Writing Skills Flashcards

Which sentence correctly places the apostrophe for a plural possessive noun?

Answer: The students' lockers were inspected.

For plural nouns ending in 's,' the apostrophe is placed after the 's' to show possession.

A student writes an essay arguing that year-round schooling improves academic performance. Which source best strengthens this argument?

Answer: A peer-reviewed study tracking student test scores in year-round schools

Peer-reviewed studies with measurable data provide the strongest, most credible evidence for academic arguments.

Which sentence best avoids using vague language?

Answer: Air quality in Newark declined 14% between 2020 and 2023.

Specific numbers, locations, and timeframes replace vague words, giving the reader precise, verifiable information.

In a narrative essay, what is the primary purpose of sensory details?

Answer: To immerse the reader in the scene by evoking sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch

Sensory details bring a scene to life by engaging the reader's senses, creating vivid, memorable experiences.

Which sentence uses the word 'affect' correctly?

Answer: Lack of sleep can affect a student's concentration.

'Affect' is typically used as a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically a noun meaning a result.

Which rhetorical strategy does the following sentence use? 'If we do not address water pollution now, future generations will inherit a poisoned planet.'

Answer: Pathos — emotional appeal

Evoking the image of a 'poisoned planet' inherited by future generations appeals to the reader's emotions and moral concern.

A student's conclusion simply restates the introduction word for word. What is the main problem with this approach?

Answer: It fails to synthesize ideas or show how the argument has developed

An effective conclusion synthesizes key points and reflects on their significance rather than merely repeating the introduction.