[4 Cs Writing Skills Review & Assessment] Exam Review

Part 1: Discussion of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

"What is peace of mind worth to you? Our advanced surveillance security systems will protect your family and loved ones so that you never have to worry."

This statement makes use of what rhetorical device?

Pathos

The FAIRS acronym stands for _____.

Facts, Access, Impacts, Respect, and Social Responsibility

When you are planning a communication and ask yourself, "Have I made recommendations to colleagues, customers, and consumers that are in their best interests?" you are employing what part of the acronym from FAIRS? (choose the letter)

I

"I babysat for your family for four years, taught Sunday School at our church for three years, and served as a camp counselor for Camp Kanakuk last summer, so you can rely on my acting responsibly." This statement primarily makes use of what rhetorical device?

Ethos

When you are planning a communication and ask yourself, "Does the message offend or pressure? Does it show that my colleagues' or customers' needs are important?" you are employing what part of the acronym from FAIRS? (choose the letter)

R

"More than thirty peer-reviewed, double-blinded studies have been conducted at medical schools in the U.S. over the past decade, and none proves that caffeine is an effective anti-depressant." This statement makes use of what rhetorical device?

Logos

"My two decades of experience in public service make me an ideal candidate for your next mayor." This statement primarily makes use of what rhetorical device?

Ethos

"I've been teaching quantitative analysis at Baylor for the last twenty years, and I recommend the following strategy for generating the best results." This statement makes use of what rhetorical device?

Ethos

"Demand for trucks has increased in Montana for the last five years, and this year's sales figures have increased 30 percent despite supply chain issues." This statement makes use of what rhetorical device?

Logos

When you are planning a communication and ask yourself, "Have I fully disclosed information that colleagues, customers, or consumers should expect to receive?" you are employing what part of the acronym from FAIRS? (choose the letter)

A

Part 2: Word usage

The net _____ of the new legislation was to reduce inflation; this will likely ______ voters' choices (affect, effect)

Effect, affect

King William _____ the uprising (lead, led)

Led

My attorney gave me excellent _____, and she also encouraged me to _____ my friends about the corporate issue (advise, advice)

Advice, advise

The nonstop downpour in Waco this week has been a _____ nuisance for the HOT rodeo. Wacoans knew _____ reports had been coming in each week about possible weather changes for the season (continual, continuous)

Continuous, continual

I _____ all your suggestions _____ the last one (accept, except)

Accept, except

To _____ water over a rosemary bush is a _____ substitute for daily misting. I intend to _____ over all the gardening research about how to grow these and other herbs in Texas. (pour, pore, poor)

Pour, poor, pore

Austin is the _____ of Texas, while the dome of the United States _____ may well be the most famous landmark in America's _____, Washington D.C. The phrase United States is always written in _____ letters (capital, capitol, Capitol)

capital, Capitol, capital, capital

My high school _____ taught me an important life _____ (principal, principle)

Principal, principle

When you _____, you exit a country, but when you _____, you go into a country (emigrate, immigrate)

Emigrate, immigrate

The journalist was unable to _____ information from the attorney about her client's _____ drug deals (elicit, illicit)

Elicit, illicit

Part 3: Clarity and Conciseness (Including Precise, Vigorous, and Inclusive Language)

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies, or clichés

1. In the event of a thunder storm, we'll hold the races under a large tent.

2. This is the third table that was ordered for the banquet hall.

3. Simone's slow response was virtually impossible to decipher.

4. Dr. James believes Dean Mazunder is one of the best administrators in the nation.

5. Casey was literally shocked to find out about his very high grade.

4. Dr. James believes Dean Mazunder is one of the best administrators in the nation.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. Sammy wanted to bring Blue Bell ice cream to the reception, but his girlfriend told him to bring Katie's custard instead.

2. A good manager will keep an ear to the ground at all times.

3. During finals, Ace tends to burn the candle at both ends.

4. My apartment mate drives me up the wall when he refuses to take out the trash.

5. When interviewing for jobs, you should not put all your eggs in one basket.

1. Sammy wanted to bring Blue Bell ice cream to the reception, but his girlfriend told him to bring Katie's custard instead.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. Taylor is a great businessman.

2. My mailman is hilarious; he always tells great jokes.

3. Selena wants to be a stewardess on United Airlines.

4. Mack is an epileptic, so we put him in the front office where he can get help easily.

5. Sonia has a learning disability, so she received some extra training.

5. Sonia has a learning disability, so she received some extra training.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. Maria is planning on showing an advance preview of Jurassic Park.

2. I'm interested in studying the field of accounting.

3. The fourth entry will cancel the second entry.

4. The pinion is connected together with the gear.

5. The grafted fruit trees will evolve over time.

3. The fourth entry will cancel the second entry.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. A large number of students protested the new guidelines.

2. It is my considered recommendation that we hire Annalyse for the fellowship.

3. It would be great for Baylor to build a dolphin pool next to the Rosenbalm fountain.

4. I basically don't understand anything about this difficult situation.

5. There were twenty trees that were affected by the high winds.

3. It would be great for Baylor to build a dolphin pool next to the Rosenbalm fountain.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. Hasan is our newest undergraduate student.

2. Weather conditions are not conducive to an outdoor dance on Bagby.

3. Dr. Trower doesn't know yet whether a graduate degree will be offered in cyber security.

4. Margaret vacillated back and forth between an accounting or a marketing major.

5. The usual custom in Thailand is to perform a slight bow to elders.

3. Dr. Trower doesn't know yet whether a graduate degree will be offered in cyber security.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. Last night an anonymous stranger knocked on our apartment door.

2. I always carry cash money so I can stop at Common Grounds or Dichotomy.

3. Katrina liked the new Top Gun better than the older version.

4. It is within the realm of possibility for Caden to win a first place medal.

5. Our team estimated there were in the neighborhood of forty students who showed up for the competition.

3. Katrina liked the new Top Gun better than the older version.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. We'll put our latest drug in the pipeline for development.

2. Why don't you run that idea up the flagpole with our manager?

3. I am too excited right now to think clearly.

4. My research group tried to think outside the box as we developed our SWOT analysis.

5. I don't really have the bandwidth to deal with this situation right now

3. I am too excited right now to think clearly.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. Let's meet together to discuss the possibilities of a new building.

2. Mindy said she gained a lot of satisfaction from running the marathon.

3. Max tends to write with a lot of overused clichés.

4. The GOP party will host a convention in Dallas in March.

5. First and foremost, our department needs to hire two new instructors.

2. Mindy said she gained a lot of satisfaction from running the marathon.

Identify which ONE of the following sentences does NOT contain inefficiencies, fuzzy/non-precise/outdated wording, redundancies or clichés.

1. The twins were amongst the most unusual students on campus.

2. Dr. Green gave the second qualitative analysis lecture to her best students.

3. The above-mentioned clause will be eliminated.

4. May I pick your brain about my new idea for marketing crazy socks?

5. The Baylor MIS Department will herewith grant honorary degrees when merited.

2. Dr. Green gave the second qualitative analysis lecture to her best students.

Part 4: Clarity and Modifiers

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Selected from an outstanding group of applicants, my supervisor was impressed with Amelia's contributions.

2. Clinton sold his Ferrari to a buyer with leather seats.

3. Having been filed in the wrong filing cabinet for several years, the will was finally located.

4. To be able to make the correct answers, the entire exam had to be read first

3. Having been filed in the wrong filing cabinet for several years, the will was finally located.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. With one last look at the room, the door was closed.

2. Wonderfully talented, the architect impressed us with his new plans.

3. The Sonata's engine finally worked by fixing the transmission.

4. Heartbroken, Six Flags had to close to our school kids for repairs.

2. Wonderfully talented, the architect impressed us with his new plans.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Tired of my lateness, the sanction was written and handed in by my teacher.

2. Hoping to garner favor, my parents were unimpressed with the gift from my boyfirend.

3. After reading Jurassic Park, Ann-Marie thought the movie based on it was going to be great.

4. Unbeaten, the regular season of the Lady Bears was over.

3. After reading Jurassic Park, Ann-Marie thought the movie based on it was going to be great.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences could have two different meanings.

1. It didn't take long for reading the book to give me a headache.

2. Reading the book quickly gave me a headache.

3. Reading the book gave me a headache.

4. Reading the book at a fast pace gave me a headache.

2. Reading the book quickly gave me a headache.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Having studied your cost estimates, a few questions come to mind about the original building guidelines.

2. Having said that, let's consider as a team the objections that have been raised.

3. Putting the issues of costs aside, we need to discuss the original building guidelines.

4. After coming out of a coma, the physician asked the driver how the accident had happened.

3. Putting the issues of costs aside, we need to discuss the original building guidelines.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Hanging off the edge of the roof, Liam couldn't quite reach his sunglasses.

2. Covered with roses, Andrew admired the finished wedding cake.

3. Suddenly empty of students, the classroom was cold and empty.

4. I wore my favorite pants to the job interview, which accidentally picked up lint from the seat of my car.

3. Suddenly empty of students, the classroom was cold and empty.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Dragging myself into the study hall, strong coffee and bear claws were offered to me.

2. Dragging myself into the study hall, I wanted strong coffee and bear claws.

3. Dragging myself into the study hall, the thing I needed was strong coffee.

4. Dragging myself into the study hall, strong coffee and bear claws would have been appreciated.

2. Dragging myself into the study hall, I wanted strong coffee and bear claws.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Craig passed the writing exam administered by a new instructor with high marks.

2. The written test asked about maneuvers for cars skidding on ice.

3. About a week after the written driving exam, the Department of Motor Vehicles sent a letter giving Joyce an appointment for the road test lacking sufficient postage.

4.Even before she passed the road test, Christine bought celebration leather seat covers that were given only twice a month.

2. The written test asked about maneuvers for cars skidding on ice.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Asleep on top of the refrigerator, Mona couldn't find her cat.

2. Small but expensive, the house wasn't right for Jana.

3. Amazingly gifted, we were very impressed by the soloist's performance.

4. Small but expensive, Jana was reluctant to buy the new home.

2. Small but expensive, the house wasn't right for Jana.

Choose which ONE of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier.

1. Covered in rhinestones, Lindsay also made a fashion statement with her wild glasses.

2. Wearing bright red shoes, we all enjoyed Macy's happy attire.

3. Although bleeding from a cut near her nose ring, a change of sunglasses was out of the question.

4. The server presented a ribeye to the guest that was medium rare.

1. Covered in rhinestones, Lindsay also made a fashion statement with her wild glasses.

Part 5: Parallelism

Choose which one of the following sentences is parallel.

1. In morning and at noon the mail arrives.

2. In the morning and noon the mail comes.

3. The mail comes in the morning and noon.

4. The mail arrives in the morning and at noon.

4. The mail arrives in the morning and at noon.

Choose which one of the following sentences is parallel.

1. Mentors are expected to share clinical knowledge, develop necessary skills, helping others succeed, and supporting the profession.

2. Moving into the dorm, meeting new friends, walking across campus, and getting books at the bookstore, I felt exhilarated and scared at the same time.

3. The cow jumping over the moon, walked across a rainbow, stepped into the stardust, and traveled across my dream meadow.

4. I'm going to the store to run errands, picking laundry up at the cleaners, meeting friends for coffee, and then we will all go to the park to hang out.

2. Moving into the dorm, meeting new friends, walking across campus, and getting books at the bookstore, I felt exhilarated and scared at the same time.

Choose which one of the following sentences is NOT parallel.

1. Casey is not only talented as an orator but also as an excellent writer.

2. Casey is great at public speaking and even better at pole vaulting.

3. Casey is talented not only as a mesmerizing orator but also as an excellent writer.

4. Casey is a talented orator and writer.

1. Casey is not only talented as an orator but also as an excellent writer.

Choose which one of the following sentences is NOT parallel.

1. My English is improving slowly but surely.

2. We can speak specifically or generally--whichever you prefer.

3. He works neither efficiently nor is effective.

4. We are leaving quickly and quietly.

3. He works neither efficiently nor is effective.

Choose which one of the following sentences is NOT parallel.

1. I don't care who he is or what is being sold by him, just hang up!

2. How to do that and when to do that is a problem.

3. The gymnast swung around the bar and over the top.

4. How and when to do that is a problem.

1. I don't care who he is or what is being sold by him, just hang up!

Choose which one of the following sentences is parallel.

1. Sliding down the mountain and coasting to a full stop is easier in clothing that resembles a second skin.

2. Robert didn't enjoy paying full price for a lift ticket and that the cashier treated him rudely.

3. In this ski outfit, Robert can breathe only with great difficulty and loudly.

4. The ski pants Robert favors are green, skin-tight, and made of stretch fabric.

5. When he eases into the pants and zipping them up with great difficulty, he feels cool.

1. Sliding down the mountain and coasting to a full stop is easier in clothing that resembles a second skin.

Choose which one of the following sentences is parallel.

1. Renee once wrote and had even edited a newsletter called Crimes of Fashion.

2. Renee, who is really quite honest and not having the inclination to rob anyone, nevertheless thinks about crime.

3. Robbers need speed and to be private, but they also need big pockets.

4. Stashing stolen money and knowing where to hide it are important issues.

4. Stashing stolen money and knowing where to hide it are important issues.

Which of the following job responsibilities listed on this resume is not parallel with the rest?

1. Trained new employees

2. Designed and implemented a new company website

3. Worked with the assistant manager to order products

4. Increased departmental sales in the first quarter by 12 percent

5. Was asked by the associate manager to stock supply shelves

5. Was asked by the associate manager to stock supply shelves

Choose which one of the following sentences is parallel.

1. According to James Kolb, experiential learning is having an experience, to reflect on that experience, learning from it, and planning changes for the future.

2. According to James Kolb, experiential learning consists of having an experience, reflecting on that experience, learn from it, and plan changes for the future.

3. According to James Kolb, experiential learning consists of having an experience, reflecting on that experience, learning from it, and planning changes for the future.

4. According to James Kolb, experiential learning consists of having an experience, reflect on that experience, learn from it, and plan changes for the future.

3. According to James Kolb, experiential learning consists of having an experience, reflecting on that experience, learning from it, and planning changes for the future.

Choose which one of the following sentences is parallel.

1. Gently worn shirts can be donated to Goodwill if they are ripless and without stains.

2. Robbing a bank and to steal someone's purse on the street is more difficult in bright clothing.

3. I always advocate for protein smoothies, fresh coffee, juicy strawberries, crunchy toast, and cinnamon granola for breakfast in the student lounge.

4. Skiing and to pursue a career in law enforcement are Angela's dreams.

3. I always advocate for protein smoothies, fresh coffee, juicy strawberries, crunchy toast, and cinnamon granola for breakfast in the student lounge.

Part 6: Coherence, Transition, and Writing Great Paragraphs

Paul attended Baylor University

; his son, likewise, did his studies there.

Either you get a job

Correct match:

or you go back to school next year.

The condo complex has tennis courts, and

, besides this, it has an outdoor pool.

Neither Lawson

nor Angela wants to attend the conference in Dallas.

The network has crashed.

Next, the power will likely go off.

Caffeine is a stimulant

; thus, it can keep a person awake at night.

Both Sarai

and Ivan received their ten-year pin this year.

We had to revise our original assessments

, particularly in light of the new data.

Kate is engrossed in her dogs

; Marta is similarly obsessed with her horses.

First, boil the water

; then, pour it over the chai tea bag

Deciding on a college is often a difficult decision for students

; therefore, most school counselors try to provide students with different resources like college brochures and assessments.

Our chairperson will be late for the meeting.

Meanwhile, we're going to hand out minutes of the last meeting to the board members.

We are able to offer only four technical writing courses.

Still, this compares favorably with other summer programs.

Whether you

stay or leave is entirely your decision.

My biology instructor has a grating voice.

Furthermore, he jumps from one idea to another so the lecture is difficult to follow

Part 7: Coherence, Organization, and Critical Reasoning

This type of writing often covers a difficulty, issue, or complication, followed by a discussion of possible and/or tested solutions.

Problem to solution

This type of writing is often used to explain something new or unfamiliar. It can proceed point by point or in "block" style.

Comparison/Contrast

This is the type of writing that best describes a business message detailing how the refugee crisis is unfolding on a global scale, and then describing some individual refugee stories.

General to specific

This type of writing is often used in written documentaries, biographies, and novels.

Chronological

This type of writing is often used in business emails and journalism. "Don't bury the lede" is a common principle used in this type of communication.

Order of Importance (or emphasis)

In 2019, a total of 36,355 people died in traffic accidents in the U.S.

First sentence

The information above is taken from a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; the following table illustrates these alarming statistics.

Fifth sentence

This surge affected every age group on every type of road in every month of the year.

Third sentence

Following a brief lull in the first 2-3 months of pandemic levels, car accident fatalities have risen sharply relative to pre-pandemic levels, and 2022 appears to be a continuation of that morbid trend, with automotive deaths from January through March outpacing those in 2021 by 7%.

Fourth sentence

In 2021, that number jumped to 42,915--an 18% increase in just two years.

Second sentence

Experts remain uncertain about the precise underlying cause(s) of a sharp uptick in motor vehicle accidents and deaths over the last two years.

First sentence

One popular theory holds that pandemic-related stress led to increased rates of reckless driving.

Second sentence

Yet, overall fatalities continue to climb, as illustrated in the following table.

Fifth sentence

However, by spring of 2021, both these trends had started to reverse, with the latter months of 2021 demonstrating a decline in these categories relative to 2020.

Fourth sentence

Data from 2020 and the earliest months of 2021 appear to support this idea, as both speeding-related and alcohol-related accidents saw dramatic spikes during this period (+17% and +14% from 2019 to 2020 for speeding and alcohol, respectively).

Third sentence

Part 8: Punctuation With Commas (Including Comma Splices and Fused/Run-on Sentences)

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. Daisy Mae purchased dried flowers, candles, and pottery at Magnolia this morning.

2. I ask you "When will we admit defeat?"

3. Daisy Mae purchased rugs, paint, lamps and linens at Magnolia this morning.

4. Juan asked, "whether we could make a donation to the food drive."

1. Daisy Mae purchased dried flowers, candles, and pottery at Magnolia this morning.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. We are, after all here to get an education.

2. Two men, one of them wearing a ski mask, robbed the small grocery store.

3. The shop is located at 2110 Greenwood Street, Kennett, California, 29348.

4. Even then, fifty years ago the house was run down.

2. Two men, one of them wearing a ski mask, robbed the small grocery store.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. After she completes training Elyse plans to fly to Hawaii and find work there.

2. After she completes training, Elyse plans to fly to Hawaii, and find work there.

3. After she completes training Elyse plans to fly to Hawaii, and find work there.

4. After she completes training, Elyse plans to fly to Hawaii and find work there.

4. After she completes training, Elyse plans to fly to Hawaii and find work there.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. I bought a CB radio on July 2, 2022, I still have not received the missing warranty from the manufacturer.

2. After the construction workers finished eating rats emerged to look for the scraps.

3. The area around Galveston, Texas, has some of the most polluted air in the country.

4. As you can see the tables clearly demonstrate the annual gains.

3. The area around Galveston, Texas, has some of the most polluted air in the country.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. Focusing on one, small task at a time, you will find that each large job becomes easier.

2. Focusing on one small task at a time you will find that each large job becomes easier.

3. Focusing on one small task at a time, you will find that each large job becomes easier.

4. Focusing on one, small task at a time you will find that each large job becomes easier.

3. Focusing on one small task at a time, you will find that each large job becomes easier.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. Casey was expected to begin work on June 3, 2022 in El Paso, Texas.

2. Casey was expected to begin work on June 3, 2022 in El Paso Texas.

3. Casey was expected to begin work on June 3 2022 in El Paso, Texas.

4. Casey was expected to begin work on June 3, 2022, in El Paso, Texas.

4. Casey was expected to begin work on June 3, 2022, in El Paso, Texas.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. The town council designated the area's oldest, stone house as a landmark.

2. The town council designated the area's oldest largest house as a landmark.

3. The town council designated the area's oldest most charming house as a landmark.

4. The town council designated the area's oldest brick house as a landmark.

4. The town council designated the area's oldest brick house as a landmark.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. Two of the contestants, Perry and Hugh, are my roommates.

2. An ostrich is unable to fly, it can run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour, however.

3. Dr. Nunnally asked "Which way to the conference hall?"

4. If I had to bet, I would place my money on the Yankees but it's a tough choice.

1. Two of the contestants, Perry and Hugh, are my roommates.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. Tomorrow's accountants will have to be able to manage information overload, communicate skillfully and employ a computer as an extension of themselves.

2. Tomorrow's accountants will have to be able to manage information overload, communicate skillfully and, employ a computer as an extension of themselves.

3. Tomorrow's accountants will have to be able to manage, information overload, communicate skillfully, and employ a computer as an extension of themselves.

4. Tomorrow's accountants will have to be able to manage information overload, communicate skillfully, and employ a computer as an extension of themselves.

4. Tomorrow's accountants will have to be able to manage information overload, communicate skillfully, and employ a computer as an extension of themselves.

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. My car which is a 458 Ferrari Spider, has a dented left fender.

2. My car, which is a 458 Ferrari Spider, has a dented left fender.

3. The CHIP House which stands for Compact Hyper-Insulated Prototype, was started with the goal of creating a net-zero energy home.

4. The CHIP House, which stands for Compact Hyper-Insulated Prototype was started with the goal of creating a net-zero energy home.

2. My car, which is a 458 Ferrari Spider, has a dented left fender.

Part 9: Punctuation With Semicolons (Including Fused/Run-on Sentences) and Colons

Choose the one correctly punctuated sentence below.

1. The team is made up of Sam Keen, vice-president; Lori Ruiz, director of research; Nathaniel Greene, assistant director.

2. The team is made up of: Sam Keen, vice-president; Lori Ruiz, director of research; and Nathaniel Greene, assistant director.

3. The team is made up of Sam Keen, vice-president, Lori Ruiz, director of research, and Nathaniel Greene, assistant director.

4. The team is made up of Sam Keen, vice-president; Lori Ruiz, director of research; and Nathaniel Greene, assistant director.

4. The team is made up of Sam Keen, vice-president; Lori Ruiz, director of research; and Nathaniel Greene, assistant director.