NM-MSSA Writing Conventions

Question 1

What is a thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

The main argument or claim of an essay

Answer

The first sentence of any paragraph

Answer

A quotation from a source

Answer

The bibliography

Question 2

Which sentence is a run-on?

Accepted Answer

I went to the store I bought milk.

Answer

I went to the store, and I bought milk.

Answer

I went to the store.

Answer

After going to the store, I bought milk.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a topic sentence?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea of a paragraph

Answer

To conclude an essay

Answer

To cite sources

Answer

To provide transitions only

Question 4

What is parallel structure in writing?

Accepted Answer

Using the same grammatical form for similar ideas in a series

Answer

Writing sentences of equal length

Answer

Using the same words repeatedly

Answer

Starting every paragraph the same way

Question 5

When should you use a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

To join two closely related independent clauses

Answer

To introduce a list

Answer

To end a question

Answer

Before every conjunction

Question 6

What is the difference between 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're'?

Accepted Answer

'Their' is possessive, 'there' is location, 'they're' is 'they are'

Answer

They all mean the same thing

Answer

'There' is possessive, 'their' is location

Answer

'They're' is past tense of 'they'