World Literature First Semester Final Part 1
Part 1 – Grammar & PunctuationDirections: Read the question under each punctuation or grammar topic. On a separate sheet of paper, pick the answer choice that best answers the question.
- 1.
Which of the following sentences uses a period correctly?
- A.
A) Working on his homework all afternoon. a) Working on his homework all afternoon. Working on his homework all afternoon.
- B.
The dog would have to be put outside while the house was fumigated.
Correct Answer
B. The dog would have to be put outside while the house was fumigated.Explanation
The given sentence uses a period correctly because it is a complete sentence that expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("The dog") and a predicate ("would have to be put outside while the house was fumigated"). The period is used at the end to indicate the end of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following sentences uses a period correctly?
- A.
He finished all of his chores, even though they weren’t supposed to be done until tomorrow.
- B.
Because she was new in town and had not met any of her neighbors.
Correct Answer
A. He finished all of his chores, even though they weren’t supposed to be done until tomorrow.Explanation
The sentence "He finished all of his chores, even though they weren’t supposed to be done until tomorrow." uses a period correctly because it is a complete sentence that expresses a complete thought. The period is used to indicate the end of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The astronauts, who were en route from Florida to participate in some tests in the large vacuum chamber – missed their approach and crashed their T-39 into the roof of the Gemini final-assembly area.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Chamber. Missed
- C.
Chamber. They missed
- D.
Chamber, missed
Correct Answer
D. Chamber, missedExplanation
The correct answer is "chamber, missed." This answer maintains the parallel structure of the sentence by correctly placing the verb "missed" after the noun "chamber." The other options either disrupt the parallel structure or create a fragment by not including a subject for the verb "missed."Rate this question:
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- 4.
The small family endured a grim winter. Susceptible to the vagaries of the weather and lacking many of the basics that would have made their existence less primitive.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Winter. Subject
- C.
Winter, susceptible
- D.
Winter; susceptible
Correct Answer
C. Winter, susceptibleExplanation
The correct answer is "winter, susceptible". This is because the original sentence correctly uses a comma to separate the two ideas being presented - the fact that the family endured a grim winter, and the fact that they were susceptible to the vagaries of the weather. Using a semicolon or a period would create a sentence fragment and disrupt the flow of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon correctly?
- A.
Next weekend, I plan to go hiking; which is one of my favorite activities.
- B.
I like to spend time outdoors; I can't stand to stay inside.
Correct Answer
B. I like to spend time outdoors; I can't stand to stay inside.Explanation
The sentence "I like to spend time outdoors; I can't stand to stay inside" uses a semicolon correctly. A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. In this sentence, "I like to spend time outdoors" and "I can't stand to stay inside" are both complete thoughts that can stand alone as separate sentences, but they are related in the sense that they express the speaker's preference for being outdoors and their dislike for staying indoors. The semicolon helps to indicate this close relationship between the two clauses.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon correctly?
- A.
I had a great weekend; visiting with friends, playing golf, and eating at a nice restaurant.
- B.
It might rain next weekend, though; I might have to stay inside.
Correct Answer
B. It might rain next weekend, though; I might have to stay inside.Explanation
The correct answer is "It might rain next weekend, though; I might have to stay inside." This sentence uses a semicolon correctly to separate two independent clauses. The first clause states a possibility of rain next weekend, and the second clause expresses the consequence of having to stay inside. The semicolon helps to indicate a stronger connection between the two ideas compared to using a period or a comma.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The oily water of the bay was lapping against the quay’s pilings it reminded Roy of his boyhood in Marblehead.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Pilings, it
- C.
Pilings; it
- D.
DELETE the underlined portion
Correct Answer
C. Pilings; itExplanation
The correct answer is "pilings; it". This is because the semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related. In this case, "The oily water of the bay was lapping against the quay's pilings" and "it reminded Roy of his boyhood in Marblehead" are two separate thoughts that can stand alone as complete sentences. By using a semicolon, the sentence maintains its clarity and flow.Rate this question:
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- 8.
I didn’t mean to close the door behind us, my sleeve got caught on the knob.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Us; my
- C.
Us my
- D.
Us, therefore my
Correct Answer
B. Us; myExplanation
The correct answer is "us; my". This is because the semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses, indicating that the speaker didn't mean to close the door behind "us" and the reason for it was that their sleeve got caught on the knob.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following sentences uses a coordinating conjunction correctly?
- A.
I don’t want a Dell laptop, or a Mac laptop.
- B.
He used to work at Burger Palace, but now he works at Taco Land.
Correct Answer
B. He used to work at Burger Palace, but now he works at Taco Land.Explanation
The sentence "He used to work at Burger Palace, but now he works at Taco Land." uses the coordinating conjunction "but" correctly. The coordinating conjunction "but" is used to connect two independent clauses and shows a contrast or contradiction between the two ideas. In this sentence, it connects the idea of the person's past job at Burger Palace with their current job at Taco Land, highlighting the change in employment.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following sentences uses a coordinating conjunction correctly?
- A.
Tashonda sent in her applications, so she waited by the phone for a response.
- B.
Willie heard the weather report, and promptly boarded up his house.
Correct Answer
A. Tashonda sent in her applications, so she waited by the pHone for a response.Explanation
The sentence "Tashonda sent in her applications, so she waited by the phone for a response" uses the coordinating conjunction "so" correctly. The word "so" is used to show a cause-and-effect relationship between Tashonda sending in her applications and her waiting for a response.Rate this question:
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- 11.
We all understood the assignment but we didn’t like it.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Assignment,
- C.
Assignment, but
- D.
Assignment, but,
Correct Answer
C. Assignment, butExplanation
The sentence is stating that everyone understood the assignment, but they didn't like it. The phrase "but" is used to contrast the understanding of the assignment with the dislike for it. It shows that despite comprehending the task, the individuals still had a negative opinion about it.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Whenever the rest of us went to climb trees, Patrick stayed behind and played with the dog.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Behind, and
- C.
Behind; and
- D.
Behind, and,
Correct Answer
A. NO CHANGEExplanation
The given correct answer is "NO CHANGE" because the sentence is grammatically correct as it is. The use of a comma after "behind" would create a pause in the sentence, which is not necessary in this context. Additionally, using a semicolon after "behind" would create a separation between "Patrick stayed behind" and "and played with the dog," which disrupts the flow of the sentence. Therefore, "NO CHANGE" is the most appropriate option.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following sentences uses a conjunctive adverb correctly?
- A.
Susan was overwhelmed with work; however, she was able to complete her work before she left the office.
- B.
The reporter gave in-depth interviews; also, commenting on the severity of the disaster.
Correct Answer
A. Susan was overwhelmed with work; however, she was able to complete her work before she left the office.Explanation
The correct answer is "Susan was overwhelmed with work; however, she was able to complete her work before she left the office." This sentence uses the conjunctive adverb "however" correctly to connect two independent clauses and show a contrast between being overwhelmed with work and still being able to complete it.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following sentences uses a conjunctive adverb correctly?
- A.
I’m going to do well on the final exam; however, long the exam is.
- B.
Jose has spent years preparing for this event; nevertheless, he's the most nervous person here.
Correct Answer
B. Jose has spent years preparing for this event; nevertheless, he's the most nervous person here.Explanation
The sentence "Jose has spent years preparing for this event; nevertheless, he's the most nervous person here" uses the conjunctive adverb "nevertheless" correctly. The adverb "nevertheless" is used to show a contrast or contradiction between the two clauses in the sentence. In this case, it is used to contrast the fact that Jose has spent years preparing for the event with the fact that he is still the most nervous person in the room.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Two decades later, when the cotton gin had transformed agriculture in the South.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Later, as
- C.
Later, thus,
- D.
Later,
Correct Answer
D. Later,Explanation
The correct answer is "later" because it is the most concise and grammatically correct option. The phrase "two decades later" indicates a specific time frame, and using "later" alone effectively conveys this meaning without any unnecessary words or confusion.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Flying a PA-28 is no more difficult than flying a C-172; when some procedures are quite different.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
C-172, even though
- C.
C-172; although
- D.
C-172,
Correct Answer
B. C-172, even thoughExplanation
The correct answer is "C-172, even though." This option is the most appropriate because it introduces a contrast between flying a PA-28 and flying a C-172. It suggests that despite the statement that flying a PA-28 is no more difficult, there are still some differences in procedures when flying a C-172.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following sentences uses a colon correctly?
- A.
My friend Stacey loves to eat different kinds of foods: Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Thai.
- B.
Some of the places that the President Obama used to live in are: Hawaii, Indonesia, and Chicago.
Correct Answer
A. My friend Stacey loves to eat different kinds of foods: Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Thai.Explanation
The sentence "My friend Stacey loves to eat different kinds of foods: Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Thai" uses a colon correctly because it introduces a list of different kinds of foods that Stacey loves to eat. The colon is used to indicate that the list is about to follow.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following sentences uses a colon correctly?
- A.
Her recipe for gunpowder included: saltpeter, dry oatmeal, and ground-up charcoal briquets.
- B.
The Endangered Species Act contains a potential problem for private property owners: the government refuses to compensate them for the inconveniences imposed.
Correct Answer
B. The Endangered Species Act contains a potential problem for private property owners: the government refuses to compensate them for the inconveniences imposed.Explanation
The sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list or explanation. The colon is used to separate the main clause ("The Endangered Species Act contains a potential problem for private property owners") from the explanation that follows ("the government refuses to compensate them for the inconveniences imposed"). This punctuation mark helps to indicate that the explanation provides further detail or clarification about the potential problem mentioned in the main clause.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Some of the events included: writing, drama, dance, and oratory.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Included writing,
- C.
Included; writing,
- D.
Included, writing
Correct Answer
B. Included writing,Explanation
The sentence is listing different events that were included. The phrase "included writing" means that writing was one of the events included. The other options, "included writing," "included; writing," and "included, writing," do not accurately convey the intended meaning of including writing as one of the events.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Remember, that person across the table probably hates interviewing. Just as much as you do and would love to be able to hire you.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Interviewing: just
- C.
Interviewing; just
- D.
Interviewing just
Correct Answer
D. Interviewing justExplanation
The correct answer is "interviewing just." This is because the semicolon (;) is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. In this case, "Just as much as you do" and "would love to be able to hire you" are both independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. Therefore, the semicolon is the appropriate punctuation mark to use in this context.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which of the following sentences separates nonessential information correctly?
- A.
Students, who do not devote enough time to their studies, do not succeed in college.
- B.
Larry loves to play computer games, especially Xbox 360 games, because they allow him to relax on the weekend.
Correct Answer
B. Larry loves to play computer games, especially Xbox 360 games, because they allow him to relax on the weekend.Explanation
The correct answer is "Larry loves to play computer games, especially Xbox 360 games, because they allow him to relax on the weekend." This sentence correctly separates the nonessential information "especially Xbox 360 games" using commas. The information within the commas is not necessary for the main meaning of the sentence, but it provides additional detail about the types of computer games Larry enjoys playing.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which of the following sentences separates nonessential information correctly?
- A.
Women, who believe abortions should remain legal, recently held a rally in Washington, D.C.
- B.
My dad, who fought in World War II, used to tell me stories about his adventures.
Correct Answer
B. My dad, who fought in World War II, used to tell me stories about his adventures.Explanation
The correct answer is "My dad, who fought in World War II, used to tell me stories about his adventures." This sentence separates nonessential information correctly by using commas to set off the phrase "who fought in World War II." This phrase provides additional information about "my dad," but it is not necessary for the understanding of the main clause, which is "used to tell me stories about his adventures."Rate this question:
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- 23.
The rules, when established, govern how to proceed.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Rules, when established
- C.
Rules when established
- D.
Once-established rules
Correct Answer
A. NO CHANGEExplanation
The sentence is stating that the rules govern how to proceed. The phrase "when established" is used to clarify that the rules are effective once they are established. Therefore, the correct answer is "NO CHANGE" as it accurately conveys the intended meaning of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Our letter carrier Sam is always cheerful.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Carrier, Sam,
- C.
Carrier, Sam
- D.
Carrier Sam,
Correct Answer
B. Carrier, Sam,Explanation
The correct answer is "carrier, Sam". This is the correct punctuation format for addressing someone in a sentence. The comma is used to separate the title "carrier" from the name "Sam".Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following sentences separates an introductory clause correctly?
- A.
In preparation for the final exam, La’Mia studied comma splices and run-on sentences until she thought her brain was going to burst.
- B.
Nina put her notes away, she was convinced that she was going to pass this test.
Correct Answer
A. In preparation for the final exam, La’Mia studied comma splices and run-on sentences until she thought her brain was going to burst. -
- 26.
Which of the following sentences separates an introductory clause correctly?
- A.
If I am successful, in this class I will be able to graduate next year.
- B.
When Matt shaved his head, his mother worried that he was going to catch a cold.
Correct Answer
B. When Matt shaved his head, his mother worried that he was going to catch a cold.Explanation
The sentence "When Matt shaved his head, his mother worried that he was going to catch a cold" separates an introductory clause correctly. The introductory clause "When Matt shaved his head" is followed by a comma, indicating a pause before the main clause "his mother worried that he was going to catch a cold". This comma correctly separates the introductory clause from the main clause, helping to clarify the sentence structure.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Totally, lost the group of settlers wandered through the desert.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Totally lost, the group
- C.
Totally lost the group
- D.
Totally, the lost group
Correct Answer
B. Totally lost, the groupExplanation
The correct answer is "Totally lost, the group." This option correctly places the phrase "totally lost" before the subject "the group," indicating that the group was completely lost. The other options either change the meaning or incorrectly place the phrase "totally lost" within the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Normally cumulus clouds are seen during summer, when they develop into thunderstorms reaching beyond 50,000 feet in altitude.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Normally, cumulus, clouds
- C.
Normally, cumulus clouds
- D.
Normal, cumulus clouds
Correct Answer
C. Normally, cumulus cloudsExplanation
The correct answer is "Normally, cumulus clouds." This answer is correct because it provides a grammatically correct and coherent sentence. The other options either have unnecessary punctuation or incorrect capitalization, making them incorrect choices.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which of the following sentences has correct Subject/Verb Agreement?
- A.
One of my teachers are in the office.
- B.
No one in the crowd of 10,000 spectators watching the football game seems to understand why the player was penalized.
Correct Answer
B. No one in the crowd of 10,000 spectators watching the football game seems to understand why the player was penalized.Explanation
The correct answer is "No one in the crowd of 10,000 spectators watching the football game seems to understand why the player was penalized." This sentence has correct subject/verb agreement because "no one" is a singular subject, and the verb "seems" agrees with it.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which of the following sentences has correct Subject/Verb Agreement?
- A.
Neither Frank nor Elizabeth are here today.
- B.
There are no rattlesnakes in this canyon.
Correct Answer
B. There are no rattlesnakes in this canyon.Explanation
The correct answer is "There are no rattlesnakes in this canyon." This sentence has correct subject/verb agreement because the subject "there" is singular and the verb "are" agrees with it. Additionally, the plural noun "rattlesnakes" also agrees with the plural verb "are."Rate this question:
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- 31.
Owning DVDs of your favorite movies have become so common, few of us stop to remember the first time we saw a movie in a theater.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Has become
- C.
Were
- D.
Are
Correct Answer
B. Has becomeExplanation
The correct answer is "has become" because the sentence is discussing the current state of owning DVDs of favorite movies. The verb "has become" is in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues into the present. The other options "were" and "are" do not accurately convey the intended meaning of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Each of the boys in the group – all of whom are still in high school – have representative of the best of our students.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Were
- C.
Are
- D.
Is
Correct Answer
D. IsExplanation
The correct answer is "is" because the subject "each of the boys" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. The phrase "all of whom are still in high school" provides additional information about the boys, but does not change the subject-verb agreement. Therefore, the verb "is" correctly agrees with the singular subject.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Which of the following sentences uses the correct verb tense?
- A.
Judy had saved thirty dollars by the end of last month.
- B.
Last year, Charlie will save all of his change.
Correct Answer
A. Judy had saved thirty dollars by the end of last month.Explanation
The correct answer is "Judy had saved thirty dollars by the end of last month." This sentence uses the past perfect tense correctly to indicate an action that was completed before another past action or time. The verb "had saved" shows that the saving occurred before the end of last month.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Which of the following sentences uses the correct verb tense?
- A.
Once we had found our snowshoes, we were attacking the mountain trail.
- B.
Previously, the best solution they had is building up the body’s immune system response through inoculation.
Correct Answer
B. Previously, the best solution they had is building up the body’s immune system response through inoculation.Explanation
The correct answer is "Previously, the best solution they had is building up the body’s immune system response through inoculation." This sentence uses the correct verb tense by using "is" to indicate a present action.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Last year, Anthony has a hard time with biology.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Had
- C.
Will be having
- D.
Have
Correct Answer
B. HadExplanation
The correct answer is "had" because the sentence is referring to an event that occurred in the past. "Last year" indicates that the time frame being discussed is in the past, so the past tense "had" is the appropriate choice.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Before the film had even begun, I was mesmerized by the cartoons playing on the screen.
- A.
NO CHANGE
- B.
Even begun,
- C.
Had even began,
- D.
Was even beginning,
Correct Answer
A. NO CHANGEExplanation
The given sentence is in the past perfect tense, indicating an action that occurred before another past action. The phrase "Before the film had even begun" correctly sets the time frame for the speaker's mesmerization by the cartoons. Therefore, there is no need to change the sentence.Rate this question:
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