ELSA Writing Skills & Composition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a semicolon?
- She studied hard; she passed the exam. (Correct answer)
- She studied hard; and passed the exam.
- She; studied hard and passed.
- She studied; hard, and passed the exam.
Correct answer: She studied hard; she passed the exam.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Question 2: In a formal essay, which transition best introduces a contrasting idea?
- Furthermore
- Similarly
- However (Correct answer)
- Therefore
Correct answer: However
'However' signals contrast between ideas, while the others signal addition, similarity, or result.
Question 3: Which revision best improves the clarity of this sentence: 'The report was written by the manager that was confusing.'?
- The manager wrote the report that was confusing.
- The report, written by the manager, was confusing. (Correct answer)
- Confusingly, the manager's report was written.
- The report that was confusing written by the manager.
Correct answer: The report, written by the manager, was confusing.
Using a nonrestrictive clause clarifies that the report, not the manager, was confusing.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
- To summarize the conclusion of the essay
- To list all the evidence that will be discussed
- To state the main argument or central claim of the essay (Correct answer)
- To introduce background information about the topic
Correct answer: To state the main argument or central claim of the essay
A thesis statement presents the writer's central claim, which the body of the essay then supports.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of passive voice?
- The chef prepared a delicious meal.
- A delicious meal was prepared by the chef. (Correct answer)
- The chef is preparing a delicious meal.
- The chef had prepared a delicious meal.
Correct answer: A delicious meal was prepared by the chef.
Passive voice places the object of the action in the subject position, using a form of 'be' plus a past participle.
Question 6: Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?
- She likes hiking, to swim, and runs daily.
- She likes hiking, swimming, and running daily. (Correct answer)
- She likes to hike, swimming, and runs daily.
- She likes hike, swim, and to run daily.
Correct answer: She likes hiking, swimming, and running daily.
Parallel structure requires all items in a series to use the same grammatical form; here all three use gerunds.
Question 7: What does 'coherence' mean in the context of writing?
- Using a wide variety of vocabulary throughout the text
- Ensuring ideas flow logically and are clearly connected (Correct answer)
- Writing sentences that are all the same length
- Including citations for every claim made
Correct answer: Ensuring ideas flow logically and are clearly connected
Coherence refers to the logical flow and clear connection of ideas within and between paragraphs.
ELSA Writing Skills & Composition 2
Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a semicolon?