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How To Write An Essay Practice (B1-B2) - English Writing Quiz

⏱ Time: 07:30 📝 Questions: 15 📊 Level: B1, B2 📚 Type: Writing ⭐ XP: up to +16 (on pass)

Challenge yourself: 15 How To Write An Essay questions, 7 minutes, Level B1-B2. Can you get a perfect score? The questions start straightforward and build to tricky edge cases. Read every explanation to pick up tips that textbooks often skip.

⏱ You have 07:30 to answer 15 questions. The timer only starts when you click Begin.

Q1  15
Q1 15

Question 1: Read the following sentence: 'Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time because it threatens food security, public health, and economic stability.' What is this an example of?

Question 1 options
This sentence is a thesis statement because it presents the main argument (climate change is the most pressing issue) and provides reasons that will be discussed in the essay. It tells the reader exactly what the essay will argue and why.
Q2 15

Question 2: An effective thesis statement should include the topic of the essay and your ___.

Question 2 options
A thesis statement must include both the topic and the writer's main argument or position. Without a clear argument, the thesis statement is merely a factual statement and fails to guide the essay's direction.
Q3 15

Question 3: The thesis statement should only appear in the conclusion of an essay, not in the introduction.

Question 3 options
This is false. The thesis statement should appear in the introduction paragraph to give readers a clear picture of what the essay will be about. It may be restated in the conclusion, but its primary placement is in the introduction.
Q4 15

Question 4: Which of the following is a strong thesis statement for an essay about public transport?

Question 4 options
'Investing in public transport reduces traffic congestion, lowers pollution, and saves commuters money' is the strongest thesis because it clearly states a position and provides three specific supporting points. The other options are too vague, factual without an argument, or off-topic.
Q5 15

Question 5: Match each essay-writing term to its correct definition.

Question 5 options
Thesis statement
Topic sentence
Hook
Call to action
Urges the reader to take a specific step
Declares the essay's main argument
Introduces a body paragraph's main idea
Grabs the reader's attention at the start

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

A thesis statement declares the main argument. A topic sentence introduces each body paragraph's main idea. A hook grabs the reader's attention at the start. A call to action urges the reader to do something after the conclusion.
Q6 15

Question 6: Which sentence has an essay structure error?

Question 6 options
Introducing a completely new argument in the conclusion is a structural error. The conclusion should restate the thesis and summarise the main points, not present new ideas. The other sentences demonstrate correct essay-writing practices.
Q7 15

Question 7: Read the two sentences: 'Regular exercise improves physical health. ___ it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.' Which transition word best connects these ideas?

Question 7 options
'Furthermore' is the best choice because it adds supporting information to the previous point. 'However' signals contrast, 'Therefore' signals a conclusion, and 'Nevertheless' signals concession — none of which fit the additive relationship between these two ideas.
Q8 15

Question 8: The following topic sentence contains an error: 'There are many reasons why education is important and I went to school in London.' Which option correctly fixes this topic sentence?

Question 8 options
A topic sentence should focus on one clear main idea for the paragraph. The original sentence introduces an irrelevant personal detail. The correct fix removes this and keeps the sentence focused on why education is important, which the paragraph can then develop.
Q9 15

Question 9: Arrange the parts of an essay introduction in the correct order:

Question 9 options
  • Narrowing the focus to the specific topic
  • Thesis statement presenting the main argument
  • Background information to give the reader context
  • Hook: a surprising fact or question to capture attention

Drag items or use arrows to arrange them in the correct order.

An effective essay introduction starts with a hook to capture attention, then provides background information to give context, narrows the focus to the specific topic, and ends with the thesis statement that presents the main argument.
Q10 15

Question 10: You are writing an academic essay about the benefits of reading. Which opening sentence is the most appropriate for your introduction?

Question 10 options
The sentence about research and cognitive benefits is the most appropriate because it uses a factual hook with academic tone suitable for an essay. The other options are too informal, too vague, or use a casual register inappropriate for academic writing.
Q11 15

Question 11: What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?

Question 11 options
A thesis statement presents the central argument of the entire essay and appears in the introduction, while a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a single body paragraph. They serve different structural purposes at different levels of the essay.
Q12 15

Question 12: Which version of a conclusion is most appropriate for a formal academic essay about water pollution?

Question 12 options
The correct option restates the thesis, summarises the key arguments, and ends with a call to action — all hallmarks of an effective academic conclusion with an appropriate formal register. The other options are too casual, too vague, or introduce new information.
Q13 15

Question 13: In an essay, each body paragraph should contain multiple unrelated ideas to make the essay more interesting.

Question 13 options
This is false. Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea that supports the thesis. Including multiple unrelated ideas in a single paragraph weakens the argument and confuses the reader. Staying focused ensures clarity and logical flow.
Q14 15

Question 14: An essay introduction begins: 'Did you know that over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year?' Why does the writer use this technique?

Question 14 options
Opening with a shocking statistic serves as a hook — it immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to continue reading. This technique creates urgency and establishes the importance of the topic from the very first sentence.
Q15 15

Question 15: Read this weak paragraph opening: 'This paragraph is about why exercise is good for mental health.' Which option is the best improvement?

Question 15 options
The improved version works as a strong topic sentence because it makes a specific claim about exercise and mental health rather than simply announcing the paragraph's subject. A good topic sentence presents an argument, not a description of what the paragraph will contain.