English composition exam

Question 1

With respect to dealing with abstract concepts, which statement is most accurate?

A. Emotions have no place in any kind of academic essay.

B. An essay dealing with abstract concepts can appeal to intellectual curiosity.

C. An essay dealing with abstract concepts should reveal the author’s bias.

D. Abstract concepts cannot be shown to have any actual meaning.

Question 2

In our text discussion, we compared a two-way conversation with a top-down situation, such as that which students encounter when listening to a lecture. What was this comparison intended to illustrate?

A. The need to pay attention to an instructor’s lecture

B. The value of active reading

C. The dehumanizing atmosphere of college classrooms

D. The importance of studying a class syllabus

Question 3

As you analyze an essay, you can use your own words to summarize the author’s key ideas and map out the organization of the essay’s key points. This is called

A. critiquing.

B. anchoring.

C. summation.

D. transcribing.

Question 4

Which statement is most clearly subjective?

A. In my view, the data support the professor’s assertions.

B. My common sense tells me that money is the root of all evil.

C. Wars are fought over ideas, land, and resources.

D. It has been suggested that Nero suffered from lead poisoning.

Question 5

Which statement is true?

A. An accepted fact must be true.

B. Opinions can be both true and false.

C. Facts are subjective opinions.

D. Opinions are neither true nor false.

Question 6

In your text, we cited the old saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger.” Which kind of logical fallacy were we referring to?

A. Tautology

B. Red herring

C. Overgeneralization

D. Ad hominem

Question 7

Which statement best defines the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy?

A. If events A and B happen simultaneously, they’re caused by event C.

B. If John breaks his leg after ignoring a stop sign, John must not have seen the stop sign.

C. If event B follows event A, B must have been caused by A.

D. If Jill fills a bucket with water while at the well, the well must contain water.

Question 8

A rhetorical tautology is most simply defined as

A. a false argument.

B. nonsensical prose.

C. a circular argument.

D. a slanted argument.

Question 9

According to Dunn, because copyright laws restrict the flow of information, they’re

A. illegal.

B. oppressive.

C. seldom enforced.

D. schizophrenic.

Question 10

Which sentence is most likely to be based on facts?

A. People who see the “man in the moon” are sensitive and creative.

B. According to Plato, virtue is its own reward.

C. Over 20 trials, 50 percent of the rats ran the maze in less than a minute.

D. Abstract nouns, such as “truth” and “justice,” can never be strictly defined.

Question 11

“Nature is bountiful, which is why logging should be strictly regulated.” Which logical fallacy is illustrated in this sentence?

A. Ad hominem

B. Non Sequitur

C. Post hoc ergo propter hoc

D. Red herring

Question 12

Which statement best illustrates an exception fallacy?

A. Lucy thinks all fish make her sick because she got sick after eating sushi.

B. Conrad assumes Dale is lying because Dale seldom tells the truth.

C. Brock assumes all vegetables are nutritious except for raw carrots.

D. Eloise enjoys detective novels except for those written by women.

Question 13

Many early humans were predators; therefore, all humans are predators. This statement illustrates the _______ fallacy.

A. red herring

B. slippery-slope

C. bandwagon

D. none of the above

Question 14

Which statement best illustrates an ad hominem argument?

A. If you ask me, Jolly Flakes is just another sugar cereal.

B. Based on letters, one can safely assume that Ben Franklin was a womanizer.

C. It seems to me that Caldwell may be comparing apples and oranges.

D. The author’s flimsy argument is what we would expect from an alcoholic.

Question 15

In his essay “Revolutions of Time,” Dunn would agree with all of the following statements except for which one?

A. Authors may or may not be served by copyrights on their work.

B. Intellectual properties, such as poems or novels, are intangible commodities.

C. Intellectual property is just like any other kind of tangible property.

D. During most of human history, creative works resided in the public domain.

Question 16

Which statement best illustrates a logical tautology?

A. You can observe a sunrise if you rise at dawn and look out a window.

B. Angels are either mortal or immortal.

C. There’s no success that isn’t preceded by failure.

D. To access correct information, consult a reliable source.

Question 17

A college student is generally expected to do all of the following except

A. emphasize the subjective over the objective.

B. conduct scholarly research.

C. master standard American English.

D. conduct online research.

Question 18

All of the following may be a source of evidence in an essay except for which one?

A. Personal observations

B. Analogies

C. Criteria

D. Research reports

Question 19

In general terms, logical fallacies originate from

A. unproven assumptions.

B. lies.

C. insufficient data.

D. false assumptions.

Question 20

According to Dunn, the notion of intellectual property rights resulted from the

A. digital revolution.

B. invention of printing.

C. demands of authors seeking fair compensation.

D. Industrial Revolution.

EN130 Online Exam 2_03 SCORE 100 PERCENT

Question 1

During research for an essay, when should you write down information about the source and its location?

A. As soon as you locate any source you may use in your essay

B. As soon as you’re sure you’ll use the source

C. After completing the first draft of your paper

D. After outlining your proposed essay

Question 2

According to Tardiff and Brizee, an essay that makes a claim supported by evidence is classified as an _______ essay.

A. expository

B. analytical

C. argumentative

D. explanatory

Question 3

The essence of _______ is to make sure you convey the meaning of an author’s words using your own words.

A. paraphrasing

B. citation

C. quotation

D. summarizing

Question 4

Amy and Carl are discussing the essay by Tardiff and Brizee. Amy argues that her essay on how the cocoa bean is processed into chocolate should be considered an explanatory essay. Carl remarks that her essay might be called an expository essay. Who is correct?

A. Amy is correct, and Carl is incorrect.

B. Both Amy and Carl are correct.

C. Carl is correct, and Amy is incorrect.

D. Neither Amy nor Carl is correct.

Question 5

With respect to transitional words or phrases in an essay, which transition is most likely to be used in showing consequences?

A. With few exceptions

B. In the meantime

C. For example

D. As a result

Question 6

In your online text, you’re told that your thesis statement shouldn’t include words or phrases such as “I think,” “I believe,” or “In my opinion.” Why should you avoid such words or phrases in your thesis statement?

A. If your thesis statement is written in this way, readers will assume you haven’t done research.

B. Typical readers don’t care what you think or believe, only what you can prove.

C. If your thesis statement is written properly, the reader will know that the ideas are yours.

D. A thesis statement should express facts, not opinions or beliefs.

Question 7

After you’ve completed an essay, what’s the first thing you should do to add finishing touches?

A. Read the essay from front to back as you would read someone else’s essay.

B. Read it out loud to a friend.

C. Set it aside for a time in order to come back to it with fresh eyes.

D. Make sure your sentences follow a logical sequence.

Question 8

Regarding prewriting options, which statement is true?

A. You must begin by preparing a topic outline.

B. A first draft must be the basis for a topic outline.

C. Most students choose to write a first draft instead of an outline.

D. Most students choose to begin with a topic outline instead of a first draft.

Question 9

A strong thesis statement features all of the following characteristics except for which one?

A. It’s specific to the topic.

B. It expresses no more than three main ideas.

C. It takes a stand supported by evidence.

D. It encourages and justifies debate and discussion.

Question 10

In a paragraph in an essay, I use these transitions: all in all, at last, on balance, by and large, in the long run, in any event, ultimately. What is the most likely purpose of this paragraph?

A. To show cause and effect

B. To present a comparison or contrast

C. To summarize

D. To generalize

Question 11

In harvesting sources, an excellent way both to narrow down a topic and discover a likely working thesis is to explore _______ the topic.

A. different attitudes about

B. radical ideas about

C. classic literature on

D. different perspectives on

Question 12

In general, what is the best time to proof an essay for grammar, spelling, and mechanics?

A. After completing your first draft

B. While completing your first draft

C. While you’re writing your final draft

D. After you complete, revise, and edit your final draft

Question 13

Which transition is most likely to be used in showing sequence?

A. Additionally

B. In other words

C. To begin with

D. Consequently

Question 14

Which of the following is not a good way to narrow down and choose a topic?

A. Choose a topic that interests you.

B. Choose topics that are not beyond your current knowledge.

C. Avoid topics that already get lots of attention, such as dieting.

D. Avoid topics derived from breaking news.

Question 15

Which thesis statement is the strongest?

A. The most effective way to create jobs, in my opinion, is through government-supported programs aimed at renewing the nation’s infrastructure.

B. I think the most effective way to create jobs is through government-supported programs aimed at renewing the nation’s infrastructure.

C. The most effective way to create jobs is through government-supported programs aimed at renewing the nation’s infrastructure.

D. I strongly believe that the most effective way to create jobs is through government-supported programs aimed at renewing the nation’s infrastructure.

Question 16

Henry and Lois are discussing ways to evaluate sources. Henry maintains that one should scan a source before skimming it. Lois argues that scanning is the best first step in evaluating a source. Who is correct?

A. Henry is correct.

B. Lois is correct.

C. Both are correct.

D. Neither is correct.

Question 17

Which statement is correct?

A. Once you write a thesis statement, don’t change it.

B. A thesis statement is the first thing you should write before drafting an essay.

C. Feel free to change a thesis statement if you feel you can improve it.

D. If you change your thesis statement, you must reorganize all your body paragraphs.

Question 18

While researching a topic, online or in print, any of the following may be an indicator of reliability except for which one?

A. The author or authors are experts in a particular field.

B. The author’s topic is similar to your selected topic.

C. The author evaluates both sides of an issue.

D. The author has sound credentials.

Question 19

The word “journal” is derived from the French word for

A. diary.

B. day.

C. daily.

D. data.

Question 20

Regarding typical development stages in writing a paper using sources, which sequence is correct?

A. Research; outlining; analysis; prewriting; working thesis

B. Research; analysis; working thesis; prewriting; outlining

C. Research; analysis; prewriting; outlining; working thesis

D. Research; prewriting; outlining; working thesis; analysis

EN130 Online Exam 6_10 SCORE 100 PERCENT

Question 1

According to the classification-and-division essay in your text, which aspect of the natural self is most closely related to time perception?

A. Playfulness

B. Curiosity

C. Spontaneity

D. Aesthetic awareness

Question 2

Which statement is incorrect?

A. An extended-definition essay makes a point.

B. An extended-definition essay focuses on one or two concepts.

C. An extended-definition essay usually defines specific terms.

D. An extended-definition essay can be written in different rhetorical modes.

Question 3

All of the following may have several different causes except for which one?

A. Poverty

B. Spontaneous combustion of paper

C. Weight loss

D. Decision to drop out of school

Question 4

If, in the context of division and classification, the topic is language, which term will fall into a class or category?

A. Arabic

B. Italian

C. English

D. Germanic

Question 5

In the essay on eating disorders, which causal factor is seen as sociological?

A. Unrealistic cultural ideals

B. Low self-esteem

C. Distorted body image

D. Inheritance

Question 6

Division specifically focuses on identifying the parts or types of

A. two or more comparable things.

B. two or more defined classes.

C. some one thing.

D. multiple undefined things.

Question 7

Which of the following is an abstract term?

A. Evolution

B. Conservatory

C. Justice

D. Rheostat

Question 8

For Sternberg, intimacy plus commitment describes _______ love.

A. passionate

B. companionate

C. fatuous

D. consummate

Question 9

The extended discussion of Sheldon’s somatotype theory was intended to help you think about

A. writing your thesis statement.

B. considering your essay’s purpose and audience.

C. writing your introduction.

D. narrowing your topic.

Question 10

Sally and Wally are discussing cause and effect. Sally maintains that if poverty is correlated to social class, we have proof that social class is a cause of poverty. Wally insists that if poverty is correlated to social class, we have proof that poverty is a cause of social class. Who is correct?

A. Sally is correct.

B. Wally is correct.

C. Both are correct.

D. Neither is correct.

Question 11

All of the following are parts of a simple standard definition except for the

A. term itself.

B. category related to any specific term.

C. distinguishing characteristics of the term within a class.

D. distinguishing characteristics of a class within a category.

Question 12

In literature, a quote that precedes the introductory paragraph of an essay is called a/an

A. motto.

B. ellipsis.

C. teaser.

D. epigraph.

Question 13

Which of the following best illustrates a spurious correlation?

A. If A causes B and B causes C, then A causes C.

B. A is correlated to B, but both are actual effects of C.

C. Both herpes I and Asian flu are caused by viruses.

D. Homicide rates and auto accident rates aren’t related, although they may be correlated.

Question 14

In the context of classification and division, you’re organizing your essay’s structure. If you choose to address the most admired body type in your first body paragraph, you would describe and give examples of

A. ectomorphs.

B. mesomorphs.

C. indomorphs.

D. endomorphs.

Question 15

The guidelines for writing a cause-and-effect essay are similar to the guidelines for writing a classification-and-division essay. The main distinction has to do with

A. organizing the structure of your essay.

B. creating the thesis statement for your essay.

C. determining the purpose of your essay.

D. determining the audience for your essay.

Question 16

According to the essay “The Natural Self,” the primary driver of creativity is

A. sensuality.

B. aesthetic awareness.

C. curiosity.

D. playfulness.

Question 17

Lawrence and Louise are discussing the nature of an extended-definition essay. Lawrence maintains that this sort of essay centers on a specific term or concept in order to write about it in detail. Louise argues that an extended-definition essay can use different kinds of patterns of development, including narration, process, or argument. Who is correct?

A. Lawrence is correct.

B. Louise is correct.

C. Both Lawrence and Louis are correct.

D. Neither Lawrence nor Louise is correct.

Question 18

A feedback loop is a process that aims to move learning forward through frequent feedback. Which of the following best illustrate a positive feedback loop?

A.

After Jerry forgives Martha; Martha forgives Jerry. They kiss and make up.

B.

After she gets a good grade in math, Sara’s Dad increases her allowance.

C.

Joe makes fun of Jake; Jake insults Joe; Joe insults Jake’s mother; Joe punches Jake.

D.

As the day grows warmer, ice cream melts faster.

Question 19

In drafting a college essay, you write, “The court found that the journalist had been denied his First Amendment rights. The Fourth Amendment guarantees freedom of the press.” What was your likely purpose in writing the second sentence?

A. To provide an interesting fact

B. To show your interest in the rights of journalists

C. To demonstrate your credentials as an expert in constitutional law

D. To clarify your reference to the Fourth Amendment

Question 20

With respect to classification and division, if the topic is the game of chess, the queen, the knight, and the pawn would be considered to be

A. categories.

B. a class.

C. class members.

D. game pieces.