Written Test Writing Fundamentals 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'Neither the students nor the teacher ___ ready.'
- was (Correct answer)
- were
- is
- have been
Correct answer: was
When using 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it — here 'teacher' (singular), so 'was' is correct.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement?
- To state the central argument or main point of an essay. (Correct answer)
- To summarize all the evidence presented in the essay.
- To introduce background information about the topic.
- To list the sources used in the essay.
Correct answer: To state the central argument or main point of an essay.
A thesis statement presents the main claim or argument that the entire essay will support.
Question 3: Which transition word best signals a contrast between two ideas?
- However (Correct answer)
- Furthermore
- Therefore
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
'However' signals that the upcoming idea contrasts with or qualifies the previous one.
Question 4: In formal writing, which of the following should generally be avoided?
- Contractions like 'don't' and 'it's' (Correct answer)
- The use of specific examples
- Third-person point of view
- Complex sentence structures
Correct answer: Contractions like 'don't' and 'it's'
Contractions are considered informal and should be avoided in formal academic or professional writing.
Question 5: What is the function of a concluding sentence in a paragraph?
- To wrap up the paragraph's main idea and link it to the essay's argument. (Correct answer)
- To introduce a new topic for the next paragraph.
- To provide additional supporting details.
- To quote an outside source.
Correct answer: To wrap up the paragraph's main idea and link it to the essay's argument.
A concluding sentence reinforces the paragraph's main point and may transition to the next idea.
Question 6: Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?
- She likes hiking, swimming, and cycling. (Correct answer)
- She likes hiking, to swim, and cycling.
- She likes to hike, swimming, and cycling.
- She likes to hike, to swim, and cycling.
Correct answer: She likes hiking, swimming, and cycling.
Parallel structure requires items in a series to be in the same grammatical form — here all gerunds.
Question 7: A writer uses 'for example,' 'for instance,' and 'such as' frequently. What is their purpose?
- To introduce specific examples that support a general claim. (Correct answer)
- To signal a contrast between two ideas.
- To indicate a conclusion is being drawn.
- To show a cause-and-effect relationship.
Correct answer: To introduce specific examples that support a general claim.
These phrases introduce concrete examples that illustrate or support a broader statement.
Written Test Writing Fundamentals 3
Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'Neither the students nor the teacher ___ ready.'