Studyledge

Structuring an Extended Written Response: Question 2

Syllabus W1, W2

Multiple choice 1 mark

A student is writing a discursive essay in answer to the question: "Should schools introduce a daily 20-minute silent reading period?"

Below is one body paragraph from their essay. Its topic sentence is missing.

"___ For example, a recent trial at Fernbridge Academy found that pupils who took part in a daily reading period improved their reading-comprehension test scores by an average of 11% over one term. Teachers also reported that pupils arrived at lessons afterwards calmer and more focused, having had a few minutes to settle before returning to academic work."

Which sentence would work best as the missing topic sentence for this paragraph? [1]

Choose an answer to check it, then compare with the worked solution below.
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Worked solution

Assessment focus

This question tests whether a candidate recognises that a topic sentence must state the paragraph’s controlling idea, the specific claim the evidence goes on to support, rather than simply being on-topic in a general sense.

Why B is correct

Option B, “A daily silent reading period can measurably improve both pupils’ academic performance and their readiness to learn”, previews both pieces of evidence that follow: the improved test scores (academic performance) and the calmer, more focused pupils (readiness to learn). A reader knows exactly what the paragraph will show before reading the evidence.

Why the distractors are wrong

  • A is true but far too general. It does not preview the paragraph’s actual claim about test scores or focus, and could introduce almost any paragraph about reading.
  • C focuses on the example school rather than the idea it illustrates, mistaking supporting detail for the paragraph’s main claim.
  • D promises a counter-argument that the paragraph never delivers. The evidence that follows is entirely supportive, so this topic sentence would mislead the reader about the paragraph’s direction.

Mark scheme

  • 1 mark for selecting B.
  • 0 marks for any other option. No partial credit, since this is a discrete single-answer selection question.