NBT Writing Skills & Essay Composition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student plagiarises by copying three sentences from a source without citation. Which academic principle does this violate?
- Only numerical data requires citation
- Plagiarism is only an issue in science subjects
- Academic integrity requires acknowledging all sources (Correct answer)
- Copying fewer than five sentences is acceptable
Correct answer: Academic integrity requires acknowledging all sources
Academic integrity requires acknowledging all sources of ideas, data, and language. Copying without attribution — regardless of length — constitutes plagiarism and violates this fundamental principle.
Question 2: Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- Between you and I, the plan will fail.
- Between you and me, the plan will fail. (Correct answer)
- Between you and myself, the plan will fail.
- Between myself and you, the plan will fail.
Correct answer: Between you and me, the plan will fail.
"Between" is a preposition and requires an object pronoun. The object pronouns are "you" and "me." "I" is a subject pronoun and is incorrect after a preposition.
Question 3: What does "coherence" mean in the context of essay writing?
- Using a wide range of vocabulary
- Ideas flowing logically and smoothly, with clear connections between sentences and paragraphs (Correct answer)
- Including many examples and quotations
- Writing as many words as possible
Correct answer: Ideas flowing logically and smoothly, with clear connections between sentences and paragraphs
Coherence refers to the logical, smooth flow of ideas. A coherent essay uses clear transitions, consistent pronoun reference, and logical sequencing so that each sentence and paragraph connects meaningfully to the next.
Question 4: A student is writing a formal argument essay. Which of the following should they avoid?
- Using evidence to support claims
- Acknowledging counterarguments
- Using first person ("I believe") throughout (Correct answer)
- Structuring the essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion
Correct answer: Using first person ("I believe") throughout
Formal academic argument essays should maintain an objective tone. Overuse of first person ("I believe," "I think") shifts the essay to a personal opinion piece rather than an evidence-based academic argument.
Question 5: What is the function of in-text citation (referencing) in academic writing?
- It makes the essay longer and more impressive
- It acknowledges the source of ideas, data, or quotes, and allows readers to find the original source (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need to write a bibliography
- It is only needed for direct quotations
Correct answer: It acknowledges the source of ideas, data, or quotes, and allows readers to find the original source
In-text citations attribute ideas to their sources (avoiding plagiarism) and allow readers to locate and verify the original material. They are required for both direct quotes and paraphrased ideas.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the PEEL paragraph structure?
- Plan, Edit, Expand, Link
- Point, Evidence, Explain, Link (Correct answer)
- Purpose, Evaluate, Express, List
- Paragraph, Example, Extend, Limit
Correct answer: Point, Evidence, Explain, Link
PEEL stands for Point (topic sentence), Evidence (supporting information), Explain (how the evidence supports the point), Link (connection to the broader argument or next paragraph). It is a widely used academic writing structure.
NBT Writing Skills & Essay Composition 3
A student plagiarises by copying three sentences from a source without citation.
Which academic principle does this violate?