Examination Questions
Answer each of the following questions according to the instructions given. Question 1 (a–b) is based on the following paragraph.

A trip to the ocean can be a relaxing escape from the everyday pressures of life. A sailboat glistening on the horizon provides a mental escape to faraway places. The rhythm of the ocean beating against the sand is sedating music to a troubled mind. A slow, gentle breeze can relax your tensions. You should always be careful to avoid overexposure to the sun at the beach.

a. Write the sentence that is the topic sentence of the paragraph.
b. Write the sentence that is unrelated to the topic and can be eliminated.
List four things to look for when you’re proofreading.
Complete the following two steps:
a. Define the term cliché.
b. Use a cliché in a sentence that you create.
Name and explain two types of prewriting.
Choose one of the prompts listed below. Write a five-sentence paragraph using chronological order and including a topic sentence to explain the steps that you would take to complete one of the following tasks.
a. Preparing for a test
b. Preparing to host a party or an event
c. Getting ready for work
d. Cleaning your room or your home
e. Building a snowman, sandcastle, or sculpture
f. Creating a budget
Choose one of the following topics. Write an eight-sentence paragraph that fully develops the topic.
a. Following instructions is very important.
b. Job training programs (such as Job Corps) are valuable to both employers and potential employees.
c. Advances in technology are making people less social.
d. A high school diploma is important to my future.
e. College is not for everyone.
f. Drunk driving can be stopped.