WIAT Written Expression & Spelling Accuracy 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?
- I love hiking; and camping in the mountains.
- She studied hard; therefore, she passed the test. (Correct answer)
- He ran fast; but he still missed the bus.
- They ate dinner; and then watched a movie.
Correct answer: She studied hard; therefore, she passed the test.
A semicolon can precede a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore,' which is then followed by a comma.
Question 2: What is the correct spelling of the word meaning 'not capable of being read'?
- Illegible (Correct answer)
- Ilegible
- Illegable
- Ilegable
Correct answer: Illegible
'Illegible' is spelled with the prefix 'il-' and the root '-legible,' meaning readable.
Question 3: Which example best illustrates a run-on sentence?
- She finished her homework, and then she watched TV.
- She finished her homework then she watched TV. (Correct answer)
- After finishing her homework, she watched TV.
- She finished her homework. Then she watched TV.
Correct answer: She finished her homework then she watched TV.
Joining two independent clauses with only 'then' (without a conjunction or punctuation) creates a run-on sentence.
Question 4: In written expression scoring on the WIAT, which element is evaluated in the Essay Composition task?
- Only the number of words written.
- Theme development, text organization, and word count. (Correct answer)
- Reading fluency and phonological awareness.
- Arithmetic computation skills.
Correct answer: Theme development, text organization, and word count.
The WIAT Essay Composition task scores theme development, text organization, and word count as components of written expression.
Question 5: Which word is spelled correctly?
- Supercede
- Supersede (Correct answer)
- Superceed
- Superseed
Correct answer: Supersede
'Supersede' is the correct spelling; the '-sede' ending comes from the Latin 'sedere' (to sit).
Question 6: A student writes a paragraph with every sentence beginning with 'I.' What revision strategy should be applied?
- Delete all sentences that begin with 'I.'
- Vary sentence beginnings with clauses, phrases, or different subjects. (Correct answer)
- Replace all 'I' with 'we.'
- Combine all sentences into one long sentence.
Correct answer: Vary sentence beginnings with clauses, phrases, or different subjects.
Varying sentence structure and beginnings improves readability and demonstrates writing maturity.
Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses 'its' vs. 'it's'?
- The cat licked it's paw.
- It's fur was matted and wet.
- The dog wagged its tail. (Correct answer)
- Its' a beautiful day outside.
Correct answer: The dog wagged its tail.
'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is.'
WIAT Written Expression & Spelling Accuracy 4
Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?