Core Academic Skills Assessment Writing: Language and Conventions 5

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive clause without unnecessary commas?
A) The book, that I borrowed, was overdue.
B) The book that I borrowed was overdue.
C) The book, that I borrowed was overdue.
D) The book that, I borrowed, was overdue.

Accepted Answer

The book that I borrowed was overdue.

Answer

Restrictive clauses beginning with 'that' are essential to the meaning and should not be set off by commas.

Question 2

Select the sentence that correctly uses a hyphen:
A) She is a well known author in science fiction.
B) She is a well-known author in science fiction.
C) She is a well known-author in science fiction.
D) She is a well-known-author in science fiction.

Accepted Answer

She is a well-known author in science fiction.

Answer

Compound modifiers before a noun, like 'well-known,' are hyphenated to show they modify the noun together.

Question 3

Which sentence maintains consistent pronoun-antecedent agreement?
A) Each student must submit their own work by Friday.
B) Every employee must bring their ID badge to the meeting.
C) A doctor should always listen to their patients carefully.
D) Neither candidate was willing to change their position on the issue.

Accepted Answer

Every employee must bring their ID badge to the meeting.

Answer

Though traditionally singular, 'every employee… their' is now widely accepted as inclusive singular usage; among the options, B maintains the clearest agreement.

Question 4

Which revision corrects the fragment: 'Although the research was thorough and well-documented.'
A) Although the research was thorough and well-documented!
B) Although the research was thorough, and well-documented.
C) Although the research was thorough and well-documented, the committee rejected it.
D) The research although thorough and well-documented.

Accepted Answer

Although the research was thorough and well-documented, the committee rejected it.

Answer

Adding an independent clause ('the committee rejected it') completes the thought introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'although.'

Question 5

Which sentence uses transition words effectively to show contrast?
A) She studied hard; furthermore, she failed the exam.
B) He is talented; in addition, he rarely practices.
C) The plan was innovative; nevertheless, it lacked funding.
D) They finished early; similarly, the project was over budget.

Accepted Answer

The plan was innovative; nevertheless, it lacked funding.

Answer

'Nevertheless' correctly signals contrast between the plan being innovative and lacking funding.

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Writing: Language and Conventions 5