PERT Writing Skills & Essay Organization 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses?
- I wanted to pass, so I reviewed every chapter. (Correct answer)
- I wanted to pass so, I reviewed every chapter.
- I wanted to pass so I, reviewed every chapter.
- I wanted to pass, so, I reviewed every chapter.
Correct answer: I wanted to pass, so I reviewed every chapter.
A comma precedes the coordinating conjunction "so" when it links two independent clauses.
Question 2: What should an effective conclusion paragraph do?
- Introduce a brand-new argument
- Restate the thesis and summarize key points (Correct answer)
- List sources used in the essay
- Provide the first piece of evidence
Correct answer: Restate the thesis and summarize key points
A conclusion reinforces the thesis and ties together the essay's main points.
Question 3: Identify the sentence with a misplaced modifier.
- Running quickly, Maria caught the bus.
- Maria caught the bus running quickly down the street. (Correct answer)
- Maria, running quickly, caught the bus.
- While running quickly, Maria caught the bus.
Correct answer: Maria caught the bus running quickly down the street.
The modifier suggests the bus is running, so it is misplaced.
Question 4: Which version maintains consistent verb tense?
- She writes the essay and submitted it early.
- She wrote the essay and submits it early.
- She wrote the essay and submitted it early. (Correct answer)
- She writes the essay and will submitted it early.
Correct answer: She wrote the essay and submitted it early.
Both verbs are in the past tense, keeping the sentence consistent.
Question 5: What is the best way to improve coherence between paragraphs?
- Start each paragraph with the same word
- Use transitional phrases that link ideas (Correct answer)
- Make every paragraph the same length
- Avoid topic sentences entirely
Correct answer: Use transitional phrases that link ideas
Transitions connect ideas and help readers follow the flow between paragraphs.
Question 6: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
- Its raining, so bring you're umbrella.
- It's raining, so bring your umbrella. (Correct answer)
- Its raining, so bring your umbrella.
- It's raining, so bring you're umbrella.
Correct answer: It's raining, so bring your umbrella.
"It's" means "it is" and "your" shows possession, both used correctly here.
Question 7: Which sentence is written in active voice?
- The report was completed by the student.
- The student completed the report. (Correct answer)
- The report had been completed.
- Completion of the report was achieved.
Correct answer: The student completed the report.
Active voice has the subject performing the action directly.
PERT Writing Skills & Essay Organization 3
Which sentence correctly uses a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses?