College English Composition

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

Accepted Answer

To state the main argument or central claim of the essay

Answer

A thesis statement presents the writer's central claim or argument that the rest of the essay will support.

Question 2

Which sentence structure error occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma?

Accepted Answer

Comma splice

Answer

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with only a comma, without a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.

Question 3

In a standard five-paragraph essay, how many body paragraphs are included?

Accepted Answer

Three

Answer

A standard five-paragraph essay includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Question 4

What does MLA stand for in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Modern Language Association

Answer

MLA stands for Modern Language Association, which establishes formatting and citation guidelines widely used in humanities courses.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a topic sentence?

Accepted Answer

A sentence that states the main point of a single body paragraph

Answer

A topic sentence introduces and controls the main idea of a single body paragraph, telling readers what that paragraph is about.

College Practice Test