Sentence Structure and Punctuation

Which of the following sentences demonstrates the use of varying sentence length for effect?

• The sun set. It was beautiful. The sky turned orange.

• The sun set in a blaze of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the fields, while the world seemed to pause in awe.

• The sun set, the sky turned orange, and the day ended.

• The sun set beautifully.

Answer explanation

The correct choice uses varying sentence lengths to create a vivid image of the sunset, enhancing the emotional impact. The longer, descriptive sentence contrasts with shorter ones, effectively drawing the reader in.

Identify the sentence that uses punctuation for dramatic effect.

• She was happy, she was sad, she was confused.

• She was happy—ecstatic, even—when she heard the news.

• She was happy; she was sad; she was confused.

• She was happy, and she was sad, and she was confused.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'She was happy—ecstatic, even—when she heard the news.' uses dashes for dramatic effect, emphasizing her intense emotion. The other options use commas or semicolons, which do not create the same impact.

Choose the sentence that employs a rhetorical question.

• Why did she leave so early?

• Who doesn't love a sunny day?

• When will the rain stop?

• How did you solve the problem?

Answer explanation

The sentence "Who doesn't love a sunny day?" is a rhetorical question because it implies that everyone loves sunny days, rather than seeking an actual answer.

Identify the sentence that uses the active voice.

• The cake was eaten by the children.

• The children ate the cake.

• The cake was being eaten by the children.

• The cake had been eaten by the children.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'The children ate the cake.' uses the active voice because the subject (the children) performs the action of eating, unlike the other sentences where the subject receives the action.

Which sentence uses the passive voice?

• The dog chased the cat.

• The cat was chased by the dog.

• The dog is chasing the cat.

• The cat chases the dog.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'The cat was chased by the dog.' uses the passive voice, as the subject (the cat) receives the action rather than performing it. The other sentences are in active voice.

Select the sentence that effectively varies sentence length.

• The storm raged. The wind howled. The rain poured.

• The storm raged, the wind howled, and the rain poured.

• The storm raged with a ferocity that shook the windows, while the wind howled and the rain poured relentlessly.

• The storm raged, the wind howled, the rain poured.

Answer explanation

The correct choice varies sentence length effectively by combining short and long structures, creating a more dynamic flow. It contrasts the intensity of the storm with descriptive elements, enhancing the imagery.

Which sentence uses punctuation to create emphasis?

• She was excited, she was nervous, she was ready.

• She was excited—nervous, even—but ready.

• She was excited; she was nervous; she was ready.

• She was excited, and she was nervous, and she was ready.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'She was excited—nervous, even—but ready.' uses dashes to create emphasis on the contrast between her feelings, highlighting her nervousness amidst excitement.

Choose the sentence that includes a rhetorical question.

• What time is it?

• Isn't it a lovely day?

• Where did you go?

• How did you do that?

Answer explanation

The sentence "Isn't it a lovely day?" is a rhetorical question because it implies agreement rather than seeking an answer, unlike the other options which are straightforward questions.

Which sentence is written in the active voice?

• The book was read by her.

• She read the book.

• The book is being read by her.

• The book had been read by her.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'She read the book.' is in active voice because the subject 'She' performs the action of reading. In contrast, the other sentences are in passive voice, where the subject receives the action.

Select the sentence that uses the passive voice.

• The teacher explained the lesson.

• The lesson was explained by the teacher.

• The teacher is explaining the lesson.

• The teacher explains the lesson.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'The lesson was explained by the teacher,' uses the passive voice, where the subject (the lesson) receives the action. The other sentences are in active voice, where the subject performs the action.