8th grade writing & editing

Example

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The team expected the survey to show support for the plan. ___, most respondents opposed it.

1. A transition must show the real logical relationship between ideas.
2. The second sentence contrasts with or goes against the first.
3. Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "The team expected the survey to show support for the plan. Instead, most respondents opposed it."
4. So the answer is: Instead

Answer: Instead

Example

Plain: Mum was angry. Which revision best SHOWS rather than tells?

1. Show, don't tell: let precise details and imagery create the effect.
2. So the answer is: Mum's lips pressed into a thin line, and she set her mug down a little too hard.

Answer: Mum's lips pressed into a thin line, and she set her mug down a little too hard.

Example

The volunteers cleared the beach. They worked through the afternoon. Which choice combines the sentences most effectively using a participle phrase?

1. Appositives (a noun phrase that renames) and participle phrases let you combine ideas concisely without comma splices.
2. The volunteers, who did the working, follow the participle phrase.
3. So the answer is: Working through the afternoon, the volunteers cleared the beach.

Answer: Working through the afternoon, the volunteers cleared the beach.