Clear and Vigorous Writing Quiz

Which of the following sentences uses a specific noun instead of a general one?

• The animal ran across the field.

• The cheetah sprinted across the savannah.

• The creature moved quickly.

• The being was fast.

Identify the sentence that avoids a sprawling phrase.

• The man who was wearing a red hat and a blue coat walked down the street.

• The man in the red hat and blue coat walked down the street.

• The man, who was wearing a red hat, walked down the street.

• The man walked down the street wearing a red hat and a blue coat.

Choose the sentence that avoids a long windup.

• In order to understand the concept, it is important to first consider the background information.

• Understanding the concept requires considering the background information.

• To understand the concept, you must first consider the background information.

• Before you can understand the concept, you need to consider the background information.

Which sentence avoids a string of prepositional phrases?

• The book on the table in the room by the window is mine.

• The book is mine.

• The book on the table is mine.

• The book by the window is mine.

Select the sentence that avoids doublings.

• The plan is to meet at 3 PM in the afternoon.

• The plan is to meet at 3 PM.

• The plan is to meet in the afternoon at 3 PM.

• The plan is to meet at 3 PM in the afternoon time.

Which sentence uses a specific noun phrase?

• The vehicle was parked outside.

• The red sports car was parked outside.

• The car was parked outside.

• The automobile was parked outside.

Identify the sentence that avoids a sprawling phrase.

• The girl who was wearing a yellow dress and holding a bouquet of flowers smiled.

• The girl in the yellow dress holding flowers smiled.

• The girl, who was wearing a yellow dress, smiled.

• The girl smiled while wearing a yellow dress and holding flowers.

Choose the sentence that avoids a long windup.

• In order to complete the assignment, you need to start by reading the instructions.

• Completing the assignment requires reading the instructions.

• To complete the assignment, start by reading the instructions.

• Before completing the assignment, you should read the instructions.

Which sentence avoids a string of prepositional phrases?

• The cat on the mat in the corner of the room is sleeping.

• The cat is sleeping.

• The cat on the mat is sleeping.

• The cat in the corner is sleeping.

Select the sentence that avoids doublings.

• The meeting is scheduled for 10 AM in the morning.

• The meeting is scheduled for 10 AM.

• The meeting is scheduled in the morning at 10 AM.

• The meeting is scheduled for 10 AM in the morning time.