PCAT Writing Skills 5

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

She studied pharmacokinetics; she passed the exam easily.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 2

What is the term for an argument that attacks the person making an argument rather than the argument itself?

Accepted Answer

Ad hominem fallacy

Answer

An ad hominem fallacy deflects from a logical argument by attacking the character or motives of the person instead.

Question 3

Which revision improves the vague pronoun reference: 'The doctor told the patient that he needed surgery.'?

Accepted Answer

The doctor told the patient, 'You need surgery.'

Answer

Using a direct quote eliminates pronoun ambiguity by clarifying who needs surgery.

Question 4

Which type of evidence is generally considered most credible in a health sciences essay?

Accepted Answer

Data from peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials

Answer

Peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials represent the gold standard of evidence in health sciences.

Question 5

What is the effect of varying sentence length in an essay?

Accepted Answer

It creates rhythm, emphasis, and improves readability

Answer

Alternating between short and long sentences creates rhythmic variety and helps emphasize key points.

PCAT - Pharmacy College Admission Test Practice Test