1.
Which is correct?
Correct Answer
B. His chatter had never bothered me before, but suddenly, it started to irritate me.
Explanation
The correct answer is "His chatter had never bothered me before, but suddenly, it started to irritate me." The word "aggravate" means to make a situation or problem worse, while the word "irritate" means to annoy or provoke. In the given sentence, the speaker is expressing a change in their feelings towards the chatter, indicating that it has started to annoy them. Therefore, "irritate" is a more appropriate word choice in this context.
2.
Which is correct?
Correct Answer
A. Can you make sure she's all right?
Explanation
The correct answer is "Can you make sure she's all right?" The word "all right" is the correct spelling in this context. "Alright" is often used in informal language, but it is considered less formal and is not universally accepted as correct. In this sentence, the speaker is asking someone to ensure the well-being of another person, and using "all right" is the appropriate choice.
3.
Which is correct?
Correct Answer
A. He alluded to her but never mentioned her name directly.
Explanation
Both "alluded to" and "referred to" imply indirect mention without explicitly stating something. However, "alluded to" suggests a more subtle and indirect reference, often using hints or suggestions, while "referred to" indicates a more direct and explicit mention. In this case, since the sentence mentions that the person never mentioned her name directly, it implies a more subtle reference, making "alluded to" the correct answer.
4.
Which is correct?
Correct Answer
B. The money was divided among the four players.
Explanation
The correct answer is "The money was divided among the four players." This is because when dividing something, "between" is used when it is divided into two parts, while "among" is used when it is divided into more than two parts. Since there are four players in this case, "among" is the appropriate preposition to use.
5.
Which is correct?
Correct Answer
A. My opinion is as good as, if not better than, his opinion.
Explanation
The correct answer is "My opinion is as good as, if not better than, his opinion." This answer is correct because it maintains the parallel structure of the sentence by using the phrase "if not better than" to compare the speaker's opinion to the other person's opinion. It also accurately reflects the meaning of the original sentence, emphasizing that the speaker's opinion is at least equal, if not superior, to the other person's opinion.
6.
Which would Strunk and White prefer?
Correct Answer
B. No agreement has yet been reached.
Explanation
Strunk and White would prefer the sentence "No agreement has yet been reached" because it follows the rule of placing the adverb "yet" before the main verb "been reached." This arrangement creates a stronger emphasis on the fact that no agreement has been reached. Additionally, this sentence maintains a more concise and clear structure compared to the alternative sentence.
7.
Which would Strunk and White prefer?
Correct Answer
A. He is regarded as the best dancer in the club.
Explanation
Strunk and White would prefer the sentence "He is regarded as the best dancer in the club" because it follows their rule of using the active voice and avoiding unnecessary words. The phrase "being the" in the second sentence is considered unnecessary and can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.
8.
Which would Strunk and White prefer?
Correct Answer
B. He couldn't help seeing that there was a problem.
Explanation
Strunk and White would prefer the second sentence: "He couldn't help seeing that there was a problem." This is because they advocate for the use of the gerund form (-ing) after the verb "help" instead of the infinitive form ("to see"). They argue that the gerund form is more concise and direct.
9.
Which is correct?
Correct Answer
B. I consider him competent.
Explanation
Both sentences convey the same meaning, but the second sentence is more concise and grammatically correct. In the second sentence, "as" is unnecessary and can be omitted. "I consider him competent" is a clear and straightforward statement that indicates the speaker's opinion of the person's competence.
10.
Which would Strunk and White prefer?
Correct Answer
A. These data are misleading.
Explanation
Strunk and White would prefer the phrase "These data are misleading" because they advocate for using the plural form of "data" instead of the singular form "datum." In their book "The Elements of Style," they emphasize the importance of using correct grammar and suggest using plural nouns when referring to data, as "data" is already a plural word. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with their preference for grammatical accuracy.
11.
Which is correct?
Correct Answer
B. The blue one is different from the red one.
Explanation
The correct answer is "The blue one is different from the red one." This is because when comparing two things, the preposition "from" is used to indicate the difference or contrast between them. In this case, the blue one is being compared to the red one, and the correct preposition to use is "from" to show that they are not the same.
12.
Which word means "impartial"?
Correct Answer
A. Disinterested
Explanation
The word "disinterested" means impartial or unbiased. It refers to someone who does not have a personal stake or bias in a particular situation or outcome. This person is able to make fair and objective judgments. On the other hand, "uninterested" means lacking interest or enthusiasm. It describes someone who has no interest or concern in a particular matter. Therefore, "disinterested" is the correct answer as it best aligns with the meaning of impartial.
13.
If the proposal brought about real change, which sentence is correct?
Correct Answer
A. The proposal effected real change.
Explanation
The correct answer is "The proposal affected real change." The word "affected" is the correct verb choice in this context because it means to produce a change or have an influence on something. On the other hand, "effected" means to bring about or cause something, which does not fit the sentence structure or meaning. Therefore, "affected" is the appropriate verb to describe the proposal's impact on real change.
14.
Assuming the economic downturn had a negative influence on enrollment, then which sentence is correct?
Correct Answer
A. The economic downturn affected enrollment.
Explanation
The verb "affect" is the correct choice in this sentence. "Affect" means to have an impact on something, which accurately describes the influence of the economic downturn on enrollment. On the other hand, "effect" is a noun meaning a result or consequence, and it does not fit grammatically or semantically in this sentence.
15.
Which word means "not interested in"?
Correct Answer
B. Uninterested
Explanation
Uninterested means "not interested in" or lacking interest or enthusiasm towards something. It refers to a lack of curiosity or concern about a particular subject or activity.