Main Idea & Purpose
A passage explains steps for preparing for an interview and lists examples of appropriate behavior.
Question:
What is the author's primary purpose?
To explain/inform
Claim: Drinking water is important for health.
Which evidence is strongest?
A. Water tastes better than soda
B. Some people prefer cold drinks
C. Doctors recommend drinking water for proper body function
D. People buy water bottles
C
"Kelly glanced at the dark clouds and reached for an umbrella."
Question:
What can the reader infer?
Kelly expects rain
Correct this sentence:
"The students was waiting outside."
The students were waiting outside.
What is the best transition word:
"The roads were flooded; ________, the event was canceled."
therefore
A writer describes both advantages and disadvantages of online learning.
Question:
Which statement best describes the author's purpose?
To present information from multiple perspectives
Claim: Exercise can improve academic performance.
Which evidence best supports the claim?
A. Some students enjoy sports
B. Students who exercised regularly had higher average test scores
C. Gyms are becoming popular
D. Schools offer sports programs
B
"Carlos checked his notes three times before entering the room."
Question:
What can be inferred?
Carlos may be nervous or preparing for something important
Correct this sentence:
"Me and James went to the store."
James and I went to the store.
A paragraph includes these ideas:
Question:
Which detail should be removed to improve focus?
Favorite pizza toppings
A passage argues that public transportation should receive more funding because it reduces traffic and pollution.
Question:
What is the author's main claim?
Public transportation should receive increased funding
Claim: Libraries benefit communities.
Question:
Which evidence would weaken the claim?
A. Libraries provide free internet access
B. Libraries host educational programs
C. Library attendance declined after a nearby location closed
D. Libraries help job seekers
C
"The restaurant lights were off, chairs sat upside down on tables, and the door was locked."
Question:
What can be inferred?
The restaurant is closed
Correct this sentence:
"The dog chased the cat it ran across the yard."
The dog chased the cat, and it ran across the yard.
A paragraph ends with:
"In conclusion, recycling helps reduce waste."
The paragraph mainly discusses how recycling conserves resources and protects the environment.
Question:
Which revision creates a stronger conclusion?
"Therefore, recycling helps conserve resources and protect the environment for future generations."
A passage spends most of its time discussing the impact of social media on teen mental health, while briefly mentioning screen time.
Question:
What is the central idea?
Social media can significantly affect teen mental health
A writer argues that school uniforms improve behavior.
Question:
Which evidence would MOST strengthen the argument?
Research showing discipline referrals decreased after uniforms were introduced
"Jasmine smiled while reading the email and immediately called her family."
Question:
What can be inferred?
Jasmine likely received good news
Correct this sentence:
"Every one of the players have arrived."
Every one of the players has arrived.
A paragraph explains the benefits of exercise. The writer wants to add information about improved mental health.
Question:
Where should the new information be added?
After the paragraph discusses physical health benefits.
A writer discusses several inventions but repeatedly returns to how they changed communication.
Question:
Which idea best summarizes the passage?
Technological developments have transformed communication methods
A student argues that cell phones should be banned during class.
Question:
Which evidence is most reliable?
A controlled study measuring classroom performance before and after restrictions
"Marcus reviewed every instruction again despite already finishing the assignment."
Question:
What can be inferred?
Marcus wants to avoid making mistakes
Correct this sentence:
"The committee discussed the issue however no decision was made."
The committee discussed the issue; however, no decision was made.
A student writes:
"Technology has changed communication. Smartphones are popular. Many people use social media. Some schools have sports teams."
Question:
What revision would most improve the paragraph?
Remove the sentence about sports teams because it does not support the main topic.