1.
The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness
of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence
is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of
phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the
original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If
you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence
than any of the alternatives, select choice A; if not, select
one of the other choices.
In making your selection, follow the requirements of
standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar,
choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation.
Your selection should result in the most effective
sentence—clear and precise, without awkwardness or
ambiguity.
EXAMPLE:
Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first book
and she was sixty-five years old then.
(A) and she was sixty-five years old then
(B) when she was sixty-five
(C) at age sixty-five years old
(D) upon the reaching of sixty-five years
(E) at the time when she was sixty-five
1. The library is older than it but still just as beautiful as the courthouse.
Correct Answer
D. Older than the courthouse but just as beautiful
Explanation
The correct answer is "older than the courthouse but just as beautiful" because it maintains parallel structure by using the same comparative structure for both parts of the comparison ("older than" and "just as beautiful as"). Additionally, it avoids the repetition of "it" by placing it before the second part of the comparison.
2.
Winslow Homer, one of America’s foremost artists, spent his last 27 years and painted on the scenic Maine coast.
Correct Answer
C. Spent his last 27 years painting
Explanation
Winslow Homer, one of America's foremost artists, dedicated the final 27 years of his life to painting on the scenic Maine coast.
3.
Researchers are experimenting with various techniques for preventing the accumulation in water of high levels of nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals.
Correct Answer
A. Nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals
Explanation
The correct answer is "nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals." This answer correctly identifies that nitrogen is the subject of the sentence and explains that it can kill plants and animals. The use of "which" indicates that nitrogen is the cause or reason for the killing of plants and animals.
4.
When the news spread how new goldfields were discovered in Nome, Alaska, thousands abandoned Dawson, the site of the previous gold rush.
Correct Answer
E. About new goldfields that had been discovered
Explanation
The given correct answer accurately conveys the meaning of the original sentence. It explains that the news spread about new goldfields that had been discovered in Nome, Alaska, which caused thousands of people to abandon Dawson, the previous gold rush site.
5.
When the Berlin Wall, long a symbol of the Cold War, began to be torn down in 1989, five million people went to Berlin to celebrate that.
Correct Answer
C. To celebrate
Explanation
The phrase "to celebrate" correctly completes the sentence by indicating the purpose or reason for the five million people going to Berlin. It shows that the people went to Berlin in order to participate in the celebration of the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.
6.
To complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and composing one original work.
Correct Answer
B. And one original composition
Explanation
The correct answer is "and one original composition." This answer accurately reflects the requirement stated in the question, which is that the student must compose one original work as part of completing the music program.
7.
Zookeepers have expanded one’s definition of care to include concern for the animal’s mental state as well as for its physical well-being.
Correct Answer
E. Have expanded their definition of care to include
Explanation
Zookeepers have broadened their understanding of care to encompass not only the physical health of the animals but also their mental well-being.
8.
The time and the place for such a large event is subject to approving from the mayor’s office.
Correct Answer
C. The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office.
Explanation
The correct answer is: The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office.
This answer correctly states that the time and place of the event are subject to approval from the mayor's office. It uses clear and concise language to convey this information.
9.
New Zealand’s Kaikoura Peninsula, a ruggedly beautiful spit of land, borders an undersea canyon that is home to the sperm whale and the giant squid.
Correct Answer
A. Borders an undersea canyon that is
Explanation
The sentence states that the Kaikoura Peninsula "borders an undersea canyon." The word "that" is used to provide additional information about the undersea canyon, indicating that it is home to the sperm whale and the giant squid. The correct answer is "borders an undersea canyon that is."
10.
In similarity with some other great works, the enduring horror tale Frankenstein was first published anonymously; its author, Mary Shelley, wrote the novel when she was not quite nineteen years old.
Correct Answer
E. Like
Explanation
The enduring horror tale Frankenstein was published anonymously, similar to some other great works. Mary Shelley, the author of the novel, wrote it when she was not quite nineteen years old.
11.
The book is useful because it offers not just philosophy and theory but also tells you what and how to live every day.
Correct Answer
C. But also advice for everyday living
Explanation
The book is considered useful because it provides advice for everyday living. It not only offers philosophy and theory but also gives practical guidance on how to live each day.
12.
The following sentences test your ability to recognize
grammar and usage errors. Each sentence contains either
a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more
than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined
and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the
one underlined part that must be changed to make the
sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice E.
In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard
written English.
Example:
The other delegates and him immediately accepted the resolution drafted by the neutral states. No error
12. The country found that its economy was growing more stronger, with an improved outlook and more opportunities for training and employment. No error
Correct Answer
B. More stronger
Explanation
The phrase "more stronger" is grammatically incorrect because "stronger" is already a comparative form of the adjective "strong." Therefore, the correct phrase should be "growing stronger."
13.
The iris, the colored part of the eye, contains delicate patterns that are unique to each person, offering a powerful means of identification. No error
Correct Answer
E. No error
Explanation
The sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors. It states that the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, contains delicate patterns that are unique to each person. This uniqueness of the iris patterns offers a powerful means of identification.
14.
The newly elected Prime Minister, to the dismay of opponents from other parties, have argued for the strict regulation of campaign financing. No error
Correct Answer
C. Have argued
Explanation
The given sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error. The subject "The newly elected Prime Minister" is singular, so the verb "have argued" should be in the singular form "has argued" to match the subject.
15.
Studies have suggested that eating nuts—almonds in particular—might help to lower blood cholesterol levels in humans and reducing the risk of heart disease by protecting the blood vessels. No error
Correct Answer
C. Reducing
Explanation
The sentence is discussing the potential health benefits of eating nuts, specifically almonds, in relation to lowering blood cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. The word "reducing" is used correctly in the sentence as it is the present participle form of the verb "reduce" and is used to show the ongoing action of reducing the risk of heart disease.
16.
In English literature James Boswell is the prime example of a biographer who, by ensuring the immortality of another author, has achieved immortality for himself. No error
Correct Answer
E. No error
Explanation
James Boswell is a prime example of a biographer in English literature. He achieved immortality for himself by ensuring the immortality of another author. The sentence suggests that Boswell's work as a biographer has made him well-known and respected, thus granting him a form of immortality. There is no error in the sentence.
17.
Because the garden was untended, the windows had no shutters, and the lawn overrun by weeds, people passing by the old house assumed that it was unoccupied. No error
Correct Answer
C. Overrun
Explanation
The word "overrun" is the correct answer because it is the only word that is used correctly in the sentence. The other words, "untended," "had no," and "passing by," are all used correctly and do not contain any errors. The sentence is describing the condition of the garden and the house, stating that the lawn is overrun by weeds.
18.
Until recently, most people entering politics feel that loss of privacy was a fair price to pay for the chance to participate in policy making. No error
Correct Answer
B. Feel
Explanation
The correct answer is "feel". The correct verb form to use in this sentence is "felt" instead of "feel". The sentence is referring to a past time when most people believed that the loss of privacy was a fair price to pay for participating in policy making. Therefore, the verb should be in the past tense.
19.
Only by tapping their last reserves of energy were the team members able to salvage what was beginning to look like a lost cause. No error
Correct Answer
E. No error
Explanation
The sentence is grammatically correct as it is. The phrase "Only by tapping their last reserves of energy" is correctly followed by the verb "were," indicating the past tense of the action. The phrase "to salvage" correctly follows the verb, indicating the purpose or result of tapping their last reserves of energy. The phrase "what was beginning" is correctly used to describe the situation or condition that was starting to happen. Overall, there is no error in the sentence.
20.
When Doris Lessing published The Golden Notebook in 1962, it instantly established herself as one of the most important literary voices of her generation. No error
Correct Answer
A. It
Explanation
The correct answer is "it." The word "it" is referring to The Golden Notebook, which is the subject of the sentence. The sentence is stating that when Doris Lessing published The Golden Notebook in 1962, it instantly established her as one of the most important literary voices of her generation.
21.
Not many authors have described the effects of environmental pollution as effective as Rachel Carson, whose work is still a model for nature writers. No error
Correct Answer
C. As effective as
Explanation
Rachel Carson's work is still considered a model for nature writers. The sentence is comparing the effectiveness of other authors in describing the effects of environmental pollution to Rachel Carson's work. The phrase "as effective as" is used to make this comparison.
22.
It was a Chinese American grower who finally succeeded with adapting the now familiar orange tree to the American climate. No error
Correct Answer
B. With adapting
Explanation
The phrase "with adapting" is incorrect because it should be "in adapting." The correct phrase should be "It was a Chinese American grower who finally succeeded in adapting the now familiar orange tree to the American climate."
23.
The survey indicated that workers in the United States hope that his or her wages will keep pace with the rising cost of living. No error
Correct Answer
B. His or her
Explanation
The use of "his or her" in the sentence is correct because it acknowledges that both male and female workers hope for their wages to keep pace with the rising cost of living. This inclusive language ensures that the statement applies to all workers, regardless of gender.
24.
In Angkor, Cambodia's ancient city, a clever designed reservoir, five miles long and one mile wide, supplied fish and helped farmers to produce three crops of rice annually. No error
Correct Answer
A. Clever
Explanation
The word "clever" is used correctly in this sentence. It is describing the design of the reservoir, suggesting that it was well thought out or ingenious. The sentence also correctly states that the reservoir supplied fish and helped farmers produce three crops of rice annually. There are no errors in the sentence.
25.
Last summer, when Mary's aunt and uncle flew from Turkey to visit their relative and tour and the United States, Mary invited Sandhya and I to her house to meet them. No error
Correct Answer
C. I
Explanation
The correct answer is "I". The pronoun "I" should be replaced with "me" in this sentence. The correct phrase should be "Mary invited Sandhya and me to her house." This is because "me" is the object of the verb "invited".
26.
Ongoing research by several scientists suggest that regular periods of meditation reduce blood pressure and are likely to contribute to other improvements in health. No error
Correct Answer
B. Suggest
Explanation
The given sentence is grammatically correct. It states that ongoing research by several scientists suggests that regular periods of meditation reduce blood pressure and are likely to contribute to other improvements in health. The verb "suggest" is used correctly to indicate that the ongoing research supports the idea that meditation has positive effects on health. The word "reduce" is also used correctly to show that meditation helps in lowering blood pressure. The phrase "likely to" is used appropriately to indicate that meditation is expected to contribute to other health improvements. There is no error in the sentence.
27.
Because the American Indian rodeo includes games and exhibitions developed as early as the seventeenth century, they predate by a few hundred year the form of rodeo now seen on television. No error
Correct Answer
B. They predate
Explanation
The phrase "they predate" is the correct answer. The sentence is discussing the games and exhibitions developed by the American Indians in the seventeenth century, stating that they existed before the form of rodeo seen on television. "They predate" means that these games and exhibitions came before the modern form of rodeo, supporting the information provided in the sentence.
28.
Five years in the writing, her new book is both a response to her critics' mistrust with her earlier findings and an elaboration of her original thesis. No error
Correct Answer
C. With
Explanation
The correct answer is "with". In the sentence, "with" is used to indicate the reason for the critics' mistrust. The phrase "her critics' mistrust with her earlier findings" means that the critics mistrusted her earlier findings and this is the reason for their mistrust.
29.
Despite its cultural importance, the Daily Gazette lost 70 percent of its subscribers since 1920 and, by 1955, was losing as much as $200,000 a year. No error
Correct Answer
B. Lost
Explanation
The correct answer is "lost". The sentence is in the past tense, so the verb should also be in the past tense. "Lost" is the correct past tense form of the verb "lose" to match the time frame of the sentence.