English Language and Composition Exam Syntax and Sentence Structure 2

Question 1

What effect does a series of very short, simple sentences typically create in prose?

Accepted Answer

A feeling of urgency, tension, or bluntness

Answer

A sense of complexity and intellectual depth

Answer

Elaborate description and a flowing, lyrical rhythm

Answer

A formal, highly academic tone

Question 2

What is 'polysyndeton'?

Accepted Answer

The use of multiple conjunctions in close succession

Answer

The omission of conjunctions in a series

Answer

The repetition of a phrase at the end of clauses

Answer

A sentence containing only one independent clause

Question 3

Which of the following is the best example of correct parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

She likes hiking, swimming, and running.

Answer

She likes hiking, to swim, and running.

Answer

She likes to hike and swimming is also enjoyed by her.

Answer

She likes hiking but swimming bores her and she runs sometimes.

Question 4

What is the rhetorical effect of an inverted sentence (one that departs from standard subject-verb-object order)?

Accepted Answer

It creates emphasis by foregrounding unusual elements

Answer

It simplifies the sentence for clearer comprehension

Answer

It weakens the sentence's logical structure

Answer

It makes the writing feel more conversational

Question 5

What rhetorical effect is created when a long, winding sentence is immediately followed by a very short sentence?

Accepted Answer

The short sentence gains powerful emphasis through contrast

Answer

The contrast creates confusion about the main argument

Answer

The long sentence undermines the credibility of the short one

Answer

Both sentences carry equal rhetorical weight

Question 6

What is a 'balanced sentence'?

Accepted Answer

A sentence in which parallel structures create grammatical symmetry on either side of a central pivot

Answer

A sentence with exactly the same number of words in each clause

Answer

A sentence that avoids both very short and very long clauses

Answer

A sentence that uses an equal number of nouns and verbs

Question 7

How does the use of an em dash (—) in a sentence typically affect its rhetorical impact?

Accepted Answer

It creates an abrupt pause that draws emphasis to what follows

Answer

It signals a formal, academic register

Answer

It signals the end of a complete thought

Answer

It introduces a list of items in order of importance