Writing and Editing Sentence Structure 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a subordinate (dependent) clause?
- A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence
- A clause that cannot stand alone and depends on a main clause to complete its meaning (Correct answer)
- Any clause that contains more than ten words
- A clause with no subject
Correct answer: A clause that cannot stand alone and depends on a main clause to complete its meaning
A dependent clause has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone because it begins with a subordinating conjunction.
Question 2: Which sentence is a compound sentence?
- She edited the manuscript carefully.
- She edited the manuscript, and he wrote the cover letter. (Correct answer)
- Because she edited carefully, the manuscript was accepted.
- She edited the well-written manuscript before the deadline.
Correct answer: She edited the manuscript, and he wrote the cover letter.
A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction.
Question 3: What is a run-on sentence?
- A very long sentence with multiple clauses
- Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction (Correct answer)
- A sentence beginning with 'And' or 'But'
- A sentence lacking an adverb
Correct answer: Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction
A run-on sentence fuses two independent clauses without the necessary punctuation or conjunction to connect them.
Question 4: Which sentence is a simple sentence?
- She wrote the article, and she submitted it.
- Although she was tired, she finished the article.
- She wrote and submitted the article. (Correct answer)
- Writing tired her out, but she finished anyway.
Correct answer: She wrote and submitted the article.
A simple sentence contains one independent clause with a single subject, even if the predicate has multiple verbs.
Question 5: What is sentence variety, and why is it important in writing?
- Using different fonts in a document
- Mixing sentence types and lengths to create rhythm and maintain reader engagement (Correct answer)
- Writing only short sentences
- Using only complex sentences
Correct answer: Mixing sentence types and lengths to create rhythm and maintain reader engagement
Varying sentence structure and length prevents monotony and keeps the reader engaged.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses an introductory participial phrase?
- Having reviewed the draft, it was submitted.
- Having reviewed the draft, the editor submitted it. (Correct answer)
- The draft reviewed, it was submitted by having.
- Reviewing having done, the editor submitted.
Correct answer: Having reviewed the draft, the editor submitted it.
The participial phrase 'Having reviewed the draft' must logically modify the subject of the main clause, 'the editor.'
Writing and Editing Sentence Structure 1
What is a subordinate (dependent) clause?