Writing Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real PCAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Writing Skills flashcards as text
Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
Answer: Running through the park, the dog chased the ball.
In option A, 'running through the park' illogically modifies 'the dog' rather than an implied human subject.
Which transitional phrase best signals a contrast between two ideas?
Answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' introduces a contrasting or concessive idea, unlike the additive or causal transitions listed.
In a persuasive PCAT essay, what is the primary purpose of the concluding paragraph?
Answer: To restate the thesis and synthesize main points
The conclusion should restate the thesis and synthesize the essay's main arguments without introducing new information.
Which sentence best demonstrates parallel structure?
Answer: The pharmacist must be accurate, efficient, and compassionate.
Option B uses three parallel adjectives (accurate, efficient, compassionate), maintaining consistent grammatical form.
What does 'voice' refer to in academic writing?
Answer: The unique style, perspective, and personality conveyed through word choices
Voice in writing encompasses the distinctive style, perspective, and personality an author conveys through diction and syntax.
A student writes: 'Each of the medications have their own side effects.' What is the grammatical error?
Answer: Subject-verb disagreement
The subject 'each' is singular and requires the singular verb 'has,' not the plural 'have.'
Which organizational pattern arranges details from least important to most important?
Answer: Climactic order
Climactic order builds toward the most important point last, creating emphasis and a persuasive impact.