VCLA Writing Mechanics and Style 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which strategy best helps a VCLA test-taker improve the coherence of their written response?
- Adding as many vocabulary words as possible
- Using transitional words and phrases to connect ideas (Correct answer)
- Writing longer sentences throughout
- Avoiding any reference to the prompt question
Correct answer: Using transitional words and phrases to connect ideas
Transitional words and phrases (e.g., 'furthermore,' 'however,' 'as a result') connect ideas and improve the flow and coherence of writing.
Question 2: In VCLA formal writing, which revision strengthens a vague conclusion?
- Repeat the introduction word-for-word.
- Restate the thesis in new words and summarize key supporting points. (Correct answer)
- Add a new argument not mentioned in the essay.
- End with a question to leave the reader thinking.
Correct answer: Restate the thesis in new words and summarize key supporting points.
A strong conclusion restates the thesis using different language and briefly summarizes the key supporting points made in the body.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'voice' in writing as it relates to VCLA essay assessment?
- The physical sound of reading aloud
- The writer's unique style, tone, and personality expressed through word choice (Correct answer)
- The number of sentences per paragraph
- The use of dialogue in narrative writing
Correct answer: The writer's unique style, tone, and personality expressed through word choice
Voice in writing refers to the writer's unique style, tone, and personality as expressed through their specific word choices and sentence construction.
Question 4: Which of the following is the best strategy for revising a VCLA written response after completing a draft?
- Rewrite the entire response from memory.
- Read through to check for clarity, coherence, grammar, and support of the thesis. (Correct answer)
- Only correct spelling errors and move on.
- Delete any paragraph that seems difficult to write.
Correct answer: Read through to check for clarity, coherence, grammar, and support of the thesis.
Effective revision involves reading through the draft to evaluate clarity, coherence, grammatical correctness, and how well each paragraph supports the thesis.
Question 5: On the VCLA Writing subtest, which sentence demonstrates appropriate audience awareness for a formal essay?
- OMG, this issue is literally the worst thing ever for schools.
- The challenges facing modern educational institutions are both complex and far-reaching. (Correct answer)
- Schools have got a lot of problems that are really hard to deal with.
- Honestly, I think teachers have it pretty rough these days.
Correct answer: The challenges facing modern educational institutions are both complex and far-reaching.
Formal audience awareness requires professional vocabulary and tone—'complex and far-reaching' is appropriate for a formal academic essay.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the purpose of using varied sentence structure in a VCLA written response?
- To increase the total word count of the response
- To improve readability and demonstrate command of language (Correct answer)
- To avoid using transition words between sentences
- To ensure every sentence is as short as possible
Correct answer: To improve readability and demonstrate command of language
Varied sentence structure improves readability, maintains reader interest, and demonstrates the writer's command of language and style.
VCLA Writing Mechanics and Style 2
Which strategy best helps a VCLA test-taker improve the coherence of their written response?