Writing B2 - Skills Practice: Written Expression

1. When ______________ chest pain, some doctors recommend that they take one full 325- milligram aspirin.

Patients feel

Feel impatient

Do patients feel

As patients feel

This sentence has the question-word connector When and the main clause some doctors recommend... This sentence needs a subject and verb following the connector when to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb patients feel. Answer B is missing a subject, answer C contains an extra helping verb, and answer D contains an extra connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has the question-word connector When and the main clause some doctors recommend... This sentence needs a subject and verb following the connector when to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb patients feel. Answer B is missing a subject, answer C contains an extra helping verb, and answer D contains an extra connector, so these answers are incorrect.

2. There __________ called Epstein-Barr which leaves people feeling chronically fatigued and feeling as if they have a recurring case of the flu.

A viral

In a disease

A virus is

Is a virus

This sentence begins with the place expression There. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb is a virus. Answer A contains an adjective, answer B contains a prepositional phrase, and answer C contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the place expression There. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb is a virus. Answer A contains an adjective, answer B contains a prepositional phrase, and answer C contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

3. While ____________ those who are not working members of the press, press pins provide access to a press box for media members.

Kept out

Keeping out

The keeper

Was kept out

This sentence has a complete main clause press pins provide… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause while… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb keeping out. Answer A contains a reduced passive verb, answer C contains a noun, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause press pins provide… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause while… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb keeping out. Answer A contains a reduced passive verb, answer C contains a noun, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

4. Skin color is determined by a chemical called melanin, _____________ in greater or lesser amounts.

Which human skin contains

Human skin contains

In human skin contains

There is in human skin

This sentence has a main clause Skin color is determined… and an incomplete adjective clause in greater or lesser amounts. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector which, the subject human skin, and the verb contains. Answer B, C, and D are each missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause Skin color is determined… and an incomplete adjective clause in greater or lesser amounts. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector which, the subject human skin, and the verb contains. Answer B, C, and D are each missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

5. For every disease-carrying toxin, there is an antitoxin which _________ out the effect of the toxin.

Cancels

The cancellation

To cancel

Cancelling

This sentence has a main clause there is an antitoxin… and an incomplete adjective clause which… The adjective clause needs a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb cancels. Answer B contains a noun, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause there is an antitoxin… and an incomplete adjective clause which… The adjective clause needs a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb cancels. Answer B contains a noun, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

6. There ________ launched in 1958 that fell back to Earth and burned up in the atmosphere.

A lunar probe was

Was a lunar probe

A lunar probe

With a lunar probe

This sentence begins with the place expression There. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb was a lunar probe. Answer A contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, answer C is missing a verb, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the place expression There. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb was a lunar probe. Answer A contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, answer C is missing a verb, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

7. On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France, __________ in New York Harbor by President Cleveland.

To dedicate

It dedicated

Was dedicated

Was dedicating

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause a gift… and an incomplete main clause the Statue of Liberty… This incomplete main clause needs a passive verb to be complete because of the expression by President Cleveland. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the passive verb was dedicated. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an extra subject and an active verb, and answer D contains an active verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause a gift… and an incomplete main clause the Statue of Liberty… This incomplete main clause needs a passive verb to be complete because of the expression by President Cleveland. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the passive verb was dedicated. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an extra subject and an active verb, and answer D contains an active verb, so these answers are incorrect.

8. Most adults, including 78 percent of men and 61 percent of women, __________ that gender roles in marriage today are more equal than traditional.

Say

The say

Saying

To say

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause including… and an incomplete main clause Most adults… This incomplete main clause needs a unreduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb say. Answer B contains an extra subject, answer C contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause including… and an incomplete main clause Most adults… This incomplete main clause needs a unreduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb say. Answer B contains an extra subject, answer C contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

9. Although seismologists know __________, they are unable to predict with accuracy when or where a tremor might occur.

What causes earthquakes

What earthquakes

Causes earthquakes

That the quaking of the Earth

This sentence contains a main clause they are unable… and an incomplete adverb clause Although seismologists know..., which needs an object to be complete. A noun clause can be used as the object of know, and a noun clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb causes. Answers B and D are each missing a verb, and answer C is missing a connector and a subject, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence contains a main clause they are unable… and an incomplete adverb clause Although seismologists know..., which needs an object to be complete. A noun clause can be used as the object of know, and a noun clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb causes. Answers B and D are each missing a verb, and answer C is missing a connector and a subject, so these answers are incorrect.

10. Galileo's observations of the phases of Venus proved __________ formed the center of the planetary system.

That the Sun

The Sun is

It is the Sun

What is the Sun

This sentence has a main clause Galileo’s observations… proved… and an incomplete noun clause …formed the center… The noun clause needs a connector and a subject to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector that and the subject Sun. Answer B and C are each missing a noun clause connector, and answer D has an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause Galileo’s observations… proved… and an incomplete noun clause …formed the center… The noun clause needs a connector and a subject to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector that and the subject Sun. Answer B and C are each missing a noun clause connector, and answer D has an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

11. While ______________, Chu developed a way of trapping thousands of gas atoms using lasers.

To work at Bell Laboratories

Working at Bell Laboratories

Worked at Bell Laboratories

Was working at Bell Laboratories

This sentence has a complete main clause Chu developed… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause While… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the reduced active verb working. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a reduced passive verb, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause Chu developed… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause While… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the reduced active verb working. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a reduced passive verb, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

12. Edmund Halley, who had discovered Halley's comet in 1682, __________ before he could again see the comet whose return he had accurately predicted.

Died

Dying

On his death

To die

This sentence has an incomplete main clause Edmund Halley… and two adjective clauses who has discovered Halley’s comet… and whose return he had accurately predicted. The main clause needs a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb died. Answer B contains an incomplete verb, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answers D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has an incomplete main clause Edmund Halley… and two adjective clauses who has discovered Halley’s comet… and whose return he had accurately predicted. The main clause needs a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb died. Answer B contains an incomplete verb, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answers D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

13. _____________ famous civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. was named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

A

Which was

He was a

Was a

This sentence has a complete main clause Martin Luther King, Jr. was named… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …famous… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs to be a complete phrase. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the article A, which completes the phrase. Answer B contains a connector/subject that cannot be uses at the beginning of a sentence and an extra verb, answer C contains an extra subject and a verb, and answers D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause Martin Luther King, Jr. was named… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …famous… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs to be a complete phrase. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the article A, which completes the phrase. Answer B contains a connector/subject that cannot be uses at the beginning of a sentence and an extra verb, answer C contains an extra subject and a verb, and answers D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

14. Should _________ help keeping their weight, blood pressure, pulse, and cholesterol down, swimming is an excellent activity.

Adults need

Needy adults

To need

Needs adults

This sentence has a main clause swimming is... and an incomplete inverted conditional should… This sentence needs a subject and main verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains a subject and main verb adults need. Answer B is missing a verb, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer C contains an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause swimming is... and an incomplete inverted conditional should… This sentence needs a subject and main verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains a subject and main verb adults need. Answer B is missing a verb, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer C contains an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

15. While making the embarrassing mistake of wearing a scarlet garment instead of somber black, ___________, the atomic chemist and Quaker, discovered that he was color-blind.

In John Dalton’s laboratory

John Dalton was

John Dalton

John Dalton and

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause While making…, an incomplete main clause …discovered…, and a complete reduced adjective clause the atomic chemist and Quaker. This incomplete main clause needs a subject to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject John Dalton. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an extra verb, and answer D contains an extra connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause While making…, an incomplete main clause …discovered…, and a complete reduced adjective clause the atomic chemist and Quaker. This incomplete main clause needs a subject to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject John Dalton. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an extra verb, and answer D contains an extra connector, so these answers are incorrect.

16. _________________ New York and New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge opened to traffic in 1931.

Connecting

Which was connected

Connects

It connects

This sentence has a complete main clause the George Washington Bridge opened… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …New York and New Jersey. This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb connecting. Answer B contains a connector/subject that cannot be used at the beginning of a sentence and an unreduced verb, answer C contains an unreduced verb, and answer D contains an extra subject and an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause the George Washington Bridge opened… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …New York and New Jersey. This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb connecting. Answer B contains a connector/subject that cannot be used at the beginning of a sentence and an unreduced verb, answer C contains an unreduced verb, and answer D contains an extra subject and an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

17. Bees perform a complex dance ____________ other bees about the location of a good source of nectar.

Tells

Tell

It tells

That tells

This sentence has a complete main clause Bees perform… and an incomplete adjective clause …other bees. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject that and the verb tells. Answers A and B are each missing a connector or subject, and answer C is missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause Bees perform… and an incomplete adjective clause …other bees. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject that and the verb tells. Answers A and B are each missing a connector or subject, and answer C is missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

18. While repositioning, cruise ships ___________ passengers for what is called a line voyage.

The embarkation of

Embark

Embarking

They embark

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause while repositioning and an incomplete main clause cruise ships… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb embark. Answer A contains a noun, answer C contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause while repositioning and an incomplete main clause cruise ships… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb embark. Answer A contains a noun, answer C contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

19. ___________ floats or sinks is determined by its density rather than its weight.

Whether an object

Object if it

Because an object

An object

This sentence has an incomplete noun clause …floats or sinks as the subject of the verb is determined. The noun clause needs a connector and a subject to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector whether and the subject object. Answer B contains an extra subject, answer C contains an adverb clause connector instead of a noun clause connector, and answer D is missing a noun clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has an incomplete noun clause …floats or sinks as the subject of the verb is determined. The noun clause needs a connector and a subject to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector whether and the subject object. Answer B contains an extra subject, answer C contains an adverb clause connector instead of a noun clause connector, and answer D is missing a noun clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

20. The anteater has a long sticky tongue, ___________ capture ants and termites from their nests.

Which the use

Uses it to

It is used

Which it uses to

This sentence has a main clause The anteater has a long sticky tongue… and an incomplete adjective clause …capture ants and termites… The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the connector which, the subject it, and the verb uses. Answer A is missing a verb, and answers C and D are each missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause The anteater has a long sticky tongue… and an incomplete adjective clause …capture ants and termites… The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the connector which, the subject it, and the verb uses. Answer A is missing a verb, and answers C and D are each missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

21. Scientists now know that the lack of an embryonic thumb in birds is why ____________ almost impossible for birds and dinosaurs to be related.

Is

It is

Is it

It

This sentence has a main clause Scientist now know… and the question-word connector why. This sentence needs a subject and a verb following the connector why to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb it is. Answer A is missing a subject, answer C contains an inverted subject and verb, and answer D is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause Scientist now know… and the question-word connector why. This sentence needs a subject and a verb following the connector why to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb it is. Answer A is missing a subject, answer C contains an inverted subject and verb, and answer D is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

22. After ______ seven years to journey to Saturn, the spacecraft Cassini will spend four years exploring Saturn, its rings, and its icy moons.

Takes

Taken

Was taken

Taking

This sentence has a complete main clause the spacecraft Cassini will spend… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause after… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb taking. Answers A and C each contain an unreduced verb, and answer B contains a reduced passive verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause the spacecraft Cassini will spend… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause after… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb taking. Answers A and C each contain an unreduced verb, and answer B contains a reduced passive verb, so these answers are incorrect.

23. Although _____________ their jobs, a majority of workers expect to move on to other jobs within five years of starting their current jobs.

To enjoy

Enjoy

The enjoyment

Enjoying

This sentence has a complete main clause a majority of workers expect… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause Although… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb enjoying. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an unreduced verb, and answer C contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause a majority of workers expect… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause Although… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb enjoying. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an unreduced verb, and answer C contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

24. Although applied for in October of 1793, Eli Whitney's patent for his cotton gin ________ until March of the following year.

Granting

It was not granted

To grant

Was not granted

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause Although applied… and an incomplete main clause Eli Whitney’s patent… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb was not granted. Answer A contains a reduced verb, answer B contains an extra subject, and answer C contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause Although applied… and an incomplete main clause Eli Whitney’s patent… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb was not granted. Answer A contains a reduced verb, answer B contains an extra subject, and answer C contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

25. In the sand of the northern California coast ____________ San Agustin, which is said to be loaded with gold.

The galleon is lying

Lies the galleon

The galleon

The galleon which lies

This sentence begins with the place expression In the sand of the northern California coast. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb lies the galleon. Answer A contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, answer C is missing a verb, and answer D contains an extra connector/subject and a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the place expression In the sand of the northern California coast. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb lies the galleon. Answer A contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, answer C is missing a verb, and answer D contains an extra connector/subject and a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

26. If introduced into avocado groves, the seed and stem weevils, seed moth, and fruit fly __________ the avocado industry in California.

The ending

May end

To end

They will end

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause If introduced… and an incomplete main clause the seed and stem weevils, seed moth, and fruit fly… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb may end. Answer A contains a noun, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause If introduced… and an incomplete main clause the seed and stem weevils, seed moth, and fruit fly… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb may end. Answer A contains a noun, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

27. Bank employees collect worn-out dollar bills, _____________ to a central office to be destroyed in a furnace.

Who send them

Which are sent

Who are sent

Are sent

This sentence has a main clause Bank employees collect… and an incomplete adjective clause …to a central office… The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject which and the verb are sent. Answer A and C each contain a personal connector/ subject, which does not agree with the nonpersonal noun dollar bills, and answer D is missing a connector/subject, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause Bank employees collect… and an incomplete adjective clause …to a central office… The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject which and the verb are sent. Answer A and C each contain a personal connector/ subject, which does not agree with the nonpersonal noun dollar bills, and answer D is missing a connector/subject, so these answers are incorrect.

28. The surgeon operating without delay on an inflamed appendix _______ a far more serious complication, which is the rupture of a germ-laden appendix.

Which prevents

Preventing

Prevents

Prevention

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause operating… and an incomplete main clause The surgeon… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb prevents. Answer A contains an extra connector/subject, answer B contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause operating… and an incomplete main clause The surgeon… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb prevents. Answer A contains an extra connector/subject, answer B contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

29. The first mention of the cultivation of tea ___________ in a Chinese dictionary which dates about the year 350.

Finding

To be found

It is found

Can be found

This sentence has an incomplete main clause The first mention… and an adjective clause …which dates… The main clause needs a verb for the sentence to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the verb can be found. Answer A has an incomplete verb, answer B has an infinitive, and answer C has an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has an incomplete main clause The first mention… and an adjective clause …which dates… The main clause needs a verb for the sentence to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the verb can be found. Answer A has an incomplete verb, answer B has an infinitive, and answer C has an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

30. Though racing toward the Milky Way galaxy at 300000 miles an hour, the Andromeda galaxy _________ with the Milky Way for about five billon years.

Colliding

Will not collide

To collide

The collision

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause Though racing… and an incomplete main clause the Andromeda galaxy… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb will not collide. Answer A contains a reduced verb, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause Though racing… and an incomplete main clause the Andromeda galaxy… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb will not collide. Answer A contains a reduced verb, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

31. Unless _____________ as injury-free as possible, older athletes can have their activity and quality of life affected.

The remnants of

To remain

Remaining

Remain

This sentence has a complete main clause older athletes can have… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause unless… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb remaining. Answer A contains a noun, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause older athletes can have… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause unless… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb remaining. Answer A contains a noun, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

32. Lifestyle is more important __________ in a person's lifespan.

As genetics are

With genes

Genetically

Than are genetics

This sentence has a complete main clause Lifestyle is... and an incomplete comparative expression more important… A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer D is the best answer because it contains part of a comparison than and the inverted subject and verb are genetics. Answer A contains an extra connector and the subject and verb are not inverted, answer B contains a prepositional phrase, and answer C contains an extra adverb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause Lifestyle is... and an incomplete comparative expression more important… A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer D is the best answer because it contains part of a comparison than and the inverted subject and verb are genetics. Answer A contains an extra connector and the subject and verb are not inverted, answer B contains a prepositional phrase, and answer C contains an extra adverb, so these answers are incorrect.

33. There has been a string of recent technology advances aimed t building new engines which are more clean and efficient than _____________.

To engineer

Are current engines

In engines currently

Current

This sentence has a main clause There has been a string... and a comparative expression more… than… A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer B is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb are current engines. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answer D contains an adjective, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause There has been a string... and a comparative expression more… than… A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer B is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb are current engines. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answer D contains an adjective, so these answers are incorrect.

34. ____________________ in the atmosphere is the temperature falling below freezing.

Frost is produced

Frost produces

What produces frost

What is frost

This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. A noun clause subject needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb produces. Answers A and B are each missing a noun clause connector, and answer D has inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. A noun clause subject needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb produces. Answers A and B are each missing a noun clause connector, and answer D has inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

35. According to a recent survey, were _________ of telecommuters to lose their jobs, they would look for other telecommuting positions.

To major

If a majority

A majority

In the major

This sentence has a main clause they would look... and an incomplete inverted conditional were… This sentence needs a subject to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject a majority. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an extra connector, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause they would look... and an incomplete inverted conditional were… This sentence needs a subject to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject a majority. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an extra connector, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

36. The blue-ringed octopus, _____________ found in tropical lagoons, is so venomous that it can paralyze or kill a person in matter of minutes.

Is

Who is

That

Which is

This sentence has a complete main clause The blue-ringed octopus…is… and an incomplete adjective clause …found in… The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a helping verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject which and the helping verb is. Answers A is missing a connector and a subject, answer B contains a personal connector/subject, which does not agree with the nonpersonal noun octopus, and answer C is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause The blue-ringed octopus…is… and an incomplete adjective clause …found in… The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a helping verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject which and the helping verb is. Answers A is missing a connector and a subject, answer B contains a personal connector/subject, which does not agree with the nonpersonal noun octopus, and answer C is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

37. Environmentalists are earnestly trying to determine _____________ of the ozone layer over the poles.

Is causing the deterioration

What the cause of the deterioration

What is causing the deterioration

The deterioration is causing

This sentence has an incomplete main clause Environmentalists are earnestly trying to determine… The main clause needs a noun or a noun clause for the verb to determine to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains a noun clause with a connector/subject what and a verb is causing. Answer A is missing a connector or subject, answer B is missing a verb, and answer D is missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has an incomplete main clause Environmentalists are earnestly trying to determine… The main clause needs a noun or a noun clause for the verb to determine to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains a noun clause with a connector/subject what and a verb is causing. Answer A is missing a connector or subject, answer B is missing a verb, and answer D is missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

38. Only in the Civil War ___________ killed or wounded.

Soldiers in America

Were so many American soldiers

Many in America

So many American soldiers were

This sentence begins with the negative expression Only. This sentence needs an inverted subject and passive helping verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and passive helping verb were so many American soldiers. Answers A and C are each missing a verb, and answer D contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the negative expression Only. This sentence needs an inverted subject and passive helping verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and passive helping verb were so many American soldiers. Answers A and C are each missing a verb, and answer D contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

39. Historical records ________________ were used in China for centuries before spreading to Europe.

Suggesting that fireworks

Fireworks

That fireworks

Suggest that fireworks

This sentence has an incomplete main clause Historical records… and an incomplete noun clause …were used… The main clause needs a verb, and the noun clause needs and a connector for the sentence to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the main clause verb suggest, the connector that, and the noun clause subject fireworks. Answer A has an incomplete verb, answer B is missing a connector, and answer C is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has an incomplete main clause Historical records… and an incomplete noun clause …were used… The main clause needs a verb, and the noun clause needs and a connector for the sentence to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the main clause verb suggest, the connector that, and the noun clause subject fireworks. Answer A has an incomplete verb, answer B is missing a connector, and answer C is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

40. _____________Lake Erie and the Hudson River, the Erie Canal opened in upstate New York in 1825.

Linking

It was linked

Have been linking

The linked

This sentence has a complete main clause the Erie Canal opened… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …Lake Erie… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb Linking. Answers B and D each contain an extra subject and an unreduced verb, and answer C contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause the Erie Canal opened… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …Lake Erie… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb Linking. Answers B and D each contain an extra subject and an unreduced verb, and answer C contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

41. In addition to quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure and diet, people need to think about how ______________ stress to avert potentially fatal heart problems.

Can they manage

The management

They manage

Managing

This sentence has a main clause people need… and the question-word connector how. This sentence needs a subject and a verb following the connector how to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb they manage. Answer A contains an inverted subject and verb, answer B is missing a verb, and answer D is missing a subject and contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause people need… and the question-word connector how. This sentence needs a subject and a verb following the connector how to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb they manage. Answer A contains an inverted subject and verb, answer B is missing a verb, and answer D is missing a subject and contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

42. In the halcyon days of the civil rights movement, a small group of dedicated lawyers, mostly black, ___________ carefully craft the strategy that led to the destruction of legal segregation.

Which is able to

Was able to

Able to

Were able

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause mostly black and an incomplete main clause a small group… This incomplete main clause needs a singular verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the singular verb was. Answer A contains an extra connector/subject and a verb tense that is not logical, answer C contains an adjective, and answer D contains a plural verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause mostly black and an incomplete main clause a small group… This incomplete main clause needs a singular verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the singular verb was. Answer A contains an extra connector/subject and a verb tense that is not logical, answer C contains an adjective, and answer D contains a plural verb, so these answers are incorrect.

43. Subduction is the process _________ the ocean floor recycles itself.

That

Which is

By which

How

This sentence has a main clause Subduction is the process… and an incomplete adjective clause …the ocean floor recycles... The adjective clause needs a prepositions and a connector to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the preposition by and the connector which. Answer A is missing a preposition, answer B is missing a preposition and also has an extra verb, and answer D uses a noun clause connector rather than an adjective clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause Subduction is the process… and an incomplete adjective clause …the ocean floor recycles... The adjective clause needs a prepositions and a connector to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the preposition by and the connector which. Answer A is missing a preposition, answer B is missing a preposition and also has an extra verb, and answer D uses a noun clause connector rather than an adjective clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

44. The abundant grain harvest of North America can be credited to Norman Borlag, a little-known scientist ___________ modern strains of high-yield wheat.

Which cultivated

Cultivated

Who cultivated

The cultivation of

This sentence has a complete main clause …grains harvests…can be credited… and an incomplete adjective clause ...modern strains…. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject who and the verb cultivated. Answer A contains a nonpersonal subject/connector that does not agree with the personal noun scientist, answer B is missing a connector or a subject, and answer D is missing a connector or a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause …grains harvests…can be credited… and an incomplete adjective clause ...modern strains…. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject who and the verb cultivated. Answer A contains a nonpersonal subject/connector that does not agree with the personal noun scientist, answer B is missing a connector or a subject, and answer D is missing a connector or a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

45. In the vessels of the vascular system of the giraffe _________ of valves that ensures a needed supply of blood to the head.

Are series

Is serious

Is a series

A series is

This sentence begins with the place expressions In the vessels… of the giraffe. This sentence needs an inverted singular subject and verb following the introductory place expressions to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the inverted singular subject and verb is a series. Answer A contains an inverted plural subject and verb, answer B is missing a subject, and answer D contains a subject and a verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the place expressions In the vessels… of the giraffe. This sentence needs an inverted singular subject and verb following the introductory place expressions to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the inverted singular subject and verb is a series. Answer A contains an inverted plural subject and verb, answer B is missing a subject, and answer D contains a subject and a verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

46. The birth of swing music can be traced to Battle of the Bands competitions ____________ at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem.

Held

Were held

The holdings

To hold

This sentence has a complete main clause The birth…can be traced… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …at the Savoy Ballroom… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb held. Answer B contains an unreduced verb, answer C contains a noun, and answer D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause The birth…can be traced… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …at the Savoy Ballroom… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb held. Answer B contains an unreduced verb, answer C contains a noun, and answer D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

47. _____________________ such a challenging science is that all theory is based on observations that cannot be replicated in a controlled environment.

It is astronomy

Astronomy is

What makes astronomy

Why is astronomy

This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. A noun clause subject needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb makes. Answers A and B are each missing a connector, and answer D has an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. A noun clause subject needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb makes. Answers A and B are each missing a connector, and answer D has an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

48. ______________ global climate is warming has been well documented.

There is the

It is the

The

That the

This sentence has an incomplete noun clause …global climate is warming… as the subject of the verb has been. The noun clause subject needs a connector to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the noun clause connector That. Answers A, B, and C are each missing a noun clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has an incomplete noun clause …global climate is warming… as the subject of the verb has been. The noun clause subject needs a connector to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the noun clause connector That. Answers A, B, and C are each missing a noun clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

49. Some radioisotopes which ________________ as radioactive waste are now being used in experimental cancer therapies.

Once discarded by scientists

Scientists discarded

To discard by scientists

Were discarded scientists

This sentence has a main clause Some radioisotopes…are now being used… and an incomplete adjective clause which... The adjective clause needs a subject and a verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the subject scientists and the verb discarded. Answer A is missing the helping verb were, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D is missing by after the passive verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause Some radioisotopes…are now being used… and an incomplete adjective clause which... The adjective clause needs a subject and a verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the subject scientists and the verb discarded. Answer A is missing the helping verb were, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D is missing by after the passive verb, so these answers are incorrect.

50. ________________, honoring the African tradition of celebrating the harvest, is held December 16 through January 1 in the United States.

For Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was celebrated

Kwanzaa celebrations

Kwanzaa

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause honoring… and an incomplete main clause …is held… This incomplete main clause needs a singular subject to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the singular subject Kwanzaa. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an extra verb, and answer C contains a plural noun, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause honoring… and an incomplete main clause …is held… This incomplete main clause needs a singular subject to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the singular subject Kwanzaa. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an extra verb, and answer C contains a plural noun, so these answers are incorrect.

51. Only recently _________ popular all over the country.

Have indoor climbing gyms become

In becoming indoor climbing gyms

Indoors climbing gyms have become

Indoor climbing gyms

This sentence begins with the negative expression Only recently. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb have indoor climbing gyms become. Answer B contains a prepositional phrase, answer C contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, and answer D is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the negative expression Only recently. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb have indoor climbing gyms become. Answer B contains a prepositional phrase, answer C contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, and answer D is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

52. A collision with another galaxy may be what _______, the Milky Way, may experience.

Earth’s galaxy is

Is Earth’s galaxy

Earth’s galaxy

For Earth’s galaxy

This sentence has the main clause A collision… may be... and the question-word connector what. This sentence needs a subject following the connector to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject Earth’s galaxy. Answers A and B each contain an extra verb, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has the main clause A collision… may be... and the question-word connector what. This sentence needs a subject following the connector to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject Earth’s galaxy. Answers A and B each contain an extra verb, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

53. The hunting season for firearms is more restricted than _______ because hunting with firearms is more dangerous and less challenging.

To season

Is the archery season

For archery

Is seasoning

This sentence has a main clause The hunting season for firearms is and a comparative expression more… than. A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer B is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb is the archery season. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answer D contains a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause The hunting season for firearms is and a comparative expression more… than. A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer B is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb is the archery season. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answer D contains a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

54. Daylight saving time seems to reduce people's exposure to crime, so were people to get home from work and school and complete more errands and chores in daylight, ____________ safer.

For being

To be

They

They would be

This sentence has a main clause Daylight saving time seems to reduce... a complete inverted conditional clause were people, and n incomplete main clause …safer. This sentence needs a subject and a verb in the second main clause to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains a subject and verb they would be. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer C contains is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause Daylight saving time seems to reduce... a complete inverted conditional clause were people, and n incomplete main clause …safer. This sentence needs a subject and a verb in the second main clause to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains a subject and verb they would be. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer C contains is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

55. Rarely ________ now used for battle purposes.

In the band

Military bands are

Banded

Are military bands

This sentence begins with the negative expression rarely. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb are military bands. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, and answer C is missing a subject and contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the negative expression rarely. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb are military bands. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, and answer C is missing a subject and contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

56. The four-character drama Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, __________ by Edward Albee, opened on Broadway.

It was written

Who was written

Written

Was written

This sentence has a complete main clause The for-character drama…opened… and an incomplete reduced clause …by Edward Albee… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb written. Answer A contains an extra subject and a verb, answer B contains an extra connector/subject, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a complete main clause The for-character drama…opened… and an incomplete reduced clause …by Edward Albee… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb written. Answer A contains an extra subject and a verb, answer B contains an extra connector/subject, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

57. Scarcely __________ started building his theme park when he launched his first television program titled Disneyland.

Walt Disney

Walt Disney had

Had Walt Disney

Walt Disney was

This sentence begins with the negative expression Scarcely. This sentence needs an inverted subject and active helping verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and active helping verb had Walt Disney. Answer A is missing a verb, answer B contains a subject and active helping verb that are not inverted, and answer D contains a passive helping verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence begins with the negative expression Scarcely. This sentence needs an inverted subject and active helping verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and active helping verb had Walt Disney. Answer A is missing a verb, answer B contains a subject and active helping verb that are not inverted, and answer D contains a passive helping verb, so these answers are incorrect.

58. Orthopedic and sports medicine specialists now realize that _________ people to get prolonged bed rest for acute and chronic back problems, they would heal less quickly.

Were

If

The

Of

This sentence has a main clause …specialists now realize, an incomplete inverted conditional clause …people…, and a noun clause that… they would heal… This sentence needs a verb in the inverted conditional to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb were. Answer B contains a connector, answer C contains an article, and answer D contains a preposition, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause …specialists now realize, an incomplete inverted conditional clause …people…, and a noun clause that… they would heal… This sentence needs a verb in the inverted conditional to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb were. Answer B contains a connector, answer C contains an article, and answer D contains a preposition, so these answers are incorrect.

59. A motionless atom is colder than _________________.

In the movement

To be moved

The atom moving

Is a moving atom

This sentence has a main clause A motionless atom is and a comparative expression colder than. A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer D is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb is a moving atom. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer C contains a reduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main clause A motionless atom is and a comparative expression colder than. A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer D is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb is a moving atom. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer C contains a reduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

60. _______________ is so perfectly with their environment is what makes Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture so distinctive.

That the buildings blend

The buildings blend

Since the buildings blend

Build and blend

This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. The noun clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector that, the subject buildings, and the verb blend. Answer B is missing a connector, answer C contains an adverb clause connector, and answer D is missing a connector and a subject, so these answers are incorrect.

Explanation

This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. The noun clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector that, the subject buildings, and the verb blend. Answer B is missing a connector, answer C contains an adverb clause connector, and answer D is missing a connector and a subject, so these answers are incorrect.