eWriting > Academic Writing > 3.17 Self-Test L
Have the words in bold in the following sentences been used correctly or incorrectly?
1. The evidence highlighted the cause of unemployment among the poor. Correctly Incorrectly
Answer: Correctly
The participant, "evidence", an abstract concept, is linked by the verb, "highlighted" to another abstract concept, "cause". Both belong to the realm of the mind.
2. The data affected the change in temperature. Correctly Incorrectly
Answer: Incorrectly
The abstract concept, "data" cannot relate to natural phenomenon.
3. The explanation refuted the forest growth. Correctly Incorrectly
The abstractl concept, "explanation" cannot relate to natural phenomenon.
4. Darwin's theories of evolution and natural selection challenged the traditional biblical explanation of creation Correctly Incorrectly
The participant, "theories" an abstract concept, is linked by the verb, "challenged" to the abstract concept "explanation".
II. Are the subject/verb agreements in the sentences below, correct or incorrect?
5. All their efforts justifies the outcome. Correct Incorrect
Answer: Incorrect
"All their efforts" is a plural subject and requires the plural form of the verb.
6. The opinion of the majority influences the decision. Correct Incorrect
Answer: Correct
This is a singular subject, namely, "the opinion" and so requires a singular verb.
7. Ideas as well as evidence is required in an argument. Correct Incorrect
"Ideas" is the subject and requires the plural form of the verb.
8. The researcher's opinion of the findings are published in the journal. Correct Incorrect
"Opinion" is a singular subject and requires the singular form of the verb.
III. The use of collective nouns in the sentences below indicates the writer's intention, namely whether he/she sees the collective noun in the sentence as a single entity or as many individuals
9. The government is in session today. Single entity Individuals
Answer: single entity
The collective noun, "government", is here being treated as a single entity.
10. The governments of both countries agree. Single entity Individuals
The collective noun, "governments" is here being treated as single entities.
11. The committee agrees on the action. Single entity Individuals
The collective noun, "committee" is here being treated as a single entity.
12. The jury were unable to agree. Single entity Individuals
Answer: individuals
The collective noun, "jury" is here being treated as a number of individuals.
13. The council has decided to alter its regulations. Single entity Individuals
The collective noun, "council" is here being treated as a single entity.
14.The jury dispersed to their respective homes. Single entity Individuals
15. The firm contained its losses. Single entity Individuals
The collective noun, "firm" is here being treated as a single entity.