GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Writing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
- She studied hard; and passed the exam.
- He was tired; however, he kept working. (Correct answer)
- They went to the store; to buy groceries.
- I like coffee; but she prefers tea.
Correct answer: He was tired; however, he kept working.
A semicolon is correctly used before conjunctive adverbs like 'however' to join two independent clauses.
Question 2: Which revision best improves the clarity of this sentence: 'The report that the manager who was hired last year wrote was confusing.'?
- The report written by the manager hired last year was confusing. (Correct answer)
- The report was confusing that the manager wrote who was hired last year.
- Last year the manager wrote a confusing report who was hired.
- The manager hired last year, the report was confusing that she wrote.
Correct answer: The report written by the manager hired last year was confusing.
Moving the participial phrase 'written by the manager hired last year' reduces nested clauses and improves readability.
Question 3: In an extended response, what is the PRIMARY purpose of a concluding paragraph?
- To introduce new evidence that supports the argument
- To restate the thesis and summarize the main points (Correct answer)
- To provide background context for the reader
- To list counterarguments without addressing them
Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarize the main points
A concluding paragraph reinforces the essay's argument by restating the thesis and summarizing key supporting points.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a run-on sentence?
- Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
- He ran to the store, and he bought milk.
- The movie was long it was also very boring. (Correct answer)
- Despite the rain, they decided to go hiking.
Correct answer: The movie was long it was also very boring.
Two independent clauses joined without a conjunction or punctuation form a run-on sentence.
Question 5: Which word best completes this sentence: 'The committee made its decision _____ careful deliberation.'?
- despite
- after (Correct answer)
- although
- unless
Correct answer: after
'After' correctly indicates that the deliberation came before the decision in time.
Question 6: Read the passage: 'Students should exercise regularly. Exercise improves concentration. Concentration helps academic performance.' Which revision best combines these sentences?
- Students should exercise regularly, and exercise improves concentration, and concentration helps academic performance.
- Students should exercise regularly because it improves concentration, which in turn helps academic performance. (Correct answer)
- Exercise is regular and improves concentration so academic performance helps.
- Regular exercise, improving concentration, and helping academic performance are what students should do.
Correct answer: Students should exercise regularly because it improves concentration, which in turn helps academic performance.
Using 'because' and 'which in turn' creates a logical cause-and-effect chain that reads smoothly and eliminates repetition.
Question 7: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
- Barking loudly, the dog chased the mail carrier.
- She handed the report to her boss, which was late. (Correct answer)
- The chef carefully prepared the meal.
- Walking through the park, Maria noticed the flowers.
Correct answer: She handed the report to her boss, which was late.
'Which was late' incorrectly modifies 'boss' rather than 'report' due to its placement at the end of the sentence.
GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Writing 4
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?