Brief Overview
As it is indicated on title, this material presents explanations for Grade 12 Entrance Questions (English: Ethiopia) about writing styles.
In these explanations, I am going to do three things:
1. Showing how to answer any question about writing styles in simple way by applying reason-based elimination technique.
2. Giving brief rules summaries of 'writing styles'!
3. Giving some challenging practice questions so that students will be able to check themselves.
Note: Before directly starting the explanations, let me briefly summarize the exam technique to answer any question about writing styles!
1. Brief Revision on Exam Technique for 'Writing Styles Questions'
We can answer any question about writing styles in simple way by applying key words... technique.
Key words... technique is process of using key words/expressions and given context as clues, and choosing correct answers upon which to be 100%!
Whenever you are asked any question about writing styles do two key things: looking for key words/expressions and understanding the given context.
- Look for some key words/expressions that could help you to decide the type of writing style you are asked; use them as clues and choose correct answer!
- Understand the given context/text by reading it carefully; use it as clue and choose correct answer!
Note: If you haven't yet read the detail explanations about the bove technique (Exam Technique for 'Writing Styles Questions'), click here!
2. Detail Explanations for Grade 12 Entrance Questions
Attention: Two Things...
- Red Color: I have written the "key words/expressions..." in red color so that students will be able to understand the explanations easily and also use the technique in future.
- Brief and detail explanations: Mostly, in the next explanations, I have given both brief and detail explanations!
If it is clear for you in the first explanations, you can jump the detail explanations (additional explanations)!
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2.1. Explanations for G-12 Entrance Narrative Writing Questions
Q. We had already cruised for one and a half hours when we heard a loud bang. The driver instinctively swerved the vehicle and we came to a safe stop. This text is most likely taken from____ . (2003/2011)
A. expository B. argumentative
C. descriptive D. narrative
Explanation-1: Narrative Writing
The above question is about narrative writing; based on the context (travel) and also some key words (look the red colored words: show 'order of events'). Using these as clues, it is clear that this text is most likely taken from narrative writing.
Ans. D
Additional Explanations
Whenever you are asked question about writing styles, you should understand the given text/context based on some clear clues. Look for some key words/expressions/ideas... that could help you to decide the type of writing style you are asked.
The above question is about narrative writing; as clues:
- The context: The above given context talks about people's travel by vehicle and what happened to them.These could show order of events.
- Look the red colored words (cruised, heard, swerved, came); they show order of events/movements!
- Rules: "Order of events/movements" is one of the key features of narrative writing.
- Based on these (the above clues), without any doubt, the above question is about narrative writing.
Ans. D
Contextual Meanings of Some words
Cruise: To travel at constant speed for maximum operating efficiency
Swerved: to change direction (of vehicles) suddenly
Tips: How to Answer in One Step!
Dear students, some questions could be answered in one step using 'key words/expressions' or 'the given context' as clues!
For example, the above question can be answered in one step:
- Simply based on 'some key words/expressions' (cruised, heard, swerved, came); these words show order of events/movements!
- Expressing order of events is the feature of narrative writing.
- Eliminate choices A, B and C; correct answer is D!
- Again, this question can also be answered in one step only based on the given context as a clue.
- Look context talks about travel; if there is a travel, there must be order of events/movements!
- Expressing order of events is the feature of narrative writing
- Eliminate choices A, B and C; correct answer is D!
Recommendations
Dear students, I want to recommend you to do the next two interrelated things:
- Clues: Don't try to answer without clues or based on poor clues!
- You have to have concrete clues that can help you to decide type of writing style you are asked!
- 'Key words/expressions' and the given context are the most common clues!
- Use: Please, use this technique whenever you are asked any question about writing styles!
- Look for some 'key words/expressions' and use them as clues; then, choose correct answer directly or indirectly (by eliminating wrong choices)!
- Try to understand the given context and use it as clue; then, choose correct answer directly or indirectly (by eliminating wrong choices)!
Brief Rules-1: Narrative Writing
We proved that the above questions are about narrative writing; to revise rules about narrative writing, see the next smart summary chart!
Note: If you like to see detail explanations with examples about narrative writing, click this ☞ here!
Q. We were thrown down into the world of giants. Having seen what they do there, we then had to go to another world-the world of the dwarf. This most likely begins a/an ____ text. (2000/2008)
A. narrative B. descriptive
C. argumentative D. expository
Explanation-2: Narrative Writing
The above question is about narrative writing; look the red color expressions: they show order of events.
Ans. A
Additional Explanations
As it has been mentioned above, this question is also confusing little bit.
The same is true, you can see the characteristics of ‘descriptive ’ and
‘narrative’ writings.
When you are asked such type of question, please look carefully whether there is order of events or not. If there is order of events, it is narrative.
In this paragraph, there are order of events. ‘… thrown down …
giants’. ‘Having seen… then had to go to… dwarf.’
All these expressions show that there were order of events in this writing.
Ans. A
Q. When I looked up from the foot of the hill, I saw someone who was making almost to the tip and I knew it was Tesfaye. In no later than five minutes he stood on the top and started shouting down to those of us crawling up…Most likely taken from: (2009/2017)
A. narrative
B. descriptive
C. argumentative
D. expository
Explanation-3: Narrative with Descriptive Writing
The above question is about narrative writing although both narrative and descriptive features were reflected in this question.
Look the red color words/expressions; they show order of events (narrative).
Again, look the underlined words/expressions; they could create pictures in readers' mind (descriptive).
But since there are movements of actions/order of events (looking up, seeing, knowing, starting...), this text is most likely taken from narrative writing.
Ans. A
Additional Explanations
In the above question, the expression/words that could show both narrative and descriptive writings.
Look the words/expressions: "foot, hill, tip, top, shouting, down, crawling up..."; these could create pictures in readers' mind (descriptive).
Look the red color words/expressions (looked, saw, knew, stood, started....); they show order of events.
Whenever you are given this type of confusing questions, make sure whether or not there is movement (in time/place/sequential actions).
When I looked, I saw, I knew, he stood, started.... these show order of events: narrative.
Whatsoever descriptions are given, if there are order of events/movement (in time/place/sequential actions), that writing is most likely narrative writing.
That means, the writer has used descriptive writing in narrative writing.
Ans. A
2.2. Explanations for G-12 Entrance Descriptive Writing Questions
Q. If a piece of writing begins with, "The people are marching to the square with their banners held high. They are also chanting songs, and the children are showing some acrobatics," it is very likely that the writing is: (G-12: Entrance: 1995)
A. exposition B. descriptive
C. argumentative D. narration
Explanation-4: Descriptive Writing
The above question is clearly about "descriptive writing"! Look the key words (red colored words next/below see under 'additional explanations); each of these words could create pictures in readers'.
Rules: One of the characteristics of "descriptive writing" is creating pictures in readers'.
Based on these, choice B is correct answer!
Ans. B
Note: If you want detail explanations, see the next 'additional explanations'!
Additional Explanations
The above and any other related questions to writing styles can be answered by applying 'reason-based elimination technique': understanding text and choosing correct answer based on concrete clues!
Look for some clues; for example "key words/phrases/ special expressions/ideas" that can help you to decide type of writing style you are asked.
This question is clearly about "descriptive writing"! Look the key words (red colored words next).
If a piece of writing begins with, "The people are marching to the square with their banners held high. They are also chanting songs, and the children are showing some acrobatics,"...
As I said above, each of these words (red) could create pictures in readers'; creating pictures in readers' is key features of descriptive writing!
Based on these, we can choose correct answer directly by looking for a choice that can go with these clues (key words and rules): choice B!
The expression 'marching' could create pictures of large number of people walking on street.
The expressions 'banners held high' create pictures of large number of people with slogan.
The expression 'chanting' could create pictures of large number of people walking and shouting on street.
The expressions 'showing acrobatics' also...
Brief Rules-2: Descriptive Writing
In previous explanations (under explanation-3), we have seen that the above question is about descriptive writing; see the next smart summary chart!
Note: If you like to see detail explanations with examples about descriptive writing, click this ☞ here!
Q. Which one of the following best illustrates descriptive writing? (2003/2011)
A. The girl standing by him is confronting the policeman.
B. The girl standing by him is beautiful and wore blue jeans.
C. The girl standing by him should have really won the contest.
D. The girl standing by him has a father who works in a fish shop.
Explanation-5: Descriptive Writing
This asks you to find out the sentence that could best illustrate descriptive writing. It is known that one of the key features of descriptive writing is that it creates pictures in readers' mind!
Take each sentence and check it; then, eliminate all the wrong choices.
- Look the above given 4 sentences; except the sentence on choice B, none of them could create pictures in readers' mind!
- Choices A and D are expository writing; choice C is argumentative writing.
Ans. B
Additional Explanations
Whenever you are asked this type of question (to choose descriptive writing), take each sentence and look for some key words/expressions that could create pictures in readers' mind. Or take each sentence and check it; then, eliminate the choices with the sentences that can't be descriptive writing.
Look choices A, C and D; they don't show descriptive writing.
The sentences on choices A and D express fact (expository writings).
If it is observable that someone is confronting/facing somebody angrily (see the sentence on choice A), it is a fact that anyone can see. This doesn't create pictures in readers' mind.
If someone has father who works in a fish shop(see the sentence on choice D), it is fact: it doesn't create pictures in readers' mind!
The sentence on choice C express debatable issue (argumentative writing).
The writer is expressing his/her opinion/belief; moreover, the words like should/must/have to... are mostly used in argumentative writing.
Look the sentence on choice B; look the expression 'beautiful and wore blue jeans' could create pictures in readers' mind although the word 'beautiful' is sometimes controversial. The sentence on choice B is the only option. Since beauty and color indicate characteristics of descriptive writing: they show physical descriptions.
Ans. B
Q. I was then thrown into the world of giants. That was a special world where everyone seemed to have been chosen for their height. This most likely begins a/an _______ text. (2000/2008)
A. descriptive B. narrative
C. expository D. argumentative
Explanation-6: Descriptive Writing
This question is confusing little bit. Because we can get, in this paragraph, the characteristics of ‘descriptive’ & ‘narrative’ writings.
Although the time expression ‘then’ is used, the rest part of the paragraph does not show order of events. It does not indicate what happened next.
The next sentence describes the size of people. It says, for example, ‘…. chosen for their height.’ This shows descriptive writing.
There is no movement of action/time, from one to another. If one movement of action (narration) is followed by ‘description’, it is descriptive.
Ans. A
2.3. Explanations for G-12 Entrance Argumentative Writing Questions
Q. If you take this one, there is a possibility for your to win a new microscope that the company has put on offer. You can also enjoy all benefits that state-of-the-art machines in the category could provide. This is taken from a piece of writing that is most likely: (G-12: Entrance: 2004/2012)
A. narrative B. descriptive
C. expository D. argumentative
Explanation-7: Argumentatiuve Writing
The above question can be answered in one step using the given context as a clue.
The context: The above given context talks about advising to take a given machine.
- Look the writer is advising (convincing) his/her readers to take a given machine; he/she mentioned the benefits of taking the machine.
- Look the red color expressions: winning a new microscope, enjoying all...
- Rules: One of the key features of argumentative writing is convincing readers.
- Based on these, 100% sure choices A, B and C should be eliminated.
Ans. D
Brief Rules-3: Argumentative Writing
In the above question, we have seen that it is about argumentative writing; to revise rules about argumentative writing, see the next smart summary chart
Note: If you like to see detail explanations with examples about argumentative writing, click this ☞ here!
Q. Which one of the following best illustrates an argumentative writing? (2000/2008)
A. Books come in all size and shape.
B. The price of books is going sky-high.
C. Books are the primary source of knowledge.
D. If you like to read books, you will never get bored.
Attention Please!
Let me say a few things about the above and any other related questions before giving explanations for the above question.
The above question is different from the previous questions; list of sentences (4 sentences) are given and asked to choose a sentence that could best illustrate/show an argumentative writing.
This (giving list of sentences...) is one of the ways in which questions about writing styles are asked.
These type of questions can also be answered by applying reason based elimination technique: understanding text and choosing correct answer!
- Whenever you are asked this type of question (giving list of sentences...), take each choice/sentence and check (evaluate) it. Then, eliminate all the choices/sentences that don't go with the given type of writing style (asked by the question)!
Explanation-8: Argumentative Writing
Now, let's see how to answer the above and any other related questions (about writing styles) by applying reason based elimination technique: taking each sentence (on each choice) and checking; then, eliminating.
In the above question, you are asked to choose a sentence that could best illustrate/show an argumentative writing.
"Argumentative writing" is debatable writing that could create ''NO/YES' responses in readers’ mind.
- Look the sentences on choices A and B; both are expository writings.
- They express facts: no one oppose both ideas.
- So, eliminate choices A and B.
- Again, look the sentences on choices C and D.
- Both are argumentative writings.
- Both ideas are debatable issues: these may not work for all.
"Books may be the primary source of knowledge." for some but they may not for some. The idea ''If you like to read books, you will never get bored.'' may not work always.
Ans. C/D
Additional Explanations
Take each sentence and check it; then, eliminate all the wrong choices.
- The sentence on choice A ("Books come in all size and shape.") is expository writing.
- Because it is fact; no one denies this: it doesn't create 'no response'!
- It is known that books can come in all size and shape (small, medium...).
- Eliminate choice A.
- The sentence on choice B ("The price of books is going sky-high.") is also expository writing.
- This is fact; again, no one denies this: it doesn't create 'no response'!
- Anyone can prove this by comparing the prices of books in different times.
- Eliminate choice B.
- The sentence on choice C is argumentative writing.
- This is debatable issue; it can create 'no response'!
- Books could be source of knowledge but can't be the primary source of knowledge.
- Because knowledge could be gained in many other ways such as orally/video/life...
Ans. C
Note: The sentence on choice D could also be argumentative writing. The idea "If you like to read books, you will never get bored." is debatable issue: it can create 'no response'! Because this may not work for all: it is common getting bored while reading books.
2.4. Explanations for G-12 Entrance Expository Writing Questions
Q. The internet has provided great benefits, but at the same time it has also created problems and inequalities. This most likely taken from __ __. (2003/2011)
A. descriptive B. narrative
C. argumentative D. expository
Explanation-9: Expository Writing
The above question is about expository writing; as clues, look the given context and also the red colored expressions.
- The context talks about advantages and disadvantages of internet: this is fact!
- Rules: Expressing fact is one of the key features of expository!
Ans. D
Additional Explanations
Some questions (questions about writing styles) could be answered in one step: simply by understanding the given context.
The context: The above given context talks about advantages and disadvantages of internet.
- This is universal fact; no one denies that internet has advantages and disadvantages.
- Look the red color expressions ''great benefits, but … created problems and inequalities'’ these expressions express two contradicting ideas.
- Rules: One of the key features of expository writing is expressing facts.
- Based on these, this text is most likely taken from expository writing.
Ans. D
Note: Sometimes, if a given paragraph expresses contradicting ideas, it is argumentative writing. But that principle does not work here. Although both ideas contradict, both are fact that no one can deny.
Tips: Argumentative vs Expository Writings
Sometimes, argumentative and expository writings may look overlapping. Because both argumentative and expository writings could be used to express contrasting ideas, cause and effect...
- In expository writing, the writer doesn't add his/her own ideas (after expressing 'contrasting ideas/cause and effect...). He/she writes the facts as they are.
- In argumentative writing, the writer adds his/her own ideas (aftet expressing 'contrasting ideas/cause and effect...). He/she adds what he/she wants to convince.
Look the next examples:
- ''The internet has provided great benefits, but at the same time it has also created problems and inequalities..."
- Here, the writer didn't add his/her own ideas. [expository writing]
- ''The internet has provided great benefits, but at the same time it has also created problems and inequalities..." So, internet should not be encouraged.
- Here, the writer added his/her own ideas (... not be encouraged). [argumentative writing]
Brief Rules-4: Expository Writing
Note: If you like to see detail explanations with examples about expository writing, click this ☞ here!
Q. "Walk along the road in front of the post office until you come to the football field. Behind the football field there is a street with a vegetable market. There is a café opposite the vegetable market. I'm living in the villa located just next to the market." This is. most likely taken from a piece of writing that is: (G-12: Entrance: 2005/2013)
A. Descriptive
B. Expository
C. Narrative
D. Argumentative
Explanation-21: Expository Writing
Using the given context as a clue, it is clear that the above question is about expository writing.
Look the given context talks about giving direction/procedure to show/tell how to get someone's house (I'm living in the villa...).
Rules: Giving direction/procedure is one of the key features of expository writing.
Ans. B
Tips: Expository writing vs narrative and descriptive writings
Dear students, you may be confused that the above writing with narrative and descriptive writings. Because there are order of events (walk... until come...) and descriptive expressions (the road in front of the post office, Behind the football...).
Whatsoever order of events/movements of actions are given or descriptive expressions are given if is giving direction/procedure, that writing is expository writing.
The given order of events/movements of actions don't make that writing is narrative writing.
The given descriptive expressions don't make that writing is descriptive writing.