1.
Which of the following is best for academic writing?
Correct Answer
A. "Dr. Einstein wrote the 'Theory of Relativity'"
Explanation
The answer "Dr. Einstein wrote the 'Theory of Relativity'" is the best for academic writing because it follows the active voice and provides a clear and concise statement. In academic writing, it is generally preferred to use the active voice to emphasize the subject and clearly attribute the action to the person or entity responsible. The passive voice, as used in the second option, can be more ambiguous and less direct.
2.
"The group of three were inspired to do their grammar project together." What is wrong with this sentence?
Correct Answer
B. Verb/ Subject Agreement
Explanation
The correct answer is Verb/Subject Agreement. In the given sentence, the subject "group" is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. The correct verb form should be "was" to agree with the singular subject.
3.
The following sentence is a fragment: True or False? "Because there were many storms last season."
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given sentence "Because there were many storms last season" is a fragment because it lacks a subject and does not express a complete thought. It starts with the subordinating conjunction "Because" but does not provide a main clause to complete the sentence. Therefore, it is an incomplete statement and qualifies as a fragment.
4.
You have just been placed on academic probation. It is required that you write a letter of reinstatement. Which of the following is inappropriate to include in the letter?
Correct Answer
A. "Because I have not gotten along with my professors..."
Explanation
Including the statement "Because I have not gotten along with my professors..." is inappropriate in the letter of reinstatement because it reflects a negative attitude and does not address the reasons for being placed on academic probation. The letter should focus on expressing remorse for past actions, demonstrating a commitment to improving academic performance, and outlining a plan for success upon reinstatement.
5.
You're the editor of the school newspaper and just received the advice column from one of the journalists. The title of the column is Writing the PERFECT Paper. You begin reading the column and come across these baffling sentences in the first paragraph: “The worst thing you can do in an academic paper is insult your professor. Be sure to make corrections to your paper, and always tip your waiter!” What is the problem with these sentences?
Correct Answer
A. Continuity, the journalist's sentences are not related to one another.
Explanation
The problem with these sentences is that they lack continuity. The journalist's sentences are not related to one another, as the second sentence about tipping waiters has no connection to the topic of writing the perfect paper. The lack of coherence and logical progression in the paragraph hinders the flow of the column and confuses the reader.
6.
There is a grammar quiz coming up, so you decide to use a study sheet distributed by your professor. You come to the last question on the sheet: What is the following referred to as: "And she never saw it again." and you cannot seem to figure out the answer. Which one should you choose?
Correct Answer
C. A Fragment
Explanation
The given sentence "And she never saw it again." is a fragment because it does not contain a subject and a verb, and it does not express a complete thought. It is missing essential elements to make it a complete sentence.
7.
"Give me an 'A' now!" This is an example of :
Correct Answer
B. Imperative Sentence
Explanation
The statement "Give me an 'A' now!" is an example of an imperative sentence because it is a command or request. It is giving a direct order or instruction to someone to perform an action, which is to give the speaker an 'A' grade immediately.
8.
"I'll go out with you if you take me to 'Tavern on the Green.'" What is "I'll" considered in this sentence?
Correct Answer
C. A Contraction
Explanation
In this sentence, "I'll" is considered a contraction. A contraction is a shortened form of two words, in this case, "I" and "will". The apostrophe in "I'll" represents the omitted letters "wi". Therefore, "I'll" is a contraction that means "I will".
9.
A Gerund is...
Correct Answer
B. A verb that ends in -ing that acts as a noun.
Explanation
A gerund is a verb that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in a sentence. It can be used as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a complement. Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb, and they can represent actions, states, or processes. For example, in the sentence "Swimming is my favorite hobby," the word "swimming" is a gerund that acts as the subject of the sentence.
10.
Which word should be preceded by ‘an’?
Correct Answer
B. Hour
Explanation
The word "hour" should be preceded by "an" because it starts with a vowel sound. In English, the choice between "a" and "an" depends on the sound that follows, not the actual letter. Since "hour" is pronounced with a silent "h," the word is considered to start with a vowel sound, so "an" is used.