Writing & Communication Skills Flashcards

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Answer: The bus was late; we walked to school.

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

A student writes: "Running down the hallway, the backpack fell off my shoulder." What is the error?

Answer: Dangling modifier

The phrase 'Running down the hallway' wrongly modifies 'the backpack' instead of the person running.

Which transition best shows contrast between two ideas?

Answer: Nevertheless

'Nevertheless' signals that the next idea contrasts with the previous one.

In an argumentative essay, what is a counterclaim?

Answer: An opposing viewpoint the writer acknowledges and responds to

A counterclaim presents the other side so the writer can rebut it and strengthen the argument.

Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?

Answer: The box of crayons is on the desk.

The subject is 'box' (singular), so the verb 'is' agrees; 'of crayons' is a prepositional phrase.

Which revision makes this sentence more concise: "In my personal opinion, I think that recycling is important."

Answer: Recycling is important.

Removing redundant phrases like 'in my personal opinion, I think' leaves a clear, direct claim.

Which source would be MOST credible for a report on Minnesota's state bird?

Answer: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website

Official government agency sites are reliable, authoritative sources of factual information.