Paragraph and Essay Writing: Practice Questions with AnswersCurriculum: Paragraph And Essay WritingGrades: 6–8Questions: 12Mode: Practice These are the real questions from this STEPCAI practice lesson. Read each question, pick your answer, then open Show the answer to check yourself and read why it is right. On STEPCAI the same lesson runs interactively: you click an answer and get instant feedback, and a free account keeps your scores. 1. What is a topic sentence?- A question that the paragraph deliberately leaves unanswered
- The last word that is written at the very end of a paragraph
- A list of the new vocabulary words that the reader learns
- A sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph
Show the answerAnswer: D. A sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph
The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about, and every other sentence in the paragraph supports it. 2. A paragraph is mainly made up of a topic sentence, supporting details, and what else?- A title page
- A table of contents
- A concluding sentence
- A bibliography
Show the answerAnswer: C. A concluding sentence
A concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph's idea and gives the reader a sense of closure. 3. Where is the topic sentence usually placed in a paragraph?- Most often at the beginning
- It is never written down
- Always as the very last sentence
- Always in the exact middle
Show the answerAnswer: A. Most often at the beginning
Writers usually put the topic sentence first so readers immediately know the paragraph's main idea before reading the details. 4. What is the job of supporting details in a paragraph?- To introduce a completely different topic
- To replace the topic sentence
- To confuse the reader on purpose
- To explain, prove, or give examples for the topic sentence
Show the answerAnswer: D. To explain, prove, or give examples for the topic sentence
Supporting details give facts, examples, or reasons that back up and explain the main idea stated in the topic sentence. 5. What does a concluding sentence do?- It introduces a brand new topic that the following paragraph will explain
- It restates the main idea and gives the paragraph a sense of closure
- It argues against the topic sentence to show the other side of the issue
- It asks the reader a question to grab their attention at the very start
Show the answerAnswer: B. It restates the main idea and gives the paragraph a sense of closure
A concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph by reminding the reader of the main point, often in slightly different words. 6. What are the three main parts of a basic essay?- Cover, spine, and back page
- Title, footnote, and index
- Question, guess, and answer
- Introduction, body, and conclusion
Show the answerAnswer: D. Introduction, body, and conclusion
Every essay has an introduction that presents the topic, body paragraphs that develop it, and a conclusion that wraps it up. 7. What is a thesis statement?- A sentence, usually in the introduction, that states the main point or argument of the whole essay
- The name of the author and the essay's title, usually written at the very top of the first page
- A question, usually at the end, that the essay leaves open for the reader to think about later
- A list of key spelling and vocabulary words, usually placed just before the introduction of the essay
Show the answerAnswer: A. A sentence, usually in the introduction, that states the main point or argument of the whole essay
The thesis statement is like a topic sentence for the whole essay; it tells the reader the essay's main point or argument. 8. What is the main purpose of an introduction paragraph?- To end the essay quickly by giving the final answer right away
- To list every source used in the essay, in alphabetical order by author
- To grab the reader's attention and present the topic and thesis
- To repeat the conclusion word for word so the reader knows the ending
Show the answerAnswer: C. To grab the reader's attention and present the topic and thesis
A good introduction hooks the reader's interest and lets them know what the essay will be about, usually ending with the thesis statement. 9. What is the main purpose of a conclusion paragraph in an essay?- To copy the introduction word for word
- To introduce brand new evidence for the first time
- To ask the reader more unanswered questions
- To summarize the main points and leave the reader with a final thought
Show the answerAnswer: D. To summarize the main points and leave the reader with a final thought
A strong conclusion reminds readers of the main points and thesis, then leaves them with a final thought, without introducing brand new ideas. 10. What is a transition word or phrase used for in writing?- To end every paragraph automatically
- To make the essay longer without adding meaning
- To replace the need for a topic sentence
- To connect ideas and show how sentences or paragraphs relate to each other
Show the answerAnswer: D. To connect ideas and show how sentences or paragraphs relate to each other
Transitions like however, therefore, and in addition help readers follow the logical flow between ideas and paragraphs. 11. What does it mean for a paragraph to 'stay on topic'?- The paragraph has no topic sentence at all
- The paragraph must be exactly five sentences long
- The paragraph switches to a new subject every sentence
- Every sentence relates back to the main idea in the topic sentence
Show the answerAnswer: D. Every sentence relates back to the main idea in the topic sentence
Staying on topic, sometimes called unity, means every sentence supports and connects to the paragraph's main idea. 12. Which of these is an example of a transition word?- However
- Purple
- Sandwich
- Tomorrow's homework
Show the answerAnswer: A. However
'However' is a transition word that signals a contrast between two ideas. More free middle school sample lessonsSee all free sample lessons »
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