ACEs Writing Center Assessment Quiz Take this quiz

ACE’s Writing Center: Assessment Quiz Take this quiz to see what areas are your strengths in writing and which areas need focus.

Welcome to the Assessment Quiz! �For the following, select the correct answer from the multiple choice list that is provided. �Keep track of your incorrect answers—at the end of the quiz are links for your continued improvement. �Good luck!

Assessment Quiz choose a question block Thesis Statements Academic Tone $100 $200 $300 $300 $400 $400 $500 $500 Punctuation Grammar Formatting Transitions $100 $200 $300 Click here to end the quiz

Punctuation for $100 �In the following sentence, where is the error in the punctuation? �After driving to the convention we gathered for lunch at Cracker Barrel, by the Manassas exit, and enjoyed each other’s company. A. “to the convention, we gathered for” B. “at Cracker Barrel by the Manassas” C. “the Manassas exit and enjoyed” D. No errors

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Punctuation for $200 �Which of the given sentences on the right properly uses punctuation? A. “After the games”, said Rich, “we are going for ice cream”. B. Sally said, “Blue is the best color”! C. “Marie, ” announced Tom, “I’m home!” D. No errors

Punctuation for $300 �Which of the following sentences improperly uses the colon? A. I have one word for you: dynamic. B. Bring the following: paper, pens, tape, scissors, and staples. C. Steve said: “Return tomorrow. ” D. No errors

Punctuation for $400 �Which of the following sentences improperly uses the semicolon? A. Rick brought the punch; and cookies. B. We enjoyed the movie; I may buy it on DVD. C. We visited Portland, Oregon; Boston, Massachusetts; and Las Vegas, Nevada. D. No errors

Punctuation for $500 �Which of the following is NOT a rule for proper comma usage in the English language? A. To join two complete thoughts with a conjunction B. To separate items in a series (a list) C. When using direct address D. To join two complete thoughts without a conjunction

Grammar for $100 �In the following sentence, where is the error in grammar? A. approaching, but did nothing B. nothing to completed the �The student knew that the deadline was approaching, but does C. student knew which nothing to complete the deadline the assignment. D. No error

Grammar for $200 �Which of the verb tenses listed on the right is incorrect? A. stink, stank, stunk B. eat, ate, have eaten C. sleep, slept, have slept D. No error

Grammar for $300 �Which of the verbs listed on the right is an irregular verb? A. cook B. sing C. study D. call

Grammar for $400 �Which of the sentences A. The weather is sunny. on the right is incorrect? B. The group of geese is flying overhead. C. Calling nominees is sometimes time consuming. D. Playing pianos are fun!

Grammar for $500 �Which of the sentences A. We exchange gifts on the Christmas Day. on the right is correct? B. Give the book to Kelley. C. The figurine in the shelf is an antique. D. The apple green was delicious!

Formatting for $100 �In the following sentence, identify the incorrect capitalization from the words in bold: �During July, Americans celebrate the Birthday of their nation. A. July B. Americans C. Birthday D. nation

Formatting for $200 �Which of the rules on the right for using italics is incorrect? A. When listing an article title B. When using a foreign word C. When adding emphasis to a word D. When naming a boat or ship

Formatting for $300 �Which of the rules on the right for using quotation marks is incorrect? A. To list a poem title B. To quote directly C. To identify the title of a book D. To replace “air quotes” in writing

Formatting for $400 �Which of the sentences on the right uses incorrect italics? A. We saw The Dark Knight Rises at the midnight premiere. B. The Niña was part of Columbus’ fleet. C. Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray contains much symbolism. D. Tim’s article, Downtown Downton, was published in 2011.

Formatting for $500 �Which of the sentences on the right uses improper capitalization? A. Mr. and Mrs. Howell visited the island. B. I read A Raisin In The Sun over the break. C. Gene, the president of the club, recently promoted Carmen. D. I asked Grandma to bake some cookies with me.

Transitions for $100 �Choose a transition from the right that combines the sentences below: �The Weather Channel was predicting snow. �Michael went to the grocery store. A. however B. because C. so D. or

Transitions for $200 �Choose the best transition from the right that signals the beginning of the concluding paragraph of an essay. A. All in all, … B. In conclusion, … C. To sum up, … D. It is apparent that…

Transitions for $300 A. On to point two—… �Choose the best transition from the right that connects two B. Similarly, … paragraphs. C. Now I would like to discuss… D. Now that is said, …

Transitions for $400 A. Furthermore, … �Choose the best transition from the right that connects two B. Building on that paragraphs discussing point, … the same idea. C. Taking this one step further, … D. Considering this, let us look at, …

Transitions for $500 �Choose the best transition from the right that joins two conflicting ideas. A. but B. instead C. unfortunately D. however

Thesis Statements for $100 �Which of the potential thesis statements on the right is an actual sentence? A. Ghosts are known to inhabit the ruins of the mansion. B. Although it is not possible to create dinosaurs. C. Or the rest? D. With grace and panache, accommodating the throngs of guests.

Thesis Statements for $200 �Which of the potential thesis statements on the right is a focused thesis statement? A. Football increases communication, assists with team building skills, and improves coordination. B. Reading is fun, relaxing, and educational. C. Being a surgeon is a rewarding occupation. D. Cooking, training, and counseling are three specialties of Chef Robert Irvine.

Thesis Statements for $300 �Which of the potential thesis statements on the right is a clear and direct thesis statement discussing the works of an American author? A. Emily Dickinson’s poetry evokes deep imagery. B. Robert Frost never spoke to his great-aunt again. C. Ernest Hemingway experienced PTSD. D. Benjamin Franklin traveled to England.

Thesis Statements for $400 �Which of the potential thesis statements on the right does NOT make an announcement but, instead, presents the point of the paper? A. This paper will discuss the effects of video games on teens. B. I hope to draw your attention to the horrors of human trafficking. C. You will see the process for changing your car’s oil. D. Chocolate can save lives!

Thesis Statements for $500 A. Scientists were unsure of �Of the potential thesis their results. statements on the right, which is clearly focused for a paper discussing B. Homeostasis is a homeostasis? scientific process. C. Nothing intrigues me more than studying this scientific topic. D. Biology 102 clearly defined many scientific terms, including homeostasis.

Academic Tone for $100 �Find an academic substitute for the underlined selection below: �Author Sheri Goodwin goes on to say that data collected from Japan indicates a rise in production. A. goes on to describe B. takes time to say C. proceeds to say D. says

Academic Tone for $200 �Find an academic substitute for the underlined selection below: �NFL enthusiasts clamor to purchase Super Bowl tickets because it is a really big deal to the sport. A. super important B. fundamental C. really special D. of upmost importance

Academic Tone for $300 �Find the error in tone A. United States = US in the sentence below: �Although most Americans speak English, the United States doesn’t have an official language. B. Americans = Americans’ C. doesn’t = does not D. No error

Academic Tone for $400 �Find the error in tone, that should be deleted from the sentence below: �Identity theft is of growing concern in this country, and too many are not taking preventive measures, in my opinion. A. growing concern B. in my opinion C. in this country D. No error

Academic Tone for $500 �Find the error in tone A. gather everyone = gather everyone in the sentence below: together �Ron is going to be leaving soon, so gather everyone in the parlor to say goodbye. B. to say goodbye = to say goodbye to him soon C. going to be leaving soon = leaving soon D. No error

Results �Count your errors; click on the area in which you made the most mistakes? �Punctuation �Grammar �Formatting �Transitions �Thesis Statements �Academic Tone