1.
Choose the best topic sentence:
[_______________________________] Unlike some breeds of dogs, they do not need a lot of exercise each day. Crowds and loud noises do not make them nervous. Also, they do not mind being alone for hours if you need to be away from work. On top of all this, they are known to be patient and loving with children. If you are a city-dwelling family looking for a pet, I highly recommend this breed of dog.
Correct Answer
B. Greyhounds are a good choice of dog for people who live in cities.
Explanation
The given answer, "Greyhounds are a good choice of dog for people who live in cities," is the best topic sentence because it introduces the main idea of the paragraph, which is that greyhounds are suitable pets for city-dwelling families. The supporting details in the paragraph explain why greyhounds are a good choice, such as their low exercise needs, ability to handle crowds and loud noises, and their patience and love for children. This topic sentence effectively summarizes the main point of the paragraph.
2.
Choose the best topic sentence:
[_______________________________] She always takes the time to listen to me. When I was in the hospital, she came to visit me. She always makes sure I get the medication I need. Several of my friends now go to see her, and they like her as much as I do!
Correct Answer
A. I am very happy with my doctor.
Explanation
The topic sentence "I am very happy with my doctor" is the best choice because it introduces the main idea of the paragraph, which is the speaker's satisfaction with their doctor. The following sentences provide specific examples and reasons for this satisfaction, such as the doctor's attentiveness, visits to the hospital, and ensuring medication needs are met. The sentence about loving the mother is unrelated to the topic of the paragraph, while the sentence about finding a good doctor and the cost of seeing a doctor are not supported by the information given in the paragraph.
3.
Choose the best topic sentence:
[________________________________] Many people who earn the minimum wage are trying to support families with this salary. No one working full-time and earning the minimum wage makes enough money to pay for rent, food, and other necessities. If we raise the minimum wage, families will have more money to spend, and therefore other businesses will make more money. For so many reasons, it is the right thing to do.
Correct Answer
D. It is time to raise the minimum wage.
Explanation
The given answer, "It is time to raise the minimum wage," is the best topic sentence because it clearly introduces the main idea of the paragraph. The subsequent sentences provide supporting details and arguments to justify why raising the minimum wage is necessary. By starting the paragraph with this topic sentence, the reader immediately understands the focus and direction of the paragraph.
4.
Choose TWO supporting sentences for this topic sentence:
Young children should not be allowed to cross Fourth Avenue by themselves.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Last year, two children were injured while crossing that street.
C. Cars are always speeding down that avenue.
Explanation
The best supporting sentences directly relate to the topic sentence's claim about child safety on Fourth Avenue. "Two children were injured" provides evidence of past accidents, making it dangerous. "Cars are always speeding" explains why it's unsafe, highlighting the traffic hazard. The other sentences are irrelevant to the safety concern.
5.
Choose TWO supporting sentences for this topic sentence:
I need to look for a new job.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Since we now have another child, my salary really isn't enough for our family.
C. The commute is very long, and I would like to spend more time with my family.
Explanation
The two supporting sentences for this topic sentence should be "I need to look for a new job" are "Since we now have another child, my salary really isn't enough for our family" and "The commute is very long, and I would like to spend more time with my family." These two sentences provide valid reasons for the person to consider finding a new job. The first sentence highlights the financial strain caused by the addition of another child, indicating the need for a higher salary. The second sentence emphasizes the desire for a better work-life balance by reducing the long commute and spending more time with family.
6.
Choose TWO supporting sentences for this topic sentence:
Students need to learn good ways to study.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Sometimes studying in a group can be helpful.
D. Studying instead of sleeping help to learn or increase test scores.
Explanation
The two supporting sentences for the topic sentence "Students need to learn good ways to study" are "Sometimes studying in a group can be helpful" and "Studying instead of sleeping help to learn or increase test scores." These sentences provide examples and explanations of different study methods and emphasize the importance of effective studying techniques.
7.
"Anna is afraid of spiders. She screams every time she sees one. If she sees one, she runs away." Identify the supporting sentence in this paragraph.
Correct Answer
A. Anna is afraid of spiders.
Explanation
The topic sentence is the first sentence, "Anna is afraid of spiders." The supporting sentences are the second and third sentences, "She screams every time she sees one. If she sees one, she runs away." These sentences provide evidence to support the topic sentence by describing how Anna reacts when she sees a spider.
8.
Matilda's parents owned quite a nice house with three bedrooms upstairs, while on the ground floor, there was a dining room and a living room, and a kitchen. Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars, and it seemed he did pretty well at it.
"Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars, and it seemed he did pretty well at it. "- In this paragraph, what is this sentence?
Correct Answer
B. Supporting sentence
Explanation
The sentence "Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars, and it seemed he did pretty well at it" is a supporting sentence. It provides additional information about Matilda's father and his successful career as a dealer in second-hand cars. It supports the main idea of the paragraph, which is to describe Matilda's parents and their nice house.
9.
John hates doing laundry and folding clothes. He thinks all this takes a lot of his time. Also, he believes he is not good at it as he never gets any wrinkles out. In this paragraph, what is the topic sentence?
Correct Answer
A. John hates doing laundry and folding clothes.
Explanation
The topic sentence of this paragraph is "John hates doing laundry and folding clothes." This is because it introduces the main idea or topic of the paragraph, which is John's dislike for these tasks. The following sentences provide supporting details and examples to further explain and support this main idea.
10.
Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It has received much attention because of its frequent and destructive eruptions. The most famous of these eruptions occurred in A.D. 79. Which is the topic sentence in this passage?
Correct Answer
A. Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Explanation
The topic sentence in this passage is "Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum." This is because it introduces the main subject of the passage, which is Mount Vesuvius and its location. The following sentences provide additional information about the volcano and its eruptions, but they are supporting details that expand on the topic introduced in the topic sentence.