ELTIS Academic Writing and Composition Flashcards

Which sentence correctly uses parallel structure?

Answer: The course requires reading, writing, and giving presentations.

All three items in the list use the same -ing form, creating parallel structure.

A student copies a sentence from a website into an essay with no quotation marks but adds a citation. What is the problem?

Answer: Exact words must be in quotation marks even when cited

Using a source's exact wording without quotation marks is still considered plagiarism, even with a citation.

Which is the most effective topic sentence for a body paragraph about the benefits of studying abroad?

Answer: Studying abroad helps students develop independence and cross-cultural communication skills.

A strong topic sentence states the paragraph's main point clearly and specifically.

Choose the correct sentence.

Answer: Each of the students has submitted his or her essay.

"Each" is singular, so it takes the singular verb "has" and a singular pronoun.

Which sentence is wordy and needs to be made more concise?

Answer: Due to the fact that it was raining, the event was postponed until a later date.

"Due to the fact that" can be replaced with "Because," and "until a later date" is redundant with "postponed."

In a compare-and-contrast essay using the point-by-point method, how is the body organized?

Answer: Each paragraph discusses one feature, comparing both subjects within it

The point-by-point method alternates between subjects on each feature, unlike the block method.

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Answer: The deadline is Friday; however, extensions are possible.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, often before a conjunctive adverb like "however."