Deck 7: Description

Question 1

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. The old house had obviously been abandoned long ago.

A) yard choked with tall grass and weeds
B) oak tree with a tire swing
C) rusted iron gate
D) peeling white paint
E) several broken windows
F) spider webs on the front porch

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) Visiting the house of poet Pablo Neruda was like entering a rich mind obsessed with the sea
(2) The peaked ceiling of the main room was covered with beautiful old ship's timbers.
(3) Hanging from the ceiling were several large weathered figureheads from ships, one with the wings of an angel.
(4) Near the angel, on the stone wall above the fireplace, was the model of an old ship with eleven canvas sails
(5) More life-size carved figureheads, all women, stood on the floor around the room, leaning forward as if listening
(6) Some were painted, some worn to the wood, some missing fingers or noses from the passing of time
(7) On every table and surface were ocean treasures ¾ shells, starfish, heaped sea glass and beach agate, a brass ship's lantern, a narwhal tusk. Select the number of the topic sentence that states the overall impression of the subject.

A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. Our meal at the Captain's Table Restaurant was absolutely delicious.

A) succulent lobster dripping in melted butter
B) fluffy baked potato topped with sour cream and chives
C) meal served on fine china by candlelight
D) fresh, hot French bread
E) crisp salad with creamy bleu cheese dressing
F) for dessert, luscious cheesecake topped with cherries

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. The car looked like something from the future.

A) gleaming silver body shaped like a bullet
B) blue tinted windows
C) sleek, streamlined design with hidden headlights and door handles
D) "There is No Planet B" bumper sticker
E) computerized voice alerting driver to miles left on electric charge
F) space-age instrument control panel

Question 5

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) At my Halloween party, my friend George showed up wearing on his head what looked like an ax embedded in his skull
(2) His hair was matted with fake blood.
(3) On his face, he used rubber scars and gashes, makeup, and more fake blood to make it look as though he had been sliced and diced.
(4) On one eye, he wore another prosthetic rubber device that made his eye appear slashed
(5) More bloody wounds covered his neck
(6) His tattered clothes were spattered with fake blood, and a fake knife protruded from his back
(7) George looked absolutely grotesque in that gory getup. How are the details arranged in this paragraph?

A) top to bottom
B) left to right
C) near to far

Question 6

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. It was clearly a bird lover's room.

A) two blue parakeets whistled in a small cage
B) huge red and yellow parrot on a perch
C) on sofa, needlepoint pillows shaped like birds
D) birds make interesting pets
E) pictures of birds on the walls
F) large book, Birds of the World , on coffee table

Question 7

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) On my right a woods thickly overgrown with creeper descended the hill's slope to Tinker Creek
(2) On my left was a planting of large shade trees on the ridge of the hill.
(3) Before me the grassy hill pitched abruptly and gave way to a large, level field fringed in trees where it bordered the creek.
(4) Beyond the creek I could see with effort the vertical sliced rock where men had long ago quarried the mountain under the forest
(5) Beyond that I saw Hollins Pond and all its woods and pastures; then I saw in a blue haze the world poured flat and pale between the mountains. ¾ Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek , Bantam, 1975, page 41 Which of the following is NOT a transitional expression that indicates place or position in this paragraph?

A) on my right (sentence 1)
B) before me (sentence 3)
C) beyond the creek (sentence 4)
D) then (sentence 5)

Question 8

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) When he first became a star, the young Elvis Presley wore his coal-black hair in a slicked-back, ducktail haircut
(2) Dark sideburns framed the sides of his handsome face.
(3) His intense eyes were blue, and his mouth curled up on one side when he smiled.
(4) When he sang, his lips pouted or snarled, depending on the lyrics
(5) On his trim body, he wore loose, open-necked shirts that started a major new fashion trend among young males
(6) On his famous swiveling, wiggling hips, he usually wore black slacks
(7) Elvis definitely had a distinct look, one that made teenage girls melt and boys want to copy him. Select the number of the topic sentence that states the overall impression of the subject.

A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 4
C) Sentence 7

Question 9

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. My favorite pair of jeans are beat up and worn out.

A) frayed cuffs
B) made by the Levi's company
C) large hole in one knee
D) paint stains near the zipper
E) missing button
F) torn back pocket

Question 10

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) On my right a woods thickly overgrown with creeper descended the hill's slope to Tinker Creek
(2) On my left was a planting of large shade trees on the ridge of the hill.
(3) Before me the grassy hill pitched abruptly and gave way to a large, level field fringed in trees where it bordered the creek.
(4) Beyond the creek I could see with effort the vertical sliced rock where men had long ago quarried the mountain under the forest
(5) Beyond that I saw Hollins Pond and all its woods and pastures; then I saw in a blue haze the world poured flat and pale between the mountains. ¾ Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek , Bantam, 1975, page 41 The main idea of the paragraph above is implied, not stated by a topic sentence. Which of the following sentences most accurately states the main idea?

A) Standing on the hill, I had a broad view of the surrounding countryside.
B) Tinker Creek is a very beautiful place.
C) Returning to the place where I grew up brought back a lot of memories for me. Be

Question 11

Instructions: Each topic sentence below is followed by supporting details. Select the letter of the answer that arranges each group of details according to space order. Describe the parts of a coconut.
____ milk in center
____ white, fleshy layer called "meat" enclosed in the shell
____ outer husk of tough fibers
____ hard brown shell

A) 1, 2, 4, 3
B) 4, 3, 1, 2
C) 2, 4, 3, 1

Question 12

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) Visiting the house of poet Pablo Neruda was like entering a rich mind obsessed with the sea
(2) The peaked ceiling of the main room was covered with beautiful old ship's timbers.
(3) Hanging from the ceiling were several large weathered figureheads from ships, one with the wings of an angel.
(4) Near the angel, on the stone wall above the fireplace, was the model of an old ship with eleven canvas sails
(5) More life-size carved figureheads, all women, stood on the floor around the room, leaning forward as if listening
(6) Some were painted, some worn to the wood, some missing fingers or noses from the passing of time
(7) On every table and surface were ocean treasures ¾ shells, starfish, heaped sea glass and beach agate, a brass ship's lantern, a narwhal tusk. Which of the following sentences does NOT contain a transitional expression that indicates place or position?

A) Sentence 3
B) Sentence 4
C) Sentence 5
D) Sentence 6

Question 13

Instructions: Each topic sentence below is followed by supporting details. Select the letter of the answer that arranges each group of details according to space order. Describe a giraffe.
____ long, knobby-kneed legs that can kick with great force
____ pair of short, bony horns atop head
____ body covered with a coat of brown spots outlined in cream
____ graceful, 4-foot-long neck for munching leaves
____ tongue up to 21 inches long

A) 5, 1, 4, 3, 2
B) 4, 2, 5, 3, 1
C) 1, 3, 2, 5, 4

Question 14

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) At my Halloween party, my friend George showed up wearing on his head what looked like an ax embedded in his skull
(2) His hair was matted with fake blood.
(3) On his face, he used rubber scars and gashes, makeup, and more fake blood to make it look as though he had been sliced and diced.
(4) On one eye, he wore another prosthetic rubber device that made his eye appear slashed
(5) More bloody wounds covered his neck
(6) His tattered clothes were spattered with fake blood, and a fake knife protruded from his back
(7) George looked absolutely grotesque in that gory getup. Select the number of the topic sentence that states the overall impression of the subject.

A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 7

Question 15

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) When he first became a star, the young Elvis Presley wore his coal-black hair in a slicked-back, ducktail haircut
(2) Dark sideburns framed the sides of his handsome face.
(3) His intense eyes were blue, and his mouth curled up on one side when he smiled.
(4) When he sang, his lips pouted or snarled, depending on the lyrics
(5) On his trim body, he wore loose, open-necked shirts that started a major new fashion trend among young males
(6) On his famous swiveling, wiggling hips, he usually wore black slacks
(7) Elvis definitely had a distinct look, one that made teenage girls melt and boys want to copy him. How are the details arranged in this paragraph?

A) bottom to top
B) top to bottom
C) front to back

Question 16

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. Spaghetti and meatballs were splattered all over the white kitchen.

A) blotches of sauce on wall behind stove
B) pool of sauce on stovetop
C) crusted saucepan in sink
D) stray spaghetti hanging off edge of stove
E) plates on counter with leftover spaghetti spilling over them
F) a stack of cookbooks on the table

Question 17

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. In my mind's eye is the plan for the perfect workout room.

A) complete Nautilus home gym in center
B) elliptical machine near the door
C) on shelf above the elliptical machine, a color TV
D) exercise helps me think more clearly
E) hot tub with view of woods through one-way glass
F) a treadmill next to the elliptical machine

Question 18

Instructions: In each of the following plans, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail. The beautiful bride wore traditional wedding attire.

A) long white veil
B) white satin shoes
C) floor-length white gown covered in beads and lace
D) a dainty pearl necklace borrowed from her grandmother
E) a blue garter around her leg
F) a Mickey Mouse watch

Question 19

Instructions: Each topic sentence below is followed by supporting details. Select the letter of the answer that arranges each group of details according to space order. Describe a view from a hotel room balcony.
____ wet, dark sand of water's edge
____ beach grass growing in high sand dunes just below the balcony
____ white-crested waves breaking on shore
____ the straight line of horizon where sea seems to meet sky
____ a short wooden fence separating the dunes from the hard-packed sand of the shoreline
____ calm, grayish-blue water stretching out behind breakers

A) 6, 1, 2, 4, 5, 3
B) 5, 3, 1, 4, 2, 6
C) 3, 1, 4, 6, 2, 5

Question 20

Instructions: Each topic sentence below is followed by supporting details. Select the letter of the answer that arranges each group of details according to space order. Describe a garden.
____ an orchard of apple, pear, and cherry trees past the vegetable beds
____ raspberry and blackberry bushes dividing the flower beds from the neat rows of vegetables
____ paths lined with flowers nearest the house
____ a creek separating the orchard from the forest
____ tomato, bean, squash, and corn plants

A) 4, 2, 1, 5, 3
B) 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
C) 1, 5, 4, 3, 2

Question 21

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) A first glance at Benny tells you that he is an attractive young man
(2) The riveting feature is the contrast between his close-cropped black hair and his light skin.
(3) There are two slight scars on his left cheek, but they add to instead of detract from his appearance.
(4) His eyelashes are not prominent, but dark brown eyes gaze at you from under a canopy of thick, black eyebrows
(5) His nose is short and straight, befitting his oval face
(6) The cheekbones are high but not prominent, and the well-kept mustache gives a promise of luxuriant growth if given free reign
(7) Benny's mouth is small and full, and though the braces are off-putting, that shy smile will someday break a lot of hearts
(8) All of these factors put together with a mischievous gleam in his eyes draw the picture of an intelligent, quite personable young man. ¾ Carmen Crawford, student How are the details in this paragraph arranged?

A) top to bottom
B) near to far
C) outside to inside

Question 22

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) It would be difficult to imagine a more stifling and uncomfortable outfit than one favored by the fashionable, well-to-do lady of the Elizabethan era
(2) Atop her dyed and styled hair, she wore an often elaborate headdress.
(3) Her face was covered with a base coat of white lead and sulfur makeup, with additional layers of dye for cheeks and lips.
(4) Around her neck was either a heavy necklace of large jewels or a ruff, a stiff ring made of starched lace
(5) A bodice with long, detachable sleeves covered her to her waist
(6) Beneath this bodice, a corset functioned as a girdle to flatten her chest and decrease the size of her waist
(7) Underneath her skirt, or kirtle, she wore a stiff frame made of wire or whalebone, which was designed to make the skirt balloon out from the body
(8) On her legs and feet, knee-length stockings made of wool or silk and leather shoes completed her many-layered costume. Select the number of the topic sentence that states the overall impression of the subject.

A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3

Question 23

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) A first glance at Benny tells you that he is an attractive young man
(2) The riveting feature is the contrast between his close-cropped black hair and his light skin.
(3) There are two slight scars on his left cheek, but they add to instead of detract from his appearance.
(4) His eyelashes are not prominent, but dark brown eyes gaze at you from under a canopy of thick, black eyebrows
(5) His nose is short and straight, befitting his oval face
(6) The cheekbones are high but not prominent, and the well-kept mustache gives a promise of luxuriant growth if given free reign
(7) Benny's mouth is small and full, and though the braces are off-putting, that shy smile will someday break a lot of hearts
(8) All of these factors put together with a mischievous gleam in his eyes draw the picture of an intelligent, quite personable young man. ¾ Carmen Crawford, student Give the number of the topic sentence that states the overall impression of the subject.

A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 7

Question 24

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) Anyone can conquer clutter by following a series of steps
(2) First of all, pick just one area on which to focus your attention.
(3) This might be a shelf, a closet, or even just one drawer.
(4) Second, round up some bags or boxes and label them so that you have one of each of the following: Repair , Relocate , Donate , Sell , Store , Throw Away , and Return
(5) Next, sort all of the items in the area by placing them in one of the bags or boxes, depending on what needs to happen to it
(6) Then, take action on each pile
(7) Put Repair , Donate , and Return items in your car so that you can drop them off on your next errand run; take the items in the Relocate box to the places where they belong; toss out the Throw Away items; and so on
(8) Finally, clean your newly decluttered area and give yourself a reward for a job well done! Select the number of the topic sentence in the paragraph above.

A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3

Question 25

Instructions: Below is a topic sentence followed by supporting details. Select the letter of the answer that arranges this group of details according to space order, numbering them 1, 2, 3, and so on, as if you were preparing to write a descriptive paragraph. Describe an old bike.
____ wide seat, adjustable in height
____ nearly bald front tire, with inner tube of soft rubber
____ scratched handlebars, with bell and rake levers
____ back tire nearly flat
____ pedals fixed to the chain wheel

A) 3, 2, 1, 5, 4
B) 4, 1, 2, 5, 3
C) 5, 3, 4, 1, 2

Question 26

Instructions: In each of the paragraph plans below, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail in each plan. The new entertainment complex downtown has something for everyone.

A) old-fashioned bowling alley in the basement
B) open-air café on the roof deck
C) higher prices than in suburban areas
D) movie theater on the second level showing both first-run and classic films
E) arcade on the street level with pinball and video games

Question 27

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow.
(1) It would be difficult to imagine a more stifling and uncomfortable outfit than one favored by the fashionable, well-to-do lady of the Elizabethan era
(2) Atop her dyed and styled hair, she wore an often elaborate headdress.
(3) Her face was covered with a base coat of white lead and sulfur makeup, with additional layers of dye for cheeks and lips.
(4) Around her neck was either a heavy necklace of large jewels or a ruff, a stiff ring made of starched lace
(5) A bodice with long, detachable sleeves covered her to her waist
(6) Beneath this bodice, a corset functioned as a girdle to flatten her chest and decrease the size of her waist
(7) Underneath her skirt, or kirtle, she wore a stiff frame made of wire or whalebone, which was designed to make the skirt balloon out from the body
(8) On her legs and feet, knee-length stockings made of wool or silk and leather shoes completed her many-layered costume. How are the details arranged in this paragraph?

A) left to right
B) inside to outside
C) top to bottom

Question 28

Instructions: In each of the plans below, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Find the irrelevant detail in each plan and choose its letter. On the plate lay an unappetizing hamburger.

A) burned bun, black on the edges
B) burger cost two dollars
C) fat dripping from the hamburger onto the plate
D) parts of burger uncooked and partially frozen
E) sour smell of the meat

Question 29

Instructions: In each of the plans below, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Find the irrelevant detail in each plan and choose its letter. The auto repair shop was alive with activity.

A) one tired-looking worker hammering out dents on a car
B) two men singing along with the radio while repainting a green truck
C) one woman checking a car's exhaust system
D) boxes of auto parts stacked in one corner
E) telephone constantly ringing as customers called for appointments

Question 30

Instructions: Following is a topic sentence followed by supporting details. Select the letter of the answer that arranges this group of details according to space order. Describe an ostrich.
____ on each foot, two clawed toes of unequal length
____ long neck lightly covered with down
____ muscular legs that can deliver tremendously strong kicks
____ sharp eyes, which spot enemies a long way off
____ toenails so sharp they can disembowel prey

A) 5, 3, 2, 1, 4
B) 1, 4, 2, 5, 3
C) 4, 2, 3, 1, 5

Question 31

Instructions: In each of the paragraph plans below, one detail has nothing to do with the topic sentence; it is merely a bit of irrelevant information. Select the letter of the irrelevant detail in each plan. During the first week of classes, the college bookstore is wall-to-wall confusion.

A) crowds of students pushing to get into the store
B) cartons of books clogging the aisles
C) students shouting their orders to harried salespeople
D) attractive displays of calendars and other organizational tools
E) separate, but unmarked, registers for cash, check, or credit-card sales