Are you ready to take this lesson's quiz? The questions below will help you find out. Select an answer for each question, and then read the feedback carefully. Make sure you understand why the correct answer is correct--if you don't, review that part of the lesson. THEN take the lesson quiz.
1. Which sentence is the BEST definition of conventions?
- Conventions are the use of punctuation, capital letters, and sentences to add dramatic effect to writing.
- Conventions are the use of language in a playful way that creates a mental image for the reader.
- Conventions are the agreed-upon rules of grammar that tell writers how to punctuate, write sentences, and form language.
- Conventions are the tricks and tools a writer uses to enhance their style and craft.
Conventions are the agreed-upon rules of grammar and usage.
Conventions are the agreed-upon rules of grammar and usage.
Conventions are the agreed-upon rules of grammar and usage.
Conventions are the agreed-upon rules of grammar and usage.
2. Why do authors use unconventional writing, or writing that breaks the conventions of English?
- because they do not know the correct rules for grammar and usage
- because that is the way the author speaks and you should write like you speak
- because they want to sound like an expert
- because they want to enhance the tone and impact of their writing
The use of unconventional writing adds to the emotions and effect of the writing, creating a greater connection between the reader and the writing.
The use of unconventional writing adds to the emotions and effect of the writing, creating a greater connection between the reader and the writing.
The use of unconventional writing adds to the emotions and effect of the writing, creating a greater connection between the reader and the writing.
The use of unconventional writing adds to the emotions and effect of the writing, creating a greater connection between the reader and the writing.
3. If a writer wants to stress the importance of a subject, what is the BEST convention to use?
- capital letters
- punctuation
- sentence structure
- nonsense language
The best way to make a subject stand out is to use capital letters.
The best way to make a subject stand out is to use capital letters.
The best way to make a subject stand out is to use capital letters.
The best way to make a subject stand out is to use capital letters.
4. Read the following excerpt from a short story titled "Don't Tell." It's about a secret that has been shared--with devastating results.
All the way home I kept thinking of Alana. You never know about people and why they do the things they do. I wondered how a girl could take a chance like that. Was she fearless or dumb or a bit of both? Jake Muldoon must have talked her into doing it. Or maybe not. Maybe Alana had a hidden side to her under that shy exterior. Part of me wished I could be that brave. Another part felt queasy, the way I feel just before a platform dive as I stare at the water so far below.
Which part of this passage breaks or ignores a language convention?
- "I kept thinking of Alana. . ."
- "Or maybe not."
- "Part of me wished I could be that brave."
- "You never know about people. . ."
Only complete sentences (complete thoughts) should begin with a capital letter and end with a period.
Only complete sentences (complete thoughts) should begin with a capital letter and end with a period.
Only complete sentences (complete thoughts) should begin with a capital letter and end with a period.
Only complete sentences (complete thoughts) should begin with a capital letter and end with a period.
5. Reread this excerpt from the short story "Don't Tell."
All the way home I kept thinking of Alana. You never know about people and why they do the things they do. I wondered how a girl could take a chance like that. Was she fearless or dumb or a bit of both? Jake Muldoon must have talked her into doing it. Or maybe not. Maybe Alana had a hidden side to her under that shy exterior. Part of me wished I could be that brave. Another part felt queasy, the way I feel just before a platform dive as I stare at the water so far below.
Which statement BEST explains the effect of the sentence fragment in the passage?
- It helps the narrator shift to a different theory.
- It emphasizes the importance of a key detail.
- It connects two seemingly unrelated events.
- It conveys the panic that the narrator feels.
Such a short "sentence" imitates the way the author wants readers to think.
Such a short "sentence" imitates the way the author wants readers to think.
Such a short "sentence" imitates the way the author wants readers to think.
Such a short "sentence" imitates the way the author wants readers to think.
6. What effect is more likely to be created when a writer uses commas instead of periods to separate sentences?
- hopelessness, despair
- calm or quietness
- excitement or anticipation
- reluctance, hesitation
Periods cause readers to pause longer than commas do. If sentences are "run together" using commas, the effect is to speed up the passage, which can make readers feel breathless or anxious.
Periods cause readers to pause longer than commas do. If sentences are "run together" using commas, the effect is to speed up the passage, which can make readers feel breathless or anxious.
Periods cause readers to pause longer than commas do. If sentences are "run together" using commas, the effect is to speed up the passage, which can make readers feel breathless or anxious.
Periods cause readers to pause longer than commas do. If sentences are "run together" using commas, the effect is to speed up the passage, which can make readers feel breathless or anxious.
Summary
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