English Language and Composition Exam Grammar Style and Conventions 2

Question 1

Which transition best signals a contrasting relationship between two ideas?

Accepted Answer

Nevertheless

Answer

'Nevertheless' signals that what follows contrasts with or qualifies the preceding statement, making it a concessive transition.

Question 2

Active voice is generally preferred in academic writing because it:

Accepted Answer

Uses fewer words and creates clearer, more direct sentences

Answer

Active voice places the subject as the actor, creating direct, efficient sentences that are easier for readers to follow.

Question 3

A writer should use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when:

Accepted Answer

Two independent clauses are joined by FANBOYS conjunctions

Answer

A comma is required before coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) only when they join two complete independent clauses.

Question 4

Which sentence is incorrectly punctuated?

Accepted Answer

She was tired, she finished the essay.

Answer

The second sentence is a comma splice — two independent clauses joined by only a comma, without a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.

Question 5

Varying sentence length in an essay primarily contributes to:

Accepted Answer

Rhetorical effect through rhythm and emphasis

Answer

Strategic variation in sentence length creates rhythmic effect and can emphasize key ideas, which is a stylistic tool AP Lang readers value.

English Language and Composition Exam Practice Test