Written Test Writing Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the correct form of 'affect' vs. 'effect'?
- The medication had a positive effect on her recovery. (Correct answer)
- The medication had a positive affect on her recovery.
- The cold weather will effect her mood.
- She was effected by the sad news.
Correct answer: The medication had a positive effect on her recovery.
'Effect' is usually a noun meaning result, while 'affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence.
Question 2: What is a topic sentence in a paragraph?
- A sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. (Correct answer)
- The last sentence that summarizes the paragraph.
- A sentence that provides supporting evidence.
- A transition sentence between two paragraphs.
Correct answer: A sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, usually appearing at the beginning.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of passive voice?
- The report was written by the intern. (Correct answer)
- The intern wrote the report.
- She submitted the report on time.
- The manager reviewed every page.
Correct answer: The report was written by the intern.
Passive voice occurs when the subject receives the action rather than performing it.
Question 4: A writer wants to compare two items point by point. Which organizational structure is best?
- Point-by-point comparison (Correct answer)
- Chronological order
- Cause and effect
- Problem-solution
Correct answer: Point-by-point comparison
Point-by-point comparison alternates between the two subjects for each criterion, making direct comparison clear.
Question 5: Which punctuation mark is used to introduce a list after an independent clause?
- Colon (Correct answer)
- Semicolon
- Comma
- Dash
Correct answer: Colon
A colon is used after an independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.
Question 6: What does 'coherence' mean in the context of writing?
- Ideas flow logically and are clearly connected throughout the text. (Correct answer)
- Every sentence is grammatically correct.
- The writing uses a wide variety of vocabulary.
- Each paragraph contains exactly five sentences.
Correct answer: Ideas flow logically and are clearly connected throughout the text.
Coherence means the writing is logically organized so readers can easily follow the progression of ideas.
Question 7: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
- Running down the street, the keys were dropped by Maria. (Correct answer)
- Maria dropped her keys while running down the street.
- While running, Maria dropped her keys.
- Maria, running down the street, dropped her keys.
Correct answer: Running down the street, the keys were dropped by Maria.
A misplaced modifier creates confusion by being positioned near the wrong word — here 'running' incorrectly modifies 'keys.'
Written Test Writing Fundamentals 2
Which sentence uses the correct form of 'affect' vs. 'effect'?