Question 1
A student drafts an HLE on a 1300-word target. They plan a 180-word introduction and a 170-word conclusion. Roughly how many words remain for body paragraphs, and how should this be divided?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answerCorrect!
IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
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Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: Subtract intro and conclusion
1300 minus 180 minus 170 leaves 950 words for the body of the essay.
Step 2: Recall the recommended paragraph count
The content recommends 3-4 body paragraphs, each roughly 250-400 words, to keep analysis deep without repetition.
Step 3: Check the fit
950 words divided across 3-4 paragraphs lands comfortably within the 250-400 word band per paragraph.
Step 4: Confirm the answer
The option stating ~950 words split across 3-4 paragraphs matches both the arithmetic and the structural guidance.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Reject two long paragraphs
475-word paragraphs would sprawl beyond the recommended range and likely blur into multiple ideas, losing focus.
Step 2: Reject the wrong word total
1100 words is incorrect arithmetic since 180 and 170 together total 350, not 200.
Step 3: Reject a single paragraph
Compressing all analysis into one paragraph abandons the distinct-angle structure the HLE requires.
Step 4: Confirm the remaining option
Only the option with correct subtraction and the recommended 3-4 paragraph split remains valid.
Question 2
A student's HLE conclusion opens with a brand-new quotation not discussed anywhere in the body paragraphs, then uses it to make a fresh claim about the author's style. What is the most likely consequence for this conclusion?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answerCorrect!IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
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Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: Recall the conclusion's function
A conclusion should synthesize existing analysis, not introduce new evidence or unexplored ideas.
Step 2: Apply this to the scenario
A new quote introduced only in the conclusion signals the essay was not planned with a clear structure from the outset.
Step 3: Connect to the criterion affected
Focus and organization (Criterion C) rewards a controlled, purposeful essay, so unplanned material undercuts that impression.
Step 4: Confirm the answer
The conclusion weakens Criterion C because it looks unplanned rather than demonstrating sustained organizational control.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Reject the strengthening claim
New evidence in a conclusion is explicitly flagged as a common mistake, not a strength, for organization.
Step 2: Reject the 'no effect' option
Conclusions are assessed under the same criteria as the rest of the essay, so content choices matter throughout.
Step 3: Reject the Criterion D claim
Fresh quotations do not automatically improve language quality; placement and planning matter more than novelty.
Step 4: Confirm the remaining option
Only the option identifying the harm to Criterion C accurately reflects the guidance on unplanned material in conclusions.