completion. The correct sentence restates the value of preservation in broader terms. The other options are narrow facts or details.

Question 45Organization of Ideas

Read the sentences: "The museum offers free admission on Sundays. _____, attendance is highest on that day." Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. In addition
  2. Therefore Correct answer.
  3. Meanwhile
  4. Nevertheless

Explanation

The second sentence states a result that follows logically from the first. Free admission helps explain why attendance is highest. "Therefore" correctly signals this cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 46Organization of Ideas

Read the draft: "Video games can improve problem-solving. Video games can improve problem-solving. They also build teamwork. Another thing is they build teamwork. Some games require players to cooperate." Which revision best improves the organization by removing unnecessary repetition?

  1. Video games can improve problem-solving. Some games require players to cooperate. They also build teamwork. They also build teamwork.
  2. Video games can improve problem-solving. They also build teamwork. Another thing is they build teamwork. Some games require players to cooperate.
  3. Video games can improve problem-solving. They also build teamwork. Some games require players to cooperate. Correct answer.
  4. Video games can improve problem-solving. Video games can improve problem-solving. They also build teamwork. Another thing is they build teamwork.

Explanation

The draft repeats the same two ideas, which makes the paragraph wordy and hard to follow. An effective revision states each idea once and keeps the supporting example about cooperation. This creates a clear, concise organization.

Question 47Organization of Ideas

A student is writing an essay arguing that schools should require community service. Where should a paragraph acknowledging opposing views best be placed?

  1. after the supporting reasons, before the conclusion Correct answer.
  2. after the conclusion
  3. as the first body paragraph
  4. at the very beginning of the essay, before the thesis

Explanation

An argument essay should establish its own position and support it before addressing objections. Acknowledging opposing views near the end allows the writer to respond while the argument is still fresh. The conclusion should remain the final section.

Question 48Organization of Ideas

An essay about a new community garden contains these paragraph summaries: (1) Volunteers clear the vacant lot. (2) The city approves the garden plan. (3) Residents harvest vegetables. (4) The garden holds a grand opening. Which order is most logical?

  1. 2-1-4-3 Correct answer.
  2. 3-1-2-4
  3. 2-4-1-3
  4. 1-2-3-4

Explanation

The paragraphs should follow the sequence of events in the garden's development. Approval must come before clearing the lot, a grand opening follows the work, and harvesting comes after the garden is established. The logical order is 2-1-4-3.

Question 49Organization of Ideas

A student is writing an essay about electric buses. Which thesis best forecasts an essay that will discuss cost, safety, and environmental impact?

  1. Electric buses are becoming more common in many cities.
  2. Electric buses offer financial, safety, and environmental benefits. Correct answer.
  3. This essay will discuss the topic of electric buses.
  4. Many cities are buying electric buses for a variety of different reasons.

Explanation

A strong thesis should preview the main points the essay will cover. The correct thesis names the three categories the essay will discuss: financial, safety, and environmental effects. This gives readers a clear roadmap for the essay.

Question 50Organization of Ideas

An essay's thesis states: "School uniforms reduce distractions and save families money." A body paragraph discusses clothing costs. Which sentence best links that paragraph back to the thesis?

  1. Some schools require students to wear ties.
  2. By removing the need for trendy clothes, uniforms can lower costs. Correct answer.
  3. Students often have strong opinions about whether uniforms are comfortable.
  4. Uniforms come in many colors and styles.

Explanation

A body paragraph should clearly connect its details to the thesis. This paragraph is about clothing costs, so its link should explain how uniforms save money. The correct sentence makes that connection explicit.