HSPT Language Skills : Analyzing Topic Scope
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Language Skills
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Clarity, Relevance, And Scope
Which of the following is an appropriate topic for a one-paragraph essay/theme?
Ancient Ruins of South America
The Architecture of Performance Venues
Birds I've Seen in My Backyard
The History of Libraries
Birds I've Seen in My Backyard
The correct answer is "Birds I've Seen in My Backyard." This topic could be addressed and explained fully in a few sentences, whereas the other topics are much broader and would not be able to be fully discussed or explained in a single paragraph.
Example Question #6 : Relevance And Scope
Which of the following topics would be most appropriate for a one-paragraph essay/theme?
How I Celebrated My Birthday
The Culinary History of Cajun Cooking
The Importance of Public Parks in Major Metropolitan Areas
The Declaration of Independence
How I Celebrated My Birthday
A one-paragraph essay/theme needs to have a relatively small-scale topic in order for the writer to be able to discuss the topic with an appropriate level of detail. Trying to discuss too large-scale of a topic in a single paragraph would mean that a writer would have to leave out important information and wouldn't have the space to discuss all of the key points about the topic necessary to covering it effectively.
The answer choice that would be most appropriate for a single-paragraph essay/theme is "How I Celebrated My Birthday." This is the smallest-scale topic of the ones presented. The topics presented in the other answer choices are far more expansive and would require the room provided by a longer assignment in order to be treated effectively.
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