BSE- Basic Skills for Educators

Item 1

Some students work late shifts or care for younger siblings, and one missed deadline can quickly snowball into total failure. Strict late-work policies often measure a student's responsibilities more than their understanding. When schools adopt more supportive late-work policies, students learn the material and are less likely to disengage.

What is the author's main claim in the argument?
 

• Schools should adopt more supportive late-work policies to help students succeed.
• Late-work penalties often reflect students' personal circumstances more than what they have learned.
• Students with responsibilities outside of school may have difficulty meeting assignment deadlines.
• Missing a single assignment can make it more difficult for students to complete a course.

Selected Option: Schools should adopt more supportive late-work policies to help students succeed.

Explanation: The author provides several reasons why strict deadlines are problematic, but the final sentence and the overall goal of the passage is to advocate for a specific change. This makes the proposal for schools to "adopt more supportive late-work policies" the main claim or thesis of the argument, while the other sentences act as supporting evidence regarding the hardships students face.

Item 2

Middle school lessons compete with notifications that pull students' attention away from learning. When phones stay in lockers, students talk to each other more and finish tasks faster. Teachers also gain minutes in each period that once disappeared into arguments over screens.

What is the author's main claim in the argument?
 

• Schools should ban phones in middle school classrooms.
• Students communicate more with each other when phones are turned off.
• Phone notifications are built to interrupt students' focus.
• Teachers regain instruction time that was once lost to screen disputes.

Selected Option: Schools should ban phones in middle school classrooms.

Explanation: In this argument, the author describes the benefits of an environment where phones are absent, such as better communication and more efficient use of class time. These benefits serve as the "why" behind the central "what," which is the claim that schools should implement a ban on phones to ensure these positive outcomes occur.

Item 3

Plastic bag bans often fail because shoppers buy thicker bags that create even more waste. Charging a small fee for any disposable bag encourages people to change their habits without complicating the checkout process. In places that used this approach, reusable bag use rose quickly and stayed high.

What is the author's main claim in the argument?
 

• Consistent sales on bags help shoppers understand what to expect.
• Charging for disposable bags reduces waste more than banning them.
• Reusable bag use increased quickly after bag fees were introduced.
• Bag bans can fail when shoppers buy thicker bags that make more waste.

Selected Option: Charging for disposable bags reduces waste more than banning them.

Explanation: The author compares two different strategies for waste reduction: banning bags and charging fees. By highlighting the failure of bans (shoppers buying thicker bags) and the success of fees (long-term habit changes), the author supports the central conclusion that charging for bags is the more effective environmental strategy of the two.

Item 4

A principal claims that serving breakfast after the first class period improves attendance.

Which evidence is sufficient to support the claim?
 

• Teacher logs showing fewer tardy slips are issued when students felt they were more awake.
• A student poll showing more students ate breakfast when it was offered later in the morning.
• Reports noting that students arrive on time more often when clubs offered breakfast snacks.
• Attendance records showing first-period presence improved after the breakfast schedule changed.

Selected Option: Attendance records showing first-period presence improved after the breakfast schedule changed.

Explanation: For evidence to be considered "sufficient" to support a claim about attendance, it must provide a direct, measurable link to that specific metric. While teacher logs or student polls might indicate general engagement or preferences, official attendance records provide the hard data needed to objectively prove that student presence actually increased following the schedule change.

Item 5

A park director argues that installing new-low glare LED lighting will make evening use safer without disturbing wildlife.

Which evidence sufficiently supports the claim?
 

• Records showing fewer evening accidents and stable wildlife activity after installation.
• A news piece discussing lighting problems and safety concerns in another city.
• A letter citing the latest lighting standards for a well-lit park at night.
• Reports stating LEDs use less energy and produce brighter light in the park.

Selected Option: Records showing fewer evening accidents and stable wildlife activity after installation.

Explanation: The park director's claim is two-fold: the lights increase safety and protect wildlife. The chosen evidence is the only option that addresses both parts of the claim by citing a reduction in accidents (safety) and consistent behavior in local animals (wildlife protection), making it the most comprehensive and relevant support.

Item 6

 Community gardens benefit neighborhoods by strengthening social ties.

(1) Shared workdays introduce neighbors who might not otherwise meet.
(2) Gardeners post harvest calendars so families can plan meals.
(3) Several gardeners tried staggered rows to increase vegetable yields.
(4) Seasonal events bring everyone together for celebrations.
Question: Which sentence should be removed to improve logical connections?
Options:

• (4)
• (2)
• (1)
• (3)

Selected Option: (3)

Explanation: The paragraph’s focus is on the social benefits of gardens, such as meeting neighbors and holding celebrations. Sentence 3 discusses agricultural techniques (staggered rows) and production (vegetable yields), which are technical aspects of gardening that do not relate to the central theme of building neighborhood relationships.

Item 7

A writer argues that adding shade trees improves street walkability.

(1) Pedestrians reported cooler temperatures during midday walks.
(2) Tree canopies reduce radiant heat on sidewalks.
(3) The city recently expanded tree trimming to prevent pest problems.
(4) Past traffic counts revealed longer average walking durations.

Which sentence disrupts the logical sequence of the argument?

• (4)
• (1)
• (3)
• (2)

Selected Option: (3)

Explanation: Sentences 1, 2, and 4 all support the main argument by explaining how trees make walking more comfortable for pedestrians through heat reduction. Sentence 3, however, discusses administrative maintenance and pest control; while related to trees, it does not contribute to the argument about how trees improve the specific experience of walking on a street.

Item 8

The pilot mentorship program increased retention for first-year employees.

(1) Mentorship meetings occurred biweekly with structured topics.
(2) Therefore, expanding the program citywide would help improve retention.
(3) Participants had a higher retention rate than non-participants.
(4) New hires often leave soon when they lack guidance.

Which order creates the clearest logical progression?

• (4) -> (1) -> (3) -> (2)
• (1) -> (4) -> (3) -> (2)
• (4) -> (3) -> (1) -> (2)
• (3) -> (4) -> (1) -> (2)

Selected Option: (4) -> (1) -> (3) -> (2)

Explanation: This sequence follows a logical "Problem-Solution-Proof-Conclusion" pattern. It starts by identifying a problem (new hires leaving without guidance), introduces the mentorship solution (biweekly meetings), provides proof of its success (higher retention rates), and ends with a logical recommendation to expand the program (the "therefore" statement).

Item 9

A writer argues that menus should also include a small carbon footprint icon to help diners make informed choices. A revision is suggested: "A brief note can explain how the icons help diners understand impact at a glance."

Which technique does this revision use to maintain focus?

• Introducing background information that does not connect to the claim.
• Adding commentary that does not relate to menu-based decision-making.
• Referring to kitchen processes not relevant to customer-facing labeling.
• Clarifying how the proposal supports the argument's purpose.

Selected Option: Clarifying how the proposal supports the argument's purpose.

Explanation: The revision directly explains the "how" and "why" behind the carbon footprint icons. By stating that a note helps diners understand the impact "at a glance," the writer is explicitly connecting the visual icon to the argument’s overarching purpose of facilitating better-informed consumer choices.

Item 10

A writer reports that a school plans to pilot phone-free lunch periods to encourage conversation and reduce conflicts. The writer removes this sentence: "The cafeteria's paint color is a cheerful blue."

Which technique is the writer using to maintain focus?

• Introducing a comparison that does not relate to phone-free time.
• Removing detail unrelated to the argument's purpose.
• Adding supporting evidence that reinforces the policy's aims.
• Introducing a counterargument that challenges the policy's rationale.

Selected Option: Removing detail unrelated to the argument's purpose.

Explanation: The main focus of the writing is a policy regarding mobile phone usage and its impact on student behavior. The specific color of the cafeteria walls is an aesthetic detail that has no bearing on the argument's outcome or logic, and removing it ensures that the reader stays focused on the relevant social and behavioral facts.

Item 11

A writer argues that schools should provide peer tutor training to improve academic confidence. A supporting sentence reads: "Peer tutors receive tutor training so they can explain concepts more clearly."

Which technique is being used to maintain focus on the argument?
 

• Providing information that shifts focus away from the claim.
• Supporting directly relevant support that reinforces the claim.
• Bringing in details about school facilities unrelated to tutoring.
• Adding stories that do not connect to the program's goals.

Selected Option: Supporting directly relevant support that reinforces the claim.

Explanation: The supporting sentence provides a direct mechanism for how the main claim works: training leads to clearer explanations, which in turn builds the "academic confidence" mentioned in the claim. This direct relevance ensures the argument remains focused and logically sound by linking the proposed action to the desired result.

Item 12

Which sentence contains an error?
 

• The list of recommended readings were posted yesterday.
• The list of recommended readings was posted yesterday.
• The set of instructions was updated this morning.
• The folder of completed forms was submitted on time.

Selected Option: The list of recommended readings were posted yesterday.

Explanation: This is a subject-verb agreement error. The true subject of the sentence is "list," which is singular. The plural noun "readings" is part of a prepositional phrase and does not dictate the verb form; therefore, the sentence should use the singular verb "was" instead of the plural "were."

Item 13

Which sentence contains an error?

• The plan is composed of three phases.
• The plan comprises three phases.
• The plan includes three phases.
• The plan comprises of three phases.

Selected Option: The plan comprises of three phases.

Explanation: The word "comprise" means "to consist of" or "to include." Using the phrase "comprises of" is a common error because it is redundant—it essentially says "consists of of." Correct usage is either "the plan comprises three phases" or "the plan is composed of three phases."

Item 14

Which sentence contains an error?

• The employees' schedules were posted yesterday.
• The company's policy was updated last week.
• The manager's office is on the second floor.
• The childrens' books are on the shelf.

Selected Option: The childrens' books are on the shelf.

Explanation: "Children" is an irregular plural noun that does not end in "s." To make an irregular plural possessive, you must add an apostrophe followed by an "s" (children's). Placing the apostrophe after the "s" is incorrect because "childrens" is not the correct plural form of the word.

Item 15

Which sentence contains an error?

• The team was uninterested in the outcome.
• The team had no interest in the outcome.
• The team was disinterested in the outcome.
• The team didn't care about the outcome.

Selected Option: The team was disinterested in the outcome.

Explanation: This is a word usage error. "Disinterested" means to be neutral, impartial, or unbiased (such as a judge). "Uninterested" means a lack of interest, boredom, or not caring. In the context of a team not caring about a result, "uninterested" is the proper term to use.

Item 16

Which sentence is correct?
 

• The Mayor met with Governor Lopez on Tuesday.
• The mayor met with governor Lopez on Tuesday.
• The Mayor met with governor Lopez on Tuesday.
• The mayor met with Governor Lopez on Tuesday.

Selected Option: The mayor met with Governor Lopez on Tuesday.

Explanation: According to standard capitalization rules, job titles are lowercase when used as common nouns (the mayor). However, when a title immediately precedes a specific proper name (Governor Lopez), it becomes part of the name and must be capitalized.

Item 17

Which sentence is correct?

• I emailed Dr. Morales before Thanksgiving Break.
• I emailed dr. Morales before thanksgiving break.
• I emailed Dr. morales before Thanksgiving break.
• I emailed dr. morales before thanksgiving Break.

Selected Option: I emailed Dr. Morales before Thanksgiving Break.

Explanation: This sentence correctly capitalizes "Dr. Morales" as a formal title and surname. It also correctly capitalizes "Thanksgiving Break" because it is a specific, proper name for a recognized academic or public holiday.

Item 18

The report was thorough however it lacked a clear summary for the executive team's review.

Which option corrects the error?
 

• The report was thorough; however, it lacked a clear summary for the executive team's review.
• The report was thorough, however it lacked a clear summary for the executive team's review.
• The report was thorough however, it lacked a clear summary for the executive team's review.
• The report was thorough, however, it lacked a clear summary for the executive team's review.

Selected Option: The report was thorough; however, it lacked a clear summary for the executive team's review.

Explanation: When using a conjunctive adverb like "however" to join two independent clauses, a semicolon must precede it and a comma must follow it. Using only a comma (as in the other options) creates a "comma splice," which is a grammatical error that incorrectly joins two full sentences.

Item 19

The data suggests that training improves accuracy across several performance measures.

 Which option corrects the error?
 

• The data suggests that training improves accuracy across several performance measures.
• The data suggest that training improves accuracy across several performance measures.
• The data suggesting that training improves accuracy across several performance measures.
• The data suggests that training improves accuracy across several performance measures.

Selected Option: The data suggest that training improves accuracy across several performance measures.

Explanation: In formal, scientific, and academic writing, "data" is technically a plural noun (the plural of "datum"). Therefore, the verb must also be plural ("suggest" rather than "suggests"). While "data" is often used as a singular collective noun in casual speech, academic standards require plural agreement.

Item 20

I signed up for a course called art history: modern cultures.

Which option corrects the error?

• I signed up for a course called art history: modern cultures.
• I signed up for a course called Art History: modern cultures.
• I signed up for a course called Art History: Modern Cultures.
• I signed up for a course called art history: Modern Cultures.

Selected Option: I signed up for a course called Art History: Modern Cultures.

Explanation: Titles of specific courses are proper nouns and must be capitalized. Additionally, standard punctuation rules state that the first word following a colon in a title must be capitalized regardless of whether it is a proper noun, making "Modern Cultures" the correct capitalization.

Item 21

Which sentence is correct?
 

• The host introduced president Hart before the ceremony began.
• The host introduced President Hart before the ceremony began.
• The host introduced president hart before the ceremony began.
• The host introduced President hart before the ceremony began.

Selected Option: The host introduced President Hart before the ceremony began.

Explanation: Titles like "President" are treated as part of a proper name when they directly precede that person's name (President Hart). In this context, both the title and the surname must be capitalized to follow standard professional grammar conventions.

Item 22

Which sentence is correct?

• The research team interviewed a desert climate analyst who specializes in long-term drought patterns.
• The research team interviewed a Desert Climate Analyst who specializes in long-term drought patterns.
• The research team interviewed a desert climate analyst who specialzes in long-term drought patterns.
• The research team interviewed a desert Climate Analyst who specializes in long-term drought patterns.

Selected Option: The research team interviewed a desert climate analyst who specializes in long-term drought patterns.

Explanation: This sentence avoids unnecessary capitalization of a general job description ("desert climate analyst"), which is not a formal title or a proper noun in this context. It also maintains the correct spelling of "specializes," which is misspelled in one of the alternative options.

Item 23

Which option corrects the error in the following sentence: "However the equipment passed inspection and is safe to use in all testing environments."?
 

• However the equipment passed inspection, and is safe to use in all testing environments.
• However, the equipment passed inspection and is safe to use in all testing environments.
• However the equipment passed inspection and is safe to use in all testing environments.
• However, the equipment passed inspection, and is safe to use in all testing environments.

Selected Option: However, the equipment passed inspection and is safe to use in all testing environments.

Explanation: An introductory transition word like "However" must be followed by a comma when it begins a sentence. Additionally, a comma is not required before the "and" because the following phrase ("is safe to use...") is not an independent clause, as it lacks its own subject.

Item 24

Original Text

Our team will meet on Monday to discuss the agenda it will email notes afterward.

How could the original text be revised to improve sentence structure while preserving meaning?
 

• By combining the ideas so they form one clear and complete sentence.
• By adding commas between the actions in the sentence.
• By separating the ideas with semicolons to create three unrelated statements.
• By adding a causal phrase even though the ideas are not cause-and-effect.

Selected Option: By combining the ideas so they form one clear and complete sentence.

Explanation: The original text is a run-on sentence because it joins two independent clauses without any punctuation or a conjunction. The best way to fix this is to use a conjunction (like "and") to combine the ideas into a single, cohesive, and grammatically correct sentence that flows well for the reader.

Item 25

Original Text

To submit your assignment, first open the course homepage. Then - brace yourself, this step is more confusing than my first attempt at parallel parking - click the "Assignments" tab. After that, upload your file and select "Submit".

How could the original text be best revised to maintain an appropriate tone?
 

• By placing the joke at the end of the directions to soften the tone.
• By adding a better introduction that makes the joke more relevant.
• By keeping the joke but reducing how informal it sounds.
• By removing the joke so the directions remain direct and professional.

Selected Option: By removing the joke so the directions remain direct and professional.

Explanation: Instructional text should be clear, concise, and professional. The personal anecdote about parallel parking is an informal distraction that can confuse the reader or make the instructions seem less authoritative. Removing the joke ensures the tone remains objective and appropriate for an academic environment.

Item 26

Original Text

The survey results were surprising. Many students reported they had never heard of the program before taking the course.

How could the original text be revised to provide smoother flow?
 

• By inserting unnecessary repetition that interrupts the meaning.
• By adding an extra clause even though it does not connect the ideas clearly.
• By rearranging the sentence parts in a way that confuses the sequence of events.
• By combining the ideas into one sentence for a smoother connection.

Selected Option: By combining the ideas into one sentence for a smoother connection.

Explanation: The original text consists of two short, choppy sentences. By combining them into one (for example, "The survey results were surprising because many students reported..."), the writer creates a more sophisticated flow and more clearly explains the relationship between the results and the specific student feedback.

Item 27

Original Text

To complete the registration process, you will need to follow several steps that are required in order to complete the entire registration process from beginning to end. Please read all of the information that has been set out below carefully so that you know exactly what is required from you before you begin to process the process. All of these steps must be completed for the process to be complete.

How could the original text be revised to make it more concise?
 

• By including a short statement on the importance of the steps appears more clearly.
• By rearranging the unnecessary wording so the instructions appear more clearly.
• By removing the unnecessary wording so the instructions are stated more directly.
• By adding brief explanations as the purpose of each step appears more clearly.

Selected Option: By removing the unnecessary wording so the instructions are stated more directly.

Explanation: The original text is highly repetitive, using words like "process," "registration," and "complete" excessively. This wordiness makes the instructions harder to follow. Removing these redundancies makes the text more concise and allows the essential instructions to stand out more clearly for the reader.

Item 28

Original Text

The new mentoring program was designed to support first-year students as they adjust to college expectations. The campus fountain was repaired last spring. The program pairs each student with a trained peer mentor who can answer questions and offer guidance throughout the semester.

How could the original text be revised to improve cohesion and focus?

• By expanding on the distracting details so they appear more detailed.
• By adding more context to make the distracting details seem more relevant.
• By removing the distracting details so the text stays focused on the main topic.
• By rephrasing the distracting details rather than removing them.

Selected Option: By removing the distracting details so the text stays focused on the main topic.

Explanation: Cohesion is broken in this paragraph because the second sentence about a fountain repair has no logical connection to the surrounding sentences about a student mentoring program. Deleting this distracting detail restores the focus of the paragraph, allowing it to stay dedicated to its main subject.