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BCS Written English study materials
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BCS Written English practice questions

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Question 1Essay / Composition Writing

In an argumentative essay, which element most clearly states the central claim the writer will defend?

  1. The thesis statement Correct answer.
  2. The concluding recommendation
  3. The background statistics
  4. The topic sentence of the final paragraph

Explanation

The thesis statement is the sentence, usually near the end of the introduction, that announces the main claim and signals the line of reasoning. Topic sentences support it at paragraph level, while statistics and conclusions serve other functions. Without a clear thesis the essay lacks a controlling idea.

Question 2Essay / Composition Writing

A paragraph opens with a clear claim, then gives an example, then explains how the example proves the claim. Which quality does this structure most directly demonstrate?

  1. Variety of sentence length
  2. Use of rhetorical questions
  3. Unity of paragraph focus Correct answer.
  4. Formal vocabulary range

Explanation

Paragraph unity means every sentence serves the single controlling idea announced in the topic sentence. The example and its explanation both work for that claim, so the paragraph stays on one point. Sentence variety, vocabulary and rhetorical questions concern style rather than structural coherence.

Question 3Essay / Composition Writing

Which connective best signals that the second sentence concedes a point before the writer rebuts it?

  1. Furthermore
  2. Therefore
  3. Similarly
  4. Admittedly Correct answer.

Explanation

Concession markers such as 'admittedly' or 'granted' introduce an opposing point the writer accepts temporarily before answering it. 'Therefore' marks a conclusion, 'similarly' marks comparison and 'furthermore' adds a supporting point. Choosing the right connective makes the argument's logical movement visible to the reader.

Question 4Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence uses the most appropriate formal register for an academic essay?

  1. The evidence suggests that early intervention reduces long-term costs. Correct answer.
  2. If you ask me, sorting things out early pays off big time.
  3. Everybody knows early help is a really big money-saver.
  4. Loads of studies show that stepping in early saves heaps of money.

Explanation

Academic register favours hedged reporting verbs such as 'suggests', precise nouns and avoidance of slang and conversational fillers. The chosen sentence is impersonal and measured. The other options rely on colloquial intensifiers, idioms or direct address that suit speech rather than formal prose.

Question 5Essay / Composition Writing

What is the main purpose of a counter-argument paragraph in a discursive essay?

  1. To restate the introduction in different words
  2. To acknowledge an opposing view and then show its limits Correct answer.
  3. To list every possible objection without commenting on them
  4. To provide a summary of the sources consulted

Explanation

A counter-argument paragraph presents the strongest opposing position fairly and then rebuts or qualifies it, which strengthens the writer's credibility. Simply listing objections without evaluation weakens the essay. Restating the introduction and summarising sources belong to other sections.

Question 6Essay / Composition Writing

Which feature most distinguishes a discursive essay from a purely narrative one?

  1. It reports a single incident from one viewpoint.
  2. It describes a scene using sensory detail.
  3. It weighs competing positions and reaches a reasoned judgement. Correct answer.
  4. It relates events in the order in which they happened.

Explanation

A discursive essay examines a topic from several angles, evaluates the arguments and arrives at a balanced conclusion. Narrative writing, by contrast, is organised around events and chronology. Sensory description and single-viewpoint incident reporting are narrative techniques, not discursive ones.

Question 7Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

  1. The proposal was rejected, the committee cited cost concerns.
  2. The proposal was rejected; the committee cited cost concerns. Correct answer.
  3. The proposal was rejected the committee cited cost concerns.
  4. The proposal was rejected, the committee citing cost concerns.

Explanation

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma. A semicolon correctly links two closely related independent clauses, as in the first option. A comma plus a participle phrase creates a modifier, and no punctuation at all produces a run-on.

Question 8Essay / Composition Writing

In essay writing, what does 'coherence' chiefly refer to?

  1. The consistent use of British spelling
  2. The number of paragraphs in the essay
  3. The correct spelling of technical terms
  4. The logical connection of ideas so the argument progresses clearly Correct answer.

Explanation

Coherence concerns how ideas are linked logically so the reader can follow the argument from one point to the next. It is achieved through ordering, signposting and clear reference. Spelling conventions and paragraph counts are surface matters that do not by themselves create logical connection.

Question 9Essay / Composition Writing

An essay question asks: 'To what extent should governments regulate social media?' Which opening best addresses the task?

  1. While some regulation is justified, its scope should be limited to clearly demonstrable harms. Correct answer.
  2. This essay will discuss social media regulation in detail.
  3. Social media is very popular among young people today.
  4. Governments have always controlled new technologies.

Explanation

A 'to what extent' question requires a graded judgement rather than a simple yes or no. The first option states a qualified position that the essay can defend and develop. The others offer background, announce the topic without a stance, or make an unsupported generalisation.

Question 10Essay / Composition Writing

Which revision most improves cohesion in this pair of sentences? Original: 'Cities need more housing. Cities face rising rents.'

  1. Cities need more housing. Cities face rising rents.
  2. More housing is needed. Rising rents are faced by cities.
  3. Cities need more housing, cities face rising rents.
  4. Cities need more housing because they face rising rents. Correct answer.

Explanation

Cohesion improves when the logical relationship between ideas is made explicit and repetition is reduced through pronoun reference. Combining the sentences with 'because' shows cause and effect and replaces the repeated noun with 'they'. The other versions repeat the subject, create a comma splice, or obscure the link.

Question 11Essay / Composition Writing

A student writes: 'The report proves that all teenagers are addicted to their phones.' Which criticism is most justified?

  1. The sentence uses too many technical terms.
  2. The sentence is too short for an academic essay.
  3. The sentence lacks a citation for the report's title.
  4. The claim is overgeneralised and the verb overstates the evidence. Correct answer.

Explanation

The absolute quantifier 'all' and the verb 'proves' claim more than a single report can support. Careful academic writing hedges such claims, for example 'suggests that many teenagers'. Length, terminology and title citation are not the main problem here.

Question 12Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence uses a linking device most appropriately to introduce a contrast between two studies?

  1. Whereas the first study found a strong effect, the second found almost none. Correct answer.
  2. The first study found a strong effect and the second found almost none.
  3. Because the first study found a strong effect, the second found almost none.
  4. The first study found a strong effect, the second found almost none.

Explanation

'Whereas' explicitly marks contrast between two clauses and makes the relationship clear to the reader. 'Because' wrongly implies causation, while the remaining versions merely juxtapose or add the findings without signalling that they conflict.

Question 13Essay / Composition Writing

In an essay conclusion, which move is generally least appropriate?

  1. Offering a qualified recommendation or implication
  2. Summarising the main points briefly
  3. Introducing a new argument that was never developed in the body Correct answer.
  4. Restating the thesis in the light of the evidence presented

Explanation

A conclusion should synthesise what has already been argued, not open fresh ground that the body never addressed. Restating the thesis, summarising key points and offering implications are all standard concluding moves. A new undeveloped argument leaves the essay looking unfinished.

Question 14Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best demonstrates an effective topic sentence for a body paragraph arguing that remote work reduces commuting emissions?

  1. Some people enjoy working from home more than others.
  2. Emissions are measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
  3. Remote work can cut transport emissions, though the effect depends on how often employees commute. Correct answer.
  4. Commuting is something that many employees do every day.

Explanation

A strong topic sentence states a focused, arguable claim that the paragraph can then support with evidence. The first option does this while acknowledging a qualification, which gives the paragraph direction. The others are background statements or definitions that do not commit to a claim.

Question 15Essay / Composition Writing

A writer wants to show that a policy has both strengths and weaknesses before judging it. Which organisational pattern fits best?

  1. Comparison of the policy with an unrelated policy
  2. Advantages, then disadvantages, then a weighed judgement Correct answer.
  3. Problem, cause, solution, with no evaluation
  4. Chronological account of the policy's history

Explanation

When the task requires a balanced evaluation, presenting strengths and weaknesses before a weighed judgement lets the reader see both sides and the basis for the final verdict. A purely chronological account or an unrelated comparison would not deliver the required evaluation.

Question 16Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence most effectively integrates a source into the writer's own argument?

  1. As Rahman (2021) shows, flexible hours raise retention, which supports the case for reform. Correct answer.
  2. Rahman wrote a paper in 2021 about flexible hours and retention.
  3. Flexible hours raise retention (Rahman, 2021).
  4. According to a paper, flexible hours are good.

Explanation

Effective source integration names the source, reports its finding and connects it explicitly to the writer's own claim. The first option does all three. The others merely describe the source, drop a bare citation without commentary, or refer vaguely to 'a paper'.

Question 17Essay / Composition Writing

Which change best improves this sentence for academic style? Original: 'The government should do something about the problem of pollution.'

  1. The government should tackle the pollution problem.
  2. Something should be done about pollution by the government.
  3. The government must do something about pollution.
  4. The government should adopt enforceable limits on industrial emissions. Correct answer.

Explanation

Vague verbs such as 'do something' and abstract nouns such as 'the problem of' weaken academic prose. Replacing them with a specific action and precise object makes the claim testable. The other options retain vagueness or add unnecessary passive padding.

Question 18Essay / Composition Writing

An essay must discuss whether university education should be free. Which thesis best fits a discursive task?

  1. Free university education is obviously the best policy for everyone.
  2. University education is a topic of great importance in many countries.
  3. Free university education promotes access but may strain public finances, so targeted subsidies are preferable. Correct answer.
  4. This essay will look at the advantages and disadvantages of free university education.

Explanation

A discursive thesis should take a clear, defensible position that acknowledges complexity. The first option balances access against cost and proposes a qualified stance. The others announce the topic, assert an unsupported absolute, or merely describe the essay's structure.

Question 19Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly in a list?

  1. The policy aims to reduce costs, access improvement and raising quality.
  2. The policy aims to reduce costs, improving access and to raise quality.
  3. The policy aims to reduce costs, improve access and raise quality. Correct answer.
  4. The policy aims at reducing costs, to improve access and quality raising.

Explanation

Items in a list should share the same grammatical form. The first option uses three bare infinitives after 'to', which is parallel. The others mix infinitives, participles and noun phrases, producing an uneven and confusing list.

Question 20Essay / Composition Writing

A paragraph reads: 'Exercise improves mood. Many people own bicycles. Therefore schools should teach cycling.' Which weakness is most serious?

  1. The vocabulary is too formal for the audience.
  2. The conclusion does not follow from the premises given. Correct answer.
  3. The paragraph contains too many statistics.
  4. The sentences are all the same length.

Explanation

The premises concern mood and bicycle ownership, but the conclusion concerns school curricula, so the reasoning contains a gap. A valid argument needs premises that actually support the conclusion. The other criticisms concern style or content that is not present.

Question 21Essay / Composition Writing

Which opening sentence best avoids a clichéd 'since the dawn of time' introduction while still framing the topic?

  1. Green spaces are very important and everyone agrees.
  2. Debate over urban green space has intensified as cities densify. Correct answer.
  3. Since the dawn of time, humans have needed green spaces.
  4. In this essay I will write about green spaces in cities.

Explanation

Effective introductions begin with a specific, relevant context rather than a sweeping historical cliché. The first option frames the issue through a concrete contemporary development. The others rely on a tired formula, an unsupported consensus claim, or a bare announcement of intent.

Question 22Essay / Composition Writing

A writer claims: 'Tuition fees should be abolished because education is a right.' Which unstated assumption does the argument depend on?

  1. That abolished fees would raise graduate earnings
  2. That a right to education entails that the state must fund it fully Correct answer.
  3. That tuition fees are currently higher than in other countries
  4. That students generally dislike paying fees

Explanation

The argument moves from 'education is a right' to 'fees should be abolished', which only follows if rights of this kind oblige the state to bear the full cost. That bridging premise is assumed rather than stated. The other options concern comparisons, preferences or outcomes that the argument does not rely on.

Question 23Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best maintains a consistent third-person academic voice throughout an essay?

  1. I think the evidence isn't clear enough.
  2. We all know the evidence is unclear.
  3. You can see that the evidence is not really clear.
  4. One might argue that the evidence remains inconclusive. Correct answer.

Explanation

Consistent academic voice favours impersonal constructions such as 'one might argue' and avoids direct address, contractions and appeals to shared belief. The first option sustains that register. The others shift to second person, first-person opinion or an unsupported collective assumption.

Question 24Essay / Composition Writing

Two paragraphs each begin 'Another reason is...' and neither refers back to the thesis. Which revision strategy best restores coherence?

  1. Add more examples to each paragraph.
  2. Replace the repeated openings with signposts that name each reason and link it to the thesis. Correct answer.
  3. Change every sentence to the passive voice.
  4. Delete both paragraphs to shorten the essay.

Explanation

Repetitive generic openings with no backward reference make the argument feel like a list. Naming each reason and tying it explicitly to the thesis creates visible logical progression. Deleting content, adding examples or converting to passive voice does not repair the missing links.

Question 25Essay / Composition Writing

An essay prompt says: 'Assess the claim that censorship protects public morals.' Which approach best satisfies the command word?

  1. State agreement with the claim and give three supporting reasons only.
  2. Describe what censorship is and list its historical examples.
  3. Summarise the views of several authors without judging them.
  4. Weigh the claim's strengths and weaknesses and reach a supported verdict. Correct answer.

Explanation

The command word 'assess' requires the writer to evaluate, balancing strengths and weaknesses before arriving at a justified verdict. Description, one-sided support or neutral summary would satisfy 'describe', 'argue' or 'outline' instead. Matching the response to the command word is central to task achievement.

Question 26Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best defines the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

  1. It asks a rhetorical question to engage the reader's interest.
  2. It provides a detailed summary of each paragraph's content.
  3. It states the main argument or position that the essay will develop. Correct answer.
  4. It lists every source the writer consulted during research.

Explanation

A thesis statement is the central claim that guides the entire essay. It tells the reader what position the writer will defend and signals the scope of the discussion. Listing sources or summarising paragraphs are functions of other elements, not the thesis.

Question 27Essay / Composition Writing

In essay writing, what is the primary function of a paragraph?

  1. To repeat the thesis statement in slightly different words.
  2. To introduce as many new topics as possible to show breadth.
  3. To provide a visual break between sections of text.
  4. To develop one main idea that supports the essay's thesis. Correct answer.

Explanation

A paragraph is a unit of thought centred on one controlling idea, usually expressed in a topic sentence. This idea should connect logically to the thesis and be developed with evidence or explanation. Merely breaking text visually or repeating the thesis does not constitute effective paragraph development.

Question 28Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence uses an appropriate level of formality for an academic essay?

  1. The study's findings are like, really important for early intervention and stuff.
  2. The study's findings suggest that early intervention can significantly improve literacy outcomes. Correct answer.
  3. The study found early intervention works, and that's pretty cool.
  4. Early intervention is a big deal because it helps kids read better.

Explanation

Academic writing requires a formal, precise register that avoids slang, filler words, and conversational expressions. The correct option uses measured language ('suggest') and precise terms ('literacy outcomes'). The other options include informal markers that are unsuitable for academic prose.

Question 29Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. Although the data were limited; the researchers drew tentative conclusions.
  2. Although the data were limited the researchers drew tentative conclusions.
  3. Although the data were limited, the researchers drew tentative conclusions, however.
  4. Although the data were limited, the researchers drew tentative conclusions. Correct answer.

Explanation

A complex sentence beginning with a subordinate clause requires a comma to separate that clause from the main clause. The correct option places the comma correctly after 'limited'. The other options either omit the comma, misuse a semicolon, or add a redundant connector.

Question 30Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence avoids the use of a cliché?

  1. In this day and age, urban planners are using green infrastructure to manage stormwater.
  2. It goes without saying that green infrastructure is the way of the future for stormwater.
  3. In recent years, urban planners have increasingly turned to green infrastructure to manage stormwater. Correct answer.
  4. At the end of the day, green infrastructure is a game changer for stormwater.

Explanation

Clichés are overused expressions that weaken academic writing by making it sound unoriginal. The correct option uses fresh, specific language ('increasingly turned to green infrastructure') to convey the idea. The other options rely on tired phrases that add little meaning.

Question 31Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence maintains a consistent third-person academic voice?

  1. You can see that the policy benefits rural communities most.
  2. One might argue that the policy benefits rural communities most. Correct answer.
  3. We all know the policy benefits rural communities most.
  4. I think the policy benefits rural communities most.

Explanation

Third-person academic voice avoids direct reference to the writer ('I'), the reader ('you'), or an assumed collective ('we'). The correct option uses the impersonal 'one', which maintains formality and objectivity. The other options introduce first- or second-person pronouns that shift the voice.

Question 32Essay / Composition Writing

What is the main purpose of an essay introduction?

  1. To provide a complete summary of all evidence to be discussed.
  2. To list the limitations of the essay's methodology in detail.
  3. To offer a final judgement on the topic before the discussion.
  4. To orient the reader and present the essay's central argument. Correct answer.

Explanation

An introduction sets the context, engages the reader, and states the thesis that the essay will develop. It should not pre-empt the detailed analysis or present conclusions prematurely. Summarising all evidence or listing limitations in detail belongs in the body.

Question 33Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

  1. The experiment failed; because the equipment had not been calibrated.
  2. The experiment failed; the equipment had not been calibrated. Correct answer.
  3. The experiment failed; and the equipment had not been calibrated.
  4. The experiment failed; which was due to poor calibration.

Explanation

A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. The correct option has two independent clauses on either side of the semicolon. The other options place a dependent clause or a conjunction after the semicolon, which is incorrect.

Question 34Essay / Composition Writing

A student writes: 'Social media has changed the way people communicate. It has also affected how they form relationships.' Which revision best combines these sentences into a complex sentence?

  1. Social media has changed the way people communicate; it has also affected how they form relationships.
  2. Social media has changed the way people communicate, but it has also affected how they form relationships.
  3. Social media has changed the way people communicate, and it has also affected how they form relationships.
  4. Social media has changed the way people communicate, affecting how they form relationships as well. Correct answer.

Explanation

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The correct option uses a participial phrase ('affecting how they form relationships') to create a dependent structure that combines the ideas smoothly. The other options are compound sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.

Question 35Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

  1. The report identifies three key factors, namely: cost, access, and quality.
  2. The report identifies three key factors: and they are cost, access, and quality.
  3. The report identifies three key factors: which are cost, access, and quality.
  4. The report identifies three key factors: cost, access, and quality. Correct answer.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list or explanation after an independent clause. The correct option places the colon after a complete clause and before a list of items. The other options either add unnecessary words or place the colon after an incomplete structure.

Question 36Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best demonstrates an effective transition between paragraphs?

  1. Another factor to consider is the economic impact of the policy. Correct answer.
  2. The economic impact of the policy is also another factor to consider.
  3. In addition, the economic impact of the policy is another factor to consider.
  4. Also, one must consider the economic impact of the policy as well.

Explanation

An effective transition links the new paragraph to the previous one while introducing the new topic clearly. The correct option uses 'Another factor' to signal addition and immediately names the new focus. The other options are either redundant or place the transition awkwardly.

Question 37Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best integrates a source into an argument?

  1. Urban gardens improve food security (Green, 2020), and this is a good point.
  2. According to Green (2020), urban gardens improve food security, which is obviously true.
  3. As Green (2020) demonstrates, urban gardens can improve food security in low-income neighbourhoods. Correct answer.
  4. Green (2020) says urban gardens improve food security, and I agree with this.

Explanation

Effective source integration uses the source to support the writer's own argument, often with a reporting verb that indicates the source's contribution. The correct option uses 'demonstrates' to show how the source supports the point. The other options either add unnecessary personal commentary or use evaluative language that weakens the academic tone.

Question 38Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

  1. Having reviewed the evidence, the decision was unanimous.
  2. Having reviewed the evidence, a unanimous decision was reached by the committee.
  3. Having reviewed the evidence, the committee reached a unanimous decision. Correct answer.
  4. Having reviewed the evidence, it was decided unanimously by the committee.

Explanation

A dangling modifier occurs when the subject of the introductory phrase does not match the subject of the main clause. The correct option makes 'the committee' the subject of both the review and the decision. The other options leave the modifier without a logical subject.

Question 39Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence uses the passive voice most appropriately?

  1. The researchers were collecting samples from three sites.
  2. The researchers collected the samples from three sites.
  3. The samples were collected by the researchers from three sites.
  4. The samples were collected from three sites to ensure representativeness. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passive voice is appropriate when the action or the object of the action is more important than the doer, or when the doer is unknown or unimportant. The correct option focuses on the samples and the method, which is typical in scientific writing. The other options either use the active voice or include an unnecessary agent.

Question 40Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best avoids sexist language?

  1. Each student should submit their assignment by Friday. Correct answer.
  2. Each student should submit his assignment by Friday.
  3. Each student should submit its assignment by Friday.
  4. Each student should submit his or her assignment by Friday.

Explanation

Using 'their' as a singular gender-neutral pronoun is now widely accepted in academic writing to avoid sexist language. The correct option uses 'their' to refer to 'each student' without specifying gender. The other options either use gendered pronouns or an inanimate pronoun that is incorrect for people.

Question 41Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best demonstrates conciseness in academic writing?

  1. Owing to the fact that the sample size was small, the results may not be generalisable.
  2. Due to the fact that the sample size was small, the results may not be generalisable.
  3. On account of the fact that the sample size was small, the results may not be generalisable.
  4. Because the sample size was small, the results may not be generalisable. Correct answer.

Explanation

Conciseness means expressing ideas clearly in as few words as necessary. The correct option uses 'Because' instead of wordy phrases like 'due to the fact that'. The other options use unnecessarily long prepositional phrases that can be reduced to a single conjunction.

Question 42Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best uses hedging to express caution in an academic claim?

  1. The results show that the drug is effective for some patients.
  2. The results demonstrate that the drug is effective for some patients.
  3. The results suggest that the drug may be effective for some patients. Correct answer.
  4. The results prove that the drug is effective for all patients.

Explanation

Hedging uses cautious language such as 'suggest' and 'may' to avoid overstating claims, which is important in academic writing. The correct option appropriately qualifies the claim. The other options use stronger verbs that imply greater certainty than the evidence may support.

Question 43Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best avoids a run-on sentence?

  1. The experiment was successful, and the results were published in a leading journal, too.
  2. The experiment was successful, the results were published in a leading journal.
  3. The experiment was successful; the results were published in a leading journal. Correct answer.
  4. The experiment was successful the results were published in a leading journal.

Explanation

A run-on sentence incorrectly joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunction. The correct option uses a semicolon to separate the clauses correctly. The other options either use a comma splice, omit punctuation entirely, or add a redundant word.

Question 44Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best uses an appropriate reporting verb to indicate a source's stance?

  1. Smith (2019) says that the policy is ineffective.
  2. Smith (2019) talks about the policy being ineffective.
  3. Smith (2019) mentions that the policy is ineffective.
  4. Smith (2019) claims that the policy is ineffective. Correct answer.

Explanation

Reporting verbs such as 'claims' convey the source's stance and signal that the idea is asserted rather than proven. The correct option uses 'claims' to indicate a position that may be contested. The other options use vague verbs that do not convey the source's argumentative stance.

Question 45Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best demonstrates the use of a counterargument in an essay?

  1. The policy is not too costly because the benefits are great.
  2. The policy is too costly, and this is a serious problem.
  3. Everyone agrees that the policy is cost-effective.
  4. Some critics argue that the policy is too costly; however, the long-term savings outweigh the initial expense. Correct answer.

Explanation

A counterargument acknowledges an opposing view and then refutes or concedes it to strengthen the writer's position. The correct option presents the opposing view ('some critics argue') and immediately counters it with evidence. The other options either do not present an opposing view or dismiss it without engagement.

Question 46Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best avoids unnecessary nominalisation?

  1. The policy was implemented and resulted in reduced emissions. Correct answer.
  2. The implementation of the policy resulted in a reduction of emissions.
  3. The policy's implementation caused a reduction in emissions.
  4. The implementation of the policy led to the reduction of emissions.

Explanation

Nominalisation turns verbs into nouns, often making writing abstract and wordy. The correct option uses the verb 'implemented' and the adjective 'reduced', which is clearer and more direct. The other options rely on nominalised forms that obscure the action.

Question 47Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best demonstrates the use of a concessive clause to strengthen an argument?

  1. While the policy has reduced unemployment, it has also increased inflation. Correct answer.
  2. The policy has reduced unemployment and increased inflation.
  3. The policy has reduced unemployment, so it has increased inflation.
  4. The policy has reduced unemployment; it has increased inflation.

Explanation

A concessive clause acknowledges a point that contrasts with the main clause, often using 'while', 'although', or 'despite'. The correct option uses 'While' to concede that the policy has a benefit before presenting a drawback. The other options present the two ideas without the concessive relationship.

Question 48Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best avoids a logical fallacy in its reasoning?

  1. The two events occurred together, which proves that one caused the other.
  2. Because the two events occurred together, one must have caused the other.
  3. The correlation between the two events suggests a possible causal link, but further research is needed. Correct answer.
  4. Since the events coincided, it is obvious that one caused the other.

Explanation

The post hoc fallacy assumes causation from correlation. The correct option avoids this by using cautious language ('suggests a possible causal link') and calling for further research. The other options assert causation based solely on co-occurrence, which is logically flawed.

Question 49Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best demonstrates an effective use of parallelism in a thesis statement?

  1. This essay argues that education should be accessible, affordable, and adaptable to students' needs. Correct answer.
  2. This essay argues that education should be accessible, that it should be affordable, and adaptable to students' needs.
  3. This essay argues that education should be accessible, affordable, and adapting to students' needs.
  4. This essay argues that education should be accessible, affordable, and that it should adapt to students' needs.

Explanation

Parallelism requires that items in a list have the same grammatical form. The correct option uses three adjectives ('accessible, affordable, and adaptable') that are parallel. The other options mix grammatical structures, breaking the parallel pattern.

Question 50Essay / Composition Writing

Which sentence best avoids a mixed construction?

  1. The delay is because the funding was not approved.
  2. The reason for the delay is that the funding was not approved. Correct answer.
  3. Because the funding was not approved is the reason for the delay.
  4. The reason for the delay is because the funding was not approved.

Explanation

A mixed construction combines incompatible grammatical structures, such as 'the reason is because'. The correct option uses 'the reason is that', which is grammatically consistent. The other options mix a noun clause with a because-clause or create an awkward structure.