REO: Writing

Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 4 best establishes the relationship between this sentence and the ideas expressed earlier in the paragraph?

Therefore, while the finding offers insight into ancient technological achievements, it actually only adds to the mystery of how Egypt’s iconic monuments were built.

• (As it is now)

• However

• All in all

• In the same manner

Answer explanation

“However” establishes the correct relationship between the earlier part of the passage and this sentence. While some believe that the new discovery explains how the pyramids were built, the debate still continues. That would suggest the need for a conjunctive adverb like “however” to indicate the contrast between the ideas.

Which of the following choices is the most logical place to add this sentence?

This design enabled the ancient Egyptians to move massive stones up slopes with inclines of as much as 20 percent

• Before sentence 6

• After sentence 6

• After sentence 7

• After sentence 9

Answer explanation

Sentence 6 describes the design of the ramp system that was discovered: it used a sled attached to posts by ropes. Therefore, the most logical place to add this additional sentence, which begins with the phrase “this design,” is after this sentence.

The writer wants to add a new sentence after sentence 13 to conclude the paragraph and clarify how it contributes to the main argument of the passage. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal?

• As an expert in the field, Cooney is well qualified to draw trustworthy conclusions about the

  significance of the ramp system.

• We can see, therefore, that there are good arguments on both sides of the question regarding whether the

  system was used in pyramid construction.

• It is consequently impossible that the same ramp system found in the quarry was used to construct the pyramids.

• Thus, it remains unclear whether the discovery at the quarry site can be seen as a model for understanding the devices used to build the pyramids.

Answer explanation

The arguments challenging the theory that the same kind of ramp system found in the quarry was used to build the pyramids are not necessarily conclusive but do suggest weaknesses in the theory. Therefore, expressing uncertainty about the theory, which this sentence does, is an appropriate way to conclude the paragraph in question and to clarify how the paragraph contributes to the passage’s main argument.

Should the writer add this sentence after sentence 8?

He reasons that the same techniques were used to construct Khufu’s Great Pyramid.

• Yes, because it summarizes Gourdon’s conclusions and sets up the description of a contrasting perspective in sentence 9.

• Yes, because it engages the audience’s attention and helps the audience visualize the type of research conducted at the quarry.

• No, because it fails to adequately explain the aspects of the ramp system that Gourdon thinks were used to construct the Great Pyramid.

• No, because it suggests that the writer relies too heavily on Gourdon as a source and has not done enough research.

Answer explanation

Gourdon’s remarks about the engineering capabilities of ancient Egyptians during the reign of Khufu, together with the fact that Pharaoh Khufu commissioned the Great Pyramid in Giza, lead naturally to the conclusion that the Egyptians used the ramp system to build that pyramid. Hence, this sentence sums up Gourdon’s conclusion, which is then challenged in sentence 9.

In sentence 7, the writer is considering adding the parenthetical phrase “(another hazard to humans in cars)” after

the word “off.” Should the writer make this addition?

• Yes, because it emphasizes the importance of the evidence about the hazards of street lights.

• Yes, because it connects the evidence offered in the sentence to the paragraph’s main claim.

• No, because it interrupts the fluidity of the sentence.

• No, because it introduces an opposing argument.

Answer explanation

The parenthetical insertion provides commentary that connects the chosen evidence (street lights

being shut off) to the paragraph’s claim (mayflies are hazardous to humans). The parenthetical addition

serves to develop a line of reasoning that focuses on mayflies and their impact on humans. Driving in the

dark without the assistance of street lights is a detriment to human drivers.

Which of the following sentences should be deleted from the second paragraph because it does not provide evidence

that supports the main claim of the paragraph?

• Sentence 6

• Sentence 7

• Sentence 8

• Sentence 9

Answer explanation

Although this sentence contains accurate descriptions of the mayfly’s body, these descriptors are not evidence that supports the claim that mayflies are a nuisance to humans. The descriptions do not clarify, amplify, or illustrate a point.

Which of the following words should be placed at the beginning of sentence 16 in order to demonstrate a connection to the previous sentence?

• However,

• Regardless,

• Thus,

• Conversely,

Answer explanation

This choice clearly signals the causal connection between the idea in the previous sentence

about humans desiring recreational activities in or near water and the idea in this sentence that these

activities generate income for humans.

In sentence 3, the writer is considering deleting the underlined portion, adjusting the

punctuation as necessary. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text?

Confirmation bias, which describes the human tendency to interpret new information in a way that supports our

preexisting beliefs, makes people tend to accept information that confirms what they already believe and reject

information that undermines those beliefs

• Keep it, because it completes the writer’s comparison between the way people think they make decisions

  and the way they actually make decisions.

• Keep it, because it develops the writer’s ideas by providing a definition of confirmation bias, which is

  the central concept of the passage.

• Delete it, because it fails to add vivid details about or examples of confirmation bias, making the writing

  less effective.

• Delete it, because it introduces a cause of bias in the way people accept or reject ideas whose effects are

  not elaborated on later in the passage.

Answer explanation

The underlined text is best described as providing a definition of confirmation bias, which is the

central concept of the passage. It is important that readers understand this concept, so it is appropriate for the underlined text to be kept rather than deleted.

In the context of the passage, which of the following versions of the underlined text is the most effective way to

introduce the evidence provided in sentence 10?

Confirmation bias does admittedly have its uses: it can, for example, increase the efficiency with which we process

information and also protect us against information that might be damaging to our self- esteem.

• (As it is now)

• Based on these findings, it is difficult to overstate the dangers of confirmation bias:

• Confirmation bias can have other, more subtle, detrimental effects as well:

• The risk of confirmation bias is not limited to a few study results, however;

Answer explanation

This version effectively explains the significance of the evidence presented in the sentence,

which discusses the ways confirmation bias can be useful. Therefore, this version is best for the

organization of the text and reflects the reasoning of the argument well.

The writer is considering adding the sentence below immediately after sentence 1 in order to further develop the

argument in the first paragraph. Should the writer add this sentence?

When I decided where to go to college, for example, I thought I had considered every factor and made the best

possible choice.

• Yes, because it describes a personal experience that helps illustrate the point made in sentence.

• Yes, because it makes the audience feel closer to the writer by revealing information about the writer’s past.

• No, because it makes the writer seem biased because it uses personal experience as support for an argument.

• No, because it does not clarify when this experience occurred and therefore might be irrelevant.

Answer explanation

The writer effectively uses a personal experience about choosing a college that illustrates the

point made in the previous sentence about how people believe that their big decisions are based on

careful analysis. Writers can use narratives to give vivid, concrete illustrations of their points and

advance a purpose in their writing.