TOEFL Writing & Composition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a comma correctly to join two independent clauses?
- I studied hard, I passed the test.
- I studied hard, and I passed the test. (Correct answer)
- I studied hard and, I passed the test.
- I studied, hard and I passed the test.
Correct answer: I studied hard, and I passed the test.
A comma plus a coordinating conjunction ('and') correctly joins two independent clauses.
Question 2: What does a thesis statement primarily do in an essay?
- List every detail to come
- State the main argument or position (Correct answer)
- Provide a fun fact
- Ask the reader a question
Correct answer: State the main argument or position
A thesis statement presents the essay's central argument or position.
Question 3: Which is the most concise version of: 'Due to the fact that it rained, we stayed inside'?
- Owing to the fact of rain, we stayed inside.
- Because it rained, we stayed inside. (Correct answer)
- In view of the rain occurring, we stayed inside.
- By reason that it rained, we stayed inside.
Correct answer: Because it rained, we stayed inside.
'Because' replaces the wordy phrase 'due to the fact that' concisely.
Question 4: In academic writing, which voice is generally preferred for stating your own argument clearly?
- Passive voice always
- Active voice (Correct answer)
- Imperative voice only
- No voice at all
Correct answer: Active voice
Active voice usually makes arguments clearer and more direct.
Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?
- She loves writing; reading too.
- She loves writing; she also enjoys reading. (Correct answer)
- She loves; writing and reading.
- She loves writing; and reading.
Correct answer: She loves writing; she also enjoys reading.
A semicolon joins two related independent clauses without a conjunction.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph in a TOEFL essay?
- Introduce a brand-new argument
- Restate the thesis and summarize main points (Correct answer)
- Apologize for weak points
- List references
Correct answer: Restate the thesis and summarize main points
A conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the essay's key points.
Question 7: Which of these is a complete sentence?
- Because the weather was cold.
- Running quickly to the store.
- The student finished the essay. (Correct answer)
- Although she tried very hard.
Correct answer: The student finished the essay.
'The student finished the essay' has a subject and a complete verb.
TOEFL Writing & Composition 3
Which sentence uses a comma correctly to join two independent clauses?