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". This choice effectively conveys the intended meaning by comparing the age of the library to the courthouse and stating that they are both equally beautiful. The other choices either change the meaning or introduce awkward phrasing.
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
This answer correctly uses the past tense verb "spent" to indicate that Winslow Homer used up his last 27 years. The word "painting" is used as a gerund, which functions as a noun in this sentence and describes the activity that Winslow Homer engaged in during those 27 years.
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 being discussed and explains that it can have harmful effects on plants and animals. The phrase "which can kill plants and animals" provides additional information about the potential consequences of high levels of nitrogen in water.
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 correct answer is "about new goldfields that had been discovered." This answer accurately conveys the information in the original sentence, stating that people heard news about the discovery of new goldfields in Nome, Alaska. The phrase "that had been discovered" emphasizes that the goldfields were already found before the news spread.
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" is the correct answer because it accurately completes the sentence and maintains the intended meaning. It shows that five million people went to Berlin for the purpose of celebrating the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
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 is because the sentence states that to complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and compose one original work. "Composition" is another word for a musical work, so "one original composition" is the correct phrase to use in this context.
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 dependent on the approval from the mayor's office.
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 correct answer is "borders an undersea canyon that is". This phrase indicates that the Kaikoura Peninsula is located next to an undersea canyon.
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 correct answer is "Like". This word is used to compare the situation of Frankenstein's publication with other great works. It suggests that just as those works were published anonymously, Frankenstein was also initially published without revealing the author's name.
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 useful because it not only provides philosophy and theory, but also offers practical advice for everyday living.
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 "more" and "stronger" are both comparative forms of the adjective "strong." Therefore, using both together is redundant. The correct phrase should be "stronger" without the word "more."
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 given sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.
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 correct answer is "have argued". The subject of the sentence is "The newly elected Prime Minister", which is singular. Therefore, the correct verb form should be "has argued" instead of "have argued".
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 grammatically correct and does not contain any errors. The word "reducing" is used correctly as a present participle 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 is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.
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 in the sentence that is not grammatically incorrect or inconsistent with the context. The sentence describes the condition of the garden and the assumptions made by people passing by the old house. The word "overrun" accurately conveys the idea that the lawn is filled with weeds, supporting the overall description of neglect and abandonment.
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 verb "feel" should be in the past tense, "felt", to match the past tense of "entering" in the sentence.
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 given sentence is grammatically correct. It uses the correct verb tense "were" after the phrase "Only by tapping". The phrase "to salvage" is also correctly used to show the purpose or result of tapping their last reserves of energy. The phrase "what was beginning" is also grammatically correct and makes sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, 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 pronoun "it" refers to the novel "The Golden Notebook" published by Doris Lessing. The sentence is stating that the novel instantly established itself as one of the most important literary voices of her generation. The use of "it" correctly refers back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the novel had a significant impact and recognition upon its publication.
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
This sentence is comparing the effectiveness of the authors in describing the effects of environmental pollution. The correct answer is "as effective as" because it properly compares the level of effectiveness between Rachel Carson and other authors.
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 correct answer is "with adapting". The sentence is discussing a Chinese American grower who succeeded in adapting the orange tree to the American climate. The phrase "with adapting" correctly shows the means or method by which the grower achieved this success.
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 given sentence is grammatically correct. The pronoun "his or her" is used correctly to refer to the workers in a gender-neutral way. The verb "hope" is also used correctly to convey the workers' desire or expectation. The phrase "keep pace with" is used correctly to indicate that the workers want their wages to increase at the same rate as the rising cost of living. Therefore, there is no error in the sentence.
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 describes 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 this 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". In this sentence, "I" should be replaced with "me" as it is the object of the verb "invited". The correct sentence would be "Mary invited Sandhya and me to her house to meet them."
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 word "suggest" is used correctly as a verb to indicate the action of the ongoing research. The word "reduce" is used correctly as a verb to show the effect of regular meditation on blood pressure. The phrase "likely to" is used correctly to express the probability of meditation contributing to other health improvements. Therefore, there is no error in the given 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 word "they predate" is the correct answer because it correctly identifies the error in the sentence. The word "predate" should be followed by "by" in order to indicate that something happened earlier than another event or time period. Therefore, the correct phrase should be "they predate by a few hundred years."
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 this sentence, "with" is used to indicate the cause or reason for the critics' mistrust. It shows that the book is a response to the critics' 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 word "lost" is the correct answer because it is the correct past tense form of the verb "lose" in the sentence. It is used to show that the Daily Gazette had a decrease in subscribers since 1920.