Writing Practice 4-12

7/28/2019 Writing Practice 4-12

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Writing Practice 4-12

Practice Test 4back to top

Practice with focus. Imagine yourself in the exam center. Try the question under exam

conditions and do your best. I know it can be tough, but don't give yourself extra time

and don't use any writing program that automatically checks your spelling or your

grammar: this very bad for you skill development and won't help you improve as quickly

as you can, which means we might have to take the test a few times to get the score we

need.

Save your essay so that you can revisit it and edit it in the future. Save multiple versionsso that you can note your progress. What that means is: save your 1st try as a document,

then your revision as another, and so on. In this way, you'll see multiple versions of your

essays and notice how you're improving. Good luck!

For timing yourself:


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First, many claim that the extinction of any animal will certainly lead to ecological

disaster, but this is an exaggeration. Fossil evidence clearly demonstrates that in the

evolutionary history of the Earth, extinctions have occurred several times, one well-

known example of this being that of the dinosaur. Once the predominant organism, it

too became extinct. This sudden relative destruction of biodiversity did not result in

lasting harm to life on Earth, but in a natural emergence of different species.

Also, with the advent of technologies such as genetic engineering scientists no longer

depend on nature as a source of inspiration for medication. The need for the

preservation of all species is often supported by the idea that each may prove to have

some medicinal applications. The truth is that with genetic engineering, research

scientists are more able to heal disease than they ever have been before. So, the naturallose of one species to extinction will not significantly harm the progress of medicine.

Third, the huge cost of saving a species from extinction is often not justified. For

example, the California Condor depended on the mammoth as a source of food. When

the mammoth became extinct, the condor was naturally next to follow. But, instead,

millions were spent to restore the dwindling condor population. Money that could have

been spent on more urgent needs was instead spent on saving an animal that nature

could no longer support.

Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they

cast doubt on the points made in the reading passage. You have 20 minutes to type your

response.

Response time: 20 minutes

Question 2back to top
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Question: Some students prefer classes with open discussions between the professor

and students and almost no lectures. Other students prefer classes with lectures and

almost no discussions. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to

support your answer.








need.

Save your essay so that you can revisit it and edit it in the future. Save multiple versions

so that you can note your progress. What that means is: save your 1st try as a document,





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Standardized tests are exams given to students at the end of each academic year. The

results are used to determine whether or not students move to the next grade level. As

our society places more emphasis on education, many school districts, along with the

federal government, are using standardized tests to ensure that students receive the best

education possible, and we should support this.

First, these tests are given statewide and nationwide, thereby setting a strong standard

for all schools to follow. In order to advance, students are required to achieve a

minimum score that shows they have acquired the basic, necessary skills of their level.

Teachers must therefore emphasize the appropriate material or face the possibility that

their students will not pass. This pressure nearly guarantees that students, regardless of

environment or background, receive a standard, quality education.

In addition, with these exams, schools become more accountable for the success of their

students. By averaging the scores of students, the quality of education of different

schools can be compared. With this information, state and federal governments can

identify those schools with exceptional results and reward them accordingly as well as

identify those performing poorly and offer the necessary aid or take other appropriate

actions to help them improve.

Finally, the results of these exams can be used to provide help to those students who

need it most. Simply moving children into the next grade level because of age and not

ability has long been a staple of most academic institutions. This social promotion needs

to end. With these tests, promotion to the next level will be only for those students who

pass and show the necessary ability to move forward while those who dont pass will stay

behind to receive more assistance.



response.


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Question: Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human

activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is

your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.








need.







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Roanoke

In 1587, the English sent a group of settlers to Roanoke to establish a colony in North

America. After returning from a trip to Europe, the Governor of this settlement, John

White, found that the entire English colony had disappeared. This disappearance has

been the subject of great debate. But, it is no longer a mystery; we now know that the

settlers did not disappear but instead relocated to the Island of Croatoa.

First, when White returned he found the word Croatoa carved onto a piece of wood.

The governor had told the colonists that if they encountered any trouble while he was

away, to leave a message indicating where they had gone. This sign indicates that the

settlers did not disappear mysteriously but rather relocated to the Croatoan Island.Unfortunately, Whites ship was damaged during his return, so he could not travel to the

island to check if the settlers were there.

Second, many English artifacts have been found on Croatoa supporting the idea that the

settlers from Roanoke simply relocated to the island. Specifically, a ring was found on

the Croatoan Island that can be directly linked back to an Englishman. The only way

that this ring could have made its way to the island was if it was brought there by one of

the English settlers from Roanoke during their relocation.

Third, when search parties finally arrived on the Croatoan Island to look for the

Roanoke settlers, they did not find any but did find that the indigenous inhabitants

possessed European characteristics. They had light hair and blue eyes, traits not

associated with the natives of North America. The peoples of Croatoa could only have

attained these characteristics through intermarriage with the English settlers from

Roanoke, providing more conclusive evidence that they relocated to Croatoa.



response.


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Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to use

printed material such as books and articles to do research than it is to use the internet.

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.








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Nuclear Energy

The 20th century saw the use of fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil as the predominant

sources of energy for our society. But, with their use have come a number of serious

problems, such as their limited availability and the question of global warming. Nuclear

energy must be seen as the solution, as the next logical step in the evolution of energy

production.

First, the fuel that powers nuclear power plants is cheap compared to the fossil fuels we

currently use to supply most of our energy needs. Because it exists in such abundant

supplies, a unit of fuel used in nuclear power plants costs about 7 dollars. This unitproduces the same amount of energy as 84 dollars of oil or 29 dollars of gas. The

potential savings to consumers is enormous.

Second, despite what some may believe, the process of creating nuclear energy is

relatively safe. Though production involves large amounts of dangerous radiation,

nuclear power plants incorporate an array of measures to ensure that this radiation is

contained and poses no danger to the public. Elaborate equipment is used throughout

nuclear plants to monitor and control all processes. Furthermore, this machinery will

shut down under any abnormal circumstances to prevent a catastrophe.

Third, the hazardous radioactive waste generated by nuclear power plants can be

effectively managed. Fuel reprocessing is one measure often employed. This process

takes the waste produced in plants and reuses it. It draws out 25% more energy from the

original fuel source and reduces the amount of high-level waste, the most radioactive

and therefore dangerous, by 80%. Consequently, the remaining waste possesses muchless radioactivity and is even easier to dispose of.


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response.



Question: Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the

qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.








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Reading time: 3 minutes

School Uniforms

In most developed nations, high school is a part of every students life. During this time,

students are faced with the burdensome task of mastering their essential subject

material, getting ready to enter the work force or university, and dealing with their day-

to-day school life. Educators, students, and professionals envision school uniforms as an

excellent means of reducing these stresses and difficulties of students.

First, the families of students will benefit significantly by saving on the cost of clothing.A few uniforms are much more affordable than the many different pairs of clothing that

a child needs everyday to attend school. Clothing, especially the more fashionable styles,

tends to be quite an expensive burden that most parents feel forced to bear because of

the desire to help their young children feel comfortable and socially accepted in school.

A second major advantage lies in the elimination of unnecessary distractions. Children

often spend large parts of their day worrying about what to wear to look good in order to

find acceptance in school. They spend this time not only to look good but also to avoid

the ridicule that they might receive if they dont dress trendy enough. By removing this

pointless waste of time, students can spend more energy and effort focusing on

important issues such as their studies.

Finally, a mandatory uniform policy will develop a sense of community within the

school. Psychologically, seeing your fellow students wearing the same clothing as you

offers a way to feel more closely connected. Because each student wears the sameclothing regardless of income level or ability, uniforms keep students, at least with

respect to appearance, on an equal level. This removes clothing as a factor that might

serve to fracture the students into different groups.


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response.



Question: Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways,

or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses,

trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.








need.



then your revision as another, and so on. In this way, you'll see multiple versions of youressays and notice how you're improving. Good luck!

For timing yourself:Stopwatch
https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3965#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3965#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3965#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3966#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3966#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3966#tophttp://www.online-stopwatch.com/http://www.online-stopwatch.com/http://www.online-stopwatch.com/http://www.online-stopwatch.com/https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3966#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3965#top


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Dams

Hydropower dams are massive concrete walls placed inside rivers or streams to hold

back water. Holes in the dam allow controlled amounts of water to pass through and as

it moves through these holes, it passes through a machine, which converts that

movement into electricity. Dams are incredible engineering marvels that represent one

of the most beneficial and effective forms of electricity creation today.

First, dams positively impact the environment. Once constructed, these massive walls

hold back tremendous amounts of water, forming artificial lakes. These lakes produce

not only a wonderful habitat for fish but also a beautiful recreation area for local citizens,

which serves to help the local population stay aware and respectful of nature.

Additionally, through irrigation, these lakes bring to life millions of acres of ground that

would otherwise lie barren.

Second, the power generated from a dam produces no harmful pollutants. This is in

direct contrast to the dominant source of electricity production todaycoal power plants,

which are the leading cause of smog, acid rain, and air pollution. One large dam

generates roughly the same amount of electricity as a typical coal plant. Consequently,

dams, by replacing these plants, eliminate, among several other toxic pollutants, an

average of 3.7 million tons of the global warming gas carbon dioxide per year.

Third, dams create no financial burden for the community. Because dams generate

electricity and provide irrigation water for local agricultural concerns, they provide two

means of bringing in revenue for owners. Combined, this revenue more than covers the

significant expenses incurred during operation of the dam, resulting in significant


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profits. For example, the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington produces approximately 15

billion in revenue per year and requires only 5.7 billion in operating costs.



response.



Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Boys and girls

should attend separate schools. Use specific reasons and examples to support your

answer.








need.




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underdeveloped countries where water shortage is common. The added benefit of

solving food shortage problems without the need of significant loans provides another

advantage for developing countries. Without the reliance on foreign aid to solve this

important issue, these nations economies can develop without the burden of heavy loan

payments.



response.



Question: In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this

phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.


n







need.


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For timing yourself:Stopwatch



Dams

Hydropower dams are massive concrete walls placed inside rivers or streams to hold

back water. Holes in the dam allow controlled amounts of water to pass through and as

it moves through these holes, it passes through a machine, which converts that

movement into electricity. Dams are incredible engineering marvels that represent one

of the most beneficial and effective forms of electricity creation today.

First, dams positively impact the environment. Once constructed, these massive walls

hold back tremendous amounts of water, forming artificial lakes. These lakes produce

not only a wonderful habitat for fish but also a beautiful recreation area for local citizens,

which serves to help the local population stay aware and respectful of nature.

Additionally, through irrigation, these lakes bring to life millions of acres of ground that

would otherwise lie barren.

Second, the power generated from a dam produces no harmful pollutants. This is in

direct contrast to the dominant source of electricity production todaycoal power plants,

which are the leading cause of smog, acid rain, and air pollution. One large dam

generates roughly the same amount of electricity as a typical coal plant. Consequently,
http://www.online-stopwatch.com/http://www.online-stopwatch.com/http://www.online-stopwatch.com/https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3967#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3967#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3967#tophttps://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=121&pgID=3967#tophttp://www.online-stopwatch.com/


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dams, by replacing these plants, eliminate, among several other toxic pollutants, an

average of 3.7 million tons of the global warming gas carbon dioxide per year.

Third, dams create no financial burden for the community. Because dams generate

electricity and provide irrigation water for local agricultural concerns, they provide two

means of bringing in revenue for owners. Combined, this revenue more than covers the

significant expenses incurred during operation of the dam, resulting in significant

profits. For example, the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington produces approximately 15

billion in revenue per year and requires only 5.7 billion in operating costs.

Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how theycast doubt on the points made in the reading passage. You have 20 minutes to type your

response.



Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Boys and girls

should attend separate schools. Use specific reasons and examples to support your

answer.








18/22


need.







19/22

responsibilities. Hiring externally, on the other hand, permits companies to employ only

those individuals who already possess the necessary skills, allowing the company to save

not only on training expenses but also on the cost of reduced productivity that results

when an employee is in training.

Another important consideration lies in avoiding unnecessary conflicts that may hurt

the ability of a company to function well. Managerial and executive positions dont

become available often, so when an opportunity does arise, most employees compete

fiercely for the position. If a corporation hires internally, it may lead to feelings of

frustration and anger in the employees that werent hired, creating a potentially hostile

environment that the newly promoted employee will find difficult to manage. If a

company hires externally, this can be avoided altogether.



response.



Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should

begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and

examples to support your position.




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need.







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of these instruments plotted over time indicates that there is a general warming

occuring across the globe.

Also, secondary evidence points to rising temperatures. For one, scientists have reported

an alarming rate of breaks in the ice shelves of Antartica. Specifically, a recent break of a

reportedly 53 mile long and 40 mile wide iceberg. This unusually high number of

icebergs calved from Antarctica in recent years has prompted many to see the reality of

global warming, since excessive warming would cause the ice in Antartica to become

weak and break as it has.

Third, impartial, unbiased organizations such as respected newspapers and

international organizations have considered the evidence and accepted as fact the ideathat there is a warming trend. For example, major newspapers published part of a

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) climate report expressing grave concern

over global warming. The report states that the climate has warmed over the last 50

years and that computer models predict an astounding 10-degree increase in the next

100 years with severe consequences for life on Earth.



response.



Question: Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient.

Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is

your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.


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Writing Practice 4-12