Exam 1: Writing Effective Paragraphs

Instructions: Read each of the essay conclusions below. Select the letter of the method the writer used for each conclusion. The essay below concludes with a Thus, if race relations in this country are to improve, something must change; we must change. E. M. Forster has written that asking all people to love one another is probably asking too much, but that asking them to tolerate each other just might be achievable. I agree that tolerance is a more realistic goal. Today, if you and I make a sincere effort to tolerate others, the world will be a slightly different, and better, place.

Instructions: In each set below, select the letter of the group in which all the words are spelled correctly. In which group are all of the words spelled correctly?

Instructions: In each set below, select the letter of the sentence in which all the apostrophes are used correctly. In which sentence are apostrophes used correctly?

Instructions: Select the letter of the correct answer. Which of the following is the most effective way to increase your awareness of the errors you tend to make?

Instructions: Select the letter of the correct answer. A writer who is proofreading is

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and answer the question(s) that follow. (1) Mexico City is a fascinating mixture of modern and traditional ways of life. (2) The city boasts sleek skyscrapers, such as the famous Latin America tower. (3) However, it also proudly displays its graceful Spanish colonial palaces and public buildings, many of which are 300 years old. (4) Glittering stores line the main shopping streets, offering the latest in international styles of clothing and house furnishings. (5) Yet old fashioned street markets fill the city, from the great food market of the Merced to stalls in small plazas selling such pi atas and paper Christmas decorations. (6) Huge modern factories in the northern section turn out most of Mexico s clothing, steel, cement, appliances, and electrical supplies. (7) In contrast, craftspeople line the city s streets with their handmade baskets, pottery, metalwork, and textiles. Which of the following sentences does NOT contain a transitional expression that indicates contrast or comparison?

Instructions: The paragraphs of the following essay have been scrambled so that they are out of order. Read them and then answer the question(s) that follow. The Warrior Queen of Jhansi _____ (1) The British cursed her as a devil; the people of India revered her almost as a god. (2) All agreed, however, that the Indian queen, Lakshmi Bai, was a powerful and daring woman. _____ (3) Finally, in early 1858, the British made the queen an outlaw and lay siege to Jahansi for more than two weeks. (4) The queen heroically fought for her city from a high tower where her people and the enemy could clearly see her. (5) As the city prepared for defeat, the queen, who was an expert horsewoman, fled. (6) After riding for four days, she at last formally joined the rebelling forces. _____ (7) The queen led the defense at Gwalior, the last rebel stronghold. (8) Leading her men in hand-to-hand combat, she wore trousers, a silk blouse, and a red silk cap with a loose turban around it. (9) A pearl necklace that was one of the treasures of India hung around her neck. (10) Mortally wounded in battle, she immediately became a beloved hero of the Indian nationalist movement. _____ (11) However, throughout India, discontent against the British grew until rebellion broke out in 1857. (12) In Jhansi, rebels took the British fort and then massacred the British women and children living in the city. (13) Though the queen did not support this bloodshed, the British held her responsible. (14) For a while in late 1857, in the absence of the British, the queen got her chance to rule. (15) Rising at 3:00 a.m., she spent her days first attending to matters of state, then riding and training with arms, and later meditating and praying. _____ (16) Before the ruler of Jhansi died in 1853, he willed his land and title to his five-year-old son. (17) He told his young wife, Lakshmi Bai, to rule until their child came of age. (18) Despite the young queen s ability and popularity, the British declared the will illegal and seized the kingdom. (19) Lakshmi Bai swallowed the insult and remained loyal to the British. Part A: Select the letter of the answer that numbers the paragraphs in the order they should appear in the essay. a. 1, 4, 5, 3, 2 b. 5, 2, 1, 3, 4 c. 4, 5, 2, 3, 1 Part B: Which paragraph in the reordered sequence begins with a transitional expression that indicates this type of order? a. paragraph 3 b. paragraph 4 c. paragraph 5 Part C: What type of order arranges the information in the body paragraphs? a. time order b. space order c. order of importance