10th grade writing & editing

Question 1

A paragraph explains how coral reefs protect coastlines from storms. The writer considers adding: "Coral comes in many beautiful colours." Should the writer add this sentence?

• A. No, because it repeats information already given.
• B. No, because it does not relate to how reefs protect coastlines.
• C. Yes, because it adds descriptive detail about coral.
• D. Yes, because it explains how storms form.

Question 2

Topic: Should schools start later in the morning? Which is the strongest thesis statement?

• A. Schools should start later because teenagers' sleep patterns make early starts harmful to their learning and health.
• B. Sleep is important.
• C. Some schools start early and some start late.
• D. This essay is about school start times.

Question 3

A paragraph argues that school gardens improve pupils' diets. The writer considers adding: "In one survey, pupils who grew vegetables ate 40% more vegetables at lunch." Should the writer add this sentence?

• A. Yes, because it introduces a counterargument.
• B. No, because it changes the topic to surveys.
• C. Yes, because it provides evidence for the paragraph's claim.
• D. No, because surveys are never reliable.

Question 4

Thesis: Public parks are essential to healthy cities. Which is the most convincing supporting evidence?

• A. Parks have trees.
• B. Some parks have cafés.
• C. My friend likes going to the park.
• D. A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels.

Question 5

A report on volcano safety says: "People living near volcanoes should know their evacuation routes." The writer wants to support this with a specific example. Which sentence best achieves this goal?

• A. Lava is extremely hot.
• B. In 1991, early evacuation saved thousands of lives near Mount Pinatubo.
• C. Some volcanoes are dormant.
• D. Volcanoes can be found on every continent.

Question 6

Topic: Should schools start later in the morning? Which is the strongest thesis statement?

• A. Schools should start later because teenagers' sleep patterns make early starts harmful to their learning and health.
• B. This essay is about school start times.
• C. Sleep is important.
• D. Some schools start early and some start late.

Question 7

An essay about the invention of the telephone includes the sentence: "Many people today prefer texting to calling." Should this sentence be deleted?

• A. Yes, because it is grammatically incorrect.
• B. No, because it explains how the telephone works.
• C. No, because it is the essay's main claim.
• D. Yes, because it shifts away from the invention of the telephone.

Question 8

Thesis: The town should ban single-use plastic bags. Which sentence best acknowledges and answers a counterargument?

• A. Some shoppers worry about the cost of reusable bags, but most last for years and quickly pay for themselves.
• B. Everyone agrees with me.
• C. Bags can be blue or white.
• D. Plastic bags are bad.

Question 9

A paragraph argues that school gardens improve pupils' diets. The writer considers adding: "In one survey, pupils who grew vegetables ate 40% more vegetables at lunch." Should the writer add this sentence?

• A. No, because it changes the topic to surveys.
• B. Yes, because it provides evidence for the paragraph's claim.
• C. Yes, because it introduces a counterargument.
• D. No, because surveys are never reliable.

Question 10

Topic: Is social media good for young people? Which is the strongest thesis statement?

• A. There are lots of apps.
• B. I will talk about social media.
• C. While social media can connect young people, its effects on sleep, attention and self-esteem mean that its use should be limited.
• D. Social media is a thing many people use.

Question 11

A paragraph argues that school gardens improve pupils' diets. The writer considers adding: "In one survey, pupils who grew vegetables ate 40% more vegetables at lunch." Should the writer add this sentence?

• A. No, because surveys are never reliable.
• B. Yes, because it introduces a counterargument.
• C. No, because it changes the topic to surveys.
• D. Yes, because it provides evidence for the paragraph's claim.

Question 12

Thesis: Public parks are essential to healthy cities. Which is the most convincing supporting evidence?

• A. A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels.
• B. Parks have trees.
• C. Some parks have cafés.
• D. My friend likes going to the park.

Question 13

An essay about the invention of the telephone includes the sentence: "Many people today prefer texting to calling." Should this sentence be deleted?

• A. Yes, because it shifts away from the invention of the telephone.
• B. No, because it explains how the telephone works.
• C. No, because it is the essay's main claim.
• D. Yes, because it is grammatically incorrect.

Question 14

Thesis: Public parks are essential to healthy cities. Which is the most convincing supporting evidence?

• A. A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels.
• B. Parks have trees.
• C. Some parks have cafés.
• D. My friend likes going to the park.

Question 15

A paragraph explains how coral reefs protect coastlines from storms. The writer considers adding: "Coral comes in many beautiful colours." Should the writer add this sentence?

• A. No, because it does not relate to how reefs protect coastlines.
• B. No, because it repeats information already given.
• C. Yes, because it explains how storms form.
• D. Yes, because it adds descriptive detail about coral.

Question 16

Thesis: Public parks are essential to healthy cities. Which is the most convincing supporting evidence?

• A. Parks have trees.
• B. My friend likes going to the park.
• C. Some parks have cafés.
• D. A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels.