Paragraph Organization Mock Test

ANSWER KEYS

Here are the answers to our CSE Paragraph Organization practice test.

1. b. ABECD

A. The ugly duckling was different from his siblings.
B. He faced rejection and bullying because of his appearance.
E. The ugly duckling’s transformation surprised everyone who had doubted him.
C. As he grew older, he transformed into a beautiful swan.
D. The story highlights the importance of inner beauty and personal growth.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins with the statement that the ugly duckling was different from his siblings. It then describes the rejection and bullying he faced because of his appearance. The paragraph highlights the surprise of those who had doubted him when he transformed into a beautiful swan. Finally, it concludes by emphasizing the story’s message about the importance of inner beauty and personal growth.

2. d. EDCBA 

E. The lion caught the mouse but decided to let it go.
D. The mouse promised to repay the lion’s kindness one day.
C. The lion, initially skeptical, agreed and released the mouse.
B. Later, the lion was caught in a hunter’s net and struggled to free himself.
A. The mouse heard the lion’s roars and came to help, gnawing through the net.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph starts with the lion catching the mouse and deciding to release it. The mouse then promises to repay the lion’s kindness, despite the lion’s skepticism. The lion eventually finds himself trapped in a hunter’s net, struggling to escape. The mouse, hearing the lion’s roar, comes to his aid and gnaws through the net, freeing the lion. The story illustrates the moral that even small creatures can help those who are much bigger or stronger.

3. a. BEDAC

B. Henny Penny believed the sky was falling when an acorn hit her head.
E. She decided to tell the king and set off on her journey.
D. On the way, she met other animals, like Cocky Locky and Ducky Lucky.
A. They all believed her story and joined her to inform the king.
C. However, they were tricked by a fox and never reached the king.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins with Henny Penny mistakenly thinking the sky is falling after being hit by an acorn. She decides to inform the king and embarks on her journey. Along the way, she encounters other animals, such as Cocky Locky and Ducky Lucky, who also believe her story and join her. Unfortunately, they are deceived by a fox, preventing them from reaching the king. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of panic and gullibility.

4. e. CBADE

C. Jack and his mother were poor, living off the milk of their cow.
B. He traded the cow for magic beans, much to his mother’s dismay.
A. Jack climbed the beanstalk and discovered a giant’s castle in the clouds.
D. Jack stole treasures from the giant, including a golden harp and a hen that laid golden eggs.
E. Eventually, Jack cut down the beanstalk, causing the giant to fall and freeing him and his mother from poverty.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins by describing Jack and his mother’s poverty. Jack trades their cow for magic beans, despite his mother’s disappointment. He climbs the resulting beanstalk and finds a giant’s castle. Jack steals valuable treasures from the giant, such as a golden harp and a hen that lays golden eggs. The story concludes with Jack cutting down the beanstalk, defeating the giant, and escaping poverty with his mother.

5. c. BADCE

B. Hansel and Gretel were left in the forest by their parents due to a lack of food.
A. They found a house made of candy and began to eat it.
D. A witch lived in the house and captured them, intending to eat them.
C. Hansel and Gretel managed to trick the witch and escape.
E. They found treasure in the witch’s house and returned home, where they lived happily ever after.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph starts with Hansel and Gretel being abandoned in the forest by their parents due to food shortages. They discover a house made of candy and start eating it. The house belongs to a witch who captures them with plans to eat them. Hansel and Gretel cleverly outsmart the witch and escape. Finally, they find treasure in the witch’s house and return home, where they live happily ever after.

6. b. BACDE

B. Jim and Della were a young couple with little money, but they wanted to buy each other meaningful Christmas gifts.
A. Della sold her long, beautiful hair to buy a gift for her husband, Jim.
C. Jim sold his prized pocket watch to buy a set of combs for Della’s hair.
D. When they exchanged gifts, they realized the irony: the combs were useless without Della’s hair, and Jim no longer had a watch chain for his pocket watch.
E. The story illustrates the theme of selfless love and sacrifice, as both gave up their most prized possessions to make each other happy.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph starts by describing Jim and Della as a young couple with little money, wanting to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for each other. Della sells her long hair to buy a gift for Jim, while Jim sells his prized pocket watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. Upon exchanging gifts, they realize the ironic situation: the combs are useless without Della’s hair, and Jim has no watch to use with the chain. The story highlights the theme of selfless love and sacrifice, as both gave up their most valued possessions to bring joy to each other.

7. b. EDACB

E. The protagonist, a newcomer to the Yukon, sets out on a journey in extremely cold weather.
D. Despite warnings from an experienced old-timer, he underestimates the harsh conditions.
A. The protagonist attempts to build a fire after getting wet, but his efforts fail due to the intense cold.
C. Eventually, he succumbs to the freezing temperatures, understanding too late the wisdom of the old-timer’s advice.
B. The story emphasizes the unforgiving power of nature and the consequences of overconfidence and ignorance.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins by describing the protagonist, a newcomer to the Yukon, embarking on a journey in harsh cold weather. Despite receiving warnings from an experienced old-timer, he underestimates the severity of the conditions. After getting wet, the protagonist tries to build a fire to warm himself but fails due to the intense cold. He ultimately succumbs to the freezing temperatures, realizing too late the truth in the old-timer’s advice. The story underscores the unforgiving nature of the wilderness and the dangers of overconfidence and ignoring experienced advice.

8. d. CAEBD

C. A child encounters a small, dark brown dog that seems friendly but timid.
A. The dog, wearing a piece of rope around its neck, follows the child home.
E. The child’s family initially disapproves of the dog but eventually allows it to stay.
B. Despite some rough treatment from the family, the dog remains loyal and affectionate.
D. Tragically, the story ends with the dog being killed by the child’s father, illustrating themes of cruelty and innocence.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins with the child encountering a small, dark brown dog. The dog, which is timid and has a piece of rope around its neck, follows the child home. The child’s family is initially against keeping the dog but eventually relents. Despite receiving rough treatment, the dog remains loyal and loving. The story concludes tragically with the dog being killed by the child’s father, highlighting the themes of cruelty and the loss of innocence.

9. a. BCEAD

B. Eve begins keeping a diary to record her thoughts and observations about the new world she inhabits.
C. She reflects on her experiences and the differences between herself and Adam.
E. Eve is often puzzled by Adam’s behavior and their interactions with the other creatures in the garden.
A. Throughout the diary, Eve explores themes of curiosity, discovery, and the challenges of adapting to life in the Garden of Eden.
D. The diary concludes with Eve’s musings about the future and her deepening understanding of her role in the world.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph starts with Eve beginning to keep a diary to document her experiences in her new environment. She reflects on her experiences and contrasts herself with Adam. Eve often finds herself puzzled by Adam’s behavior and their interactions with other creatures in the garden. The diary explores themes of curiosity, discovery, and adaptation to life in the Garden of Eden. It concludes with Eve contemplating the future and gaining a deeper understanding of her role in the world.

10. c. BACED

B. Miss Leeson, a struggling typist, rents the smallest room in Mrs. Parker’s boarding house, known as the “Skylight Room.”
A. Despite her dire financial situation, Miss Leeson remains cheerful and hopeful.
C. The room has a tiny skylight, which Miss Leeson uses to gaze at the stars, particularly focusing on a star she names “Billy Jackson.”
E. Eventually, Miss Leeson falls ill and is unable to pay her rent, leading Mrs. Parker to evict her.
D. In a twist of fate, the ambulance driver who rescues her turns out to be a doctor named Billy Jackson, saving her life.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins by introducing Miss Leeson, a struggling typist who rents the smallest room in Mrs. Parker’s boarding house, called the “Skylight Room.” Despite her financial difficulties, Miss Leeson remains optimistic. She spends her nights gazing at the stars through the tiny skylight, particularly focusing on one she affectionately names “Billy Jackson.” Eventually, Miss Leeson falls ill and is evicted by Mrs. Parker due to her inability to pay the rent. The story ends with a twist: the ambulance driver who rescues her is a doctor named Billy Jackson, who ultimately saves her life.

11. e. BEDAC

B. The ozone layer is crucial for protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
E. In the late 20th century, scientists discovered that certain chemicals, like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were causing significant thinning of the ozone layer.
D. This depletion of the ozone layer increases the risk of skin cancer and other health issues, as well as environmental damage.
A. In response, international agreements like the Montreal Protocol were established to phase out the use of ozone-depleting substances.
C. These efforts have led to a gradual recovery of the ozone layer, showcasing the positive impact of global cooperation on environmental issues.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph starts by emphasizing the importance of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. It then discusses the late 20th-century discovery that chemicals like CFCs were causing the ozone layer to thin. This depletion led to increased risks such as skin cancer and environmental damage. The paragraph continues with the international response, including agreements like the Montreal Protocol to phase out these harmful substances. It concludes by noting the gradual recovery of the ozone layer, demonstrating the success of global cooperation in addressing this environmental issue.

12. d. BADCE

B. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year.
A. Advances in medical research have led to significant improvements in cancer detection and treatment.
D. Efforts include developing targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes.
C. Despite these advancements, finding a cure for all types of cancer remains a complex challenge due to the disease’s diverse and adaptive nature.
E. Ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial in the battle against cancer, as scientists continue to search for more effective treatments and potential cures.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins by stating that cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, impacting millions of people annually. It then highlights the advances in medical research that have improved cancer detection and treatment. The paragraph continues with the efforts to develop targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and personalized medicine to enhance patient outcomes. Despite these advancements, finding a cure for all types of cancer remains challenging due to the disease’s diverse and adaptive nature. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and clinical trials in the continued battle against cancer.

13. e. ABCDE

A. The extinction of dinosaurs is believed to have occurred around 66 million years ago.
B. Scientists theorize that a massive asteroid impact was a significant factor in this extinction event.
C. The impact would have caused drastic environmental changes, including blocking sunlight and altering climate patterns.
D. These changes would have disrupted the food chain and habitats, leading to the eventual extinction of the dinosaurs.
E. The study of dinosaur extinction helps scientists understand the impact of catastrophic events on Earth’s history.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins by noting that the extinction of dinosaurs occurred around 66 million years ago. It then presents the theory that a massive asteroid impact played a significant role in this extinction event. The impact likely caused drastic environmental changes, such as blocking sunlight and altering climate patterns. These changes disrupted the food chain and habitats, leading to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The paragraph concludes by highlighting how studying dinosaur extinction provides insights into the effects of catastrophic events on Earth’s history.

14. a. DABCE

D. Fossil evidence shows that early lizards date back to the late Triassic period.
A. Lizards are a diverse group of reptiles that have evolved over millions of years.
B. Their evolution is marked by adaptations to various habitats, from deserts to rainforests.
C. Some species developed unique features like the ability to regenerate lost tails or change color for camouflage.
E. The study of lizard evolution helps scientists understand broader patterns in vertebrate adaptation and survival.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph begins by stating that fossil evidence shows early lizards dating back to the late Triassic period. It then highlights the diversity of lizards as a group of reptiles that have evolved over millions of years. The evolution of lizards includes adaptations to a wide range of habitats, from deserts to rainforests. Some lizard species developed unique features, such as the ability to regenerate lost tails or change color for camouflage. The study of lizard evolution provides insights into broader patterns of vertebrate adaptation and survival.

15. e. BDEAC

B. The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century in Britain and spread to other parts of the world.
D. It marked a major turning point in history, characterized by the transition from agrarian societies to industrialized economies.
E. Key innovations included the steam engine, mechanized looms, and advancements in iron and steel production.
A. The revolution brought about significant social changes, including urbanization and shifts in labor practices.
C. While it led to economic growth and technological advancements, the Industrial Revolution also had negative impacts, such as environmental degradation and poor working conditions.

Explanation: In this order, the paragraph starts by stating that the Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread globally. It marks a major historical turning point, signifying the transition from agrarian societies to industrialized economies. The paragraph lists key innovations, including the steam engine, mechanized looms, and advancements in iron and steel production. These developments brought about significant social changes, such as urbanization and shifts in labor practices. The paragraph concludes by noting that, despite the economic growth and technological advancements, the Industrial Revolution also had negative consequences, including environmental degradation and poor working conditions.

So, how did you do in our Civil Service Exam Mock Test? Getting at least 12 correct answers means you did great. Don’t forget to practice more by answering these CSE PRACTICE QUIZZES.