English Language

Writing and Communication Skills

1,426 Questions

This hub tests writing techniques, essay structuring, and effective communication skills. It includes practical exercises on vocabulary replacement, drafting passages, and formatting reports. These English language questions appear in most competitive exams.

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Writing and Communication Skills Questions

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

Which of the following is a salient feature of a strong paragraph?

  1. The length of the paragraph.

  2. It contains one main idea or topic.

  3. The topic.

  4. The writer's vocabulary.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The correct answer is Option B

The question is on the salient or most important feature of a strong paragraph.
The length of a paragraph in no way contributes to its strength. A paragraph should be comprehensive. Therefore, Option A is the incorrect option.
A paragraph can be written on any topic. It is thus not a feature of a paragraph - making option C the incorrect option.
Similarly, the writer's vocabulary does not really contribute to the making of a strong paragraph if the writing is not comprehensive or the idea expressed in the paragraph is not unified. This makes option D incorrect.
A strong paragraph contains one main idea supported by supportive ideas. This unity is an essential feature of paragraph writing. Hence option B is the correct answer.

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

Complete the given sentence.
A topic sentence ______________________.

  1. is a sentence which contains the topic and the controlling idea of the paragraph

  2. is the main topic of the paragraph

  3. helps the reader to understand the writer's ideas better.

  4. Both A and C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

D is correct as a topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs. It also helps the reader to understand the writer's ideas better as it guides the reader as to the interpret the main idea, because of the topic sentence leading them to it. 
B is incorrect as the topic sentence has a larger function than just mentioning the main topic of the paragraph. As both A and C are correct, hence, only A and C are incorrect.

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

In paragraph writing, we support our topic sentence with the following, except:

  1. Examples

  2. Statistical data

  3. Details

  4. Topic sentence
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The correct answer is Option D.

After mentioning the main idea of the paragraph, the next step that follows is the illustration of the topic and the main idea. This is done by providing supporting explanation through examples, statistical data and other supporting details. Thus, option A, B, and C are the incorrect options since the question is what is NOT a part of the illustration of the topic. 
The topic sentence (Option D) is the directing force of the paragraph and not a part of the illustration of the topic. Hence Option D is the correct option.

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

The concluding sentences have a crucial role in paragraph writing. They __________________.

  1. Link the current paragraph with the following paragraph

  2. Draw together the information presented in the paragraph

  3. Both A and B

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The correct answer is Option C.

The concluding sentences play an important role in paragraph writing.
They link the current paragraph with following paragraph, in case of short paragraphs in an entire paragraph.
These sentences summarize and draw together the information in the paragraph.
Therefore, Option A and B are correct. Hence Option C is the correct option.

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

The concluding sentence helps to impress the reader only if -

  1. It binds the argument together

  2. It rephrases the main topic

  3. It guides the reader regarding the information given in the paragraph

  4. Both A and C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The correct answer is Option D.

The concluding sentence of a paragraph should be impressive to the reader.
It should not be a mere repetition or a re-phrasal of the main topic. Hence option B is the incorrect option.
An effective concluding sentence is one that binds the argument of the paragraph together and also helps the reader to understand the information given in the paragraph i.e. it acts as a guide to the reader.
Hence option A and C both are correct, making Option D the correct answer.  

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

The controlling idea of a paragraph is -

  1. The idea that focuses on the topic by giving direction to the composition.

  2. The main subject matter covered in the paragraph.

  3. The conclusion of a paragraph.

  4. The first line of a paragraph.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The correct answer is Option A

The question is on the definition of the controlling idea of a paragraph.
The controlling idea contains your opinion on the topic. It shows what direction you are going to take in writing about the topic. It helps the reader to understand your purpose for writing the paragraph. 
It is not a particular line in the paragraph. Hence Option D is incorrect.
The conclusion of a paragraph ends the paragraph by summarizing the ideas expressed in it. Option C is therefore not the correct answer.
Option B is also incorrect because actually the main subject matter covered in the paragraph depends on the controlling idea. The main subject is in accordance with the direction of the composition of paragraph.
So, according to the definition mentioned above, Option A is the correct answer.
The controlling idea of a paragraph is the idea that focuses on the topic by giving direction to the composition.

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Identify the suitable punctuation(s) for the given statement:
Is it always necessary for one to sit argue and debate 

Hint - don't include the Oxford comma.

  1. ; and ?

  2. , and .

  3. ; and ,

  4. , and ?
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
A comma is required between different items in a list. and a question mark is used to mark an end to an interrogative sentence. Thus, the correct option is Option D.
The remaining options are incorrect.
Option A - A semi colon is used in lists with internal commas.
Option B - A period is used to mark an end to a declaratory sentence.
Option C - A comma is never used to mark an end to a sentence.


Multiple choice inverted commas/quotation marks punctuation english

Which one of the following is used to enclose certain contents which the writer sets out apart so that the flow of the sentence is not interrupted?

  1. Brackets

  2. Quotation marks

  3. Comma

  4. Colon
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, quotation marks are used in pairs to set off direct speech, a quotation so that the flow of the sentence is not interrupted. Thus, the correct answer will be Option B. The other remaining options are incorrect.
Option A - Brackets are used in pairs in a sentence to set apart additional or non essential information.
Option C - A comma is used to indicate a pause in a sentence.
Option D - A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

You must convey that a character is very clumsy. Which of the following is the best way to do this?

  1. By stating that he/she is very clumsy.

  2. By describing an event when the person accidentally tripped.

  3. By modifying the way the person speaks

  4. By revealing how the other characters perceive him/her
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The best way, out of the given options, to convey the readers that a character is very clumsy is by revealing how the other characters perceive or see him/her. Therefore option D is the correct option.

Option A is incorrect because simply stating that he/she is clumsy not enough for the readers to be convinced that the character is indeed clumsy. It lacks imagination. 
Option B is incorrect because anyone can accidentally trip and with a single incident the readers can't consider it being characteristic of a clumsy person.
Modifying the way the character speaks can in no way be connected him/her being clumsy. Hence option C is also incorrect. 

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
While writing a story, the protagonist must ________________ .

  1. be an immediately likable character

  2. never make mistakes

  3. have a wealth of knowledge

  4. be the character around whom the plot revolves
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The protagonist is the central character of a story, and the plot is essentially the series of events that happen to or are caused by this character.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

While writing an exposition, one must be careful not to do which of the following?

  1. Use complex sentences

  2. Reveal the plot of the story

  3. Write briefly

  4. Provide useful information
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An exposition is a literary device used to introduce background information or a backstory of a character or plot.

Option B: An exposition describes a scene, character or plot and hence reveals more information about it.
But, it does not reveal the entire plot of the story. The function of an exposition is to help the reader understand the plot/character better, and not reveal the story itself. Hence option B is correct.
Option A: An exposition can use complex sentences.
Options C and D: An exposition should preferably be brief, and it should provide information useful to the story.
Hence options A, C and D are wrong.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

You want to convey to the reader that a character is depressed. Which of the following is the best way to do this?

  1. By stating that the character is depressed

  2. By stating that the character's friends think he/she is depressed

  3. By describing the characters routine

  4. By describing the person's lack of motivation at work
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The best way to describe a character in a story is to make the reader sympathize with him/her. The character's personal experiences, instances that have led him to become depressed, and bringing the other characters' viewpoints about his depression affect the way the reader perceives the character.
Directly stating that the character is depressed does not really produce a desirable effect on the reader. Hence option A is incorrect.
Option B: By using the voices of others, like the character's friends, the narrator can best portray that he/she is depressed. Hence option B is correct.
Option C: The character's routine does not link up with his emotions. Depression is a state of extreme sadness, an emotion. His routine will tell the reader what he does every day. It does not tell the reader how he feels. Hence C is incorrect.
Option D: Similarly, 'the character's lack of motivation at work' is in relation to his profession and not depression. Hence D is also incorrect.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Fill in the blank with a suitable option:

While writing an exposition, one must ______________________ . 

  1. reveal the plot of the story

  2. use as few words as possible to reveal background information

  3. only reveal information that is connected to the characters

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An exposition is a literary device used to introduce background information or a backstory of a character or plot.

Option B: One must write an exposition in few words. An exposition is an introduction or a backstory, and if it goes into too much detail, the reader would get lost in the past and lose track of the present story. Hence option B is correct.
Options A and C: An exposition introduces the plot, and does not reveal the plot. The latter would be a form of summary to the story.
Also, an exposition can be based on character, setting or plot. It's not necessary that it must only be connected to the characters.
Hence options A and C are wrong.
Option D is wrong because the answer lies in B.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Which option(s) best identifies the use of exposition in literature?

  1. To show a contrast

  2. To express conflicting ideas

  3. To reveal background information

  4. To remove unwanted information
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option C: An exposition is 'a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory'.

In literature, it's a literary device that introduces background information about events, settings, characters or other elements of a work to the reader. Hence option C is correct.
Options A, B and D: These options do not describe what an exposition is. Hence options A, B and D are wrong.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

In what forms may exposition be used in a story?

  1. Through dialogue

  2. Through narration of facts

  3. Through a prologue

  4. All the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An exposition can be used in various forms:

Dialogue: Characters talking to each other is one way of revealing background information, when they're describing past events or incidents in their conversation.

Narration of facts: Between scenes, the writer can add facts to story for revealing more information about the characters and setting.

Backstory/prologue: Some stories or books have a 'prologue' before the first chapter or scene, to lay out the background information and the events that brought the main character where he is in the start of the story.


Hence option D 'all of the above' is correct.
Options A, B and C are, individually, incorrect.