Core Academic Skills Assessment Writing 5

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

A) The ingredients you need are: flour, eggs, and butter.
B) She had one goal: to finish the marathon.
C) He brought: his laptop, charger, and notebook.
D) The team decided: to postpone the meeting.

Accepted Answer

She had one goal: to finish the marathon.

Answer

In option B, the colon follows a complete independent clause and introduces a direct explanation or elaboration.

Question 2

A writer wants to shift from a general observation to a specific example. Which transition is most appropriate?

A) In contrast
B) As a result
C) For instance
D) On the other hand

Accepted Answer

For instance

Answer

'For instance' signals that a specific example is about to illustrate the general point just made.

Question 3

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with an intervening phrase?

A) The box of chocolates were left on the counter.
B) The results of the experiment was surprising.
C) The team of engineers is working on the prototype.
D) A group of students are responsible for the project.

Accepted Answer

The team of engineers is working on the prototype.

Answer

The subject is 'team' (singular), so the verb 'is' is correct; the phrase 'of engineers' does not change the subject.

Question 4

A writer includes this sentence: 'It goes without saying that exercise is important.' What is the best revision?

A) Obviously, it is clear that exercise is important.
B) Exercise is important.
C) As everyone knows, exercise is important.
D) It is a well-known fact that exercise is important.

Accepted Answer

Exercise is important.

Answer

Option B eliminates the filler phrase and states the point directly and concisely.

Question 5

Which option correctly identifies the error in the sentence?

'Neither the manager nor the employees was informed about the change.'

A) 'nor' should be 'or'
B) 'was' should be 'were' because the verb agrees with the nearer subject 'employees'
C) 'informed' should be 'informing'
D) There is no error in the sentence.

Accepted Answer

'was' should be 'were' because the verb agrees with the nearer subject 'employees'

Answer

With 'neither…nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it ('employees'), which is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Writing 5