4th grade writing & editing

Question 1

Read the start of the paragraph. Which sentence would fit best as the next sentence? Our class garden has grown so much this term. The tomatoes are bright red and ready to pick. The sunflowers are taller than our teacher.

• A. We even found a family of ladybirds on the beans.
• B. Others explore places too dangerous for humans, like deep oceans.
• C. Tiny poison dart frogs live on the forest floor.
• D. When we recycle paper, fewer trees need to be cut down.

Question 2

This is a run-on. Which is the best way to fix it? The bus was late we missed the start of the film.

• A. The bus was late, so we missed the start of the film.
• B. The bus was late we, missed the start of the film.
• C. The bus was late, we missed the start of the film.
• D. The bus, was late we missed the start of the film.

Question 3

Choose the linking phrase that fits best. The library extended its opening hours. ___, more families visited in the evening.

• A. Consequently
• B. For example
• C. In other words
• D. Furthermore

Question 4

___ First, gather your ingredients. Next, mix them in a large bowl. Finally, bake for twenty minutes. Which is the best topic sentence?

• A. My aunt has an oven.
• B. Bowls can be large or small.
• C. Muffins are delicious.
• D. Making muffins is simple if you follow three steps.

Question 5

Read the paragraph. Which sentence does not belong? (1) Sea otters are clever tool users. (2) They float on their backs and place a flat stone on their chests. (3) Then they smash shellfish against the stone to open them. (4) Some otters keep a favourite stone in a pouch of skin under their arm. (5) Giraffes have very long necks.

• A. Sea otters are clever tool users.
• B. Some otters keep a favourite stone in a pouch of skin under their arm.
• C. Then they smash shellfish against the stone to open them.
• D. Giraffes have very long necks.

Question 6

Is this a correct sentence or a run-on? The robot beeped, its lights flashed.

• A. correct sentence
• B. run-on sentence

Question 7

The trip was postponed; that is, it was moved to a later date. What job does "that is" do?

• A. adds another point
• B. gives an example
• C. shows a result
• D. explains in other words

Question 8

These sentences come from one paragraph. Which one should come FIRST, as the topic sentence?

• A. In the end, we raised enough money to buy blankets for the dogs.
• B. Our class planned a cake sale for the animal shelter.
• C. Then we spent Thursday evening baking with our families.
• D. On Friday, we sold every cake by lunchtime.

Question 9

Read the start of the paragraph. Which sentence would fit best as the next sentence? Recycling helps protect the planet. When we recycle paper, fewer trees need to be cut down. Recycling metal cans saves energy.

• A. Recycling plastic keeps it out of rivers and seas.
• B. Jaguars hunt along the riverbanks.
• C. Some robots build cars in factories.
• D. On land, they waddle or slide on their bellies.

Question 10

This is a run-on. Which is the best way to fix it? The puppy barked it wanted to play.

• A. The puppy barked because it wanted to play.
• B. The puppy, barked it wanted to play.
• C. The puppy barked it, wanted to play.
• D. The puppy barked, it wanted to play.

Question 11

Choose the linking phrase that fits best. Foxes eat many different foods. ___, they will eat berries, worms and even leftover pizza.

• A. In other words
• B. As a result
• C. For instance
• D. In addition

Question 12

___ They can see in near darkness. Their soft feathers let them fly silently. Their sharp talons grip prey tightly. Which is the best topic sentence?

• A. Some birds eat seeds.
• B. Owls are well equipped for hunting at night.
• C. Owls are birds.
• D. I saw an owl once.

Question 13

Read the paragraph. Which sentence does not belong? (1) Exercise is good for your body and your mind. (2) It makes your heart and muscles stronger. (3) It helps you sleep better at night. (4) The Moon goes round the Earth. (5) It can also make you feel happier and calmer.

• A. It helps you sleep better at night.
• B. The Moon goes round the Earth.
• C. It makes your heart and muscles stronger.
• D. It can also make you feel happier and calmer.

Question 14

Is this a correct sentence or a run-on? I like pizza my brother likes pasta.

• A. correct sentence
• B. run-on sentence

Question 15

Bats are mammals. Furthermore, they are the only mammals that can truly fly. What job does "Furthermore" do?

• A. adds another point
• B. gives an example
• C. shows a result
• D. explains in other words