AA English Composition and Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of evidence is generally considered most credible in an academic argument?
- Personal anecdotes from the writer's own experience
- Peer-reviewed research published in scholarly journals (Correct answer)
- Opinions from popular social media influencers
- Statistics from an undated website with no author
Correct answer: Peer-reviewed research published in scholarly journals
Peer-reviewed scholarly sources undergo expert evaluation before publication, making them the most credible form of academic evidence.
Question 2: What is the function of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
- To introduce the entire essay and state the thesis
- To provide a transition between two major sections
- To state the main idea of that specific paragraph (Correct answer)
- To cite evidence from an outside source
Correct answer: To state the main idea of that specific paragraph
A topic sentence identifies the controlling idea of its paragraph, acting as a mini-thesis for that section of the essay.
Question 3: Which transitional phrase signals a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- Nevertheless (Correct answer)
- Therefore
Correct answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals a contrast or concession, indicating the following idea holds true despite what was just stated.
Question 4: A writer uses the phrase 'mountain of evidence' to support a claim. This is an example of which rhetorical device?
- Alliteration
- Hyperbole
- Metaphor (Correct answer)
- Anaphora
Correct answer: Metaphor
Comparing evidence to a 'mountain' is a metaphor — a direct comparison that attributes the qualities of one thing to another without using 'like' or 'as.'
Question 5: When should a writer use 'affect' versus 'effect' in a sentence?
- 'Affect' is always a noun; 'effect' is always a verb.
- 'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is typically a noun meaning a result. (Correct answer)
- The two words are interchangeable in formal writing.
- 'Effect' is used only in scientific writing; 'affect' in all other contexts.
Correct answer: 'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is typically a noun meaning a result.
In most usage, 'affect' functions as a verb (to influence something) while 'effect' functions as a noun (the result or outcome).
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'synthesis' in a research paper?
- Summarizing one source at a time in sequential order
- Combining information from multiple sources to support a unified argument (Correct answer)
- Copying passages from sources and arranging them by date
- Listing all sources alphabetically in the works cited page
Correct answer: Combining information from multiple sources to support a unified argument
Synthesis involves drawing on multiple sources and weaving them together to develop and support the writer's own argument or analysis.
Question 7: What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning in argumentative writing?
- Deductive reasoning moves from specific examples to a general conclusion; inductive reasoning moves from a general principle to a specific conclusion.
- Deductive reasoning moves from a general principle to a specific conclusion; inductive reasoning moves from specific examples to a general conclusion. (Correct answer)
- Both types begin with a hypothesis and test it through evidence.
- Deductive reasoning is used in creative writing; inductive in scientific writing.
Correct answer: Deductive reasoning moves from a general principle to a specific conclusion; inductive reasoning moves from specific examples to a general conclusion.
Deductive reasoning starts with a general premise and draws a specific conclusion, while inductive reasoning builds a general conclusion from specific observations.
AA English Composition and Writing 3
Which type of evidence is generally considered most credible in an academic argument?