Exam Review

What is one common purpose of an author's writing?

• To confuse the reader

• To provide facts or information

• To hide the main idea

• To list random ideas

Answer explanation

One common purpose of an author's writing is to provide facts or information. This helps readers understand concepts, learn new things, and gain insights, making it a fundamental goal of effective writing.

What does the term "connotation" refer to?

• The dictionary definition of a word

• The implied or emotional meaning of a word

• The spelling of a word

• The grammatical use of a word

Answer explanation

The term "connotation" refers to the implied or emotional meaning of a word, which goes beyond its literal definition. This distinguishes it from the dictionary definition, spelling, or grammatical use.

Which structure explains reasons and outcomes?

• Step by Step

• Chronologically

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

Answer explanation

The 'Cause and Effect' structure specifically explains reasons (causes) and their outcomes (effects), making it the correct choice for understanding relationships between events.

What does "ethos" appeal to?

• Emotions

• Logic or reason

• Credibility or ethics

• Humor

Answer explanation

Ethos appeals to credibility or ethics, establishing trust and authority in the speaker or writer. This distinguishes it from appeals to emotions, logic, or humor.

What is the main idea of a paragraph?

• A minor detail

• The central point or argument

• A random fact

• The first sentence

Answer explanation

The main idea of a paragraph is its central point or argument, which conveys the primary message the author intends to communicate. Other options like minor details or random facts do not capture this essence.

What is the main argument or claim of an essay called?

• Rhetorical shift

• Main claim

• Coordinating conjunction

• Empirical evidence

Answer explanation

The main argument or claim of an essay is referred to as the 'main claim.' This term encapsulates the central point the author is trying to convey, distinguishing it from other options like rhetorical shift or empirical evidence.

Which of the following is an example of a coordinating conjunction?

• Therefore

• However

• And

• Because

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'And' because it is a coordinating conjunction that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. 'Therefore' and 'However' are conjunctive adverbs, while 'Because' is a subordinating conjunction.

What type of evidence is based on personal stories or examples?

• Logical

• Empirical

• Anecdotal

• Statistical

Answer explanation

Anecdotal evidence is based on personal stories or examples, making it distinct from logical, empirical, or statistical evidence, which rely on reasoning, observation, or numerical data.

What is a rhetorical shift in a text?

• A change in the main claim

• A change in tone, perspective, or focus

• A type of evidence

• A coordinating conjunction

Answer explanation

A rhetorical shift refers to a change in tone, perspective, or focus within a text, indicating a transition in how the author presents their ideas or arguments. This is distinct from changes in claims or types of evidence.

Which of the following is NOT a common purpose for writing an essay?

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

• Confuse

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Confuse' because it is not a common purpose for writing an essay. Essays are typically written to persuade, inform, or entertain the audience, not to create confusion.