RICAS Communication Skills 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student is revising an essay and notices a paragraph that doesn't support the thesis. What should the student do?
- Keep it because it adds length
- Remove or rewrite the paragraph so it connects to the thesis (Correct answer)
- Move it to the introduction
- Change the thesis to match the paragraph
Correct answer: Remove or rewrite the paragraph so it connects to the thesis
Every paragraph in an essay should clearly support the thesis; off-topic paragraphs should be removed or revised to maintain coherence.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a PRIMARY source?
- A textbook summary of World War II
- A diary written by a soldier during World War II (Correct answer)
- A documentary film about World War II
- An encyclopedia entry about World War II
Correct answer: A diary written by a soldier during World War II
A primary source is a firsthand account or original document created at the time of the event, such as a personal diary.
Question 3: In a debate, what is the role of a 'rebuttal'?
- To introduce a new topic unrelated to the argument
- To respond to and counter the opposing side's arguments (Correct answer)
- To summarize your own points at the beginning
- To agree with the other side's position
Correct answer: To respond to and counter the opposing side's arguments
A rebuttal directly addresses and refutes the opposing team's arguments using evidence and reasoning.
Question 4: Which word choice makes the sentence MOST precise? 'The scientist made an important discovery.'
- The scientist did something really cool.
- The scientist identified a new protein linked to cancer. (Correct answer)
- The scientist found stuff that matters.
- The scientist discovered a thing.
Correct answer: The scientist identified a new protein linked to cancer.
Precise language gives specific, accurate details rather than vague or general statements.
Question 5: When analyzing a poem, what does the term 'tone' refer to?
- The volume at which the poem is read
- The author's attitude toward the subject expressed through word choice (Correct answer)
- The number of stanzas in the poem
- The rhyme scheme at the end of each line
Correct answer: The author's attitude toward the subject expressed through word choice
Tone reflects the author's attitudeâsuch as joyful, mournful, or sarcasticâconveyed through word choice and style.
Question 6: A student writes: 'Me and my friend went to the store.' What is the grammatical error?
- 'Friend' should be capitalized
- 'Went' is the wrong tense
- 'Me' should be 'I' as the subject of the sentence (Correct answer)
- 'Store' needs an article
Correct answer: 'Me' should be 'I' as the subject of the sentence
When used as the subject of a sentence, 'I' is correct; 'me' is an object pronoun and should not be used as a subject.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'hook' at the beginning of an essay?
- To restate the thesis at the end
- To grab the reader's attention and draw them into the writing (Correct answer)
- To list all the sources used
- To summarize the conclusion
Correct answer: To grab the reader's attention and draw them into the writing
A hook is an engaging openingâsuch as a question, quote, or surprising factâdesigned to capture the reader's interest.
RICAS Communication Skills 3
A student is revising an essay and notices a paragraph that doesn't support the thesis.
What should the student do?