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English Composition — LET Practice Questions

Composition questions cover essay structure, types of writing (narrative, expository, argumentative), the writing process, and revision. Expect questions on thesis statements, organisation patterns, and writing instruction.

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Sample questions with answers and explanations

Sample 1

When writing a business memo, what is the most important consideration regarding the tone?

Answer: B

Business memos demand a professional and objective tone because the goal is to communicate information clearly and efficiently without personal bias or emotion. A professional tone maintains credibility, ensures the reader focuses on content rather than style, and preserves workplace relationships. Flowery language, casual conversation, and emotional argument all undermine clarity and professionalism in workplace contexts.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Flowery and expressive tone is inappropriate for professional communication.
  • C. Conversational and casual tone undermines the formal authority needed in memos.
  • D. Argumentative tone is better suited to persuasive essays, not routine business memos.

Sample 2

In critical thinking, what is an 'ad hominem' fallacy?

Answer: A

Ad hominem is a logical fallacy in which a speaker attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the substance of the argument itself. If someone says 'Your proposal is bad because you are stupid,' that is ad hominem—the speaker has avoided the real issues. Begging the question assumes the conclusion in the premise, appeal to false authority uses unqualified experts, and false dichotomy presents only two options when more exist. Ad hominem is especially damaging because it derails rational debate.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • B. Begging the question is circular reasoning, not personal attack.
  • C. Appeal to false authority relies on unqualified sources, not attacks on the person.
  • D. False dichotomy presents only two options when more exist, not a personal attack.

Sample 3

What is the difference between REVISING and EDITING in writing instruction?

Answer: B

REVISING is BIG-PICTURE work — changing what you say, how you organize it, adding or cutting paragraphs, sharpening ideas. EDITING is SURFACE-LEVEL — fixing typos, grammar, punctuation, formatting. Revising should happen FIRST (no point editing a paragraph you'll cut), then editing.

Tip: Revising = ideas/structure (content). Editing = mechanics/grammar (surface). Revise FIRST, edit LAST.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Distinct stages with different purposes.
  • C. Both apply to all genres.
  • D. Reversed — revising first.
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