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?

Possible Answers:

Birds I've Seen in My Backyard

Ancient Ruins of South America

The Architecture of Performance Venues

The History of Libraries

Correct answer:

Birds I've Seen in My Backyard

Explanation:

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 #1 : Analyzing Topic Scope

Which of the following topics would be most appropriate for a one-paragraph essay/theme?

Possible Answers:

The Importance of Public Parks in Major Metropolitan Areas

How I Celebrated My Birthday

The Culinary History of Cajun Cooking

The Declaration of Independence

Correct answer:

How I Celebrated My Birthday

Explanation:

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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