PET Writing Skills & Composition 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'topic sentence' in a paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The first sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

Answer

The last sentence that summarizes the whole essay.

Answer

A sentence that contains the most difficult vocabulary.

Answer

A sentence written in the passive voice.

Question 2

A student writes: 'I have went to the market yesterday.' What is wrong with this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The verb tense is incorrect — 'went' should be used with simple past, not 'have'.

Answer

'Yesterday' should be at the start of the sentence.

Answer

'Market' needs a capital letter.

Answer

There are too many words in the sentence.

Question 3

In PET Writing Part 3 (story), which element most helps create tension?

Accepted Answer

Short, punchy sentences and time pressure for the character.

Answer

Long lists of adjectives describing the setting.

Answer

Writing the story in alphabetical word order.

Answer

Using only simple vocabulary throughout.

Question 4

Which sentence uses the correct punctuation for a list?

Accepted Answer

I need eggs, milk, bread, and butter.

Answer

I need: eggs milk bread and butter.

Answer

I need eggs milk, bread and, butter.

Answer

I need, eggs, milk, bread and butter.

Question 5

You receive a note asking: 'Can you explain why you were absent and suggest how you will catch up?' Which response best addresses both questions?

Accepted Answer

I had a bad cold last week. I plan to borrow notes from a classmate and finish the assignment by Friday.

Answer

I was ill. Thank you.

Answer

I was absent because I was absent. I will catch up.

Answer

Being absent is something that happened. Catching up is my plan.

Question 6

Which linking phrase is best used to add a further point that supports the same idea?

Accepted Answer

Furthermore

Answer

On the other hand

Answer

In contrast

Answer

Nevertheless

Question 7

When writing for PET, which approach best improves the range of vocabulary used?

Accepted Answer

Use a thesaurus-style approach by substituting synonyms and varied expressions where appropriate.

Answer

Repeat the same words throughout to show you know them well.

Answer

Use only the simplest words to avoid mistakes.

Answer

Write every sentence in passive voice to sound more academic.