Language Proficiency Writing Skills 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?
- The committee have reached their individual conclusions.
- The committee has reached its decision. (Correct answer)
- The committee were deciding among themselves.
- The committee are not agreeing on nothing.
Correct answer: The committee has reached its decision.
In American English, collective nouns like 'committee' typically take singular verbs and pronouns.
Question 2: What does 'parallel structure' require in a list?
- Each item must start with a different part of speech.
- All items must use the same grammatical form. (Correct answer)
- Items must be arranged from longest to shortest.
- Each item must be a complete sentence.
Correct answer: All items must use the same grammatical form.
Parallel structure means each element in a series uses the same grammatical form (all nouns, all gerunds, etc.).
Question 3: Which is the most appropriate tone for a formal business email?
- Hey! Just wanted to touch base about the project — it's kinda behind schedule.
- I am writing to inform you that the project timeline has been delayed. (Correct answer)
- So, the project is late and we need to fix it ASAP.
- Wanted to let ya know — things are behind lol.
Correct answer: I am writing to inform you that the project timeline has been delayed.
Formal writing avoids slang, contractions, and casual phrasing, using clear and professional language instead.
Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses 'who' vs. 'whom'?
- Who did you give the report to?
- Whom wrote the summary?
- She is the manager whom oversees the team.
- Whom should I contact for assistance? (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Whom should I contact for assistance?
'Whom' is correct when it functions as the object of a verb or preposition; substituting 'him' works as a test.
Question 5: Which sentence avoids a comma splice?
- She studied all night, she still failed the exam.
- He arrived late, however he finished first.
- The meeting ended early; everyone left by noon. (Correct answer)
- It rained all day, we stayed indoors.
Correct answer: The meeting ended early; everyone left by noon.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without creating a comma splice.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
- To provide evidence supporting a previous paragraph.
- To conclude the essay's main argument.
- To introduce the main idea that the paragraph will develop. (Correct answer)
- To list all the examples that will follow.
Correct answer: To introduce the main idea that the paragraph will develop.
A topic sentence states the controlling idea of a paragraph, which all other sentences then support or develop.
Question 7: Which best describes the revision strategy of 'cutting for clarity'?
- Adding more examples to strengthen the argument.
- Removing redundant words and phrases without losing meaning. (Correct answer)
- Changing all passive constructions to active voice.
- Replacing simple words with more sophisticated vocabulary.
Correct answer: Removing redundant words and phrases without losing meaning.
Cutting for clarity means eliminating unnecessary words to make writing more direct and readable.
Language Proficiency Writing Skills 5
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?