Writing Skills & Composition Flashcards

Which choice correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction?

Answer: She was tired, but she finished her work.

A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses.

An essay introduction should generally move from:

Answer: Broad general context to a specific thesis statement

Effective introductions funnel from a broad hook or context down to the specific thesis statement.

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Answer: Running late, the bus was missed by Maria.

In option B, the participial phrase 'Running late' illogically modifies 'the bus' rather than 'Maria'.

In formal academic writing, which of the following should generally be avoided?

Answer: Employing contractions like 'don't' or 'can't'

Contractions are considered informal and are typically avoided in formal academic writing.

Which revision eliminates the wordiness in 'Due to the fact that it was raining, the game was canceled'?

Answer: Because it was raining, the game was canceled.

'Due to the fact that' is a wordy phrase that can be replaced with the single word 'because'.

What is the function of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

Answer: To introduce the main idea of that paragraph

A topic sentence states the central point of the paragraph, which the supporting sentences then develop.

Which word choice best maintains a formal tone in an academic essay?

Answer: The scientist successfully conducted the experiment.

Formal writing requires precise, professional word choice rather than colloquial or slang expressions.