ERB Writing Mechanics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'Neither the students nor the teacher ___ ready'?
- were
- was (Correct answer)
- are
- is
Correct answer: was
When using 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it — 'teacher' is singular, so 'was' is correct.
Question 2: What is a dangling modifier in writing, as assessed on ERB tests?
- A word that modifies the wrong noun due to incorrect placement (Correct answer)
- A sentence with too many adjectives
- A paragraph with no topic sentence
- An essay with no conclusion
Correct answer: A word that modifies the wrong noun due to incorrect placement
A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not logically connect to the noun it is intended to modify.
Question 3: Which transition word signals contrast in an ERB essay?
- Furthermore
- However (Correct answer)
- Therefore
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
The word 'however' signals a contrast or shift in direction between two ideas in writing.
Question 4: When should an apostrophe be used to show possession for a singular noun?
- Add 's after the noun (Correct answer)
- Add s' after the noun
- Add only an apostrophe
- No apostrophe is needed
Correct answer: Add 's after the noun
To show possession for a singular noun, add an apostrophe followed by 's' (e.g., the student's book).
Question 5: In ERB writing, what is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?
- They mean the same thing
- 'Affect' is usually a verb; 'effect' is usually a noun (Correct answer)
- 'Effect' is a verb; 'affect' is a noun
- Both are always verbs
Correct answer: 'Affect' is usually a verb; 'effect' is usually a noun
'Affect' is most commonly used as a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is most commonly a noun meaning a result.
Question 6: What is parallel structure in writing?
- Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or series (Correct answer)
- Writing two paragraphs of equal length
- Avoiding the use of pronouns
- Starting every sentence with a verb
Correct answer: Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or series
Parallel structure means using the same grammatical form for all items in a list or series to maintain consistency and clarity.
ERB Writing Mechanics 2
Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'Neither the students nor the teacher ___ ready'?