TCAP Informational Writing Review Grade 9

Informational Writing

By Donna Kapa

A Strong Informational Essay

​Objective

Today you’ll review key skills for writing a clear and well-organized informational essay.

​What Is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game where people use GPS devices or smartphone apps to find hidden containers called “caches.”
These caches are placed in parks, cities, and natural areas all over the world. Inside, you might find a logbook to sign and small items to trade—making it a fun mix of technology, adventure, and exploration.

Multiple Choice

Which of these hooks BEST prepares the reader for an essay about geocaching?

• Geocaching is fun.

• Have you ever searched for treasure using only GPS?

• Geocaching is a digital treasure hunt that has grown in popularity.

• Some people hike.

​Explanation

A good hook introduces the topic and implies complexity, and compels the audience to read further.

Match

Use transitions to show relationships between ideas.

Match the transition to its function:

• For example

• As a result

• In addition

• On the other hand

• Similarly

gives evidence

shows cause/effect

adds a new point

shows contrast

shows comparison

• gives evidence

• shows cause/effect

• adds a new point

• shows contrast

• shows comparison

​Explanation

Understanding different types of transitions helps writers clearly organize and connect their ideas in ways readers can easily follow.

Multiple Choice

Use relevant facts, examples, and quotations to support ideas.

Which quote BEST supports a paragraph about the benefits of geocaching?

• “Some caches have been put underwater.”

• “There’s a positive tourism and economic impact.”

• “Plastic toys can be found in containers.”

• “Guidelines are being drafted.”

​Explanation

The evidence connects directly to the “benefit” portion of the essay.

Multiple Choice

Maintain a formal, unbiased tone.

Which sentence maintains the most objective tone?

• Geocaching is super fun and way better than other hobbies.

• Geocaching is the best outdoor activity ever.

• Geocaching has increased outdoor tourism in several states.

• Everyone should definitely try geocaching.

​Explanation

The response presents information clearly and without opinion, which is appropriate for informational writing.

Dropdown

Use precise and topic-specific terms.​

Directions: Choose the best vocabulary term to complete the sentence:



“Participants use a ​ ​

Select answer

to locate hidden caches.”

​Explanation

The response presents information clearly and without opinion, which is appropriate for informational writing.

Multiple Choice

Wrap up the essay by reflecting on the topic’s importance.

Which of the following is the BEST concluding sentence for an essay about the benefits and drawbacks of geocaching?

• Geocaching is a really fun hobby that everyone should try.

• Geocaching offers fun adventures, but it’s important to respect the environment.

​Explanation

This sentence reflects both sides of the issue and reinforces why geocaching is a meaningful topic to explore.

Multiple Choice

Using Precise and Domain-Specific Vocabulary

Question: Which sentence uses the most precise and domain-specific vocabulary to explain how geocaching works?

• Geocachers use GPS coordinates to locate hidden caches.

• Geocachers look around until they find a hidden thing in a cool spot.

• Geocaching is like a fun hide-and-seek game where people go outdoors.

• People look for stuff in the woods using tech and stuff like that.

Dropdown

After locating the coordinates online, the geocacher used a​

Select answer

to navigate to the hidden​

Select answer

signed the​

Select answer

, and left a small item behind.

Reorder

What is the correct order of elements in an effective introduction paragraph?

• Hook

• Bridge

• Thesis Statement

1

2

3

• 1
• 2
• 3

​Explanation

An engaging introduction begins with a hook to grab the reader’s attention, followed by a bridge that provides background or context, and ends with a clear thesis statement that outlines the focus of the essay.

Multiple Choice

Focus – Identifying a Strong Thesis

Which of the following is the best thesis statement for an essay about the pros and cons of geocaching?

• Geocaching is interesting.

• There are many things to know about geocaching.

• Geocaching is an exciting outdoor task but it raises environmental concerns.

• This essay is about geocaching.

​Explanation

The response provides a clear, focused preview of both sides of the topic.

Multiple Choice

Fixing Sentence Structure

Which sentence has correct semicolon usage?

• Geocaching; is fun it helps people get outside.

• Geocaching is educational; it encourages people to explore.

• Geocaching, it's fun and also a challenge.

• Geocaching helps people explore and; it also teaches them navigation.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses consistent verb tense?

• They use GPS devices and log their finds in journals.

• Geocachers search for items and found them in hidden spots.

• People started to look, then looks again.

• The game was fun and is still fun today.

Multiple Choice

In-Text Citation Format

Which of the following is the correct way to cite an author named Fredrick Kunkle in MLA format, when quoting from his article?

• (Fredrick Kunkle, 27)

• (Kunkle, p. 27)

• (Kunkle 27)

• (Fredrick, 27)

Multiple Choice

Works Cited Entry Structure

What should come first in an MLA Works Cited entry?

• The title of the article

• The publisher

• The author’s name

• The date it was published

​Explanation

MLA citations begin with the author's last name, followed by their first name.

Multiple Choice

Choosing the Best Method for Incorporating Evidence

You want to provide background on the origins of geocaching for context, but you don’t need to include every detail. Which is the BEST method to use?

• Direct quotation

• Paraphrase

• Summary

• Block quote

​Explanation

A summary is best when you want to condense general ideas or statistics without all the details or irrelevant information.

Multiple Choice

You want to explain that Kelley believes geocaching helps people enjoy the outdoors, but you don’t need to use her exact words. What is the BEST way to include this information in your essay?

• Paraphrase

• Block quote

• Direct quote

• Summary