ELSA Writing Skills & Composition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which choice correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction?
- She was tired, but she finished her work. (Correct answer)
- She was tired but, she finished her work.
- She was tired, but, she finished her work.
- She was tired but she, finished her work.
Correct answer: She was tired, but she finished her work.
A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses.
Question 2: An essay introduction should generally move from:
- Specific details to a broad general statement
- Broad general context to a specific thesis statement (Correct answer)
- The thesis statement to background information
- Evidence to the topic sentence
Correct answer: Broad general context to a specific thesis statement
Effective introductions funnel from a broad hook or context down to the specific thesis statement.
Question 3: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
- Running late, Maria grabbed her bag and rushed out.
- Running late, the bus was missed by Maria. (Correct answer)
- Maria, running late, grabbed her bag and rushed out.
- Because Maria was running late, she missed the bus.
Correct answer: Running late, the bus was missed by Maria.
In option B, the participial phrase 'Running late' illogically modifies 'the bus' rather than 'Maria'.
Question 4: In formal academic writing, which of the following should generally be avoided?
- Using the third person ('the researcher found')
- Employing contractions like 'don't' or 'can't' (Correct answer)
- Citing evidence to support claims
- Using transitional phrases between paragraphs
Correct answer: Employing contractions like 'don't' or 'can't'
Contractions are considered informal and are typically avoided in formal academic writing.
Question 5: Which revision eliminates the wordiness in 'Due to the fact that it was raining, the game was canceled'?
- The game was canceled on account of it was raining.
- Because it was raining, the game was canceled. (Correct answer)
- The game was canceled, and it was due to rain.
- Despite the fact of rain, the game was canceled.
Correct answer: Because it was raining, the game was canceled.
'Due to the fact that' is a wordy phrase that can be replaced with the single word 'because'.
Question 6: What is the function of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
- To provide a quotation that supports the thesis
- To summarize the entire essay in one sentence
- To introduce the main idea of that paragraph (Correct answer)
- To transition smoothly to the conclusion
Correct answer: To introduce the main idea of that paragraph
A topic sentence states the central point of the paragraph, which the supporting sentences then develop.
Question 7: Which word choice best maintains a formal tone in an academic essay?
- The scientist totally nailed the experiment.
- The scientist successfully conducted the experiment. (Correct answer)
- The scientist got the experiment right.
- The scientist pulled off the experiment.
Correct answer: The scientist successfully conducted the experiment.
Formal writing requires precise, professional word choice rather than colloquial or slang expressions.
ELSA Writing Skills & Composition 3
Which choice correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction?