ENC2102
English Composition II
EXAM Q & A
2024
,1. Which of the following is an example of a thesis statement for an argumentative essay?
a) Smoking should be banned in public places because it is harmful to both smokers and non-smokers.
b) Many people enjoy smoking in public places and find it relaxing and sociable.
c) There are different types of smoking, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes.
d) Smoking in public places is a controversial issue that has been debated for a long time.
*Answer: a) Smoking should be banned in public places because it is harmful to both smokers and non-
smokers.*
Rationale: A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main idea or claim of an essay. It should be clear,
specific, and debatable. Option a) meets these criteria, while the other options are either too broad, too vague,
or not arguable.
2. What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
a) To introduce the main idea of the paragraph and connect it to the thesis statement.
b) To provide supporting details and evidence for the main idea of the paragraph.
c) To summarize the main points of the paragraph and transition to the next one.
d) To restate the thesis statement and conclude the essay.
*Answer: a) To introduce the main idea of the paragraph and connect it to the thesis statement.*
Rationale: A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph that states what the paragraph will
discuss and how it relates to the overall argument of the essay. It helps to organize and guide the reader through
the text. The other options are functions of different types of sentences in a paragraph or an essay.
3. Which of the following is a common logical fallacy in academic writing?
a) Ad hominem
b) Inductive reasoning
c) Counterargument
d) Syllogism
*Answer: a) Ad hominem*
Rationale: A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument. Ad hominem
is a fallacy that attacks the person making the argument rather than the argument itself. It is irrelevant and
unfair to the discussion. The other options are examples of valid forms of reasoning or argumentation.
4. What is plagiarism and why is it unethical?
a) Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas without giving proper credit or citation.
b) Plagiarism is copying and pasting information from online sources without verifying their accuracy or
reliability.
c) Plagiarism is paraphrasing or summarizing someone else's work without changing its meaning or structure.
d) Plagiarism is presenting your own original work as if it were new or original.
*Answer: a) Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas without giving proper credit or citation.*
Rationale: Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty that violates the principles of academic integrity and
intellectual property. It is unethical because it steals someone else's work and passes it off as your own, which
can have serious consequences for your academic reputation and career. The other options are either not
plagiarism or not unethical.
5. What are some strategies to avoid plagiarism in academic writing?
a) Use quotation marks, citations, and references when using someone else's words or ideas.
b) Use synonyms, paraphrases, and summaries when using someone else's words or ideas.
c) Use your own words, ideas, and opinions when writing your essay.
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: To avoid plagiarism, you should acknowledge your sources properly and accurately, use your own
voice and perspective, and demonstrate your understanding and analysis of the topic. All of these strategies can
help you write original and ethical essays.
6. What are some benefits of peer review in academic writing?
a) Peer review can help you improve your writing skills and receive constructive feedback from your peers.
b) Peer review can help you check your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.
c) Peer review can help you develop your critical thinking and communication skills and learn from different
perspectives.
, d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: Peer review is a process where you exchange your draft with another student or writer and give each
other comments and suggestions for improvement. It can help you enhance various aspects of your writing,
such as content, organization, style, mechanics, and presentation.
7. What are some characteristics of effective transitions in academic writing?
a) They show the relationships between sentences, paragraphs, or sections of a text.
b) They use clear and concise words or phrases that indicate how one idea leads to another.
c) They create coherence and flow in the text and guide the reader through the argument.
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: Transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas and signal changes or shifts in the text. They
help to create a logical and smooth progression of ideas and make the text easier to follow and understand.
8. What are some types of evidence that can be used to support an argument in academic writing?
a) Facts, statistics, examples, quotations, and anecdotes
b) Opinions, beliefs, feelings, and personal experiences
c) Assumptions, hypotheses, predictions, and speculations
d) All of the above
*Answer: a) Facts, statistics, examples, quotations, and anecdotes*
Rationale: Evidence is the information that supports or proves an argument or claim. It should be relevant,
reliable, and convincing to the reader. The types of evidence listed in option a) are examples of concrete and
verifiable evidence that can be used in academic writing. The types of evidence listed in options b) and c) are
examples of subjective and uncertain evidence that should be avoided or used with caution in academic writing.
9. What is the difference between active and passive voice in academic writing?
a) Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action, while passive voice is when the subject
of the sentence receives the action.
b) Active voice is when the verb of the sentence is in the present tense, while passive voice is when the verb of
the sentence is in the past tense.
c) Active voice is when the sentence uses direct and straightforward language, while passive voice is when the
sentence uses indirect and vague language.
d) All of the above
*Answer: a) Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action, while passive voice is when
the subject of the sentence receives the action.*
Rationale: Active and passive voice are grammatical constructions that indicate who or what is doing or being
something in a sentence. Active voice emphasizes the agent or doer of the action, while passive voice
emphasizes the patient or receiver of the action. For example, "The researcher conducted a survey" is an active
voice sentence, while "A survey was conducted by the researcher" is a passive voice sentence.
10. What are some advantages and disadvantages of using active and passive voice in academic writing?
a) Active voice can make your writing more clear, concise, and engaging, while passive voice can make your
writing more ambiguous, wordy, and boring.
b) Active voice can show your responsibility and authority for your claims, while passive voice can show your
objectivity and neutrality for your claims.
c) Active voice can highlight your personal involvement and perspective in your research, while passive voice
can highlight your sources and evidence in your research.
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: Active and passive voice have different effects on your writing style, tone, and purpose. Depending
on your discipline, audience, and topic, you may choose to use one or both voices in your academic writing.
However, you should be aware of their advantages and disadvantages and use them appropriately and
consistently.
11. What are some common types of citation styles in academic writing?
a) MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), Chicago (Chicago
Manual of Style), Harvard (Harvard Referencing System)
English Composition II
EXAM Q & A
2024
,1. Which of the following is an example of a thesis statement for an argumentative essay?
a) Smoking should be banned in public places because it is harmful to both smokers and non-smokers.
b) Many people enjoy smoking in public places and find it relaxing and sociable.
c) There are different types of smoking, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes.
d) Smoking in public places is a controversial issue that has been debated for a long time.
*Answer: a) Smoking should be banned in public places because it is harmful to both smokers and non-
smokers.*
Rationale: A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main idea or claim of an essay. It should be clear,
specific, and debatable. Option a) meets these criteria, while the other options are either too broad, too vague,
or not arguable.
2. What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
a) To introduce the main idea of the paragraph and connect it to the thesis statement.
b) To provide supporting details and evidence for the main idea of the paragraph.
c) To summarize the main points of the paragraph and transition to the next one.
d) To restate the thesis statement and conclude the essay.
*Answer: a) To introduce the main idea of the paragraph and connect it to the thesis statement.*
Rationale: A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph that states what the paragraph will
discuss and how it relates to the overall argument of the essay. It helps to organize and guide the reader through
the text. The other options are functions of different types of sentences in a paragraph or an essay.
3. Which of the following is a common logical fallacy in academic writing?
a) Ad hominem
b) Inductive reasoning
c) Counterargument
d) Syllogism
*Answer: a) Ad hominem*
Rationale: A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument. Ad hominem
is a fallacy that attacks the person making the argument rather than the argument itself. It is irrelevant and
unfair to the discussion. The other options are examples of valid forms of reasoning or argumentation.
4. What is plagiarism and why is it unethical?
a) Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas without giving proper credit or citation.
b) Plagiarism is copying and pasting information from online sources without verifying their accuracy or
reliability.
c) Plagiarism is paraphrasing or summarizing someone else's work without changing its meaning or structure.
d) Plagiarism is presenting your own original work as if it were new or original.
*Answer: a) Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas without giving proper credit or citation.*
Rationale: Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty that violates the principles of academic integrity and
intellectual property. It is unethical because it steals someone else's work and passes it off as your own, which
can have serious consequences for your academic reputation and career. The other options are either not
plagiarism or not unethical.
5. What are some strategies to avoid plagiarism in academic writing?
a) Use quotation marks, citations, and references when using someone else's words or ideas.
b) Use synonyms, paraphrases, and summaries when using someone else's words or ideas.
c) Use your own words, ideas, and opinions when writing your essay.
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: To avoid plagiarism, you should acknowledge your sources properly and accurately, use your own
voice and perspective, and demonstrate your understanding and analysis of the topic. All of these strategies can
help you write original and ethical essays.
6. What are some benefits of peer review in academic writing?
a) Peer review can help you improve your writing skills and receive constructive feedback from your peers.
b) Peer review can help you check your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.
c) Peer review can help you develop your critical thinking and communication skills and learn from different
perspectives.
, d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: Peer review is a process where you exchange your draft with another student or writer and give each
other comments and suggestions for improvement. It can help you enhance various aspects of your writing,
such as content, organization, style, mechanics, and presentation.
7. What are some characteristics of effective transitions in academic writing?
a) They show the relationships between sentences, paragraphs, or sections of a text.
b) They use clear and concise words or phrases that indicate how one idea leads to another.
c) They create coherence and flow in the text and guide the reader through the argument.
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: Transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas and signal changes or shifts in the text. They
help to create a logical and smooth progression of ideas and make the text easier to follow and understand.
8. What are some types of evidence that can be used to support an argument in academic writing?
a) Facts, statistics, examples, quotations, and anecdotes
b) Opinions, beliefs, feelings, and personal experiences
c) Assumptions, hypotheses, predictions, and speculations
d) All of the above
*Answer: a) Facts, statistics, examples, quotations, and anecdotes*
Rationale: Evidence is the information that supports or proves an argument or claim. It should be relevant,
reliable, and convincing to the reader. The types of evidence listed in option a) are examples of concrete and
verifiable evidence that can be used in academic writing. The types of evidence listed in options b) and c) are
examples of subjective and uncertain evidence that should be avoided or used with caution in academic writing.
9. What is the difference between active and passive voice in academic writing?
a) Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action, while passive voice is when the subject
of the sentence receives the action.
b) Active voice is when the verb of the sentence is in the present tense, while passive voice is when the verb of
the sentence is in the past tense.
c) Active voice is when the sentence uses direct and straightforward language, while passive voice is when the
sentence uses indirect and vague language.
d) All of the above
*Answer: a) Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action, while passive voice is when
the subject of the sentence receives the action.*
Rationale: Active and passive voice are grammatical constructions that indicate who or what is doing or being
something in a sentence. Active voice emphasizes the agent or doer of the action, while passive voice
emphasizes the patient or receiver of the action. For example, "The researcher conducted a survey" is an active
voice sentence, while "A survey was conducted by the researcher" is a passive voice sentence.
10. What are some advantages and disadvantages of using active and passive voice in academic writing?
a) Active voice can make your writing more clear, concise, and engaging, while passive voice can make your
writing more ambiguous, wordy, and boring.
b) Active voice can show your responsibility and authority for your claims, while passive voice can show your
objectivity and neutrality for your claims.
c) Active voice can highlight your personal involvement and perspective in your research, while passive voice
can highlight your sources and evidence in your research.
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above*
Rationale: Active and passive voice have different effects on your writing style, tone, and purpose. Depending
on your discipline, audience, and topic, you may choose to use one or both voices in your academic writing.
However, you should be aware of their advantages and disadvantages and use them appropriately and
consistently.
11. What are some common types of citation styles in academic writing?
a) MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), Chicago (Chicago
Manual of Style), Harvard (Harvard Referencing System)
