NCDAP Writing Skills 5

Question 1

Which sentence demonstrates the most formal and appropriate word choice for an academic essay?

Accepted Answer

The findings significantly exceeded the researchers' initial projections.

Answer

Academic writing requires precise, formal diction; 'significantly exceeded initial projections' is objective and professional.

Question 2

Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'who' versus 'whom': '_______ did the principal choose for the award?'

Accepted Answer

Whom did the principal choose for the award?

Answer

'Whom' is correct because it functions as the object of the verb 'choose' (the principal chose him/her).

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?

Accepted Answer

She is a well-known author.

Answer

Compound adjectives appearing before a noun are hyphenated; 'well-known' modifies 'author' and comes before it.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea that the paragraph will develop

Answer

A topic sentence states the central idea of the paragraph, which all other sentences then support or develop.

Question 5

Identify the incorrect word in: 'The principle reason we failed was poor planning.'

Accepted Answer

'principle' should be 'principal'

Answer

'Principal' as an adjective means 'main' or 'primary'; 'principle' is a noun meaning a rule or belief.

(NCDAP) North Carolina Diagnostic Placement Test Practice Test