THEA THEA Writing 3

Question 1

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

Accepted Answer

Neither the players nor the coach was ready.

Answer

When 'neither/nor' connects subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (coach = singular → 'was').

Question 2

What is the role of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To state the main idea of that paragraph

Answer

A topic sentence announces the controlling idea of its paragraph, tying it to the essay's thesis.

Question 3

Which punctuation correctly sets off a non-restrictive clause?

Accepted Answer

My sister, who lives in Austin, is a nurse.

Answer

Commas set off non-restrictive (non-essential) clauses, which add information but don't limit the noun.

Question 4

A student writes: 'I think that in my opinion the law is unfair.' What is the main problem?

Accepted Answer

Redundancy — 'I think' and 'in my opinion' say the same thing

Answer

'I think' and 'in my opinion' are redundant because both signal personal perspective.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?

Accepted Answer

The students' essays were returned.

Answer

'Students'' shows plural possessive correctly — the apostrophe follows the plural noun.

THEA Test Practice Test