Sensory Language
Call to Action
Argument/Transitions
Argument & Evidence
Argument & Claim
Narrative Skills
Narrative Skills #2
Editing & Revising
Editing & Revising #2
Informational Text
Get it Write
100

 Revision for Sensory Language (Multiple Select)

Maya wants to revise the underlined sentence (“She felt a strange mix of fear and excitement”) to make it more descriptive.
Select two phrases that best add vivid sensory detail.

A. her legs shook like loose guitar strings as she dropped into the ramp
B. she wondered if she would fall off and embarrass herself
C. her pulse thumped like a drumbeat echoing in her ears
D. she imagined winning a huge skateboarding trophy one day

A. her legs shook like loose guitar strings as she dropped into the ramp

C. her pulse thumped like a drumbeat echoing in her ears

100

Draft ending:
More outdoor time helps students focus, reduces stress, and encourages physical health. So now you know what to do!

Which sentence BEST replaces the underlined sentence with a strong call to action?

A. Encourage your school leaders to add one more outdoor break each day to support student well-being.
B. It’s pretty clear what needs to happen now that you learned this.
C. Thanks for reading my essay and have a wonderful day.
D. Outdoor time is great for all students everywhere.

A. Encourage your school leaders to add one more outdoor break each day to support student well-being.

100

Read the paragraph:

Paragraph:
Many students rely on digital tools to complete schoolwork. ___, not all students have equal access to technology at home. ___, schools must find ways to support students who lack reliable devices or internet connection.

Choose the best transition for each blank:

First blank options:
– However
– For example

Second blank options:
– As a result
– In contrast

First blank: However


Second blank: As a result

100

. What is the author’s main claim?
A. Homework should be eliminated
B. Homework improves grades
C. Homework should be limited
D. School is too stressful

C. Homework should be limited

100

A student wrote this claim:
Schools should allow students to participate in community volunteer programs during school hours.

Which two sentences provide the strongest support for developing this claim?

A. Volunteer programs help students build teamwork and communication skills.
B. Some students prefer after-school clubs instead of volunteer programs.
C. Research shows that students who volunteer are more likely to graduate.
D. Volunteer work is done by people of all ages in many places.
E. Some students feel nervous when trying something new.

A. Volunteer programs help students build teamwork and communication skills. 


C. Research shows that students who volunteer are more likely to graduate.

100

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night


Which detail best reveals Eli’s nervousness at the beginning of the passage?
A. The curtain trembled
B. His palms felt slick
C. The spotlight found him
D. The applause echoed

B. His palms felt slick

100

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night.

6. Which phrase best replaces “the first note wavered” to increase imagery?
A. the sound was not perfect
B. the note sounded wrong
C. the note trembled like a shaking leaf
D. the note played quietly

C. the note trembled like a shaking leaf

100

Which sentence best improves clarity?
A. Homework is something students do
B. Homework assigned nightly can overwhelm students
C. Homework exists in schools
D. Students dislike work

B. Homework assigned nightly can overwhelm students

100

Which revision improves sentence variety?
A. Homework is hard. Homework is stressful.
B. Homework is hard, and it causes stress for students.
C. Homework hard stressful.
D. Homework homework homework.

B. Homework is hard, and it causes stress for students.

100

“Why Humans Need Sleep”

Sleep is not simply a time of rest; it is an essential process that allows the brain and body to function properly. During sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens memory, and clears out waste that builds up during the day.

Scientists have found that teenagers need between eight and ten hours of sleep each night. However, many adolescents get far less due to early school start times, homework, and screen use. Over time, lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration, mood changes, and weakened immune systems.

Because of these effects, experts recommend limiting screen time before bed and creating consistent sleep schedules.

What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Sleep is relaxing
B. Teenagers dislike bedtime
C. Sleep is essential for brain and body health
D. Screens are harmful

C. Sleep is essential for brain and body health

100

What goes is the last sentence of an the introduction paragraph called?

Thesis/Claim
200

 Narrative Development (Multiple Choice)

Which sentence would BEST show how Maya is changing as a character?

A. Maya remembered all the videos she watched before coming to the skate park.
B. Maya felt a spark of confidence flicker inside her as she rolled to a stop.
C. The skate park had been built ten years earlier by local volunteers.
D. Her instructor wore a red helmet that matched his skateboard.

B. Maya felt a spark of confidence flicker inside her as she rolled to a stop.

200

Read the conclusion below:

In conclusion, recycling helps reduce waste and protects the environment. It also saves energy and natural resources. So now you know why recycling matters.

Which sentence best adds a strong call to action?

A. Recycling has many benefits for the planet.
B. People recycle for different reasons.
C. Start recycling at home by sorting paper, plastic, and glass this week.
D. Recycling is important to learn about.

C. Start recycling at home by sorting paper, plastic, and glass this week.

200

 Which evidence is MOST relevant to the claim?
A. Parent opinions
B. School discipline records
C. Academic performance data
D. Student preferences

C. Academic performance data

200

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence?
A. Educators believe homework helps
B. Excessive homework overwhelms students
C. Studies show moderate homework works
D. Critics argue standards would drop

C. Studies show moderate homework works

200

Which detail would best strengthen the rebuttal?
A. A student opinion
B. A teacher complaint
C. Test score data from limited-homework schools
D. A personal anecdote

C. Test score data from limited-homework schools

200

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

 Which revision would best add sensory detail to the sentence “The audience’s voices blended into a low hum”?
A. The audience was loud
B. The audience waited quietly
C. The whispers buzzed like bees in his ears
D. The people were excited

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night.

C. The whispers buzzed like bees in his ears

200

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night.

7. How does the setting contribute to the mood of the story?
A. It creates confusion
B. It emphasizes tension and anticipation
C. It adds humor
D. It slows the plot

B. It emphasizes tension and anticipation

200

 Which transition best connects cause and effect?
A. However
B. As a result
C. For example
D. Meanwhile

B. As a result

200

Which sentence contains a claim?
A. Studies were conducted
B. Homework should be limited
C. Data was collected
D. Students completed assignments 

B. Homework should be limited

200

“Why Humans Need Sleep”

Sleep is not simply a time of rest; it is an essential process that allows the brain and body to function properly. During sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens memory, and clears out waste that builds up during the day.

Scientists have found that teenagers need between eight and ten hours of sleep each night. However, many adolescents get far less due to early school start times, homework, and screen use. Over time, lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration, mood changes, and weakened immune systems.

Because of these effects, experts recommend limiting screen time before bed and creating consistent sleep schedules.

Which detail best supports the central idea?
A. Teenagers stay up late
B. Sleep strengthens memory
C. School starts early
D. Homework causes stress

B. Sleep strengthens memory

200

What is the order for the body paragraphs?

TREE

Topic, reason, evidence, explanation

300

The hallway stretched ahead of him, glowing under the buzzing fluorescent lights.

Which revision best strengthens visual imagery?

A. The hallway was long and well lit.
B. The hallway seemed bright.
C. The hallway shimmered with pale light reflecting off the polished floor.
D. The hallway was filled with lights.

C. The hallway shimmered with pale light reflecting off the polished floor.

300

Read the conclusion below:

School gardens provide fresh produce and hands-on learning opportunities for students. They also teach responsibility and teamwork. This shows why school gardens are helpful.

Read the conclusion below:

School gardens provide fresh produce and hands-on learning opportunities for students. They also teach responsibility and teamwork. This shows why school gardens are helpful.

Which sentence would most improve the conclusion by adding a call to action?

A. School gardens can be enjoyable for students.
B. Ask your school leaders to create a garden students can help maintain.
C. Gardens have existed for many years.
D. Students like being outside.

B. Ask your school leaders to create a garden students can help maintain. 

300

What organizational structure does the passage use?
A. Problem–solution
B. Chronological
C. Cause–effect
D. Compare–contrast

A. Problem–solution

300

 Which sentence presents a counterclaim?
A. Homework limits family time
B. Critics argue standards would drop
C. Schools report improved well-being
D. Homework reinforces learning

B. Critics argue standards would drop

300

Which tone best describes the passage?
A. Emotional
B. Neutral and logical
C. Sarcastic
D. Playful

B. Neutral and logical

300

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night.

Which sentence best shows a turning point in the narrative?
A. “He had practiced this piece for months…”
B. “The first note wavered…”
C. “He closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm.”
D. “The curtain trembled slightly…”

C. “He closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm.”

300

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night.

8. Which sentence would best serve as an additional conclusion?
A. Eli practiced again the next day.
B. The violin was expensive.
C. He realized fear no longer controlled his music.
D. The audience left the building.

C. He realized fear no longer controlled his music.

300

Which sentence should be deleted to remove off-topic information?
 A. Sleep helps memory
 B. Teens need sleep
 C. I like naps
 D. Sleep strengthens immunity 

 C. I like naps

300

Which evidence is LEAST reliable?
A. Peer-reviewed study
B. School report
C. Student survey
D. Anonymous online comment

D. Anonymous online comment

300

“Why Humans Need Sleep”

Sleep is not simply a time of rest; it is an essential process that allows the brain and body to function properly. During sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens memory, and clears out waste that builds up during the day.

Scientists have found that teenagers need between eight and ten hours of sleep each night. However, many adolescents get far less due to early school start times, homework, and screen use. Over time, lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration, mood changes, and weakened immune systems.

Because of these effects, experts recommend limiting screen time before bed and creating consistent sleep schedules.

 Which sentence contains a cause-and-effect relationship?
A. Scientists have found teenagers need more sleep
B. Sleep clears waste from the brain
C. Lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration
D. Experts recommend sleep schedules

C. Lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration

300

What does HIT stand for?

Hook, background information, thesis/claim

400

Read the sentence below:

The classroom became quiet as the test began.

Which revision best adds auditory sensory detail?

A. The classroom was silent.
B. The classroom was very still.
C. Pencils scratched against paper while the clock ticked loudly.
D. Students focused on their work.

C. Pencils scratched against paper while the clock ticked loudly.

400

Read the conclusion below:

Reading for pleasure improves vocabulary and reduces stress. It also helps students become stronger writers. Now you understand why reading is beneficial.

Which sentence best motivates the reader to take action?

A. Reading is a useful skill.
B. Reading can be fun sometimes.
C. Choose a book you enjoy and read for at least 20 minutes each day.
D. Many people enjoy reading.

C. Choose a book you enjoy and read for at least 20 minutes each day.

400

Which sentence introduces the topic?
A. The first sentence
B. The last sentence
C. The counterclaim
D. The rebuttal

A. The first sentence

400

Which sentence is the rebuttal?
A. Homework helps learning
B. Students feel stressed
C. Schools report no drop in performance
D. Homework is overwhelming

C. Schools report no drop in performance

400

Which sentence would best improve the conclusion with a call to action?
 A. Homework exists in schools
 B. Schools should review homework policies
 C. Homework can be stressful
 D. Students dislike homework 

B. Schools should review homework policies

400

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night.

 Which theme is best supported by the passage?
A. Talent is more important than practice
B. Facing fears leads to growth
C. Competition creates stress
D. Applause matters more than effort

B. Facing fears leads to growth

400

39. Which word best improves academic tone?
A. Stuff
B. Things
C. Factors
D. Cool

C. Factors

400

Which phrase best introduces evidence?
A. I think
B. In my opinion
C. According to research
D. I feel like

C. According to research

400

“Why Humans Need Sleep”

Sleep is not simply a time of rest; it is an essential process that allows the brain and body to function properly. During sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens memory, and clears out waste that builds up during the day.

Scientists have found that teenagers need between eight and ten hours of sleep each night. However, many adolescents get far less due to early school start times, homework, and screen use. Over time, lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration, mood changes, and weakened immune systems.

Because of these effects, experts recommend limiting screen time before bed and creating consistent sleep schedules.

 Which text feature would best help clarify this passage if added?
A. A dialogue
B. A timeline of teen activities
C. A chart showing sleep hours by age
D. A fictional story

C. A chart showing sleep hours by age

400

What three things we learned about the conclusion paragraph?

Name three.

Do not change the claim

Do not mention anything you did not mention before

Restate the claim 

Restate the reasons 

Close by giving the reader something to think about

500

Read the sentence below:

She held the mug in her hands.

Which revision best adds tactile (touch) sensory language?

A. She carefully held the mug.
B. She enjoyed the mug.
C. The warm ceramic pressed against her palms, sending heat up her fingers.
D. She liked holding the mug.

C. The warm ceramic pressed against her palms, sending heat up her fingers.

500

Read the conclusion below:

Wasting food harms the environment and costs families money. Reducing food waste can make a positive difference.

Which sentence would be the most effective call to action?

A. Food waste is a serious issue.
B. People waste food for many reasons.
C. Think about food waste more often.
D. Plan meals carefully and save leftovers instead of throwing them away.

D. Plan meals carefully and save leftovers instead of throwing them away.

500

 Which sentence would weaken the argument?
A. Homework limits rest
B. Studies support moderation
C. Homework has always existed
D. Schools report positive outcomes

C. Homework has always existed

500

Which transition best introduces the counterclaim?
A. For example
B. In addition
C. However
D. As a result

C. However

500

 Which word best replaces “excessive”?
A. Helpful
B. Balanced
C. Overwhelming
D. Moderate

C. Overwhelming

500

“First Performance”

The curtain trembled slightly as Eli peeked through the gap onto the brightly lit stage. The audience’s voices blended into a low hum, and his palms felt slick against the neck of his violin. He had practiced this piece for months, yet his heart raced as though the music were brand new.

When the spotlight finally found him, Eli lifted his bow. The first note wavered, but he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythm. Slowly, the melody steadied. As the final note echoed through the hall, the silence broke into applause. Eli exhaled, smiling for the first time that night.

Which sentence best shows internal conflict?
A. “The spotlight finally found him.”
B. “His heart raced as though the music were brand new.”
C. “The final note echoed through the hall.”
D. “The silence broke into applause.”

B. “His heart raced as though the music were brand new.”

500

Which sentence best supports a claim?
A. Many people think so
B. Research shows a clear pattern
C. I believe this is true
D. Everyone agrees

B. Research shows a clear pattern

500

Which sentence best concludes an argument?
A. Homework exists
B. This essay was written by me
C. Schools should reconsider current homework policies
D. Homework is sometimes boring

C. Schools should reconsider current homework policies

500

“Why Humans Need Sleep”

Sleep is not simply a time of rest; it is an essential process that allows the brain and body to function properly. During sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens memory, and clears out waste that builds up during the day.

Scientists have found that teenagers need between eight and ten hours of sleep each night. However, many adolescents get far less due to early school start times, homework, and screen use. Over time, lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration, mood changes, and weakened immune systems.

Because of these effects, experts recommend limiting screen time before bed and creating consistent sleep schedules.

Which word best describes the author’s tone?
A. Humorous
B. Informative
C. Angry
D. Persuasive

B. Informative

500

What is the proper order for argumentative writing?

Claim, reason, evidence, counterclaim, rebuttal & conclusion