ELTIS ELTIS Academic Writing and Composition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence best demonstrates correct use of a transition word to show contrast?
- The study was thorough; however, the sample size was small. (Correct answer)
- The study was thorough and the sample size was small.
- The study was thorough but however the sample size was small.
- The study was thorough despite the sample size was small.
Correct answer: The study was thorough; however, the sample size was small.
'However' correctly signals contrast between two independent clauses when separated by a semicolon.
Question 2: In an academic paragraph, the topic sentence should:
- Provide evidence and examples for the argument.
- State the main idea of the paragraph. (Correct answer)
- Summarize the entire essay's conclusion.
- List supporting details for prior paragraphs.
Correct answer: State the main idea of the paragraph.
The topic sentence introduces the paragraph's main idea, guiding the reader about what the paragraph will discuss.
Question 3: Which word choice is most appropriate for an academic essay?
- The results were a lot better than expected.
- The results exceeded initial projections significantly. (Correct answer)
- The results were way better than what we thought.
- The results came out pretty good in the end.
Correct answer: The results exceeded initial projections significantly.
Academic writing requires formal vocabulary; 'exceeded initial projections' is appropriately precise and formal.
Question 4: A student writes: 'In conclusion, this essay has showed that climate change is real.' What error does this sentence contain?
- Incorrect use of a transition phrase.
- A subject-verb agreement error.
- An incorrect verb form (showed instead of shown). (Correct answer)
- Improper use of a definite article.
Correct answer: An incorrect verb form (showed instead of shown).
'Has showed' is grammatically incorrect; the correct past participle form is 'has shown.'
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a thesis statement?
- Many students struggle in college.
- This essay will discuss academic challenges.
- Inadequate time management is the primary reason most first-year college students underperform academically. (Correct answer)
- College is difficult for international students.
Correct answer: Inadequate time management is the primary reason most first-year college students underperform academically.
A thesis statement presents a specific, arguable claim that the essay will support with evidence.
Question 6: When paraphrasing a source in academic writing, a student should:
- Copy the original sentences but change a few words.
- Restate the idea in their own words and cite the source. (Correct answer)
- Use quotation marks around the paraphrased text.
- Omit the citation since they used their own words.
Correct answer: Restate the idea in their own words and cite the source.
Paraphrasing requires restating ideas in your own words while still crediting the original source with a citation.
ELTIS ELTIS Academic Writing and Composition 1
Which sentence best demonstrates correct use of a transition word to show contrast?