English Composition Assignment

Question 1  Which of the following is an example of a fused (run-on) sentence?

		I really enjoyed his company many days he was an invaluable friend.
		Walking home, I noticed the changes in the weather.
		Sarah prided herself on always being the first one to arrive at any given occasion, a pride which had some effects on her relationship with others who had many more responsibilities than she had in her life.
		Growing up in New Orleans, I was devastated to hear of the hurricane damage to my childhood home.

Question 2 Which of the following is an example of a complete sentence, not a fragment?

		He was skeptical.
		A growing awareness.
		A fine day we have here.
		While I was away.

Question 3  Which of the following is an example of a complete sentence, not a fragment?

		While traveling through The Painted Desert in Arizona.
		Telling stories by the campfire.
		Having both grown up in the South.
		I do.

Question 4 Which of the following is NOT an example of supporting material that you might use when gathering information?

		Facts
		Imaginative scenarios
		Observations
		Sensory impressions

Question 5  Which of the following is NOT a strategy for finding a topic?

		Tapping your personal resources
		Journal keeping
		Asking your professor for a subject
		Asking questions

Question 6 Which of the following is an example of a comma splice?

		While cleaning house, I found many things I had misplaced.
		It's true what they say, you should move every five or so years.
		The bell tower was incredible, as was the surrounding buildings.
		Soon after flying to Spain for the first time, Martha decided to move there.

Question 7  Which of the following is NOT a stage of planning and drafting as outlined in your textbook?

		Understanding the assignment
		Developing a thesis
		Zeroing in on a topic
		Practicing your writing skills

Question 8  Which of the following statements about a thesis is FALSE?

		A thesis statement focuses on just one central point or issue.
		A good thesis statement tailors the scope of the issue to the length of the paper.
		It is wise to imply the thesis, allowing the reader to make his or her own determinations about the topic.
		The thesis statement is precise, often previewing the organization of the paper.

Question 9  Which of the following is an example of a comma splice?

		There are many things that I am, but creative is not one of them.
		While off on a vacation to Florida, my mail piled up.
		Training dogs to do anything is difficult, training my dog is the hardest of all.
		Glasses are best when they are thought of as an accessory to one's clothing style.

Question 10  Which of the following statements about creating an outline is TRUE?

		An outline rarely shows you how you might organize and develop your paragraphs.
		There are two types of outlines: sentence outlines and topic outlines.
		An outline has to have only one of the following: Roman numerals, letters, or numbers.
		Introductions and conclusions are always included.

Question 11 Which of the following is an example of a fused (run-on) sentence?

		When we reached the peak of the mountain, we saw the most amazing sunset.
		Timothy is often brash but means well.
		Considering her choices of costumes, she carefully decided it would be best to go as a princess.
		I'm not sure what you are up to however I would like you to stop.

Question 12  List four examples of connectors that show contrast. Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 13 What are four possibilities for beginning an essay? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 14 What are the five ways that a topic sentence may be stated? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 15 What are four possibilities for concluding an essay? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 16 What are four writing strategy patterns you might employ when writing a paragraph? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 17  Read the four paragraphs on pp. 82-83 of Strategies for Writing Successful Research Papers. Then, match each paragraph number to the appropriate topic sentence type used in the paragraph.

Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Paragraph 4

Answer a. Topic Sentence Stated First and Last b. Topic Sentence Stated in the Middle c. Topic Sentence Implied d. Topic Sentence Stated First

Question 18  Match the following connecting words and phrases to the appropriate relationship they show between sentences.

Showing similarity Showing contrast Showing results or effects Adding ideas together Drawing conclusions Pointing out examples Showing emphasis and clarity Indicating time Conceding a point

Answer a. on the other hand b. previously c. as a result d. likewise e. thus f. after all g. for instance h. furthermore i. admittedly

Question 19

Read the two paragraphs on pp. 79-80 in Strategies for Writing Successful Research Papers. Answer the following questions in 50 words or less:

· Which of the two paragraphs has stronger paragraph unity?

· In what ways is the stronger paragraph stronger? What are the elements of its strength?

· What are some ways that you would improve the weakly unified paragraph?

Written Responses:

· Unless otherwise indicated, there is a 200 word minimum response required.

· Credible reference materials, including your course textbook(s), may be used to complete the assessment.

Question 20 When revising with a computer, what are five tips that a writer should keep in mind? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 21 The textbook suggests that you should read your essay at least three times, once for each of which three reasons? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 22 What are five questions that you might consider as you look over the materials in your portfolio? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 23 What are the three elements that you need to control within your own mind as a writer in order to revise successfully? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 24 What three things should you notate or “jot down” before preparing to revise? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 25 What are the two natural feelings that you should set aside in order to recognize that revision offers an opportunity to upgrade your strong features and strengthen your weak ones? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 26 According to this unit’s reading, what are the purposes of both the introduction and conclusion? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 27 What are five questions that you might ask yourself when considering the revision of sentences? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 28 What are five questions that you might ask yourself when considering the revision of paragraphs? Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 29 In one to two sentences, define “revision.” Your response to this short answer question should be brief, concise, and specific.

Question 30 Using what you have learned in this unit’s reading about writing in the disciplines, write a 100-200-word short essay that addresses some or all of the following: What is your major? What “discipline” does that major most easily fall into? Given what you know about your major so far, what types of methodologies are used? What kinds of evidence are considered permissible? What type of documentation format is most often used in that discipline? What kinds of questions does the discipline ask itself? What are some of the writing assignments in the discipline? Your essay will also be graded on its development and completeness. Be sure that you revise and proofread your response. If you use outside sources, including your textbooks, you need to use quotation marks for lifted language, as well as in-text and reference list citations. If your essay is less than 100 words, you will not receive full credit.

Question 31 In a 100-200-word short essay, address the following questions: When considering the whole essay in revision, how do you understand FACT? What is your definition of each of the letters of this revision strategy? What are some questions that you would ask of the text when considering each letter? How does this approach help to ensure that the essay has a holistic revision approach? Your essay will also be graded on its development and completeness. Be sure that you revise and proofread your response. If you use outside sources, including your textbooks, you need to use quotation marks for lifted language, as well as in-text and reference list citations. If your essay is less than 100 words, you will not receive full credit.

Question 32 In a 100-200-word short essay, describe the approach to the essay examination as presented in your reading. You will want to summarize, paraphrase, and condense the information. You might consider organizing your response by glossing over the entire process or by honing in on a particular aspect of the reading. Your essay will also be graded on its development and completeness. Be sure that you revise and proofread your response. If you use outside sources, including your textbooks, you need to use quotation marks for lifted language, as well as in-text and reference list citations. If your essay is less than 100 words, you will not receive full credit.