Written Test Editing and Revision 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During revision, a writer realizes the thesis statement does not match the argument developed in the body paragraphs. What is the correct fix?
- Delete the thesis statement
- Revise the thesis to accurately reflect the argument in the body (Correct answer)
- Add a new body paragraph to match the original thesis
- Move the thesis to the final paragraph
Correct answer: Revise the thesis to accurately reflect the argument in the body
The thesis must reflect the actual argument; revising it ensures cohesion between the claim and the supporting evidence.
Question 2: Which transition word best signals a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- Therefore
- However (Correct answer)
- Additionally
Correct answer: However
'However' introduces a contrasting idea, while the other options signal addition or consequence.
Question 3: A sentence reads: 'The professor, who teaches biology, she gave a lecture.' What error does this contain?
- Comma splice
- Pronoun redundancy (double subject) (Correct answer)
- Dangling modifier
- Faulty parallelism
Correct answer: Pronoun redundancy (double subject)
The subject 'professor' is repeated unnecessarily with 'she,' creating a double subject error.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a reverse outline during revision?
- To create an outline before drafting begins
- To check that each paragraph's main point matches the overall thesis (Correct answer)
- To list all sources used in the essay
- To identify spelling errors
Correct answer: To check that each paragraph's main point matches the overall thesis
A reverse outline summarizes each paragraph after drafting to check organization and alignment with the thesis.
Question 5: Which sentence best demonstrates appropriate hedging language in an academic context?
- This study proves that exercise cures depression.
- This study suggests that exercise may reduce symptoms of depression. (Correct answer)
- This study kind of shows exercise helps depression.
- This study definitely confirms exercise eliminates depression.
Correct answer: This study suggests that exercise may reduce symptoms of depression.
Hedging words like 'suggests' and 'may' accurately represent uncertainty without overclaiming findings.
Question 6: A writer changes 'utilized' to 'used' and 'commence' to 'begin.' This is an example of what editing goal?
- Adding formal register
- Simplifying diction for clarity (Correct answer)
- Increasing sentence variety
- Strengthening the thesis
Correct answer: Simplifying diction for clarity
Replacing inflated words with simpler alternatives improves clarity without losing meaning.
Question 7: Which of the following is a dangling modifier?
- Running through the park, she spotted a deer.
- After finishing the report, it was submitted by the team. (Correct answer)
- Exhausted from the hike, he fell asleep immediately.
- Although it was raining, the game continued.
Correct answer: After finishing the report, it was submitted by the team.
In 'After finishing the report, it was submitted,' no clear agent finishes the report, leaving the modifier dangling.
Written Test Editing and Revision 3
During revision, a writer realizes the thesis statement does not match the argument developed in the body paragraphs.
What is the correct fix?