ELA Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a comma splice incorrectly?
- She studied hard, she passed the exam. (Correct answer)
- Although she studied hard, she passed the exam.
- She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
- She studied hard; she passed the exam.
Correct answer: She studied hard, she passed the exam.
A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma, which is a grammatical error.
Question 2: In a persuasive essay, a counterargument is most useful because it:
- Introduces a new topic unrelated to the thesis
- Weakens the writer's main position
- Shows the writer considered opposing views and strengthens credibility (Correct answer)
- Replaces the need for evidence
Correct answer: Shows the writer considered opposing views and strengthens credibility
Addressing counterarguments demonstrates intellectual honesty and makes the writer's position more convincing.
Question 3: Which transition word best signals a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- However (Correct answer)
- Therefore
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a contrast or shift in direction between two ideas.
Question 4: A student wants to add a specific detail to support this claim: 'Air pollution harms children's health.' Which addition is most effective?
- Many people care about the environment.
- Pollution is a serious problem worldwide.
- Studies show children in high-pollution areas have 20% higher asthma rates. (Correct answer)
- Clean air is important for everyone.
Correct answer: Studies show children in high-pollution areas have 20% higher asthma rates.
Specific statistics directly support the claim with concrete, measurable evidence.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a thesis statement?
- To summarize the sources used in the essay
- To present the main argument or central claim of the essay (Correct answer)
- To list all the topics that will be discussed
- To provide background information on the topic
Correct answer: To present the main argument or central claim of the essay
A thesis statement presents the writer's main argument or controlling idea for the entire essay.
Question 6: When revising a draft, a writer should prioritize:
- Fixing spelling errors before checking overall structure
- Evaluating whether the content supports the thesis before fixing grammar (Correct answer)
- Changing the topic if revision takes too long
- Replacing all simple words with complex vocabulary
Correct answer: Evaluating whether the content supports the thesis before fixing grammar
Revision focuses on higher-order concerns like content and organization before editing surface-level errors.
Question 7: Which sentence is written in active voice?
- The book was read by the students.
- The homework was completed before dinner.
- The coach trained the team every morning. (Correct answer)
- The trophy was won by our school.
Correct answer: The coach trained the team every morning.
In active voice, the subject performs the action; 'The coach trained the team' has the subject (coach) acting.
ELA Writing 2
Which sentence uses a comma splice incorrectly?