ELSA Writing Skills & Composition 5

Question 1

Which revision correctly fixes the subject-verb agreement error in 'The list of items were checked before shipping'?

Accepted Answer

The list of items has been checked before shipping.

Answer

The subject is 'list' (singular), so the verb must be singular; 'has been checked' is correct.

Question 2

Which organizational pattern is most appropriate for a cause-and-effect essay?

Accepted Answer

Block or chain structure linking causes to their resulting effects

Answer

Cause-and-effect essays use block or chain structures to clearly show relationships between events and their consequences.

Question 3

Which sentence demonstrates effective use of specific, concrete detail?

Accepted Answer

It was a cold winter morning with temperatures hovering near 10°F.

Answer

Specific details like 'cold winter morning' and '10°F' create a vivid, precise picture for the reader.

Question 4

What is the correct way to integrate a quotation into an essay?

Accepted Answer

Introduce the quotation, include it with proper punctuation, and then explain its relevance.

Answer

Effective quotation integration requires a signal phrase, proper punctuation, and analysis explaining how the quote supports the argument.

Question 5

Which sentence uses 'whom' correctly?

Accepted Answer

The candidate whom the committee selected was qualified.

Answer

'Whom' functions as an object; in option D, the committee selected 'whom,' making it the object of the verb 'selected'.

(ELSA) English Language Skills Assessment Practice Test