Revising and Editing Practice

What is the main idea of the passage 'The Gratitude Challenge'?

Answer explanation

The main idea of 'The Gratitude Challenge' is to encourage individuals to practice gratitude daily, highlighting its positive effects on mental well-being and relationships.

What challenge did Mr. Bright assign to the class?

Answer explanation

Mr. Bright assigned a challenge to the class, which typically involves a task or problem for students to solve, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.

Why was Simone disinterested in the gratitude challenge?

Answer explanation

Simone was disinterested in the gratitude challenge because she felt it was forced and insincere, lacking genuine emotion and connection, which made her reluctant to participate.

What did Simone write in her notebook at the end of the day?

Answer explanation

At the end of the day, Simone wrote about her reflections and experiences, capturing her thoughts and feelings, which indicates she was processing her day.

Simone has included a sentence in the fourth paragraph (sentences 8-11) that repeats information. Which sentence should be removed from this paragraph?

• Sentence 8

• Sentence 9

• Sentence 10

• Sentence 11

Answer explanation

Sentence 8 should be removed because it repeats information already conveyed in the subsequent sentences, making it redundant. Removing it enhances clarity without losing essential content.

What revision, if any, is needed in sentence 13?

• There were left in the season seven weeks, which was only devastating.

• Being devastated, there were only seven weeks left in the season.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'There were left in the season seven weeks, which was only devastating,' maintains the original meaning while improving clarity. The other option, 'Being devastated, there were only seven weeks left in the season,' is awkward.

Which sentence should replace sentence 9 to improve the transition?

• A) With only seven weeks left in the season, I was devastated about the season.

• B) No change is needed.

Answer explanation

Choice A improves the transition by providing context about the urgency of the situation, indicating the speaker's emotional state as the season nears its end. This enhances the flow and connection to the preceding sentences.

Simone needs a better transition into the sixth paragraph (sentences 15–18). Which sentence should replace sentence 15 to improve this transition?

• A) Looking around the room, I could tell that I wasn't the only one questioning this activity.

• B) Up until now, Mr. Bright's assignments had been challenging but usually pretty enjoyable.

• C) As I thought about my predicament, I was convinced I had nothing to write in my journal.

• D) When the season had first started, I had been excited about playing with some of my friends.

Answer explanation

Choice B improves the transition by reflecting on previous assignments, setting a contrast with the upcoming paragraph's content. It establishes a context of enjoyment that makes the shift to the new, challenging situation more impactful.

Simone wants to combine the ideas in sentences 24 and 25. In the box provided, write a sentence that combines these ideas in a clear and effective way.

Answer explanation

To effectively combine the ideas from sentences 24 and 25, focus on the main points of each sentence and create a cohesive statement that reflects both ideas clearly, ensuring logical flow and clarity.

Which sentence can be added after sentence 29 to bring this story to a more effective closing?

• A) Truthfully, that is just what I needed this time.

• B) Thinking about gratitude helped to change my attitude.

Answer explanation

Choice A effectively concludes the story by expressing a personal need being met, creating a sense of resolution. In contrast, choice B focuses on a change in attitude, which does not provide a strong closing to the narrative.