ESOL Academic English 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction correctly to show cause?
- She passed the exam because she studied hard. (Correct answer)
- She studied hard, however she passed the exam.
- She passed the exam, she studied hard.
- Although she studied hard and she passed the exam.
Correct answer: She passed the exam because she studied hard.
'Because' is a subordinating conjunction that correctly links the cause (studying hard) to the effect (passing the exam).
Question 2: In academic writing, what does the term 'thesis statement' refer to?
- A summary of all sources used in the paper.
- A sentence in the introduction that states the paper's main argument. (Correct answer)
- The concluding paragraph of an essay.
- A list of evidence supporting the topic.
Correct answer: A sentence in the introduction that states the paper's main argument.
A thesis statement is a single sentence, usually at the end of the introduction, that presents the central argument or claim of the essay.
Question 3: Which word best replaces 'show' in a formal academic sentence?
- Prove
- Tell
- Demonstrate (Correct answer)
- Exhibit
Correct answer: Demonstrate
'Demonstrate' is the most appropriate formal academic synonym for 'show' in scholarly writing.
Question 4: A student writes: 'The results was significant.' What is the grammatical error?
- Wrong verb tense
- Subject-verb disagreement (Correct answer)
- Misplaced modifier
- Incorrect article usage
Correct answer: Subject-verb disagreement
'Results' is a plural subject and requires the plural verb 'were,' not the singular 'was.'
Question 5: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
- To introduce the entire essay topic.
- To list the supporting details of the paragraph.
- To state the main idea of that specific paragraph. (Correct answer)
- To conclude the argument of the essay.
Correct answer: To state the main idea of that specific paragraph.
A topic sentence introduces and controls the main idea of a single body paragraph, not the whole essay.
Question 6: Which transition word signals a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- Therefore
- Nevertheless (Correct answer)
- Consequently
Correct answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals that the following idea contrasts with or qualifies the previous statement.
Question 7: In the sentence 'The data suggest a strong correlation,' why is 'suggest' used instead of 'suggests'?
- 'Data' is always treated as singular in academic writing.
- 'Data' is a plural noun in formal academic usage. (Correct answer)
- The sentence is in the subjunctive mood.
- The verb follows an irregular pattern.
Correct answer: 'Data' is a plural noun in formal academic usage.
In formal academic writing, 'data' is treated as a plural noun (the plural of 'datum'), so it takes the plural verb 'suggest.'
ESOL Academic English 2
Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction correctly to show cause?