IAR ELA Writing and Vocabulary 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
- We hiked all day; we were exhausted. (Correct answer)
- We hiked all day; and we were exhausted.
- We hiked all day, we were exhausted.
- We hiked; all day we were exhausted.
Correct answer: We hiked all day; we were exhausted.
A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction.
Question 2: Read the sentence: 'The committee made their decision quickly.' Which revision corrects the agreement error?
- The committee made its decision quickly. (Correct answer)
- The committee make their decision quickly.
- The committee made they decision quickly.
- The committees made their decision quickly.
Correct answer: The committee made its decision quickly.
A collective noun like 'committee' acting as one unit takes the singular pronoun 'its.'
Question 3: In the word 'reconstruct,' what does the prefix 're-' mean?
- Again (Correct answer)
- Before
- Against
- Without
Correct answer: Again
The prefix 're-' means 'again,' so 'reconstruct' means to build again.
Question 4: Which transition word best signals a contrast between two ideas?
- However (Correct answer)
- Therefore
- Furthermore
- Likewise
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a contrast, while the others show result, addition, or similarity.
Question 5: What is the meaning of 'benevolent' as used in 'a benevolent leader'?
- Kind and generous (Correct answer)
- Strict and harsh
- Wealthy and proud
- Quiet and shy
Correct answer: Kind and generous
'Benevolent' means showing kindness and goodwill toward others.
Question 6: Which sentence is written in the active voice?
- The dog chased the ball. (Correct answer)
- The ball was chased by the dog.
- The ball had been chased.
- The ball was being chased.
Correct answer: The dog chased the ball.
In active voice the subject performs the action, as the dog does the chasing.
Question 7: Which choice correctly punctuates this introductory phrase: 'After the storm passed ___ we cleaned the yard'?
- , (comma) (Correct answer)
- ; (semicolon)
- : (colon)
- no punctuation
Correct answer: , (comma)
An introductory dependent clause is followed by a comma.
IAR ELA Writing and Vocabulary 2
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?