Editing & Revising — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Words like "however," "therefore," and "meanwhile" are called transition words.
Transition words act as bridges between ideas, signaling to the reader whether the next thought is a contrast, a result, or something happening at the same time.
2. Combining two short sentences with a conjunction improves sentence fluency.
Sentence fluency means writing that flows smoothly when read aloud, and combining choppy sentences with conjunctions helps create that natural rhythm.
3. The transition word "however" signals that a contrasting idea is coming next.
"However" warns the reader that the next idea will contrast with or challenge what was just stated, like saying "I studied hard; however, the test was still difficult."
4. Beginning every sentence with "I" makes writing sound repetitive.
Starting every sentence with "I" creates a monotonous pattern that bores readers, so varying sentence openers keeps writing fresh and engaging.
5. The words "for example" and "such as" introduce specific details that support the main idea.
Phrases like "for example" and "such as" introduce concrete, specific evidence that makes the main idea more convincing and easier for readers to understand.
6. A writer can vary sentence structure by mixing short punchy sentences with longer descriptive ones.
Mixing short, punchy sentences with longer, descriptive ones creates rhythm and keeps readers interested, rather than having every sentence sound the same.
7. The transition "as a result" is used to show the effect of something that happened earlier.
"As a result" connects a cause to its effect, telling readers that what follows happened because of what came before, like "It rained all day; as a result, the game was canceled."
8. Moving a dependent clause to the beginning of a sentence can create variety in your writing.
Opening with a dependent clause like "Although it was raining" instead of always starting with the subject gives sentences a different shape and flow.
9. The transition phrase "in conclusion" signals the writer is wrapping up the final idea.
"In conclusion" tells readers the essay is ending and prepares them for a summary of the key points or a final thought on the topic.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
"I like soccer. I like basketball. I like swimming."
→ Combine with a list: "I enjoy soccer, basketball, and swimming."
Combine with "and then": "We went to the store and then bought milk."
"We went to the store. We bought milk."
→ Combine with "and then": "We went to the store and then bought milk."
Add cause-effect transition: "Because she studied hard, she passed the test."
"The dog barked. The cat hissed. The bird flew away."
→ Use a series: "The dog barked, the cat hissed, and the bird flew away."
Use a series: "The dog barked, the cat hissed, and the bird flew away."
"She studied hard. She passed the test."
→ Add cause-effect transition: "Because she studied hard, she passed the test."
Combine with a list: "I enjoy soccer, basketball, and swimming."
Correct matches: "I like soccer. I like basketball. I like swimming." → Combine with a list: "I enjoy soccer, basketball, and swimming."; "We went to the store. We bought milk." → Combine with "and then": "We went to the store and then bought milk."; "The dog barked. The cat hissed. The bird flew away." → Use a series: "The dog barked, the cat hissed, and the bird flew away."; "She studied hard. She passed the test." → Add cause-effect transition: "Because she studied hard, she passed the test.".