Online Writing Principles 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is not present in a paragraph?
- Main idea
- Thesis statement (Correct answer)
- Concluding sentence
- Topic sentence
Correct answer: Thesis statement
A paragraph typically contains a main idea, often expressed in a topic sentence, and supporting details, concluding with a concluding sentence that summarizes or transitions. A thesis statement, however, is a sentence that presents the main argument or purpose of an entire essay or longer piece of writing, not a single paragraph.
Question 2: What are the elements that make up a paragraph?
- Transitional markers
- Punctuation
- Logical orders
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Effective paragraphs are built upon several key elements to ensure coherence and clarity. They utilize transitional markers to connect ideas smoothly, employ logical orders to present information in a sensible sequence, and rely on correct punctuation to enhance readability and meaning. All these components work together to create a well-structured and understandable paragraph.
Question 3: What are the similarities between an argumentative and an expository paragraph.
- They provide an explanation.
- They demand that we express our opinion. (Correct answer)
- They present defenses.
- They speak of people.
Correct answer: They demand that we express our opinion.
While argumentative paragraphs explicitly state and defend an opinion, expository paragraphs, even when aiming for objectivity, still present a chosen interpretation or explanation of facts. This presentation reflects the author's viewpoint on how the information should be understood, thus implicitly expressing a form of 'opinion' or stance on the subject matter.
Question 4: What distinguishes an expository from an argumentative paragraph.
- The opinion.
- The words.
- The conclusion.
- The purpose. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The purpose.
The fundamental distinction between an expository and an argumentative paragraph lies in their primary purpose. An expository paragraph aims to explain, inform, or describe a topic objectively, while an argumentative paragraph seeks to persuade the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or opinion by presenting evidence and reasoning.
Question 5: Which of the following doesn't matter when writing?
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Speaking (Correct answer)
- Semantics
Correct answer: Speaking
When writing, elements like vocabulary, grammar, and semantics (the meaning of words and phrases) are crucial for clear and effective communication. Speaking, while a form of communication, is distinct from the act of writing itself and does not directly contribute to the written text's quality or structure.
Question 6: Which of these doesn't require writing?
- Development of legal systems
- Preserving culture
- Keeping records
- Interacting with illiterate people (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Interacting with illiterate people
Writing is essential for the development of legal systems, preserving culture through records and literature, and keeping accurate historical and financial records. However, interacting with illiterate people primarily relies on oral communication and visual cues, as written text would not be an effective means of communication for them.
Question 7: What is the name of the author of another man's life story?
- Biographer (Correct answer)
- Autobiographer
- Author
- Poet
Correct answer: Biographer
A biographer is a person who writes the life story of another individual. In contrast, an autobiographer writes their own life story, an author is a general term for someone who writes books, and a poet writes poetry.
Online Writing Principles 1
Which of the following is not present in a paragraph?