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Concision In Writing – Quiz 1
Concision In Writing Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and remove unnecessary words while maintaining clarity and precision in writing. It covers concepts such as conciseness, active voice, subject-verb agreement, and appropriate word choice for effective communication.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What sentence uses the word desolate correctly?
A) He tried to desolate the argument by providing clear facts and evidence.
B) After the concert, the once-busy street looked desolate and abandoned.
C) The documentary focused on the desolate effects of climate change on wildlife.
D) She decided to desolate her room with bright colors and modern furniture.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Desolate" means to make or become lonely and desolate, or to leave a place so that it is empty and deserted. Option B correctly uses "desolate" to describe the street after the concert, showing its change from busy to empty and abandoned.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect use of "desolate." It should be used for a state or place rather than an action in argumentation.
Option B:
Correct. Describes the street's change from busy to empty and abandoned after the concert.
Option C:
Correct, but not as concisely as Option B. It focuses on the effects of climate change rather than a specific scene or state.
Option D:
Incorrect use of "desolate." It should be used for a state or place rather than an action in decorating a room.
2.
Which is more concise?
A) Imagine someone trying to learn the rules of chess.
B) Imagine a mental picture of someone engaged in the intellectual activity of trying to learn what the rules are for how to play the game of chess.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is more concise because it directly imagines someone learning the rules of chess without adding unnecessary details, making it shorter and to the point.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Directly imagines someone learning the rules of chess.
Option B:
Adds unnecessary descriptive elements that do not contribute to the core idea.
Option C:
Includes both options, making it less concise than Option A alone.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a clear correct answer among the given options.
3.
Voltaire was both disappointed and excited when he found out that his favorite coffee shop, Candid Coffee, was moving to a new and larger point.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Orientation.
C) Location.
D) Position.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "point" in the context of a coffee shop refers to its location, not an orientation or position. Therefore, Option C) Location is correct as it accurately describes the change in the coffee shop's place or address.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change needed; "point" implies location.
Option B:
Orientation refers to direction, not a move to a new place.
Option C:
Correct; "location" accurately describes the move to a new and larger space.
Option D:
Position can sometimes refer to location but is less precise in this context.
4.
Numerous research projects, including the benchmark Framingham Heart Study, demonstrate that taking a vacation can have well-connected health benefits.
A) Prestigious.
B) Weighty.
C) Valuable.
D) NO CHANGE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) Valuable is correct because "valuable" accurately conveys the idea that taking a vacation has significant health benefits, which aligns with the statement from the Framingham Heart Study.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Prestigious does not fit as it refers to something being highly respected or honored, which is not relevant to the health benefits of vacations.
Option B:
Weighty implies heavy or important but does not capture the exact meaning of significant health benefits as well as "valuable" does.
Option C:
Valuable is correct for the reasons explained above.
Option D:
No change would imply keeping the original word, which in this context is "connected," but it doesn't convey the same meaning as "valuable."
5.
Choose the most concise sentence.
A) Introverts rarely choose to work in groups but often prove to be productive members.
B) It is rare that introverts choose to work in groups, but they are often productive team members.
C) Introverts may prove to be productive team members, and they make positive contributions to groups at work.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is the most concise sentence as it directly states the key points without unnecessary words, making it clear and to-the-point.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Directly conveys introverts' preference for solitary work and their productivity.
Option B:
Slightly more wordy but still conveys the same information effectively.
Option C:
Contains redundant information and is less direct in its message.
Option D:
Indicates no correct option, which is not applicable here as Option A is clearly concise.
6.
A wordy sentence is
A) Contains unnecessary words.
B) Needed to pad the writing.
C) Makes the writer seem more intelligent.
D) Is frequently too short.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A wordy sentence contains unnecessary words, making the writing unnecessarily lengthy and less clear. This directly aligns with the definition of a wordy sentence in terms of concision in writing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Wordy sentences are characterized by the inclusion of unnecessary words.
Option B:
Incorrect. While padding might be one reason to use a wordy sentence, it is not its defining characteristic.
Option C:
Incorrect. Using unnecessary words does not make a writer more intelligent; in fact, it can obscure the intended message.
Option D:
Incorrect. Wordy sentences are typically too long, not short.
7.
How does ambiguity affect clarity?
A) It strengthens the writer's purpose.
B) It makes the tone more formal.
C) It confuses readers with double meanings.
D) It makes the sentence clear by removing vague language.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Ambiguity in writing can lead to confusion among readers because it introduces multiple possible interpretations of a word, phrase, or sentence. This double meaning can make the text unclear and hinder comprehension.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
It strengthens the writer's purpose - Incorrect. Ambiguity typically weakens clarity rather than strengthening it.
Option B:
It makes the tone more formal - Incorrect. Tone is not directly affected by ambiguity in a predictable way.
Option C:
It confuses readers with double meanings - Correct. This accurately describes how ambiguity impacts clarity.
Option D:
It makes the sentence clear by removing vague language - Incorrect. Ambiguity adds vagueness and confusion, not clarity.
8.
What sentence uses the word devise correctly?
A) She was able to devise the long book in a single day.
B) They planned to devise the garden with a variety of flowers and plants.
C) The scientist managed to devise a new method for converting sunlight into energy.
D) He was surprised to devise the mountain peak through the dense fog.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Devise" means to create, design, or invent something. Option C correctly uses "devise" in this sense by stating that the scientist created a new method for converting sunlight into energy.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect use of "devise." It should be "write," "compose," or similar.
Option B:
Incorrect use of "devise." It should be "design" or "arrange."
Option C:
Correct. Uses "devise" to mean create or invent a new method.
Option D:
Incorrect use of "devise." It should be "see," "identify," or similar.
9.
Balancing the budget by Friday is an impossibility without some kind of extra help.Which sentence is the best revision?
A) Balancing the budget is impossible.
B) Without extra help by Friday we will never balance the budget.
C) Balancing the budget by Friday is an impossibility.
D) Balancing the budget by Friday is impossible without extra help.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is the best revision because it maintains the original meaning while improving conciseness. It directly states that balancing the budget by Friday is impossible without extra help, making the sentence more straightforward and clear.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option is too broad and lacks specificity about the deadline or the condition of needing extra help.
Option B:
While it includes the deadline and the need for extra help, it uses "never" which can be seen as more emphatic than necessary. It also has a slightly awkward structure.
Option C:
This option is redundant with Option D; both state that balancing the budget by Friday is an impossibility without extra help, but D is more direct and concise.
Option D:
Directly states the impossibility of balancing the budget by Friday without extra help, making it the most concise and clear choice.
10.
Sahil believed in the importance of excellent customer service, but it was a challenge to remain professional when the customer ordered a fruit smoothie, complained that it tasted like fruit, and then dumped the drink on the floor when she was denied a refund.
A) An opposition.
B) An obstruction.
C) NO CHANGE.
D) An impediment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) NO CHANGE because the sentence already effectively conveys Sahil's challenge in maintaining professionalism despite the customer’s disruptive behavior without any need for alteration.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
An opposition - Incorrect. Opposition implies a direct contradiction or resistance, which does not fit the context of the scenario.
Option B:
An obstruction - Incorrect. Obstruction suggests something that hinders progress, whereas the scenario describes an emotional reaction rather than a physical barrier to progress.
Option C:
NO CHANGE - Correct. The sentence is already clear and concise without any need for modification.
Option D:
An impediment - Incorrect. Impediment suggests something that makes it difficult or impossible, which does not fully capture the emotional aspect of the scenario.
11.
What can you eliminate from this sentence:During that time period, many car buyers preferred cars that were pink in color and shiny in appearance?
A) Many.
B) In color.
C) Buyers.
D) Pink.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Eliminating "in color" does not significantly alter the meaning of the sentence, as it can be inferred that pink is a color. The sentence conveys that many car buyers preferred cars that were shiny and had a certain color (pink). Removing "in color" makes the sentence more concise without losing its core message.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Many - This would change the meaning, as it specifies the quantity of buyers.
Option B:
In color - Correct. It can be removed to make the sentence more concise without changing its core message.
Option C:
Buyers - This is essential for the subject and cannot be eliminated.
Option D:
Pink - This is necessary to specify the color preference, so it cannot be removed.
12.
Which option is more concise?
A) Students must complete the application.
B) It is required that students complete the application.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is more concise because it directly states the requirement without unnecessary words, making it the most straightforward and efficient choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Direct and concise. "Students must complete the application."
Option B:
More formal but less direct. "It is required that students complete the application."
Option C:
Redundant, as Option A alone is correct. "All the above."
Option D:
Incorrect, as Option A is indeed more concise. "None of the above."
13.
Which uses active voice?
A) The research department checked your figures.
B) Your figures were checked by the research department.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Active voice is used when the subject of a sentence performs the action. In Option A, "The research department checked your figures," the subject (research department) performs the action (checked). This makes it an active-voice sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Active voice - The subject performs the action.
Option B:
Passive voice - The object (your figures) is acted upon by the subject (research department).
Option C:
Includes both active and passive voices, thus not correct as per the question's requirement for a single answer.
Option D:
Incorrect because Option A uses active voice.
14.
What sentence uses the word dilemma correctly?
A) They decided to dilemma the distance as quickly as possible.
B) He enjoyed a delicious dilemma for dinner last night.
C) The bright colors of the painting created a visual dilemma.
D) She found herself in a dilemma when choosing between two equally appealing job offers.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "dilemma" is used correctly in option D, as it refers to a difficult choice between two or more alternatives. This usage aligns with the definition of a dilemma, which involves being faced with a difficult decision where no option seems ideal.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect use; "dilemma" is not a verb and cannot be used to decide something.
Option B:
Incorrect use; "dilemma" refers to a difficult decision, not a type of food.
Option C:
Incorrect use; "dilemma" does not fit the context of creating visual confusion or difficulty.
Option D:
Correct usage; it accurately describes a situation where choosing between two appealing options is challenging.
15.
What is one of the unnecessary words you could eliminate in this sentence:Before the travel agent was completely able to finish explaining the various differences among all of the many very unique vacation packages his travel agency was offering, the customer changed her future plans?
A) Offering.
B) Agent.
C) Plans.
D) Various.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "various" can be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence. The phrase "among all of the many very unique vacation packages his travel agency was offering" already implies a variety, making "various differences" redundant.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Eliminating "offering" would change the context slightly but not as effectively as removing "various."
Option B:
Removing "agent" would make the sentence less specific but is not as effective in improving conciseness.
Option C:
Taking out "plans" changes the meaning of the sentence, making it incomplete and unclear.
Option D:
Correct. Removing "various" improves clarity without losing information.
16.
Backlash against the senator's education bill only hurled her to work harder to ensure its passage.
A) Spurred.
B) No Change.
C) Launched.
D) Heckled.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Spurred" means to encourage or stimulate into action, which fits well with the idea that backlash motivated the senator to work harder. This word choice is concise and directly conveys the intended meaning without unnecessary words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Spurred" effectively captures the idea of motivating or encouraging action in response to opposition.
Option B:
Incorrect. "No Change" would imply that the sentence is already perfect, which it isn't since a more precise word can be used.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Launched" typically means to start or begin something, not necessarily to work harder in response to opposition.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Heckled" means to interrupt with noisy criticism or jeers, which doesn't fit the context of working harder due to backlash.
17.
In a reluctant manner, John held a lengthy and in-depth conversation with his teacher, and then John asked his teacher for advice.
A) No change.
B) Reluctantly, John spoke at length with his teacher, asking him for his advice.
C) Reluctantly, John held a drawn-out and in-depth conversation with his teacher, and so he asked that teacher for advice.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B effectively combines the two clauses into a single, concise sentence without losing any essential information. It uses "spoke at length" to replace "held a lengthy and in-depth conversation," maintaining the original meaning while reducing redundancy. The phrase "asking him for his advice" directly follows the action of speaking, ensuring clarity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change - implies no improvement or simplification.
Option B:
Reluctantly, John spoke at length with his teacher, asking him for his advice. - Correct and concise version.
Option C:
Reluctantly, John held a drawn-out and in-depth conversation with his teacher, and so he asked that teacher for advice. - Repetitive and wordy.
Option D:
None of the above. - Incorrect as Option B is correct.
18.
Twice as many Japanese men as American men smoke, yet the deaths attributable to smoking are half as much as ours.
A) Half as many as.
B) Half of.
C) Half the number.
D) No change.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Half of" is the most concise and clear way to express that one quantity is a fraction of another. "Half as much as" (Option A) is grammatically correct but less direct, while "half the number" (Option C) adds unnecessary words. Option D suggests no change, which doesn't apply since there's an improvement in conciseness.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Less direct and slightly longer than necessary.
Option B:
Correct and most concise.
Option C:
Adds unnecessary words, making it less clear.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a better choice available.
19.
Eggs are high in cholesterol and .....
A) In fat.
B) Getting in fat.
C) Get fat.
D) Rather fat-filled.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "in fat" concisely completes the sentence, maintaining brevity and clarity. The phrase "Eggs are high in cholesterol and in fat" effectively conveys that eggs contain both substances without unnecessary words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Concise and clear completion of the sentence.
Option B:
Grammatically incorrect and wordy. "Getting in fat" is awkward and not a standard phrase.
Option C:
Verb form does not fit grammatically or contextually. "Get fat" implies weight gain, which is irrelevant here.
Option D:
Wordy and less precise than necessary. "Rather fat-filled" uses more words to convey the same meaning as "in fat."
20.
When the weather outside is cold and ..... , I like to be indoors.
A) Windy.
B) Gets windy.
C) Getting windy.
D) Starting to get windy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "Windy" directly describes the weather condition, making the sentence more concise and to the point. It avoids unnecessary verb forms that could make the statement less clear or natural-sounding.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Directly states the weather condition without additional verbs.
Option B:
Uses a gerund form which is not necessary and makes the sentence longer than needed.
Option C:
Uses a present participle form that is redundant with "Windy" already being used.
Option D:
Uses a progressive tense that adds unnecessary words, making the statement less concise.
21.
More than half a decade after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that leveled Haiti, serious public health and social problems tolerate. These include inadequate housing, political corruption, and the spread of cholera.
A) Keep going.
B) NO CHANGE.
C) Persist.
D) Pursue.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Persist" is the correct choice as it conveys that serious public health and social problems continue to exist despite the passage of time, aligning well with the context provided about Haiti's ongoing issues more than half a decade after the earthquake. "Persist" succinctly captures the idea without unnecessary words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Keep going" is less concise and doesn't fit the context as well as "persist."
Option B:
"NO CHANGE" implies no alteration was needed, which isn’t applicable since "persist" is a better choice.
Option C:
"Persist" accurately conveys that problems continue to exist.
Option D:
"Pursue" suggests an active effort or action rather than the ongoing state of the issues described.
22.
There was a total of twenty-six punches that hit the losing boxer.
A) No change.,.
B) A total of twenty-six punches hit the losing boxer.
C) The losing boxer was punched twenty-six times.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it conveys the same meaning as the original statement in a more concise manner. "The losing boxer was punched twenty-six times" directly states the number of punches and the recipient without unnecessary words, adhering to the principle of concision.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change is not appropriate as it does not address the need for conciseness.
Option B:
While this option is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning, it uses "A total of" which adds unnecessary words compared to Option C.
Option C:
This option is concise and directly states the number of punches and the recipient, making it the best choice for conciseness.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option C meets the criteria for concision better than the other options.
23.
All Molly wanted to do was navigate a direct route to the beach, but her GPS kept losing its signal.
A) Voyage.
B) No Change.
C) Convey.
D) Maneuver.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is clear and concise, effectively conveying Molly's situation without unnecessary words. "No Change" maintains the original meaning and simplicity of the statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Voyage implies a long journey which isn't indicated in the context.
Option B:
No Change is correct as it preserves the sentence's clarity and brevity.
Option C:
Convey suggests explaining or communicating, but the sentence already does this effectively without alteration.
Option D:
Maneuver implies skillful movement which doesn't fit the context of GPS signal issues.
24.
Redundancy is .....
A) Combining two simple sentences.
B) Explaining an idea clearly and completely.
C) Explaining the same idea two or more times.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Explaining the same idea two or more times is a clear definition of redundancy in writing. Redundancy can make your text unnecessarily long and confusing, which goes against the principle of concision in writing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Combining two simple sentences does not necessarily involve explaining an idea multiple times; it simply joins ideas.
Option B:
Explaining an idea clearly and completely is a good practice but does not equate to redundancy. It can be concise or redundant depending on the context.
Option C:
Correct. Redundancy involves repeating information unnecessarily, which is contrary to concision in writing.
Option D:
Incorrect as option C accurately describes redundancy.
25.
What sentence uses the word deplete correctly?
A) The long journey began to deplete their energy reserves.
B) He was amazed to deplete the height of the mountain.
C) The garden was deplete with a variety of colorful flowers.
D) She managed to deplete the puzzle in record time.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The long journey began to deplete their energy reserves" correctly uses the word "deplete." The verb "deplete" means to use up completely, and in this context, it accurately describes how a prolonged journey would gradually reduce the travelers' energy levels.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "deplete" appropriately.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Deplete" is used to describe an action that does not logically fit with "height." Mountains do not have energy reserves, so this usage is incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Deplete" should be followed by a noun or pronoun referring to something being used up, not describing the state of having many things present ("with a variety of colorful flowers").
Option D:
Incorrect. "Deplete" is used here in a context that does not make sense; puzzles are not consumed or reduced.
26.
My dog not only likes to play fetch, but he also .....
A) To like chasing cars.
B) Likes to chase cars.
C) Liked to chase cars.
D) Like to chase cars.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B "Likes to chase cars" is correct because it uses the present tense verb form "likes" which agrees with the singular subject "he." The sentence structure is concise and maintains a smooth flow, fitting well after "but he also...."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To like chasing cars" is an infinitive phrase that does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
Correct. Uses the present tense verb form "likes," agreeing with singular subject "he." Concise and smooth flow.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Liked to chase cars" is past tense, which does not fit the context of a habitual action in the present.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Like to chase cars" uses plural verb form "like," which does not agree with singular subject "he."
27.
The supply manager considered the correcting typewriter an unneeded luxury.Remove what unnecessary word?
A) Manager.
B) Correcting.
C) Unneeded.
D) Supply.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "unneeded luxury" can be simplified to just "luxury," making the sentence more concise without losing its meaning. The word "unneeded" is unnecessary here as it adds redundancy since a typewriter that is considered a luxury by definition is not needed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Manager - Irrelevant to concision.
Option B:
Correcting - Not redundant or unnecessary in this context.
Option C:
Unneeded - Correct. Redundant and adds unnecessary length.
Option D:
Supply - Irrelevant to concision.
28.
The X-15, a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft operated by the U. S. Air Force, could reach speeds of up to as high as 4, 520 miles per hour.
A) No change.
B) Upwards and close to.
C) Nearly.
D) Nearly as high as.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Nearly as high as" is the most concise way to express that the speed of 4,520 miles per hour is very close but not exactly equal to some unspecified higher value. "Nearly" alone might imply a closer approximation than intended.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change - This option suggests no modification, which would be less precise.
Option B:
Upwards and close to - This phrase is redundant and less concise.
Option C:
Nearly - This is the most concise and accurate choice as it directly conveys the closeness without unnecessary words.
Option D:
Nearly as high as - While this option is correct, "Nearly" alone is more concise and preferred for brevity.
29.
This past year, Bridgestone offered something unprecedented, as they introduced a new, high-spin golf ball that bites into greens like no other.
A) No change.
B) New golf ball.
C) High-spin golf ball.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C, "High-spin golf ball," is correct because the sentence specifically mentions a new high-spin golf ball as the unprecedented offering by Bridgestone. This option directly addresses the key information provided in the statement without unnecessary words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change - Incorrect, as there was indeed a significant change with the introduction of a new type of golf ball.
Option B:
New golf ball - Too vague; it does not specify the high-spin feature which is crucial information in the statement.
Option C:
High-spin golf ball - Correct, as it accurately reflects the specific and unique product introduced by Bridgestone.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, since Option C correctly identifies the key information provided.
30.
During his trip to the Vancouver Zoo, a man was shocked when an escaped baboon stole his ice cream. Afraid of sustaining serious injuries, the man consented to the baboon that he keep the ice cream, which wasn't his favorite flavor anyway.
A) Authorized the baboon to.
B) Granted the baboon permission to.
C) Let the baboon.
D) No change.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Let the baboon" is correct because it conveys the man's agreement in a concise manner, matching the context of the scenario where he allowed the baboon to keep the ice cream without using unnecessary words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Authorized the baboon to" is too formal and lengthy for this casual situation.
Option B:
"Granted the baboon permission to" is also overly formal and not as concise as needed.
Option C:
"Let the baboon" is the most appropriate choice, being both clear and concise.
Option D:
No change implies no modification was necessary, which isn't applicable since a change is required for conciseness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is conciseness in writing?
Conciseness in writing refers to the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively using as few words as possible without losing clarity or meaning.
Why is concision important in writing?
Concision helps improve the readability and effectiveness of writing by making it more direct, engaging, and easier to understand for the reader.
How can one achieve conciseness in their writing?
To achieve conciseness, writers should focus on using active voice, eliminating unnecessary words and phrases, and ensuring that each sentence conveys a clear and specific idea.
What are some common pitfalls in writing that can affect conciseness?
Common pitfalls include using overly complex sentences, including unnecessary details, and relying on passive voice, which can make the text less direct and harder to follow.
How does conciseness impact the overall clarity of writing?
Conciseness enhances clarity by ensuring that each sentence is focused on a single idea, making it easier for readers to grasp the main points and understand the writer's message.