CPW Writing Techniques & Style 4

Question 1

A writer uses 'however' to connect two sentences. Which punctuation is correct?

Accepted Answer

The report was thorough; however, it lacked visuals.

Answer

A conjunctive adverb like 'however' connecting two independent clauses requires a semicolon before it and a comma after it.

Question 2

What is the main risk of using jargon in professional writing?

Accepted Answer

It can exclude readers who are unfamiliar with specialized terminology

Answer

Jargon may be opaque to readers outside a specific field, impeding comprehension and limiting a document's audience.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'parallel structure'?

Accepted Answer

Using the same grammatical form for coordinate elements in a sentence

Answer

Parallel structure requires that items in a series or list use the same grammatical form, ensuring clarity and balance.

Question 4

A writer describes the ocean as 'a hungry beast devouring the shore.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Metaphor

Answer

The ocean is being directly identified as a 'hungry beast' without using 'like' or 'as,' making this a metaphor rather than a simile.

Question 5

What writing principle does the phrase 'murder your darlings' advise?

Accepted Answer

Be willing to cut writing you love if it does not serve the work

Answer

The phrase, attributed to Arthur Quiller-Couch and popularized by Stephen King, advises writers to remove favorite passages that do not serve the overall piece.

(CPW) Certified Professional Writer Practice Test

(CPW) Certified Professional Writer Practice Test

CPW Writing Techniques & Style 4