TACHS Written Expression 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The TACHS Written Expression section assesses a student's ability to:
- Solve complex algebra problems
- Organize and express ideas clearly in writing (Correct answer)
- Memorize literary terms
- Recall historical facts
Correct answer: Organize and express ideas clearly in writing
The Written Expression section evaluates how well students can organize, develop, and communicate ideas in written form.
Question 2: Which sentence best serves as a strong topic sentence for a paragraph about the importance of exercise?
- Exercise is something that many people do.
- Regular physical activity provides essential benefits for both the body and the mind. (Correct answer)
- Some people like to run, and others prefer swimming.
- My favorite exercise is basketball.
Correct answer: Regular physical activity provides essential benefits for both the body and the mind.
A strong topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph and sets the direction for the supporting details.
Question 3: Which revision best improves the vague sentence: 'She did a lot of good things for the school'?
- She did many things for the school that were good.
- She organized three fundraisers and improved the school library. (Correct answer)
- She was good and helpful at school.
- The school was helped by her a lot.
Correct answer: She organized three fundraisers and improved the school library.
Specific details make writing stronger — naming the exact actions (fundraisers, library) is far more effective than vague phrases.
Question 4: When writing a paragraph, the concluding sentence should:
- Introduce a brand new idea
- Restate the topic sentence using the same exact words
- Summarize the main idea and bring the paragraph to a close (Correct answer)
- Ask the reader a question
Correct answer: Summarize the main idea and bring the paragraph to a close
A concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph by reinforcing the main idea without simply repeating the topic sentence word for word.
Question 5: Which transition word best shows a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- However (Correct answer)
- For example
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a contrast or shift between two opposing or different ideas.
Question 6: Which writing strategy helps a student best prepare for the TACHS written expression section?
- Memorizing long lists of vocabulary words only
- Practicing organizing ideas into clear paragraphs with evidence (Correct answer)
- Copying sentences from textbooks
- Writing as many words as possible without rereading
Correct answer: Practicing organizing ideas into clear paragraphs with evidence
Practicing paragraph structure with clear main ideas, supporting details, and conclusions develops the writing skills tested on the TACHS.
TACHS Written Expression 1
The TACHS Written Expression section assesses a student's ability to: