Read the excerpt from Erika’s letter to her mayor, arguing that the city should improve its recycling program.

Question

Imposing stricter recycling regulations would greatly benefit our city in many ways.

Which is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?
would be a totally beneficial thing to do.
would be great and I’ll tell you why.
would be pretty great for our city for many reasons.
no change

Answer 1

The best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence is: would greatly benefit our city in many ways.

However, since this option is "no change," it is correct as is. The original phrasing is clear and effectively communicates the argument without unnecessary filler.

Answer 2

A strong and effective thesis statement should include
the topic of the essay and an outline
the topic of the essay and the argument
the topic of the essay and the counterclaim
the topic of the essay and your viewpoint on the topic

Answer 3

A strong and effective thesis statement should include the topic of the essay and your viewpoint on the topic. This ensures that the reader understands what the essay will be about and the author's stance or argument regarding that topic.

Answer 4

Read the introduction and first paragraph to the essay about seat belt use.

(1) Currently, different states have different laws regarding seat belt usage. (2) For instance, in some states, only people in the front seat of a vehicle are required to wear a seat belt. (3) All states should pass equally strict laws that make wearing seat belts mandatory for all passengers and drivers.

(4) Statistics show that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by fifty percent. (5) As a result of stronger regulations in various states, seat belt usage in the United States has dramatically increased in the past thirty years. (6) Some people believe that the government does not have the right to force people to be safe, and that these laws are unfair. (7) The bottom line is that seat belts are proven to save lives; therefore, everyone should be forced to wear one if they want to travel by car or truck.

Which sentence provides a reason for the author’s claim?
sentence 1
sentence 3
sentence 4
sentence 6

Answer 5

The sentence that provides a reason for the author’s claim is sentence 4: "Statistics show that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by fifty percent." This sentence supports the claim that seat belts should be mandatory by providing evidence of their effectiveness in saving lives.

Answer 6

Read the excerpt from Angela’s letter to the owner of a web design company where she wants to intern.

(1) I think your company is really great. (2) I would be grateful for the opportunity to come in for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Which is the best revision of sentence 1?
I think your company seems like a good place to be.
I think your company does some nice work on websites.
The websites your company has designed are innovative and visionary.
The websites your company has designed are cool and fun.

Answer 7

The best revision of sentence 1 is: The websites your company has designed are innovative and visionary.

This revision is more specific and professional, effectively conveying admiration for the company's work while enhancing the overall tone of the letter.

Answer 8

Read the excerpt from Sameer’s letter to his state legislature about funding for music education at his school.

Musical training has many benefits, such as helping students think better.

Which is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?
such as teaching students to solve problems creatively.
such as making students smarter and quicker.
such as encouraging students to think in all kinds of ways.
no change

Answer 9

The best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence is: such as teaching students to solve problems creatively.

This revision is specific and directly relates to the idea of "thinking better," adding clarity and depth to the benefits being described.

Answer 10

Lia is writing a letter to her town council in support of an ordinance to clean up a local park. Which best describes the tone in which Lia should write her letter?
sensitive and heartfelt
emotional and sincere
objective and respectful
aggressive and direct

Answer 11

The best tone for Lia to use in her letter is objective and respectful. This approach helps to effectively communicate her support for the ordinance while maintaining a professional demeanor that is more likely to resonate with the town council and encourage positive action.