VRA Exam for Elementary and Special Education Teachers, Part 5
Question 1: Explain the importance of unity for effective writing.
Answer 1: Unity is an important aspect for effective composing. The concept of unity can be applied to both paragraphs and an entire composition. For simplicity sake, we will look at paragraph unity. Paragraph unity means that one paragraph only discusses one topic. This means that all the sentences—topic, supporting, detail, and concluding—tell the reader about one thing. If a paragraph contains a sentence that does not directly relate to the main idea, then it is said that the paragraph lacks unity.
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Question 2: Describe the importance of using precise vocabulary.
Answer 2: One of the things that can ruin effective writing is trying to be too descriptive. The writer tries to describe every noun by using adjectives and adverbs. Overuse of adjectives and adverbs can actually take away from the description. Now, adjectives and adverbs have their place and should be used. However, they should undertake a secondary role in that they can be used to help out words that otherwise aren’t very descriptive. More importantly, precise words should be used whenever possible. Instead of using more words to describe a noun, replace the noun with one that is more descriptive. For example, take the sentence, “She walked in a carefree way down the street.” Precise vocabulary should be used instead—“She strolled down the street.” This sentence is just as descriptive and uses more succinct words.
Question 3: Describe how voice and tone are used in writing.
Answer 3: Two important aspects of writing are voice and tone. Voice and tone show your attitude about the subject you are writing about. Voice refers to who the audience hears while reading, while tone refers to the overall expression of the writer’s attitude. Basically, voice is the person saying it and tone is the way they say it. Voice can range from academic to personal to detached. Academic voice is more formal and informative. Personal voice connects you with the reader. Basically, they hear your distinct attitude. Detached voice is ineffective in writing and should not be used. When a detached voice is used, the reader feels no connection to the author or the information. Tone is usually informative or affective. Informative tone simply gives the audience information while affective tone tries to persuade the audience in some way.
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