Essay Writing Flashcards
7 cards from real TSIA2 practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Essay Writing flashcards as text
Which sentence demonstrates the most precise and formal word choice appropriate for a TSIA2 essay?
Answer: The proliferation of misinformation online has eroded public trust in journalism.
Formal, precise diction ('proliferation,' 'eroded') signals academic competence and suits the essay's persuasive purpose.
What is the function of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
Answer: It introduces the specific point the paragraph will develop
A topic sentence announces the paragraph's controlling idea, telling readers what argument or point will be developed.
Which organizational strategy is most effective for an essay comparing two approaches to solving homelessness?
Answer: Point-by-point comparison, addressing each criterion for both approaches together
Point-by-point comparison keeps both subjects in direct dialogue, making similarities and differences immediately clear.
A student's essay prompt asks her to argue for or against year-round schooling. Her thesis states: 'Year-round schooling has pros and cons.' What is wrong with this thesis?
Answer: It does not take a clear position on the issue
An argumentative thesis must stake a clear position; 'pros and cons' is a neutral observation, not an argument.
Which revision corrects the dangling modifier in this sentence: 'Walking through the park, the flowers smelled beautiful.'
Answer: Walking through the park, she noticed the flowers smelled beautiful.
Adding a clear subject ('she') immediately after the introductory participial phrase eliminates the dangling modifier.
Which approach best avoids plagiarism when using a source in an essay?
Answer: Paraphrasing the idea in your own words and citing the source
Paraphrasing with a citation both demonstrates understanding and gives proper credit to the original author.
An essay about the dangers of fast food ends with: 'So, yeah, fast food is bad and you should not eat it.' Which aspect of this conclusion most needs improvement?
Answer: Tone — it is too informal and casual for an academic essay
Casual language like 'So, yeah' is inappropriate for formal academic writing and undermines the essay's credibility.