Structure And Written Expression
Time – 25 minutes
(includes reading the directions)
This section is designed to measure your ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English. There are two types of questions in this section, with special directions for each type.
STRUCTURE
Directions: Questions 1 – 15 are incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence you will see four words or phrases, marked (A), (B), (C), and (D). Choose the one word or phrase that best completes the sentence. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have Read morechosen. Fill in the space so that the letter inside the oval cannot be seen. Look at the following examples:
Example I
In 1869 the Wyoming territory had______to demands by feminists.
(A) yield (C) yielding
(B) yields (D) yielded
Sample Answer
A B C D
The sentence should read, “In 1869 the Wyoming territory had yielded to demands by feminists. ” because it is past perfect tense. Therefore, you should choose (D).
Example II
Sample Answer
We can also_____value with money.
(A) to store (C) storing
(B) store (D) stored
The sentence should read, “We can also store value with money. ” because it uses modal can (after modal should be followed by verb 1). Therefore, you should choose (B) store.
WRITTEN EXPRESSION
Directions: In questions 16 – 40, each sentence has four underlined words or phrases. The four underlined parts of the sentence are marked (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the one underlined word or phrase that must be
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The Burmese believe that albino elephants_____sacred.
- A.
Is
- B.
Are
- C.
Was
- D.
Were
Correct Answer
B. AreExplanation
The Burmese believe that albino elephants are sacred. This suggests that the belief is held by the Burmese people in general, and it is not limited to a specific time in the past. The use of "are" indicates that the belief is ongoing and still relevant in the present.Rate this question:
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- 2.
This was to____the illusion of a legitimate knock out.
- A.
Creation
- B.
Creative
- C.
Create
- D.
Creator
Correct Answer
C. CreateExplanation
This sentence is discussing an action that was done in order to give the appearance of a legitimate knock out. The word "create" fits perfectly in this context as it means to bring into existence or make something happen. Therefore, the action mentioned in the sentence was done to create the illusion of a legitimate knock out.Rate this question:
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- 3.
This term____from military line-ups for inspection.
- A.
Comes
- B.
Came
- C.
Coming
- D.
Come
Correct Answer
A. ComesExplanation
The word "comes" is the correct answer because it is the present tense form of the verb "come." In the given sentence, the term is being used in the present tense to describe an action that happens regularly or repeatedly. Therefore, "comes" is the appropriate verb form to use in this context.Rate this question:
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- 4.
They would alternate hands up the bat_____the end was reached and one of the players had the “upper hand”.
- A.
When
- B.
In order to
- C.
Until
- D.
Because
Correct Answer
C. UntilExplanation
The word "until" is the correct answer because it indicates that the players would alternate hands up the bat until the end was reached and one of the players had the "upper hand." It implies that the action of alternating hands would continue until a certain condition or outcome was achieved.Rate this question:
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- 5.
If you don’t secure the boat to the dock it will probably_____away.
- A.
Has floated
- B.
Had floated
- C.
Be floated
- D.
Float
Correct Answer
D. FloatExplanation
If you don't secure the boat to the dock, it will probably float away.Rate this question:
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- 6.
They always pound it____they bump into each other.
- A.
Because
- B.
So
- C.
If
- D.
When
Correct Answer
D. WhenExplanation
The correct answer is "when" because it indicates a specific time or condition in which the action of pounding occurs. In this case, the action of pounding happens when they bump into each other.Rate this question:
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- 7.
He was posted up all day____that corner.
- A.
Of
- B.
In
- C.
On
- D.
At
Correct Answer
C. OnExplanation
The correct answer is "on". In this context, "on" is used to indicate the location of someone or something in relation to a specific surface or area. Therefore, the sentence suggests that the person was positioned or stationed in that corner throughout the entire day.Rate this question:
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- 8.
By that time,_____that I had to pull a Nancy and get it over with.
- A.
When I was so tired
- B.
I was so tired
- C.
Because I was so tired
- D.
I was so tired so
Correct Answer
B. I was so tiredExplanation
The given correct answer is "I was so tired". This answer fits the sentence structure and context provided in the question. The phrase "By that time" suggests a specific point in time, and the phrase "that I had to pull a Nancy and get it over with" implies that the speaker had to take a certain action. The phrase "I was so tired" provides a logical reason for why the speaker felt the need to take that action.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The_____famous escape attempt involved Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, popularized in the motion picture Escape from Alcatraz.
- A.
Most
- B.
More
- C.
Very
- D.
So
Correct Answer
A. MostExplanation
The word "most" is the correct answer because it is used to compare three or more things. In this sentence, it is used to compare the escape attempt involving Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers to other escape attempts. It implies that this particular escape attempt is the most famous out of all the escape attempts from Alcatraz.Rate this question:
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- 10.
_______Robert Straud was transferred to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield.
- A.
Now
- B.
In 1959
- C.
Tomorrow
- D.
Next month
Correct Answer
B. In 1959Explanation
In 1959, Robert Straud was transferred to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield.Rate this question:
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- 11.
I just feel glad____I still get jobs where I don’t have to sell something.
- A.
Who
- B.
That
- C.
Whom
- D.
Whose
Correct Answer
B. ThatExplanation
The correct answer is "that" because it is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a subordinate clause and connect the main clause "I just feel glad" with the subordinate clause "I still get jobs where I don't have to sell something." "That" is commonly used to introduce clauses that provide essential information about the subject of the main clause. In this case, it is used to introduce the clause that explains the type of jobs the person is glad about.Rate this question:
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- 12.
I did a musical, Cry-Baby, back in 1989,_____I didn’t sing.
- A.
And
- B.
So
- C.
Or
- D.
But
Correct Answer
D. ButExplanation
The correct answer is "but". This conjunction is used to introduce a contrast or contradiction between two clauses. In this case, the first clause states that the person did a musical called Cry-Baby in 1989, and the second clause contradicts the first by saying that they didn't sing in it. The word "but" effectively connects these two contrasting ideas.Rate this question:
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- 13.
_____are used to tell somebody to do something.
- A.
Imperative
- B.
Imperatively
- C.
Imperatives
- D.
Imperativeness
Correct Answer
C. ImperativesExplanation
Imperatives are used to tell somebody to do something.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Based on the book by William Joyce entitled A Day With Wilbur Robinson, this movie is clean, fun, silly, refreshing_____so endearing.
- A.
And
- B.
Or
- C.
Than
- D.
But
Correct Answer
A. AndExplanation
The correct answer is "and" because it suggests that the movie is not only clean, fun, silly, and refreshing but also endearing. The word "and" is used to connect two similar or related ideas, indicating that the movie possesses all of these positive qualities.Rate this question:
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- 15.
After World War II, Knacke invented the ring slot parachute____.
- A.
Who is used for moderate subsonic speeds.
- B.
When is used for moderate subsonic speeds
- C.
Where is used for moderate subsonic speeds
- D.
Which is used for moderate subsonic speeds
Correct Answer
A. Who is used for moderate subsonic speeds.Explanation
The correct answer is "who is used for moderate subsonic speeds." This answer is correct because the word "who" refers to Knacke, the person who invented the ring slot parachute. The phrase "is used for moderate subsonic speeds" provides additional information about the purpose or function of the parachute. Therefore, the correct answer correctly identifies the subject (Knacke) and describes the purpose of the invention.Rate this question:
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- 16.
To entice companies, Skype has partnered with Avaya, a major seller of corporate phonesystems, to get his bundle of products to businesses that use Internet-based systems.
Correct Answer
hisExplanation
Skype has partnered with Avaya, a major seller of corporate phone systems, to get his bundle of products to businesses that use Internet-based systems. This suggests that the person being referred to as "his" is Skype.Rate this question:
- 17.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission appears poised to pass a set of rules that broadly create two classes of Internet access in the United States.
Correct Answer
createExplanation
The word "create" in this context refers to the action of establishing or forming. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is expected to pass a set of rules that will establish or form two classes of Internet access in the United States. This suggests that the commission is planning to implement regulations that will categorize Internet access into two distinct classes, possibly indicating different levels of service or access for different users or providers.Rate this question:
- 18.
Taking financial accounting require a lot of studying.
Correct Answer
requireExplanation
The word "require" is the correct answer because it is the present tense form of the verb that matches the subject "Taking financial accounting." In this sentence, "require" is used to show that studying is necessary or mandatory for taking financial accounting.Rate this question:
- 19.
In addition to being used as subjects, gerunds can also be used as objects which they follow certain verbs.
Correct Answer
whichExplanation
Gerunds can function as objects in a sentence, following certain verbs. The word "which" is used to introduce a relative clause that provides further information or clarification about the preceding statement. In this context, "which" is referring to the previous statement about gerunds being used as objects.Rate this question:
- 20.
Having finished high school with excellently grades, I was sent to continue my studies abroad.
Correct Answer
I wasExplanation
The given answer is "I was". This is the correct answer because it completes the sentence and provides the necessary information about the subject. The sentence is talking about the speaker's experience after finishing high school with excellent grades, and the answer "I was" indicates that the speaker was the one who was sent to continue their studies abroad.Rate this question:
- 21.
Russian sciences are studying the development of irritability and “cabin fever” among cosmonauts who are forced to live in the close quarters of a space ship for months.
Correct Answer
sciencesExplanation
The given answer "sciences" is correct because it refers to the field of study that is researching and investigating the development of irritability and "cabin fever" among cosmonauts living in close quarters on a space ship for extended periods of time. This research is likely being conducted by scientists and researchers in various scientific disciplines such as psychology, physiology, and human behavior, among others.Rate this question:
- 22.
A robot is programmed to understand human speech will be operating by voice command.
Correct Answer
operatingExplanation
The given sentence states that a robot, which is programmed to understand human speech, will be "operating" by voice command. The word "operating" implies that the robot will be functioning or carrying out tasks based on the instructions received through voice commands. This suggests that the robot will be performing actions or tasks as directed by the user's voice commands.Rate this question:
- 23.
The Engineers are working on a prototypes of EVA have an intense interest in retriever-type robots.
Correct Answer
prototypesExplanation
The sentence suggests that the engineers are currently working on multiple prototypes of EVA. The word "prototypes" indicates that these are early versions or models of the EVA, which are being developed and tested before the final product is created. The engineers' intense interest in retriever-type robots implies that these prototypes may have features or capabilities related to retrieving objects or performing tasks similar to a retriever robot.Rate this question:
- 24.
Listening intently to the professor’s lecture, the students took notes rapid.
Correct Answer
rapidExplanation
The word "rapid" is an adjective that describes the manner in which the students took notes. It implies that they were taking notes quickly or swiftly.Rate this question:
- 25.
Because of American industry is competing with high quality foreign imports, it must raise its standards of quality.
Correct Answer
BecauseExplanation
The given statement suggests that American industry is facing competition from high quality foreign imports. In order to remain competitive, American industry needs to improve its own standards of quality. This implies that raising the quality standards is a necessary response to the competition in order to maintain a strong position in the market.Rate this question:
- 26.
Before being driven away in a limousine, the president and his wife were greeted by a group of government offices.
Correct Answer
officesExplanation
The given sentence states that the president and his wife were greeted by a group of government offices before being driven away in a limousine. However, it is important to note that the word "offices" in this context does not make sense. It seems like there might be a typographical error or a missing word in the sentence. Without further information, it is difficult to provide an accurate explanation.Rate this question:
- 27.
Since leaving Washington, the president has traveled more 50,000 miles.
Correct Answer
moreExplanation
The word "more" is used in the sentence to indicate that the president has traveled a distance exceeding 50,000 miles since leaving Washington.Rate this question:
- 28.
Thousands of people current employed as computer programmers work with everyday issues and problems.
Correct Answer
currentExplanation
The word "current" is used in this sentence to indicate that the thousands of people mentioned are presently employed as computer programmers. It suggests that these individuals are currently working in the field and dealing with everyday issues and problems related to their job.Rate this question:
- 29.
A new computer being advertised are for household use.
Correct Answer
areExplanation
The word "are" is the correct answer because it agrees with the subject "A new computer" in number. Since "A new computer" is singular, the verb should also be singular. However, in this case, the verb "are" is plural, which makes it incorrect. The correct verb form should be "is" to match the singular subject.Rate this question:
- 30.
The purchase of Alaska, which was negotiated by Secretary of State Seward, became a good invest.
Correct Answer
investExplanation
The purchase of Alaska, negotiated by Secretary of State Seward, became a good investment because it resulted in significant resources and economic benefits for the United States. The acquisition of Alaska provided access to valuable natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals, which contributed to the country's economic growth. Additionally, Alaska's strategic location offered military advantages and increased trade opportunities. Therefore, the decision to purchase Alaska was a wise investment for the United States.Rate this question:
- 31.
The state, which was once connected to Russia by a land bridge, is now separated from its by only a few miles of water.
Correct Answer
itsExplanation
The sentence is discussing a state that was previously connected to Russia by a land bridge but is now separated by only a few miles of water. The word "its" is used to refer to the state, indicating that the state is separated from Russia by the water.Rate this question:
- 32.
A restrictive participial phrase is not set off with commas because it is necessary tocorrect identify the noun phrase it modifies.
Correct Answer
correctExplanation
A restrictive participial phrase is not set off with commas because it is necessary to correctly identify the noun phrase it modifies.Rate this question:
- 33.
Children under the age of sixteen may not be admit to movies rated X by the Film Censorship Board.
Correct Answer
admitExplanation
The word "admit" in this context means to allow or grant entry. The sentence states that children under the age of sixteen are not allowed to be granted entry to movies rated X by the Film Censorship Board. This suggests that the Board has imposed an age restriction on movies rated X, prohibiting children under sixteen from watching them.Rate this question:
- 34.
Many students which are studying at this university are from foreign countries.
Correct Answer
whichExplanation
The word "which" is used as a relative pronoun in this sentence to introduce a relative clause. The relative clause "which are studying at this university" provides additional information about the noun "students." It specifies that the students being referred to are the ones who are studying at this university.Rate this question:
- 35.
The Commercial airlines arrive at the same time as the president’s plane couldn’t land immediately.
Correct Answer
arriveExplanation
The sentence suggests that the commercial airlines and the president's plane arrived at the same time, but the president's plane couldn't land immediately. This implies that there might have been some delay or obstruction preventing the president's plane from landing immediately, while the commercial airlines were able to land.Rate this question:
- 36.
Everyone who will go on out field trip next weekend must signed up now.
Correct Answer
signedExplanation
The correct answer is "signed" because it is the past participle form of the verb "sign," which is used in the sentence to indicate that everyone who will go on the field trip must have completed the action of signing up.Rate this question:
- 37.
The number of scientists who are working in the field of artificial intelligence is relative small.
Correct Answer
relativeExplanation
The word "relative" is used in this context to indicate a comparison or relationship between the number of scientists working in the field of artificial intelligence and another group or population. It suggests that while there may be some scientists working in this field, the overall number is small in comparison to other fields or industries.Rate this question:
- 38.
He continued do other clownish acts such as walking up an imaginary ladder and walking on a tightrope.
Correct Answer
doExplanation
The word "do" in this context is used as an auxiliary verb to indicate the continuation of an action. In the sentence, it is used to convey that the clown continued to perform other clownish acts, such as walking up an imaginary ladder and walking on a tightrope. The word "do" helps to emphasize the ongoing nature of the clown's actions.Rate this question:
- 39.
College students, whose incomes are usual fixed, may have a hard time in an inflationary period.
Correct Answer
usualExplanation
College students typically have fixed incomes, meaning that the amount of money they receive on a regular basis does not fluctuate. In an inflationary period, the general price level of goods and services increases, making it more expensive to purchase the same items. Since college students' incomes are usually fixed, they may struggle to keep up with the rising prices and find it difficult to afford their usual expenses.Rate this question:
- 40.
Electricity Engineering 455, which is a review course, is offered during the summer session.
Correct Answer
Electricity
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