Writing Skills & Essay Organization Flashcards

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Answer: I studied hard; I passed the test.

A semicolon links two complete, related independent clauses without a conjunction.

What does parallel structure require in a list?

Answer: Items in the same grammatical form

Parallel structure uses the same grammatical form for items in a series.

Which revision best eliminates wordiness: "Due to the fact that it rained, we stayed inside"?

Answer: Because it rained, we stayed inside.

"Because" replaces the wordy phrase "due to the fact that" concisely.

Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly for possession?

Answer: The student's books were on the desk.

"Student's" correctly shows one student possessing the books.

What is the most logical order for a persuasive essay's structure?

Answer: Introduction, supporting arguments, conclusion

A persuasive essay introduces the claim, supports it, then concludes.

Which sentence corrects the pronoun-antecedent agreement error: "Each student must bring their book"?

Answer: Each student must bring his or her book.

The singular antecedent "each student" requires the singular "his or her."

Which word choice best fits a formal academic essay?

Answer: individuals

"Individuals" is precise and formal, suited to academic writing.