Question 1
Read the sentences. Which revision best improves sentence variety and flow while keeping the same meaning?
- Maya packed her lunch. Maya grabbed her backpack. Maya ran to the bus stop. Maya waved to Jamal.
- Maya packed her lunch and grabbed her backpack and ran to the bus stop and waved to Jamal.
- After Maya packed her lunch and grabbed her backpack, she ran to the bus stop and waved to Jamal.
- Maya packed her lunch. Then Maya grabbed her backpack. Then Maya ran to the bus stop. Then Maya waved to Jamal.
Explanation: This question tests CCSS.L.6.3.a: varying sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style by using different sentence types, structures, beginnings, and lengths. Sentence variety refers to using a mix of sentence types (simple, compound, complex), varied sentence beginnings (subject, dependent clause, phrase, adverb), and different sentence lengths (short for emphasis, long for detail) to create interesting, engaging writing. Without variety, writing becomes monotonous and boring—imagine reading ten sentences that all start the same way and have the same structure. Effective variety serves three purposes: (1) MEANING—using complex sentences with subordination shows which idea is more important ('Although it rained, we played' emphasizes we played despite rain); (2) INTEREST—varied patterns keep readers engaged and prevent boredom; (3) STYLE—sentence rhythm and structure reflect the writer's voice, purpose, and sophistication. In the original passage (choice A), all four sentences are simple, all start with 'Maya,' and all have similar length and structure. This creates a choppy, boring rhythm that doesn't engage readers and sounds elementary. Choice C is correct because it effectively varies sentence patterns by combining the first two actions into a dependent clause ('After Maya packed her lunch and grabbed her backpack'), then using a compound sentence structure for the final two actions ('she ran to the bus stop and waved to Jamal'). This revision creates a complex sentence that shows time relationships, varies the beginning (starting with 'After' instead of 'Maya'), and creates better flow by grouping related actions. Choice B keeps the monotonous pattern by stringing everything together with 'and' without any subordination, creating a run-on feel that treats all actions as equally important when some should be subordinated. Effective variety requires intentional mixing of structures and showing relationships between ideas, not just connecting everything with 'and.'