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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Paragraphs
Adapted from The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1774; trans. Boylan 1854)
Wilhelm, what is the world to our hearts without love. What is a magic-lantern without light? You have but too kindle the flame within, and the brightest figures shine on the white wall; and, were love only to show us fleeting shadows, we are yet happy, when, like mere children, we behold it, and are transported with the splendid phantoms. I have not been able to see Charlotte today. I was prevented by company from which I could not disengage myself. What was to be done? I sent my servant to her house, that I might at least see somebody today whom had been near her. Oh, the impatience with which I waited for his return! Oh, the joy with which I welcomed him. I should certainly have caught him in my arms and kissed him, if I had not been ashamed.
It is said that the Bonona stone, when placed in the sun, attracts its rays and for a time appears luminous in the dark. So was it with me and this servant. The idea that Charlotte's eyes had dwelt on his countenance, his cheek, his very apparel, endeared it all inestimably to me so that, at that moment, I would not have parted from him for a thousand crowns. His presence made me so happy! Beware of laughing at me, Wilhelm. Can that be a delusion which makes us happy?
Which sentence in the passage's first paragraph should mark the start of a new paragraph and be the first line of this new paragraph?
"I have not been able to see Charlotte today."
"Oh, the impatience with which I waited for his return!"
"I sent my servant to her house, that I might at least see somebody today whom had been near her."
"I was prevented by company from which I could not disengage myself."
"I have not been able to see Charlotte today."
A clear shift of thought occurs when the author states, "I have not been able to see Charlotte today." At this point, he beings talking about something concrete in his life. If this is not put into a new paragraph, the whole first paragraph becomes a bit confusing, making the reader wonder why all of these remarks are together in one flow of thought.
Example Question #62 : Writing And Revising Effectively
Adapted from The Apology by Plato (trans. Jowett)
This inquisition has led to my having many enemies of the worst and most dangerous kind and has given occasion also to many false statements against me. And I am called wise, for my hearers always imagine that I myself possess the wisdom which I find lacking in others. However, O men of Athens, the truth is that god only is wise. By his answer he intends to show that the wisdom of men is worth little or nothing. He is not speaking of Socrates, he is only using my name by way of illustration. It is as though he said, “He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.” And so, I go about the world, obedient to the god, searching and making enquiry into the wisdom of any one, whether citizen or stranger, who appears to be wise. If he is not wise, then I show him that he is not wise. My occupation quite absorbs me, and I have no time to give either to any public matter of interest or to any concern of my own. Indeed I am in utter poverty by reason of my devotion to the god.
There is another thing. Young men of the richer classes, who have not much to do, come about me of their own accord. They like to hear my examinations of others and often imitate me, and then proceed to examine others. They quickly discover that there is plenty of people, who think that they know something but really know little or nothing. Then, those who are examined by them instead of being angry with themselves become angry with me.
“This confounded Socrates,” they say, “this villainous misleader of youth!” And then, if somebody asks them, “What evil does he practice or teach?” they do not know and cannot tell. However, in order that they may not appear to be at a loss, they repeat the ready-made charges which are used against all philosophers: the teaching things up in the clouds and under the earth, having no gods, and making wrong things appear to be right.
They do not like to confess that their pretence of knowledge has been detected (which is the truth). And as they are numerous and ambitious and energetic, they have filled your ears with they’re loud and inveterate calumnies.
And this, O men of Athens, is the truth and the whole truth. I have concealed nothing; I have dissembled nothing. And yet, I know that my plainness of speech makes them hate me. Still, what is their hatred but a proof that I am speaking the truth? From this have arisen the crowds’ prejudice against me. This is the reason of it, as you will find out either in this or in any future enquiry.
After which sentence in the first paragraph could you begin a new paragraph?
It is as though he said, “He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.”
And so, I go about the world, obedient to the god, searching and making enquiry into the wisdom of any one, whether citizen or stranger, who appears to be wise.
He is not speaking of Socrates, he is only using my name by way of illustration.
By his answer he intends to show that the wisdom of men is worth little or nothing.
It is as though he said, “He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.”
When the speaker begins to say, "And so, I go about the world," he is beginning a new thought and describing his activity. This is a shift in focus that could merit a new paragraph. Note that the question asks for the sentence after which the break is to occur. Therefore, select the sentence preceding this one.
Example Question #2 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Paragraphs
Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)
Not long after this, the three greatest measures of all were carried. Three committees were appointed, one for preparing a declaration of independence, another for reporting a plan of a treaty to be proposed to France, and a third to digest a system of articles of confederation to be proposed to the States. I was appointed on the committee of independence and on that for preparing the form of a treaty with France. On the committee of confederation Mr. Samuel Adams was appointed. The committee of independence were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Mr. Jefferson had been now about a year a member of Congress, but had attended his duty in the house a very small part of the time, and, when there, had never spoken in public. During the whole time I sat with him in Congress, I never heard him utter three sentences together. It will naturally be inquired how it happened that he was appointed on a committee of such importance. There were more reasons than one. Mr. Jefferson had the reputation of a masterly pen; he had been chosen a delegate in Virginia, in consequence of a very handsome public paper which he had written for the House of Burgesses, which had given him the character of a fine writer. Another reason was, that Mr. Richard Henry Lee was not beloved by the most of his colleagues from Virginia, and Mr. Jefferson was set up to rival and supplant him. This could be done only by the pen, for Mr. Jefferson could stand no competition with him or any one else in elocution and public debate.
If you wanted to split this paragraph into two separate paragraphs, which sentence would be the best beginning for the second paragraph?
"The committee of independence were . . ."
"Mr. Jefferson had been now about a year . . ."
"Mr. Jefferson had the reputation of a masterly pen . . ."
"On the committee of confederation Mr. Samuel Adams . . . "
"During the whole time that I . . ."
"Mr. Jefferson had been now about a year . . ."
Although the choice is a bit subjective, the best option among those provided is the sentence that marks the shift to focus on Jefferson himself. The first paragraph would thus describe the set of committees that were established. The second would discuss Jefferson's character and his selection. The most tempting wrong answer is likely, "Mr. Jefferson had the reputation of a masterly pen." That is not acceptable because it is part of a set of reasons being provided. It would be better to keep these together with their explanatory introduction.
Example Question #3 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Paragraphs
Adapted from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890)
As they entered, they saw Dorian Gray who was seated at the piano his back to them, turning over the pages of a volume of Schumann's "Forest Scenes." "You must lend me these, Basil," he cried. "I want to learn them. They are perfectly charming." "That entirely depends on how you sit to-day, Dorian."
"Oh, I am tired of sitting, and I don't want a life-sized portrait of myself," answered the lad, swinging round on the music-stool in a willful, petulant manner. When he caught sight of Lord Henry, a faint blush colored his cheeks for a moment, and he started up. "I beg your pardon, Basil. I did’nt know you had any one with you."
"This is Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian, an old Oxford friend of mine. I have just been telling him what a capital sitter you were, and now you have spoiled everything."
"You have not spoiled my pleasure in meeting you, Mr. Gray," said Lord Henry, stepping forward and extended his hand. "My aunt has often spoken to me about you. You are one of her favorites, and, I am afraid, one of her victims also."
"I am in Lady Agatha's black books at present," answered Dorian with a funny look of penitence. "I promised to go to a club in Whitechapel with her last Tuesday, and I really forgot all about it. We were to have played a duet together: three duets, I believe. I don't know what she will say to me. I am far too frightened to call."
After which sentence must there be a paragraph break in the first paragraph?
After both "'I want to learn them. They are perfectly charming.'" and "'You must lend me these, Basil,' he cried."
No paragraph break is necessary.
"You must lend me these, Basil," he cried.
"I want to learn them. They are perfectly charming."
"I want to learn them. They are perfectly charming."
There must be a break in the paragraph when the new speaker takes up the dialogue. This happens at the sentence, "That entirely depends on how you sit to-day, Dorian." You can tell this because the speaker uses "Dorian" as the direct address of the sentence. (This is indicated by the comma preceding his name.)
Example Question #3 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Paragraphs
“What is Leisure?”
It would likely surprise [1] modern readers if he or she were told that the meaning of life is leisure. This seems to be the same thing as saying that the meaning of life is nothing more than relaxing by the side of the pool. [2] One can imagine almost anyone thinking to himself, “What a preposterous idea.” This idea is not as foreign as it might appear at first glance. Indeed, [3] it could be considered the classic Western position about the very meaning of life. [4] This, of course, lies in contrast to all other global positions, but that’s a topic for another day.
[5] Of course, we need to understand what is meant by the word leisure if we are going to understand this assertion. The best way to understand this is to consider a contrast between two different kinds of activity. [6] On the one hand, there are many activities that are for the sake of something else. [7] On the other hand. There are those activities that are done for their own sake. These latter kinds of activities are those that are properly understood as being leisurely. [8] For example, when someone cuts onions for a meal, the cutting of the onions is not done for their own sake. The easiest way to figure out if something is being done for the sake of another end is to ask, “Why are you doing that.” [9] The onion cutter will answer, “I am doing it so that I can make dinner.” This helps us to see that the cutting of the onions is for the sake of something else. [10] Indeed, even the eating of dinner is for the sake of something else, namely attaining adequate nutrition.
[11] In contrast to these examples, leisurely activities are those that are done for they’re own sake. [12] For example, ask someone who enjoys organ music why he is listening to an organ concert. The answer will almost certainly be, “For the sake of listening to organ music. It is that important and beautiful!” Many things can be considered leisurely, including forms of games that are played merely for their own enjoyment; however, it is important to bear in mind that there is a hierarchy of goods. [13] Some types of leisure are better than others and likely are more preferable.
[15] After which sentence should there be a paragraph break?
Many things can be considered leisurely, including forms of games that are played merely for their own enjoyment.
These latter kinds of activities are those that are properly understood as being leisurely.
One can imagine almost anyone thinking to himself, “What a preposterous idea.”
On the other hand, there are those activities that are done for their own sake.
These latter kinds of activities are those that are properly understood as being leisurely.
To understand this answer, read the following two sentences in order: These latter kinds of activities are those that are properly understood as being leisurely. For example, when someone cuts onions for a meal, the cutting of the onions is not done for their own sake.
So long as you read this passage thoughtfully, you will realize that the example actually is about the first class of things. This is confused by the lack of a paragraph break. Therefore, you should place the break right here so as to key the reader into the fact that the passage is going to discuss each kind of activity in order. (The new paragraph and the paragraph following it parallel the points expressed in the current paragraph in the language of "On the one hand . . . On the other hand.")
Example Question #2 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Paragraphs
1. First of all, you have to fit apartment visits and rental applications into your already busy schedule.
2. Additionally, you are competing against many others who want the same apartment you want.
3. With perseverance and luck, though, you can beat the odds and get that cute apartment you've been dreaming of!
4. Finding an apartment to rent in a crowded city can be difficult.
Place the following sentences in the best order to form a paragraph.
2, 1, 3, 4
4, 1, 2, 3
3, 1, 2, 4
1, 2, 3, 4
4, 1, 3, 2
4, 1, 2, 3
This question asks you to place sentences in the most logical order to form a paragraph. Sentence 4 is the topic sentence of the paragraph, so it should come first. Sentence 1 begins with the phrase "First of all," suggesting that it provides the first piece of evidence for the topic sentence. Sentence 2 continues with more detail, and we know it should come next because it begins with the transitional phrase "additionally." Sentence 3 includes the phrase "with perseverance and luck, though" indicating that it contrasts previously introduced information--in this case, the information introduced in Sentences 1 and 2. Sentence 3 also provides a conclusion for the paragraph and therefore should come last.
Example Question #1 : Introductions, Transitions, And Conclusions
Humanities: This passage is adapted from chapter three of Sir John Lubbock’s The Pleasures of Life. The chapter is entitled “A Song of Books” and was written in 1887.
Of all the privileges we enjoy in this nineteenth century there is none, perhaps, for which we ought to be more thankful than for the easier access to books.
The debt we owe to books was well expressed and articulated by Richard de Bury, Bishop of Durham, author of Philobiblon, written as long ago as 1344, published in 1473, and the earliest English treatise on the delights of literature: "These,” he says, “are the masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without hard words and anger, without clothes or money. If you approach them, they are not asleep; if you interrogate them, they conceal nothing; if you mistake them, they never grumble; if you are ignorant, they cannot laugh at you. The library, therefore, of wisdom is more precious than all riches, and nothing that can be wished for is worthy to be compared with it. Whosoever therefore acknowledges himself to be a zealous follower of truth, of happiness, of wisdom, of science, or even of the faith, must of necessity make himself a lover of books.”
This feeling that books are real friends is constantly present to all who love reading. “I have friends,” said Petrarch, “whose society is extremely agreeable to me; they are of all ages, and of every country. They have distinguished themselves both in the cabinet and in the field, and obtained high honors for their knowledge of the sciences. It is easy to gain access to them, for they are always at my service, and I admit them to my company, and dismiss them from it, whenever I please. They are never troublesome, but immediately answer every question I ask them. Some relate to me the events of past ages, while others reveal to me the secrets of Nature. Some teach me how to live, and others how to die. Some, by their vivacity, drive away my cares and exhilarate my spirits; while others give fortitude to my mind, and teach me the important lesson how to restrain my desires, and to depend wholly on myself. They open to me, in short, the various avenues of all the arts and sciences, and upon their information I may safely rely in all emergencies. In return for all their services, they only ask me to accommodate them with a convenient chamber in some corner of my humble habitation, where they may repose in peace; for these friends are more delighted by the tranquillity of retirement than with the tumults of society.”
“He that loveth a book,” says Isaac Barrow, “will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, so in all fortunes.”
The author is considering adding the following sentence to the end of the second paragraph:
"But if the debt were great then, how much more now."
Should the author make this addition?
No, because the author has already made a similar comparison between the present and the past in the first paragraph.
Yes, because a link to the present is crucial to the author's argument.
No, because the author is not concerned with the present.
No, because references to the present in paragraphs three and four are not clear enough to make the addition helpful.
Yes, because the appreciation of books that the author describes in the past is not adequate evidence for the author's claim.
No, because references to the present in paragraphs three and four are not clear enough to make the addition helpful.
There are no clear references to the appreciation of books in the present as contrasting with their appreciation in the past; thus, the sentence is unhelpful and unnecessary.
Example Question #1 : Introductions, Transitions, And Conclusions
This year, my New Year's resolution was to not buy any more books until I had read all of the books I already had. But, after getting fifty dollars for my birthday, I couldn't resist stopping by the library's used book sale.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose “NO CHANGE.”
NO CHANGE
Additionally,
That is,
Moreover,
For instance,
NO CHANGE
Here, “But” is the best transition word. “But” implies a contrast, and there is indeed a contrast between the idea expressed in the first sentence (making a commitment not to buy more books) and the idea expressed in the second (stopping by the book sale). The relationship of the second sentence to the first is not that of an example, an additional detail, or a clarification, which is why the other answers are not correct.
Example Question #2 : Introductions, Transitions, And Conclusions
My mother was born in China. Additionally, she emigrated to the US when she was twenty-seven, but she was never able to get used to this country. She was used to haggling in loud, bustling street markets—not walking through the silent, orderly rows of American grocery stores. She also never became fluent in English; filling out forms and writing business letters confused her.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose “NO CHANGE.”
However,
Accordingly,
OMIT the underlined portion and begin the sentence with the word “She”
NO CHANGE
For example,
OMIT the underlined portion and begin the sentence with the word “She”
Here, the best correction would be to delete the word “Additionally” and to use no transition word. The word “additionally” is usually used in a list or when you are adding details on to a description; however, in this case we do not have a list, and the first two sentences are more action rather than description. The relationship of the second sentence to the first is also not an example, a contrast, or a necessary event, which is why the other answers are not correct.
Example Question #2 : Introductions, Transitions, And Conclusions
The truth is, I kinda hate my brother. Can you blame me? We're always fighting. Today, he "borrowed" my favorite book and now its ripped in two. Likewise, my brother and I like to play sports together. We both bond over games like volleyball, and basketball. We both play real good. We even were considering trying out for the high school team together.
What is the best alternative for the underlined word, "Likewise"?
Hence,
NO CHANGE
For instance,
Furthermore,
Nevertheless,
Nevertheless,
The author is contrasting negative feelings he/she has regarding his/her brother with more positive feelings towards the brother. Therefore, a transition word that shows contrast is the best option. "Likewise" shows similarity, "For instance" shows an relationship of clarification, while "Hence" and "Therefore" imply causation. "Nevertheless" implies a contrasting relationship between ideas and is the best choice.
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