PDF CB Standard English Conventions Answers
PDF CB Standard English Conventions Answers
PDF CB Standard English Conventions Answers
ID: de55ec71
Generations of mystery and horror have been influenced by the dark, gothic stories of celebrated American author Edgar Allan Poe (1
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
writers
writers,
writers—
writers;
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as in
this case, a subject (“Generations of mystery and horror writers”) is immediately followed by a verb (“have been
inuenced”), no punctuation is needed.
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice C is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation
is
ID: e38b3e4f
The radiation that during the decay of radioactive atomic nuclei is known as gamma radiation. Which choice completes the text so
occurs
have occurred
occur
are occurring
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "occurs"
agrees in number with the singular subject "radiation."
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "have occurred" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"radiation." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "occur" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"radiation." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "are occurring" doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject "radiation."
ID: 89fbc3eb
The Mission 66 initiative, which was approved by Congress in 1956, represented a major investment in the infrastructure of overburd
facilities while also establishing educational programming for the public.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
parks and
parks
parks;
parks,
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a
sentence. This choice uses a semicolon to correctly join the first main clause (“The Mission…parks”) and the
second main clause that begins with “it.”
Choice A is incorrect. When coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use a comma
ID: 960dec02
A recent study tracked the number of bee species present in twenty-seven New York apple orchards over a ten-year period.
found that when wild growth near an orchard was cleared, the number of different bee species visiting the orchard
decreased.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Entomologist Heather Grab:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a name and title and
between a subject and a verb. No punctuation is needed between the proper noun “Heather Grab” and
“entomologist,” the title that describes Grab. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between the sentence’s
subject (“Entomologist Heather Grab”) and the main verb (“found”) that indicates what Grab did.
Choice
becauseAnoispunctuation
incorrect because no punctuation
is needed. Setting the is needed between
entomologist’s theoff
name subject
with and the verb.
commas Choice
suggests thatBitiscould
incorrect
be
removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice D is incorrect because no
punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb.
ID: 37e5c794
Despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce, they are made from nonrenewable petroleum, and most do not biodegrade in l
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
there are two problems associated with commercial plastics:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures that
the modifying phrase “despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce” appears immediately before the noun
it modifies, “commercial plastics,” clearly establishing that the commercial plastics—and not another noun in the
sentence—are being described as cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word “there”
immediately afterChoice
easy to produce. the modifying phrasebecause
B is incorrect illogically and confusingly
it results suggests
in a dangling thatThe
modifier. “there” is cheap,
placement versatile,
of the and
noun “two
problems” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the “problems” are cheap, versatile, and
easy to produce. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase
“commercial plastics’ two associated problems” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the
“problems” are cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.
ID: 6f08641e
On April 5, 1977, Kitty Cone and 150 other disability rights activists entered a San Francisco federal building. After pleading for yea
Finally, on April 28, the legislation was signed.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
pressure on lawmakers increased when the activists staged a sit-in protest
lawmakers came under increased pressure when the activists staged a sit-in protest
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “the activists” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase
“after...legislation.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that the activists—and not another noun in the
sentence—were pleading for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation.
Choice A is incorrect
lawmakers” because
immediately after itthe
results in a dangling
modifying modifier. The
phrase illogically placement
suggests of“pressure”
that the the noun phrase “pressure
was pleading foron
the
passage of antidiscrimination legislation. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The
placement of the noun phrase “a sit-in protest” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that
the “protest” was pleading for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation. Choice C is incorrect because it
results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “lawmakers” immediately after the modifying
phrase suggests that “lawmakers” were pleading for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation. While it’s
possible for lawmakers to plead for the passage of legislation, the context strongly suggests that it’s the activists
who pleaded for years for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation.
ID: 3580533b
In recent years, economists around the world have created new tools that quantify the overall well-being of a country’s citizens. Econ
citizens’ quality of life.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
measures
had measured
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The previous sentence tells us how economists in India "use" a certain tool, while
this sentence describes general facts about that tool. To express general facts (and also to match the simple
present tense of "use"), we should use the simple present tense form "measures."
Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses the past perfect tense, but the previous sentence tells us that the tool is
currently used
choice uses thetofuture
measure things,
perfect so the past
conditional tense
tense, butdoesn’t make sense
the previous for tells
sentence this verb. Choice
us that C is
the tool is incorrect. This to
currently used
measure things, so the future tense doesn’t make sense for this verb. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses the
future perfect continuous tense, but the previous sentence tells us that the tool is currently used to measure
things, so the future tense doesn’t make sense for this verb.
ID: 74ce2f05
A study led by scientist Rebecca Kirby at the University of Wisconsin–Madison found that b1la3ck bears that eat human food
before hibernation have increased levels of a rare carbon isotope, due to the higherC levels in corn and cane sugar.
Bears with these elevated levels were also found to have much shorter hibernation periods on average.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
13
A. carbon-13, (C)
13
B. carbon-13 (C)
13
C. carbon-13, (C),
13
D. carbon-13 (C),
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The comma after “(13C)” pairs with the comma after “isotope” to separate the supplementary element
“carbon-13 (13C)” from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element defines the “rare carbon isotope,” and
the pair of commas indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of
the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element
“carbon-13 (13C)” from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation
to separate the supplementary element “carbon-13 (13C)” from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because
it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element “carbon-13 (13C)” from the rest of the
sentence. The comma after “carbon-13” isn’t necessary because the parentheses around “13C” already separate this
element from the rest of the sentence.
ID: adf210e7
The haiku-like poems of Tomas Tranströmer, which present nature- and dream-influenced images in crisp, spare language, have earn
Cole, who has written that Tranströmer’s works “contain a luminous simplicity.”
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
writers. Among
writers among
writers; among
writers, among
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“The
haiku-like…writers”) and the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”) that specifies a contemporary writer who has
praised Tomas Tranströmer’s haiku-like poems.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “among.”
Choice B is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause and the supplementary phrase
with appropriate punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main
clause (“The haiku-like…writers”) and the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”).
ID: b7363ba2
Mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz used the metaphor of the “butterfly effect” to explain how seemingly minor events
in Brazil might eventually grow into a storm elsewhere across the globe.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
its wings
its wings’
it’s wing’s
it’s wings’
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The conventions being tested are the use of possessive determiners and plural
nouns. The singular possessive determiner "its" and the plural noun "wings" correctly indicate that the buttery
has multiple wings.
Choice B is incorrect because the context requires the plural noun "wings," not the plural possessive noun "wings’."
Choice C is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive determiner "its" and the plural noun
"wings," not the contraction "it’s" and the singular possessive noun "wing’s." Choice D is incorrect because the
context requires the singular possessive determiner "its" and the plural noun "wings," not the contraction "it’s"
and the plural possessive noun "wings’."
ID: 1ee7b429
Bonnie Buratti of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory data about Saturn’s rings collected by the Cassini spacecraft when she made an in
of ring material on the moons’ surfaces.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
studies
will study
was studying
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In this
choice, the past progressive tense verb “was studying” is consistent with the other past tense verbs (e.g., “made”
and “collected”) used to describe Buratti’s discovery. Further, the past progressive tense correctly indicates that
an ongoing action in the past was occurring (she was studying) at the same time that another event occurred in the
past (she made an interesting discovery).
Choice A is incorrect because the present tense verb “studies” isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used to
describe Buratti’s discovery. Choice B is incorrect because the present perfect progressive tense verb “has been
studying” isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used to describe Buratti’s discovery. Choice C is incorrect
because the future tense verb “will study” isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used to describe Buratti’s
discovery.
ID: 333b2b65
While one requires oxygen and one does and anaerobic respiration are both forms of cellular respiration—that is, they are processe
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
not aerobic
not. Aerobic
not, aerobic
not; aerobic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. A comma is the appropriate way to link the dependent clause “While...not” and the
independent clause that follows.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. “While...not” is a dependent clause, which
must be separated from the independent clause that follows with some sort of punctuation. Choice B is incorrect.
This choice creates a sentence fragment. “While one requires oxygen and one does not” isn’t an independent
clause, so it
can’t stand alone as a complete sentence. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “While one
requires oxygen and one does not” isn’t an independent clause, so it can’t be linked to the clause that follows with
a
semicolon.
ID: aaa1907f
To serve local families during the Great Depression, innovative New York City librarian Pura Belpré offered storytelling in both English
put on puppet shows dramatizing Puerto Rican folktales.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
practice, at the time
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of elements in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice,
the semicolon after "time" is conventionally used to separate the first item ("offered…time") and the second
("celebrated…holiday") in the series of activities that librarian Pura Belpré offered. Moreover, the semicolon after
"time" matches the semicolon used later to separate the second item ("celebrated...holiday") and the third
("and...folktales") in the series.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the first item and the second item
in the complex series. Furthermore, a comma isn’t needed between the noun "practice" and the prepositional
phrase "at the time" because the prepositional phrase is essential to the full meaning of the phrase "an uncommon
practice at the time." Choice C is incorrect because a comma after "time" doesn’t match the semicolon used later
to separate the second ("celebrated...holiday") and third ("and...folktales") items in the series. Furthermore, a
comma isn’t needed between the noun "practice" and the prepositional phrase "at the time" because the
prepositional phrase is essential to the full meaning of the phrase "an uncommon practice at the time." Choice D
is incorrect because a comma after "time" doesn’t match the semicolon used later to separate the second
("celebrated...holiday") and third ("and...folktales") items in the series.
ID: 7f48b098
Photosynthesis, the mechanism by which plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into is fueled in part by an enzyme ca
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
nutrients
nutrients and
nutrients,
nutrients—
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The comma after “nutrients” pairs with the comma after “photosynthesis” to separate the
supplementary element “the mechanism by which plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into
nutrients” from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element functions to define the term
“photosynthesis,” and the pair of commas indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the
grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from
the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a conjunction can’t be paired with a comma in this way to
separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a dash can’t be
paired with a comma in this way to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.
ID: 148be4da
Human-made (synthetic) fibers used in clothes and many other consumer products are more durable than most natural plant
the manufacture of synthetic fibers requires toxic chemical solvents that can pollute air and water.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
fibers,
fibers but
fibers
fibers, but
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction “but” to join the first main clause (“Human-
made...fibers”) and the second main clause (“the manufacture...water”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be
used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice B is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main
clauses
such as these, it’s conventional to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because
it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: 0f39b19c
After a spate of illnesses as a child, Wilma Rudolph was told she might never walk again. Defying all odds, Rudolph didn’t just walk
for her team in the 4x100-meter relay, becoming the first US woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
ran—fast—during
ran—fast during
ran—fast, during
ran—fast. During
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“Defying…fast”) and another sentence that
begins with a supplementary phrase (“During…Olympics”).
Choice A is incorrect. When a dash is present in a sentence (“ran—fast”), it’s not conventional to use another dash
(“fast—during”) to mark the boundary between sentences because it creates a potentially confusing sentence. In
this context, a period, semicolon, or colon would be clear and more conventional. Choice B is incorrect because it
results
in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“Defying…fast”) and (“during…Olympics”) are fused without punctuation
and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this
way to mark the boundary between sentences.
ID: f0864217
Rabinal Achí is a precolonial Maya dance drama performed annually in Rabinal, a town in the Guatemalan highlands. Based on eve
captured while leading an invading force against him.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rabinal Achí tells the story of K’iche’ Achí, a military leader who
the military leader whose story is told in Rabinal Achí, K’iche’ Achí,
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.”
Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma.
Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be
next to the
subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma. Choice C is incorrect. This
doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The modifier “Based on
events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so
“Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma. Choice D is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in
a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is
describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí”
needs to be the first word after the comma.
ID: c91ef0f0
During the American Civil War, Thomas Morris Chester braved the front lines as a war correspondent for the Philadelphia Press. A
activist and lawyer during the postwar Reconstruction period.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
were
have been
are
was
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "was"
agrees in number with the singular subject "amplifying." Gerunds such as "amplifying" are always singular.
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "amplifying."
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"amplifying." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"amplifying."
ID: 7b419faf
In 1903, environmentalist John Muir guided President Theodore Roosevelt on a scenic, sprawling trip through California’s Yosemite V
vow he upheld for his remaining six years in office.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
is vowing
vowed
will vow
vows
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In this
choice, the past tense verb “vowed” is consistent with the other past tense verbs (“guided” and “upheld”) used to
narrate the events surrounding President Roosevelt’s decision to conserve the nation’s wilderness areas.
Choice A is incorrect because the present progressive tense verb “is vowing” isn’t consistent with the past tense
verbs used to narrate the events surrounding President Roosevelt’s decision to conserve the nation’s wilderness
areas. Choice C is incorrect because the future tense verb “will vow” isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used
to narrate the events surrounding President Roosevelt’s decision to conserve the nation’s wilderness areas. Choice
D is incorrect because the simple present tense verb “vows” isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used to
narrate the events surrounding President Roosevelt’s decision to conserve the nation’s wilderness areas.
ID: 29c9be28
To survive when water is scarce, embryos inside African turquoise killifish eggs a dormant state known as diapause. In this state, em
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
enter
to enter
having entered
entering
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence. A
main clause requires a finite verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, “embryos”), and this choice
supplies the clause with the finite present tense verb “enter” to indicate how the embryos achieve diapause.
Choice B is incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to enter” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite
verb. Choice C is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “having entered” doesn’t supply the main clause
with a finite
verb. Choice D is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “entering” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite
verb.
ID: 983d33fa
In 1637, the price of tulips skyrocketed in Amsterdam, with single bulbs of rare varieties selling for up to the equivalent of
$200,000 in today’s US dollars. Some historians that this “tulip mania” was the first historical instance of an asset
bubble, which occurs when investors drive prices to highs not supported by actual demand.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
claiming
claim
having claimed
to claim
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a
sentence. A main clause requires a finite verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, “some historians”),
and this choice supplies the finite present tense verb “claim” to indicate what some historians do.
Choice A is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “claiming” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice C is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “having claimed” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite
verb. Choice D is incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to claim” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite
verb.
ID: 6e193b19
Professional American football player Fred Cox invented one of the world’s most popular toys. In the 1970s, he came up with the i
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
were a smaller, foam version
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement and agreement between nouns.
The singular verb “is” and the singular noun “version” both agree in number with the relative pronoun “which.” In
this context, “which” functions as a singular subject because it refers to the singular noun “the Nerf football.”
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular noun phrase “the
Nerf football” that it’s modifying. Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “are” and the plural noun “versions”
don’t agree in number with the singular noun phrase “the Nerf football” that they’re modifying. Choice C is incorrect
because the plural verb “were” and the plural noun “versions” don’t agree in number with the singular noun phrase
“the Nerf football” that they’re modifying.
ID: 52b61716
Formed in 1967 to foster political and economic stability within the Asia-Pacific region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nation
the 1990s, the organization its initial membership.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
has doubled
had doubled
doubles
will double
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. In this choice, the past
perfect verb “had doubled” properly indicates that the doubling of the organization’s initial membership occurred
during a specific period before the present (between the organization’s founding in 1967 and the end of the 1990s).
Choice A is incorrect because the present perfect verb “has doubled” doesn’t indicate that the organization’s
doubling of its initial membership occurred during a specific period in the past. Choice C is incorrect because the
present tense verb “doubles” doesn’t indicate that the organization’s doubling of its initial membership occurred
during a specific period in the past. Choice D is incorrect because the future tense verb “will double” doesn’t indicate
that the organization’s doubling of its initial membership occurred during a specific period in the past.
ID: 96c720af
Atoms in a synchrotron, a type of circular particle accelerator, travel faster and faster until they a desired energy level, at which poin
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
will reach
reach
had reached
are reaching
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In this
choice, the present tense verb “reach” is consistent with the present tense verbs “travel” and “are diverted” used to
describe how atoms move through the synchrotron.
Choice A is incorrect because the future tense verb “will reach” is inconsistent with the present tense verbs used to
describe how atoms move through the synchrotron. Though the atoms’ movement is a recurring action and “will
reach” can also be used to indicate a habitual or recurring action, it creates a logical inconsistency in this sentence
when paired with the present tense verbs “travel” and “are diverted.” Choice C is incorrect because the past perfect
tense verb “had reached” is inconsistent with the present tense verbs used to describe how atoms move through the
synchrotron. Choice D is incorrect because the present progressive tense verb “are reaching” is inconsistent with
the present tense verbs used to describe how atoms move through the synchrotron. While both verbs occur in the
present, the present progressive tense suggests that the action is currently in progress. This creates a logical
inconsistency when paired with the present tense verbs “travel” and “are diverted,” which offer a general description
of the tendencies of the atoms’ movement, rather than a description of an action that is currently in progress.
ID: dbd78791
Led by Syrian American astronomer Shadia Habbal, the Solar Wind Sherpas are an intrepid team of scientists who travel the globe to
during a total solar eclipse. When such an eclipse is imminent, the Sherpas pack up their telescopes and ready.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
get
had gotten
got
were getting
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In
this choice, the present tense verb “get” is consistent with the other present tense verbs (“are,” “travel,” and “pack”)
used to describe the Sherpas and their activities.
Choice B is incorrect. The past perfect verb “had gotten” isn’t consistent with the other present tense verbs used to
describe the Sherpas and their activities. Choice C is incorrect. The past tense verb “got” isn’t consistent with the
other present tense verbs used to describe the Sherpas and their activities. Choice D is incorrect. The past
progressive verb “were getting” isn’t consistent with the other present tense verbs used to describe the Sherpas and
their activities.
ID: 9091458d
Emperor penguins don’t waddle out of the ocean. They launch themselves at such a high speed that they travel up to two meters b
surface.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
they are able to move so fast!
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is end-of-sentence punctuation. This choice correctly uses
a question mark to punctuate the interrogative sentence “how are they able to move so fast?” The interrogative
sentence asks a direct question, and the next sentence answers it.
Choice A is incorrect because the context requires an interrogative sentence. The exclamative sentence “how they
are able to move so fast!” emphasizes the penguin’s high rate of speed, but it doesn’t set up the next sentence’s
explanation of how the penguins achieve such speeds. Choice B is incorrect because a period can’t be used in this
way to punctuate an interrogative sentence. Choice C is incorrect because the context requires an interrogative
sentence. The exclamative sentence “how they are able to move so fast” emphasizes the penguin’s high rate of
speed, but it doesn’t set up the next sentence’s explanation of how the penguins achieve such speeds.
ID: ac5536c1
Beatrix Potter is perhaps best known for writing and illustrating children’s books such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), but she also
nature and submitting her research on spore germination to the Linnean Society of London.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
fungi; producing
fungi. Producing
fungi producing
fungi, producing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between two supplementary phrases
following the coordinate clause (“but she…mycology”). This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary
between the supplementary noun phrase (“the study of fungi”) that defines the term “mycology” and the
supplementary participial phrase (“producing...London”) that provides additional information about the extent to
which Potter dedicated herself to mycology.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join two supplementary phrases following a
coordinate clause. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment
beginning with “producing.” Choice C is incorrect. The lack of punctuation results in a sentence that illogically
suggests that the study of fungi is producing more than 350 paintings.
ID: 77bf77cd
Farouk El-Baz, a geologist and space scientist, part of the team that selected the lunar landing sites for the Apollo program during th
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are
was
have been
were
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "was" agrees
in number with the singular subject "Farouk El-Baz."
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "Farouk El-
Baz." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"Farouk El-Baz." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn’t agree in number with the singular
ID: ea0aa676
In the 1970s, Janaki Ammal, a prominent botanist, emerged as a powerful voice in India’s environmental conservation movement. H
decision to preserve the forest.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are
were
have been
D. was
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject "survey" is singular, and so is the verb "was."
Choice A is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular, but the verb "are" is plural. Choice B is incorrect. The subject
"survey" is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular, but the verb
"have been" is plural.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID 83898524
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
ID: 83898524
In addition to advocating for South America’s independence in two political treatises, the Cartagena Manifesto and the Letter from Ja
Granada (present-day Colombia and Panama), Venezuela, and Quito (present-day from colonial rule.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Ecuador,)
Ecuador)
Ecuador),
Ecuador)—
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The dash after “Ecuador” and the closing parenthesis pairs with the dash after “territories” to separate the
supplementary element (“New…Ecuador”) from the rest of the sentence. The supplementary element specifies the
three South American territories that Simó n Bolívar liberated, and the pair of dashes indicates that this element
could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from
the rest of the sentence. Furthermore, punctuation isn’t needed between “Ecuador” and the closing
parenthesis. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary
element from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash to
separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.
ID: fba5d8d1
In a 2016 study, Eastern Washington University psychologist Amani El-Alayli found that, among the study participants who experie
one personality trait that they scored particularly openness to experience.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
high. On
high on;
high on
high on:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause
("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to experience") and to introduce the information that
identifies which personality trait participants scored especially high on.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with "on" and
separates a necessary preposition from the clause beginning with "there." Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon
can’t be used in this way to join the main clause ("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to
experience"). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally used
to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause, making the colon the
better choice in this context. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause
("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to experience").
ID: 57998dd3
Obsidian is a kind of volcanic glass formed when lava cools so quickly that the atoms inside it cannot arrange themselves in a cry
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
had learned
will learn
have learned
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In this
choice, the future tense verb “will learn,” used in conjunction with the phrase “in a later chapter,” correctly indicates
that “you” (the reader) are going to learn about obsidian’s structure at some point in the future.
Choice A is incorrect because the past perfect verb “had learned” doesn’t indicate that the subject is going to learn
about obsidian’s structure in the future. Choice B is incorrect because the past perfect progressive verb “had been
learning” doesn’t indicate that the subject is going to learn about obsidian’s structure in the future. Choice D is
incorrect because the present perfect verb “have learned” doesn’t indicate that the subject is going to learn about
obsidian’s structure in the future.
ID: dc645172
The artistic talents of Barbara Chase-Riboud, most known for her 1979 historical novel Sally Hemings and the conversation it inspired
described as “timeless” due to its use across eras and cultures—became part of her artistic identity.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
hasn’t been
wasn’t
isn’t
aren’t
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject "talents" is plural, and so is the verb "aren’t": "the artistic talents…aren’t
limited."
Choice A is incorrect. The subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "hasn’t been" is singular. Choice B is incorrect. The
subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "wasn’t" is singular. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "talents" is plural, but
the verb "isn’t" is singular.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
ID: 6fece68e
Emperor Ashoka ruled the Maurya Empire in South Asia from roughly 270 to 232 BCE. He is known for enforcing a moral code calle
abolition of the slave trade.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
life
life;
life:
life,
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. Notice that "the sanctity of animal life" is the first item in a list of three things. We must
use a comma to separate the first two items in the list, just as a comma is used to separate "the just treatment of the
elderly" and "the abolition of the slave trade."
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. Notice that "the sanctity of animal life" is the first
item in a list of three things. To appropriately format the list, we need punctuation to separate each item. Choice B is
incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. Notice that "the sanctity of animal life" is the first item in a list of
three things. While semicolons are sometimes used to separate list items, this list uses commas to separate the
other list items, and lists must use the same punctuation throughout. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a
punctuation error. Notice that "the sanctity of animal life" is the first item in a list of three things. While colons can
be used to introduce lists, they can’t be used to separate items within a list.
ID: 886dc9f9
On July 23, 1854, a clipper ship called the Flying Cloud entered San Francisco left New York Harbor under the guidance of Captain Jos
ship set a record that would stand for 135 years.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Bay and having
Bay. Having
Bay, having
Bay having
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “Bay” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“On…Bay”) and another sentence
that begins with a supplementary phrase (“Having…years”). Here, the supplementary phrase beginning with
“having” modifies the subject of the second sentence, “the celebrated ship.”
Choice A is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join
sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join
two
sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“On…Bay” and “having…
years”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: 166efaa2
Public-awareness campaigns about the need to reduce single-use plastics can be successful, says researcher Kim Borg of Monash
reduction in plastic-bag use after cashiers were instructed to ask customers whether wanted a bag.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
they
one
you
it
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun–antecedent agreement. The plural pronoun
“they” agrees in number with the plural antecedent “customers.”
Choice B is incorrect because the singular pronoun “one” doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent
“customers.” Choice C is incorrect because the second person pronoun “you” isn’t conventional as a substitute for
“customers.” It suggests that the audience (“you”) is the customer. Choice D is incorrect because the singular
pronoun “it” doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent “customers.”
ID: 59a246dc
When external forces are applied to common glass made from silicates, energy builds up around minuscule defects in the materia
to make a glassy solid that can withstand higher strain than silicate glass can before fracturing.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
compound, aluminum oxide
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation around noun phrases. No
punctuation is needed because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive, meaning that it
provides essential identifying information about the noun phrase before it, “the chemical compound,” and thus
doesn’t require punctuation around it.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.
Choice C is incorrect because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive. Setting the phrase off
with punctuation suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the
case.
ID: db4e3819
Midway through her 1968 jazz album A Monastic Trio, Alice Coltrane switches instruments, swapping the piano for the harp. With the
radiant sound.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
sweep
are sweeping
were sweeping
sweeps
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "sweeps"
agrees in number with the singular subject "she," which refers to Alice Coltrane.
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "sweep" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "she."
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "are sweeping" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "she."
Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "were sweeping" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"she."
ID: 6ea8c23f
In 2018, a team of researchers led by Dr. Caitlin Whalen compiled every available measurement of ocean mixing rates from the past
and what impact it has on the distribution of heat and nutrients in the ocean.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
regions,
regions:
regions;
regions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between coordinates in a sentence. The two
elements "how…regions" and "what…ocean" work together as coordinates to complete the description of what the
team was able to determine. Because there are only two coordinates in this case (as opposed to a series of three or
more), no punctuation is needed between them.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
ID: aab74a3b
Researcher Lin Zhi developed a process for increasing the tensile strength—measured in gigapascals, or GPa—of silkworm
dissolving and reweaving the silk in a solution of iron metal ions, zinc, and sugar, Zhi increased the amount of force
required to stretch it from approximately 0.5 GPa to 2 GPa.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
silk, by
silk by
silk and by
silk. By
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The independent clauses "researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" can
be grammatically separated by a period. They can stand alone as sentences, and this is the only choice that lets
them do that.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and
"by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with punctuation like a period
or a semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and." A comma alone
isn’t enough. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin
Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with
punctuation like a period or a semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction
like "and." Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin
Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. The coordinating conjunction "and" isn’t enough
to link them by itself. We need a comma, too.
ID: 1724dac2
A subseasonal weather forecast attempts to predict weather conditions three to four weeks in its predictions are therefore more shor
advance.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
advance,
advance
advance;
advance and
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The clause “A subseasonal…advance” and the clause “its predictions…forecast” are
both independent clauses, so using a semicolon to separate them is grammatically correct.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “A subseasonal…advance” and the
clause “its predictions…forecast” are both independent clauses, so a comma is not enough to separate them. Choice
B is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “A subseasonal…advance” and the clause
“its predictions…forecast” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with specific punctuation (a
period, a semi-colon, a colon, a dash, or a comma + a coordinating conjunction). Choice D is incorrect. This choice
creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “A subseasonal…advance” and the clause “its predictions…forecast” are
both independent clauses, so the word “and” by itself is not enough to separate them. There would need to be a
comma before “and” for this choice to work.
ID: 512f0ac9
Working from an earlier discovery of Charpentier’s, chemists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna—winners of the 2020 No
cleaving bacteria a tool that is revolutionizing the field of gene technology.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
to forge
forging
forged
and forging
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a
sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive “to forge” is correctly used to form a nonfinite (infinitive) clause that
explains why the chemists re-created and reprogrammed the DNA-cleaving bacteria.
Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma separating the main clause (“chemists...bacteria”) from the participle
“forging,” this choice illogically suggests that the bacteria are forging a tool, which doesn’t make sense. Choice C
is incorrect. Without a coordinating conjunction such as “and” placed before it, the finite past tense verb “forged”
can’t
be used in this way to describe the chemists’ actions. Choice D is incorrect. If read as a finite verb, the present
progressive verb “forging” isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used in this sentence to describe the actions
of the chemists. If read as a nonfinite verb, the participle “forging” can’t be used in this way because there is no
following main clause for it to modify.
ID: a9e5b788
In discussing Mary Shelley’s 1818 epistolary novel Frankenstein, literary theorist Gayatri Spivak directs the reader’s attention to the c
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
novel
novel,
novel; rather,
novel, rather,
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a semicolon to join a main clause (“Saville...novel”) and a second main clause
(“she’s...it”) preceded by supplementary elements (“rather...narrative”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation
and/or a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following
it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a
comma
splice. Without a conjunction following it, the comma after “novel” can’t be used in this way to join the two main
clauses.
ID: cdbbbf94
As British scientist Peter Whibberley has observed, “the Earth is not a very good timekeeper.” Earth’s slightly irregular rotation rate
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
added, whenever
added; whenever
added. Whenever
added whenever
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a verb and a preposition. When,
as in this case, a verb (“is added”) is immediately followed by a preposition (“whenever”), no punctuation is needed.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb and the preposition. Choice B is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between the verb and the preposition. Choice C is incorrect because no
punctuation is needed between the verb and the preposition.
ID: d47bb0a4
Objects ranging from the Kikkoman soy sauce bottle to the Yamaha VMAX motorcycle to the Komachi bullet train
designed by twentieth-century industrial designer Kenji Ekuan.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
was
is
has been
were
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The plural verb "were" agrees
in number with the plural subject "objects."
Choice A is incorrect because the singular verb "was" doesn’t agree in number with the plural subject "objects."
Choice B is incorrect because the singular verb "is" doesn’t agree in number with the plural subject "objects."
Choice C is incorrect because the singular verb "has been" doesn’t agree in number with the plural subject
"objects."
ID: e3b72630
In the historical novel The Surrender Tree, Cuban American author Margarita Engle uses poetry rather than prose the true story of C
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
tells
told
is telling
to tell
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a
sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive “to tell” is correctly used to form a nonfinite (infinitive) clause that explains the
reason Engle uses poetry in her novel.
Choice A is incorrect because the finite present tense verb “tells” can’t be used in this way to explain the reason that
Engle uses poetry in her novel. Choice B is incorrect because the finite past tense verb “told” can’t be used in this
way to explain the reason that Engle uses poetry in her novel. Choice C is incorrect because the finite present
progressive tense verb “is telling” can’t be used in this way to explain the reason that Engle uses poetry in her
novel.
ID: d2b81427
In assessing the films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, have missed his equally deep engagement with Japanese artistic tradition
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
many critics have focused on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources but
Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources has been the focus of many critics, who
there are many critics who have focused on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources, but they
the focus of many critics has been on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources; they
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “many critics” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase “in
assessing…Kurosawa.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that it is the critics—and not another noun in
the sentence—who assess Kurosawa’s films.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Kurosawa’s…
sources” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that his use of Western literary sources is what
assesses Kurosawa’s films. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the
function word “there” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “there” is what assesses
Kurosawa’s films. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun
phrase “the focus…critics” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the critics’ focus is
what assesses Kurosawa’s films.
ID: a1e0c981
In her book The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts, author Maxine Hong Kingston examines themes
childhood, womanhood, and Chinese American identity by intertwining autobiography and mythology.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
of:
of
of—
of,
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. “Themes of childhood” is one noun phrase, with “themes of” implicitly carrying over to
the other items on the list (“themes of childhood, [themes of] womanhood, and [themes of] Chinese American
identity”).
Choice A is incorrect. This choice inappropriately breaks up the introduction of a list. Also, “In her book…themes
of” is not an independent clause, thanks to the dangling “of” at the end, so it can’t precede a colon. Choice C is
incorrect.
This choice inappropriately breaks up the introduction of a list. Also, “In her book…themes of” is not an
independent clause, thanks to the dangling “of” at the end, so it can’t precede a single dash. Choice D is incorrect.
This choice
inappropriately breaks up the introduction of a list. “Themes of” implicitly carries over to each item on the list
(“themes of childhood, [themes of] womanhood, and [themes of] Chinese American identity”), so we don’t want to
use a comma to separate it.
ID: b35cefb7
The fine, powdery substance that covers the Moon’s surface is called regolith. Because regolith is both readily available and high in o
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
content and
content,
content
content, and
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subordinate clause and a main
clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the subordinate clause
(“Because...content”) and the main clause (“scientists...settlements”).
Choice A is incorrect. Joining the subordinate clause (“Because...content”) and the clause that follows
(“scientists...settlements”) with the conjunction “and” results in an ungrammatical sentence that lacks a main
clause. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the subordinate clause and the main
clause with appropriate punctuation. Choice D is incorrect. Joining the subordinate clause (“Because...content”)
and the clause that follows (“scientists...settlements”) with a comma and the conjunction “and” results in an
ungrammatical sentence that lacks a main clause.
ID: e76e74e8
Over twenty years ago, in a landmark experiment in the psychology of choice, professor Sheena Iyengar set up a jam-tasting booth
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
varied:
varied,
varied, while
varied while
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of a colon within a sentence. In this choice, the
colon is used in a conventional way to introduce the following description of how the number of jams available
varied.
Choice B is incorrect because it creates a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two main
clauses
(“the number…varied” and “some…six”). Choice C is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing
sentence. Using the conjunction “while” to join the main clause (“the number…varied”) with the following clause’s
description of the number of jams available suggests that the variation in the number of jams is in contrast to some
shoppers having twenty-four options. Choice D is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing
sentence. Using “while” in this way suggests that the number of jams available varied during the time in which
some shoppers had twenty-four options and others had six. The sentence makes clear, however, that what follows
“varied” is a description of the variation, not a separate, simultaneous occurrence.
ID: b74f676f
Classical composer Florence Price’s 1927 move to Chicago marked a turning point in her career. It was there that Price premiered he
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
developing
developed
to develop
having developed
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The missing verb is part of the same clause as the verb "premiered," and "Price" is the
subject of both. So we need the past-tense form "developed" in order to match "premiered."
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a verb form error. The missing verb is part of the same clause as the verb
"premiered," and "Price" is the subject of both. So we need the past-tense form "developed" in order to match
"premiered." Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a verb form error. The missing verb is part of the same
clause as the verb "premiered," and "Price" is the subject of both. So we need the past-tense form "developed" in
order to
match "premiered." Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a verb form error. The missing verb is part of the
same clause as the verb "premiered," and "Price" is the subject of both. So we need the past-tense form
"developed" in order to match "premiered."
ID: 3a35ddd1
Like other amphibians, the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) is unable to generate its own heat, so during periods of subfreezing temperat
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
had survived
survived
would survive
survives
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. In this choice, the
present tense verb “survives” correctly indicates that the wood frog regularly survives subfreezing temperatures by
producing large amounts of glucose.
Choice A is incorrect because the past perfect verb “had survived” doesn’t indicate that the wood frog regularly
survives subfreezing temperatures by producing large amounts of glucose. Choice B is incorrect because the past
tense verb “survived” doesn’t indicate that the wood frog regularly survives subfreezing temperatures by
producing
large amounts of glucose. Choice C is incorrect because the conditional verb “would survive” doesn’t indicate
that the wood frog regularly survives subfreezing temperatures by producing large amounts of glucose.
ID: 69f031ab
While exploring Nevada’s Gypsum Cave in 1930, Seneca and Abenaki archaeologist Bertha Parker made her most famous discovery:
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
places
placed
place
to place
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The object for the verb "was" is "first," and "to place" is acting as a modifier for "first."
What was the finding? It was "the first." The first to do what? The first "to place humans in North America" 10,000
years ago. When a verb serves as a modifier within a noun phrase, it must be nonfinite (i.e., not conjugated to a
specific subject). The infinitive form "to place" is the only nonfinite option among the choices that makes sense in
context.
Choice A is incorrect. The object for the verb "was" is "first," and "places" is acting as a modifier for "first." What was
the thing that Parker’s finding did? What was it the first to do? Place humans in North America 10,000 years ago.
When a verb acts as a modifier, it must be nonfinite (i.e., not conjugated to a specific subject), but "places" is a
finite form of the verb. Choice B is incorrect. The object for the verb "was" is "first," and "placed" is acting to
modify "first." What was it that Parker’s finding was the first to do? Place humans in North America 10,000 years
ago. When a verb acts as a modifier, it must be nonfinite (i.e., not conjugated to a specific subject), but "placed" is
a finite form. "Placed" can also be a past participle, but that wouldn’t make sense here because the meaning of
"the first placed humans" would be unclear. Choice C is incorrect. The object for the verb "was" is "first," and
"place" is modifying "first." What was the thing that Parker’s finding did? What was it the first to do? Place
humans in North America. When a verb acts as a modifier, it must be nonfinite (i.e., not conjugated to a specific
subject), but "place" is a finite form of the
verb. Additionally, "place" can’t serve as a noun here, because it results in an illogical sentence (the "finding"
wasn’t "the first place").
ID: 083a35dc
Po’Pay was a Tewa leader from Ohkay Owingeh, a pueblo located about twenty-five miles north of present-day Santa Fe, New Mexic
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. 1680
B. 1680 and
C. 1680,
D. 1680, and
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction “and” to join the first main clause (“He…
1680”) and the second main clause (“as…time”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation
and/or a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s
conventional to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a
comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.
ID: aab78b25
Psychophysicist Howard Moskowitz was hired by a soda company to determine how much artificial sweetener After conducting consu
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
do most people prefer in a diet drink?
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. This sentence is a statement: “Moskowitz was hired by a soda company to
determine how much artificial sweetener most people prefer in a diet drink.” So a period is the most
appropriate punctuation mark.
Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English.
This sentence is not a question—it’s a statement. So a question mark is not the appropriate punctuation. Choice B
is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. We
already have the verbs “was hired…to determine” in this sentence. The verb “do” is not needed and results in a
confusing,
ungrammatical sentence. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the
conventions of Standard English. This sentence is not a question—it’s a statement. So a question mark is not the
appropriate punctuation.
ID: 145d5ca7
Gathering accurate data on water flow in the United States is challenging because of the country’s millions of miles of
the volume and speed of water at any given location can vary drastically over time.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
waterways and the fact that,
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation within two coordinated noun phrases.
When, as in this case, a noun phrase (“the country’s millions of miles of waterways”) is coordinated with
another noun phrase (“the fact”) followed by an integrated relative clause (“that the volume...time”), no
punctuation is needed.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.
Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.
ID: 843f92af
The sun never sets during the Arctic summer in the Far North. In response, reindeer in this region must change their sleep habits. In
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
digest
will digest
to digest
digesting
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of nonfinite verb forms within a sentence.
Working together with the finite verb "need," the nonfinite to-infinitive verb "to digest" is correctly used to form a
subordinate clause that describes what the reindeer need.
Choice A is incorrect because the verb "digest" (in either its finite or nonfinite form) can’t be used in this way
with the finite verb "need." Choice B is incorrect because the finite verb "will digest" can’t be used in this way
with the
finite verb "need." Choice D is incorrect because the nonfinite participle "digesting" can’t be used in this way
with the finite verb "need."
ID: 430d929a
British scientists James Watson and Francis Crick won the Nobel Prize in part for their 1953 paper announcing the double helix struc
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
They’re
It’s
Their
Its
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of possessive determiners. The plural possessive
determiner “their” agrees in number with the plural conjoined noun phrase “Watson and Crick” and thus indicates
that the findings were those of Watson and Crick.
Choice A is incorrect because “they’re” is the contraction for “they are,” not a possessive determiner. Choice B is
incorrect because “it’s” is the contraction for “it is” or “it has,” not a possessive determiner. Choice D is incorrect
because the singular possessive determiner “its” doesn’t agree in number with the plural conjoined noun phrase
“Watson and Crick.”
ID: be34a3df
In 2008, two years after the death of science fiction writer Octavia Butler, the Huntington Library in received a collection of more than
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
California,
California:
California—
California
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. No punctuation should separate the subject of the sentence (“the Huntington Library in
California”) from its verb (“received”).
Choice A is incorrect. No punctuation should separate the subject of the sentence (“the Huntington Library in
California”) from its verb (“received”). Choice B is incorrect. No punctuation should separate the subject of the
sentence (“the Huntington Library in California”) from its verb (“received”). Choice C is incorrect. No punctuation
should separate the subject of the sentence (“the Huntington Library in California”) from its verb (“received”).
ID: 1f8cd95f
In the 1950s, a man named Joseph McVicker was struggling to keep his business afloat when his sister-in-law Kay Zufall advised him to
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
suggested
suggests
had suggested
was suggesting
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. In this choice, the
simple past tense verb “suggested” properly indicates that Zufall offered her suggestion for the product’s name in
the past. This verb tense is consistent with the previous sentence’s use of a simple past tense verb (“advised”) to
describe Zufall’s advice to McVicker in the 1950s.
Choice B is incorrect because the present tense verb “suggests” doesn’t indicate that Zufall offered her suggestion
in the past. Choice C is incorrect because the past perfect verb “had suggested” isn’t consistent with the previous
sentence’s use of the simple past tense verb “advised” to describe Zufall’s advice to McVicker. Choice D is
incorrect because the past progressive verb “was suggesting” isn’t consistent with the previous sentence’s use of
the simple past tense verb “advised” to describe Zufall’s advice to McVicker.
ID: 73a6603c
On sunny days, dark rooftops absorb solar energy and convert it to unwanted heat, raising the surrounding air a light- colored coverin
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
temperature; by adding
temperature, adding
temperature. Adding
temperature by adding
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“On…temperature”) and the second
sentence (“Adding…effect”). The gerund phrase beginning with “adding” is the subject of the second sentence, and
the verb phrase “helps combat this effect” describes what adding a light-colored covering can do.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the sentence “On...temperature” and
the supplementary phrases that follow. Doing so leaves the verb phrase “helps combat” without a subject and thus
results in a grammatically unconventional sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A
comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect. This choice
results in a confusing and illogical sentence that suggests that adding a light-colored covering to an existing dark
roof raises the temperature of the surrounding air. Furthermore, it creates ambiguity by leaving the verb phrase
“helps
combat” without a subject (so it isn’t clear what helps combat the effect).
ID: 70ced8dc
Typically, underlines, scribbles, and notes left in the margins by a former owner lower a book’s when the former owner is a famous
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
value, but
value
value,
value but
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of independent clauses within a
sentence. An independent clause is a phrase containing a subject and a verb that can stand on its own as a
sentence. This choice uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction “but” to join the first independent clause
(“underlines…lower a book’s value”) and the second independent clause (“such markings…can be a gold mine to
scholars”) to create a compound sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two independent clauses are fused without
punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be
used in this way to mark the boundary between two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because a comma
is needed to mark the boundary between two coordinated independent clauses.
ID: 3bceeb93
When they were first discovered in Australia in 1798, duck-billed, beaver-tailed platypuses so defied categorization that one scientist a
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
they’re
their
its
it’s
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The singular possessive pronoun "its" agrees with the singular antecedent "the animal"
and indicates that the "young" belong to it.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "They’re" is a contraction of
"they are," a plural pronoun and verb, but the antecedent "the animal" is singular. Also, we don’t need the extra verb
"are" —
we already have a main verb in this clause, so adding "are" would be confusing and ungrammatical. Choice B is
incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "Their" is a plural pronoun, but the subject
of the sentence is "the animal," a singular noun. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a confusing and
ungrammatical sentence. "It’s" is a contraction for "it is." We already have the verb "nurses" in this clause, so we
shouldn’t add the verb "is."
ID: 8a3998f1
After the United Kingdom began rolling out taxes equivalent to a few cents on single-use plastic grocery bags in 2011, plastic-bag cons
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
percent, such
percent. Such
percent such
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “percent” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“After…percent”) and another
(“Such…up”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary
between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this
way to join sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“After…percent”
and “Such…up”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
SAT
Reading and Standard English Form, Structure,
Writing Conventions and Sense
ID: dab8b8ee
Known as Earth’s “living skin,” biocrusts are thin layers of soil held together by surface-dwelling microorganisms such as
fungi, lichens, and cyanobacteria. Fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion,
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. a recent study’s estimate is that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.
B. an estimated 60 percent reduction in global dust emissions each year is due to these crusts, according to a recent study.
C. these crusts reduce global dust emissions by an estimated 60 percent each year, according to a recent study.
D. a recent study has estimated that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.
Correct Answer:
C Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is
"biocrusts." Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each other, so "biocrusts" or
some variant meaning "biocrusts" (in this case, "these crusts") must begin the missing clause.
Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier
"fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent study’s estimate." Choice B is
incorrect.
Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid
ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "an estimated 60 percent reduction." Choice D is incorrect.
Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid
ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent study."
ID: 4bed4658
In order to prevent nonnative fish species from moving freely between the Mediterranean and Red Seas, marine biologist Bella Ga
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
creates
create
creating
created
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of non-finite (untensed) verb forms in a
sentence. The modal “would,” which indicates the future from a perspective in the past, should be accompanied by a
non-finite plain form verb. In this choice, the non-finite plain form verb “create” is used correctly in conjunction
with the non-finite plain form verb “increase” to describe what the lock would do.
Choice A is incorrect because the finite present tense verb “creates” can’t be used in this way with the modal
“would” to describe what the lock would do. Choice C is incorrect because the present participle “creating” can’t be
used in this way with the modal “would” to describe what the lock would do. Choice D is incorrect because the finite
past tense verb “created” can’t be used in this way with the modal “would” to describe what the lock would do.
ID: 96953201
In her two major series “Memory Test” and “Autobiography,” painter Howardena Pindell explored themes healing, self- discovery, an
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
of
of,
of—
of:
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a preposition and its complement.
No punctuation is needed between the preposition “of” and its complement, the noun phrase “healing, self-
discovery, and memory.”
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between a preposition and its complement. Choice C is
incorrect because no punctuation is needed between a preposition and its complement. Choice D is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between a preposition and its complement.
ID: 8f6d6ae6
Archaeologists have estimated that the pre-Columbian Native American city of Cahokia, located across the Mississippi River from mod
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
CE making
CE. Making
CE, making
CE; making
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The phrase “making…at the time” provides additional information about Cahokia
that’s not required for the sentence to make sense or function grammatically. As a nonessential supplement, this
phrase should be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence. The nonessential descriptive aside “making…at the
time” needs to be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results
in a sentence fragment. “Making…at the time” doesn’t have a subject and can’t stand on its own as a sentence.
Thus, it can’t be separated from the rest of the sentence with a period. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in
a punctuation error. “Making…at the time” doesn’t have a subject and can’t stand on its own as an independent
clause. Since a semicolon can only link two independent clauses, using one here creates an error.
ID: 26c8c88c
About 70,000 meteorites have been found on Earth. Although most meteorites are fragments of hundred have been identified as be
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
asteroids. Several
asteroids, several
asteroids; several
asteroids: several
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. This choice uses a comma to correctly separate the dependent clause "although…
asteroids" from the independent clause "several hundred have been…Mars."
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a sentence fragment. "Although…asteroids" is a dependent clause. It
can’t stand on its own as a sentence, which means it can’t end in a period. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
results in a punctuation error. "Although…asteroids" is a dependent clause and can’t be joined to the independent
clause "several hundred have been…Mars" with a semicolon. A semicolon can only join two independent clauses.
Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. A colon can only come after an independent clause,
but "although…asteroids" is a dependent clause.
ID: c06af4d8
Sociologist Alton Okinaka sits on the review board tasked with adding new sites to the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places, which inclu
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
single-handedly, however;
single-handedly; however,
single-handedly, however,
single-handedly however
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary word or phrase
between two main clauses. This choice correctly uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb “however”
from the preceding main clause (“Okinaka doesn’t…single-handedly”) and a semicolon to join the next main
clause (“all…culture”) to the rest of the sentence. Further, placing the semicolon after “however” correctly indicates
that the information in the preceding main clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions single-handedly) is
contrary to what might be assumed from the information in the previous sentence (Okinaka sits on the review
board that adds new sites to the Hawaii Register of Historic Places).
Choice B is incorrect because placing the semicolon after “single-handedly” and the comma after “however”
illogically indicates that the information in the next main clause (all historical designations must be approved by a
group of experts) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions
single- handedly). Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Commas can’t be used in this way to
punctuate a supplementary word or phrase between two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a
run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: f4fd123c
The African Games Co-production Market, one of over 180 annual international conferences supporting video game developmen
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
promote
are promoting
promotes
have promoted
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The subject of the sentence is “The African Games Co-production Market.” That’s
one market, so it’s a singular noun, which means it needs a singular verb. “Promotes” is the only singular verb
among the choices.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-verb agreement error. The subject “The African Games Co-
production Market” is singular, but the verb “promote” is plural. Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-
verb agreement error. The subject “The African Games Co-production Market” is singular, but the verb “are
promoting” is plural. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-verb agreement error. The subject “The
African Games Co-production Market” is singular, but the verb “have promoted” is plural.
ID: 60713427
Polyphenols are organic compounds among their many roles, provide pigment that helps protect plants against ultraviolet radiation
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
that—
that;
that,
that:
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The comma after “that” pairs with the comma after “roles” to separate the supplementary element “among
their many roles” from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element functions to clarify that polyphenols
have many roles, and the pair of commas indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the
grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because a dash can’t be paired with a comma to separate the supplementary element from the
rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be paired with a comma to separate the
supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a colon can’t be paired with a
comma to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.
ID: 7f1df833
In 1966, Emmett Ashford became the first African American to umpire a Major League Baseball game. His energetic gestures annou
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
bounds helped
bounds, helping
bounds to help
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite verb use in a main clause. A main clause requires
a finite verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, Ashford’s “gestures” and “habit”), and this choice
supplies the finite past tense verb “helped” to indicate what Ashford’s gestures and habit helped accomplish.
Choice B is incorrect because the non-finite participle “helping” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice C is incorrect because the relative clause “that helped” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice D is incorrect because the non-finite to-infinitive “to help” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
ID: 2ee50d41
The classic children’s board game Chutes and Ladders is a version of an ancient Nepalese game, Paramapada Sopanapata. In both
a player to skip ahead and arrive closer to the end goal.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
allows
are allowing
have allowed
allow
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject–verb agreement. The singular verb “allows”
agrees in number with the singular subject “landing.”
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “are allowing” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
“landing.” Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “have allowed” doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject “landing.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “allow” doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject “landing.”
ID: 15d6d837
Literary agents estimate that more than half of all nonfiction books credited to a celebrity or other public figure are in fact written by
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
people’s stories
peoples story’s
peoples stories
people’s story’s
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of plural and possessive nouns. The
plural possessive noun “people’s” and the plural noun “stories” correctly indicate that there are multiple
stories from multiple people.
Choice B is incorrect because the context requires the plural possessive noun “people’s” and the plural noun
“stories,” not the plural noun “peoples” and the singular possessive noun “story’s.” Choice C is incorrect because
the context requires the plural possessive noun “people’s,” not the plural noun “peoples.” Choice D is incorrect
because the context requires the plural noun “stories,” not the singular possessive noun “story’s.”
ID: 59209b6d
Based on genetic evidence, archaeologists have generally agreed that reindeer domestication began in the eleventh century CE. How
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
researcher Robert Losey has argued that domestication
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “researcher Robert Losey” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying
phrase “since…Siberia.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that researcher Robert Losey—and not another
noun in the sentence—is who uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old reindeer training harness in northern
Siberia.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “researcher
Robert Losey’s argument” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the “argument” is
what uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old reindeer training harness in northern Siberia. Choice C is incorrect
because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun “domestication” immediately after the
modifying phrase illogically suggests that “domestication” is what uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old
reindeer training harness in northern Siberia. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The
placement of the noun phrase “the argument” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the
“argument” is what uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old reindeer training harness in northern Siberia.
ID: 2b512e65
Eli Eisenberg, a genetics expert at Tel Aviv University in Israel, recently discovered that have a special genetic ability called RNA editin
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
cephalopods, ocean dwellers that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish
cephalopods—ocean dwellers—that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish,
cephalopods, ocean dwellers that include: the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish,
cephalopods—ocean dwellers that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish—
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. In this choice, the dash after “cephalopods” pairs with the dash after “cuttlefish” to clearly separate
the supplementary element “ocean dwellers that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish” from the rest
of the sentence. This supplementary element functions to explain what cephalopds are, and the pair of dashes
indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element that
explains what cephalopods are from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use
appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element that explains what cephalopods are from the rest of
the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary
element that explains what cephalopods are from the rest of the sentence.
ID: 856b495d
In the early twentieth century, Joseph Kekuku and other Hawaiian in the mainland United States to the bright and lilting sound of the
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
musicians introduced audiences
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of plural nouns. The plural nouns
"musicians" and "audiences" correctly indicate that there were multiple musicians introducing the music to multiple
audiences.
Choice B is incorrect because the context requires the plural nouns "musicians" and "audiences," not the plural
possessive nouns "musicians’" and "audiences’." Choice C is incorrect because the context requires the plural nouns
"musicians" and "audiences," not the singular possessive nouns "musician’s" and "audience’s." Choice D is
incorrect because the context requires the plural noun "musicians," not the plural possessive noun "musicians’."
ID: 870ae7ec
Detroit natives Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey have combined their two passions, Detroit and beekeeping, to improve the healt
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
apiary,
apiary, and
apiary and
apiary
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. Both clauses in this sentence could stand alone as complete sentences, which
means they are both independent clauses. This choice uses a comma plus a coordinating conjunction to link them
together, which is one of the correct ways to link two independent clauses.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence error. Both clauses in this sentence could stand
alone as complete sentences, which means they are both independent clauses. A comma by itself is not enough
punctuation to link two independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence
error.
Both clauses in this sentence could stand alone as complete sentences, which means they are both independent
clauses. Independent clauses can only be linked in a few ways, including with a comma plus a coordinating
conjunction. This choice uses the coordinating conjunction “and,” but it is missing the comma beforehand. Choice
D is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence error. Both clauses in this sentence could stand alone as
complete sentences, which means they are both independent clauses. Independent clauses need to have certain
kinds of punctuation marks between them. This choice doesn’t use any punctuation between the two clauses.
ID: fcaff694
The city of Pompeii, which was buried in ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, continues to be studied by archaeo
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
researchers, Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn,
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a restrictive coordinated noun
phrase. No punctuation is needed within or around the coordinated noun phrase “researchers Roberto Scandone
and Christopher Kilburn” because it would create an illogical separation between the noun “researchers” and
the coordinated noun phrase “Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn.”
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Placing a pair of commas around the coordinated noun
phrase “Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn” creates an illogical separation between the noun
“researchers” and the aforementioned coordinated noun phrase. In this case, it illogically suggests that
researchers in general bear the specific names Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn. Choice B is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between the noun “researchers” and the coordinated noun phrase “Roberto
Scandone and Christopher Kilburn.” Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed within the
coordinated noun phrase “Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn.”
ID: 0fe5ce68
Ten of William Shakespeare’s plays are classified as histories. Although each one of these plays, which include Henry V and Richard I
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
focuses
focus
are focused
were focused
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "focuses"
agrees in number with the singular subject "each one of these plays," which refers to each play individually.
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "focus" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "each one of
these plays." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are focused" doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject "each one of these plays." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "were focused" doesn’t agree in
number with the singular subject "each one of these plays."
ID: 790fc366
Using satellite remote sensing, Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, director of NASA’s Harvest Africa initiative, gathers important data on crop
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
information, though;
information, though,
information; though
information though,
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses ("Nakalembe doesn’t just…
though" and "she also shares..."). This choice also appropriately includes "though" in the first clause, where it logically
belongs.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly joins two
independent clauses with only a comma instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but."
"Though" is a transition word, but it’s not a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a
punctuation error. A semicolon can only be used to link two independent clauses. However, if "though" is included
in the second clause, it turns the second clause into a dependent clause, so a semicolon can’t be used after
"information." Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly
joins two independent clauses with only a comma instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or
"but."
ID: 62120607
From afar, African American fiber artist Bisa Butler’s portraits look like paintings, their depictions of human faces, bodies, and clothing
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
quilts, and the
quilts, the
quilts; the
quilts. The
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“the
portraits...quilts”) and the supplementary noun phrase (“the stitching...fabric”) that provides a further description of
how the portraits can be identified as quilts.
Choice A is incorrect. A comma and the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a
supplementary noun phrase. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join a main
clause and a supplementary noun phrase. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable
sentence fragment beginning with “the stitching.”
ID: 2bb7416a
In paleontology, the term “Elvis taxon” gets applied to a newly identified living species that was once presumed to be extinct. Like an
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
however but it
however it
however, it
however. It
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are
both independent clauses, so making them into two separate sentences is grammatically correct.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real
thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with at least a
comma + a coordinating conjunction. This choice provides the coordinating conjunction “but,” but it’s missing a
comma. Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…
real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with a
semicolon, a colon, a dash, a period, or a comma + a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike”
are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with at least a comma + a coordinating conjunction. This
choice provides a comma, but it’s missing a coordinating conjunction.
ID: 97b62fab
Smaller than poppy seeds, tardigrades are tiny, but they are tough. These minuscule animals can survive for thirty years without food
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
that
it
they
he
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun-antecedent agreement. The plural pronoun
"they" agrees in number with the plural antecedent "animals," which refers to tardigrades.
Choice A is incorrect because the singular pronoun "that" doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent
"animals." Choice B is incorrect because the singular pronoun "it" doesn’t agree in number with the plural
antecedent "animals." Choice D is incorrect because the singular pronoun "he" doesn’t agree in number with the
plural antecedent "animals."
ID: 89ab0d46
After the printing press was introduced in 1440, handwritten manuscripts from Europe’s medieval period were often destroyed and th
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
from:
from,
from
from—
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The word “from” introduces a prepositional phrase that modifies the noun “pages” and
provides essential information about their origin. No additional punctuation is needed after “from” in this context.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error, illogically separating the preposition “from” from
the rest of the prepositional phrase with a colon. Also, a colon can only follow an independent clause, but what
comes before the blank could not stand on its own as a complete sentence. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results
in a punctuation error, illogically separating the preposition “from” from the rest of the prepositional phrase with a
comma. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error, illogically separating the preposition
“from” from the rest of the prepositional phrase with a dash.
ID: b0a525be
Santa Clara Pueblo artist Roxanne Swentzell’s sculpture Mud Woman Rolls On consists of five human figures made of clay and plant
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Swentzell
Swentzell,
Swentzell:
Swentzell—
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The phrase “according to Swentzell” is an aside that interrupts the ow of the sentence,
so it needs to be separated from the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks: two commas, two dashes,
or a pair of parentheses. We already have a comma before “according,” so we must add a comma after “Swentzell.” .
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. The phrase “according to Swentzell” is an aside that
interrupts the ow of the sentence, so it needs to be separated from the sentence with a pair of matching
punctuation marks: one before and one after the phrase. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation
error. “The arrangement of the figures, according to Swentzell” is not an independent clause, so it can’t come before
a colon. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. The phrase “according to Swentzell” is an
aside that interrupts the ow of the sentence, so it needs to be separated from the sentence with a pair of matching
punctuation marks. We already have a comma at the beginning, so we have to use another comma here to match.
We can’t just switch to a dash! .
ID: eef91a50
Nine months before Rosa Parks made history by refusing to comply with the segregated seating policy on a Montgomery, Alabam
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
offense. According
offense, according
offense according
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system” are both independent clauses.
Separating them with a period and turning them into their own sentences is the only grammatically correct choice
among the provided options.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a comma splice error, which is a punctuation error that occurs when
two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system” are both
independent clauses, so they need to be either joined by a semicolon, joined by a comma and a coordinating
conjunction, or separated by a period. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence, which occurs
when two independent clauses are joined without punctuation. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system”
are both independent clauses, so they need to be either joined by a semicolon, joined by a comma and a coordinating
conjunction, or separated by a period. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence, which occurs
when two independent clauses are joined without punctuation. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system”
are independent clauses, so we would need to put a comma before the coordinating conjunction “and” to join them
properly.
ID: 01a32c84
The first computerized spreadsheet, Dan Bricklin’s VisiCalc, improved financial recordkeeping not only by providing users with an e
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
adjustments prior
adjustments, prior
adjustments. Prior
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“The...adjustments”) and the second
sentence (“Prior...days”). Because the adverbial phrase beginning with “prior” indicates when changing a
spreadsheet required redoing the sheet by hand, that phrase belongs with the second sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. Two sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark
the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t
be used in this way to join the sentences.
ID: 548f4956
It is generally true that technological change is a linear process, in which once-useful technologies are replaced by new and better
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
ones, even so;
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice uses a semicolon in a conventional way to join the first main clause (“It is…ones”) and the second main
clause (“even so…needs”). Furthermore, the placement of the semicolon after “ones” indicates that the
supplementary phrase “even so” modifies the following clause (“the reawakening...needs”), resulting in the most
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a confusing and illogical sentence. Placing the semicolon after “so”
indicates that the supplementary element “even so” modifies the first clause of the sentence, which doesn’t make
sense in this context. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. It fails to mark the boundary
between the two main clauses with appropriate punctuation. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma
splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join the two main clauses of the
sentence.
ID: 2c84f96a
In 2017, artists Isabel and Ruben Toledo redesigned the costumes and sets for The Miami City Ballet’s production of The
to reviewers, the Toledos’ designs helped infuse the production with elements of Miami’s Latin American culture.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Nutcracker according,
Nutcracker, according
Nutcracker according
Nutcracker. According
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“In 2017... Nutcracker”) and another
(“According...culture”). The supplementary element “according to reviewers” modifies the main clause of the second
sentence (“the Toledos’...culture”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Furthermore, no punctuation is needed within the supplementary element “according to reviewers.”
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without
punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: dd6a0326
African American Percy Julian was a scientist and entrepreneur whose work helped people around the world to see. Named in 199
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Julian synthesized the alkaloid physostigmine in 1935; it
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “Julian’s 1935 synthesis” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying
phrase “named…years.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that Julian’s 1935 synthesis of the alkaloid
physostigmine—and not another noun in the sentence—was named in 1999 as one of the greatest achievements by a
ID: 4ba99a6f
Seneca sculptor Marie Watt’s blanket art comes in a range of shapes and sizes. In 2004, Watt sewed strips of blankets together to cra
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
sampler later,
sampler;
sampler,
D. sampler, later,
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice uses a semicolon in a conventional way to join the first main clause (“In 2004…sampler”) and the second
main clause (“in 2014…pillars”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be
used in this way to join two main clauses. The word “later” is an adverb and cannot be used to join two main clauses
unless it is preceded by a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a
conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect
because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to
join two main clauses. The word “later” is an adverb and cannot be used to join two main clauses unless it is
preceded by a conjunction.
ID: ce81d0b7
The life spans of rockfish vary greatly by species. For instance, the colorful calico rockfish (Sebastes dalli) can survive for a little over
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
decade: while
decade. While
decade; while
decade, while
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a main clause and a subordinate
clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“the colorful…decade”)
and the subordinate clause (“while…centuries”) that provides contrasting information about the life span of
rougheye rockfish.
Choice A is incorrect because a colon can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a subordinate
clause. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with
“while.” Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a subordinate
clause.
ID: db24ecc9
The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Norway and the Jardim Botânico of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil are two of many botanical gardens aro
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
species, both native and nonnative,
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series
including internal punctuation). The semicolon after “nonnative” is correctly used to separate the first item
(“growing diverse plant species, both native and nonnative”) and the second item (“fostering scientific research”) in
the series of things that botanical gardens are dedicated to. Further, the comma after “species” is correctly used to
separate
modifies the
it. noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that
Choice A is incorrect because a comma (specifically, the comma after “nonnative”) can’t be used in this way to
separate items in a complex series. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to separate
the noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it.
Further, a comma can’t be used in this way to separate items in a complex series. Choice D is incorrect because it
fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary
phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it. Further, a comma can’t be used in this way to separate items in
a complex series.
ID: 35360da9
The US Geological Survey wants to map every human-made structure in the United States, and it is asking volunteers to help. Cass
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
contribute
will contribute
have contributed
D. will be contributing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In this
choice, the present perfect tense verb “have contributed,” used in conjunction with the phrase “since it began in
2012,” correctly indicates that map editors have contributed in the past and continue to do so in the present.
Choice A is incorrect because the present tense verb “contribute” is inconsistent with the phrase “since it began in
2012,” which suggests that the contributions occurred in the past and continue into the present. Choice B is
incorrect because the future tense verb “will contribute” is inconsistent with the phrase “since it began in 2012,”
which suggests that the contributions occurred in the past and continue into the present. Choice D is incorrect
because the future tense verb “will be contributing” is inconsistent with the phrase “since it began in 2012,” which
suggests that the contributions occurred in the past and continue into the present.
ID: 0fa289a7
In 1955, Indian Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray released his first movie, Pather quiet black-and-white drama about a family in rura
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Panchali a
Panchali, a
D. Panchali. A
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("In…Panchali") and another ("A quiet…time").
The phrase beginning with "a quiet" modifies the subject of the next sentence, "Ray’s film."
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to
mark the boundary between sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be
used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.
ID: 684b8bd2
Far from being modern inventions, more than 5,000 years ago.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia used drinking straws
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The modifier “far from being
modern inventions” must be describing “drinking straws,” because those are the only possible inventions in this
sentence.
Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The modifier “far from being modern
inventions” can’t be describing “Sumerians,” because they are a group of people, not an invention. Choice C is
incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The modifier “far from being modern inventions”
can’t be describing “the use of drinking straws,” because it is not “the use” of drinking straws that is an invention—it
is the drinking straws themselves. Choice D is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other.
The modifier “far from being modern inventions” can’t be describing “Ancient Mesopotamia,” because that is a place,
not an invention.
ID: f30a478e
A study published by Rice University geoscientist Ming Tang in 2019 offers a new explanation for the origin of Earth’s structures called
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
continents geological
continents: geological
continents; geological
D. continents. Geological
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A
study…continents”) and the supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) and to introduce the following explanation
of the origin of Earth’s continents.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the
supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) with appropriate punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a
semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the supplementary phrase
(“geological…above”). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is
conventionally used to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause,
making it the better choice in this context. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable
sentence fragment beginning with “geological.”
ID: 67667d72
Humans were long thought to have begun occupying the Peruvian settlement of Machu Picchu between 1440 and 1450 CE. Howev
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
earlier. In
earlier, in
earlier, which in
D. earlier in
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“However...earlier”) and another (“In...area”).
The supplementary phrase “in 1420 CE” modifies “humans,” the subject of the third sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to
mark the boundary between sentences. Moreover, the subordinating conjunction “which” creates a confusing and
illogical sentence that suggests that the supplementary phrase beginning with “in” modifies the previous
information (“However...earlier”) rather than the information that follows. Choice D is incorrect because it results in
a run-on sentence. The sentences (“However...earlier” and “in...area”) are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction.
ID: dd428136
Cheng Dang and her colleagues at the University of Washington recently ran simulations to determine the extent to which individua
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
grain’s physical properties’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of plural and possessive nouns. The plural
possessive noun “grains’” and the plural noun “properties” correctly indicate that the simulations involved multiple
snow grains and that those snow grains had several properties.
Choice A is incorrect because the context requires the plural possessive noun “grains’” and the plural noun
“properties,” not the singular possessive noun “grain’s” and the plural possessive noun “properties’.” Choice C is
incorrect because the context requires the plural noun “properties,” not the singular possessive noun “property’s.”
Choice D is incorrect because the context requires the plural possessive noun “grains’,” not the plural noun “grains.”
ID: 04bfd364
The intense pressure found in the deep ocean can affect the structure of proteins in fish’s cells, distorting the proteins’ shape. The ch
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
configurations. TMAO
configurations TMAO
configurations, TMAO
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “configurations” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“The intense…
configurations”) and another (“TMAO…fish”). The supplementary phrase (“ensuring…configurations”) modifies the
main clause of the first sentence (“The chemical…effect”), and “TMAO” is the subject of the second sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“The intense…configurations” and
“TMAO…fish”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a
comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect.
Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join sentences.
ID: ea8f4658
When particles are suspended in liquid (like pollen in a water glass), they will zigzag randomly through the liquid and collide with o
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
movement: which
movement, which
movement which
D. movement. Which
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. This choice correctly uses commas to set off the nonessential relative clause "which is
known as Brownian motion" that provides extra information about the "random, continuous movement" that isn’t
necessary for the function of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error. The relative clause "which is known as Brownian
motion" is a nonessential supplement. Nonessential supplements need to be set apart from the rest of the sentence
with a pair of commas, dashes, or parentheses, so we can’t use a colon here. Also, notice that colons can only
come after an independent clause, which isn’t the case here. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a
punctuation error. The relative clause "which is known as Brownian motion" is a nonessential supplement, so it
should be separated from the rest of the sentence by a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already have a
comma after "motion," so we need to add a comma before "which." This choice is missing that comma. Choice D is
incorrect. This choice results in a sentence fragment. "This type of random, continuous movement" is not an
independent clause and can’t stand alone as a full sentence, so we can’t put a period here.
ID: 775f3eb9
In his groundbreaking book Bengali Harlem and the Lost Histories of South Asian America, Vivek Bald uses newspaper articles, cens
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
story’s of the South Asian immigrants
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of plural and possessive nouns. The plural
nouns “stories” and “immigrants” correctly indicate that the memoir tells multiple stories of multiple immigrants.
Choice A is incorrect because the context requires the plural noun “stories,” not the singular possessive noun
“story’s.” Choice B is incorrect because the context requires the plural nouns “stories” and “immigrants,” not the
singular possessive noun “story’s” and the plural possessive noun “immigrants’.” Choice D is incorrect because the
context requires the plural nouns “stories” and “immigrants,” not the plural possessive noun “stories’” and the
singular possessive noun “immigrant’s.”
ID: b6560e5a
Materials scientist Marie-Agathe Charpagne and her colleagues believed they could improve on the multicomponent alloy NiCoCr
the alloy that resulted, NiCoRu, turned out to be an unsuitable replacement for NiCoCr.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
(Ru)
(Ru) but
(Ru),
D. (Ru), but
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses. This choice
correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction “but” to join the first main clause (“Materials…Ru”) and
the second main clause (“the alloy…NiCoCr”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation
and/or a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s
conventional to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a
comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.
ID: 5b8f9cf2
In the canon of North African literature, Moroccan author Driss Chraïbi’s 1954 novel The Simple Past (Le Passé simple) looms
large. A coming-of-age story, a social meditation, and a sober gaze into the dark maw of French colonialism,
interrogates systemic power with memorable intensity.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Morocco gained its independence two years before the publication of Chraïbi’s debut novel, which
B. Chraïbi’s debut novel, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,
C. Chraïbi wrote a debut novel that, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,
D. published two years before Morocco gained its independence, Chraïbi wrote a debut novel that
Correct Answer:
B Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each other.
The subject of the modifier "a coming-of-age story…colonialism" is Chraïbi’s novel The Simple Past, so the subject
"Chraïbi’s debut novel" fits perfectly after this introductory modifying phrase.
Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The introductory modifier "a coming-
of-age story…colonialism" is describing Chraïbi’s novel, not Morocco. However, this choice places Morocco directly
next to that modifier. Choice C is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The introductory
modifier "a coming-of-age story…colonialism" all describes Chraïbi’s novel, not Chraïbi himself. However, this
choice places Chraïbi directly next to that modifier. Choice D is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to
each other. The modifier "a coming-of-age story…" is describing Chraïbi’s novel, so that needs to be the subject
immediately after the modifier. This choice adds another modifier that describes Chraïbi’s novel, but then puts
"Chraïbi" himself—not the novel—right after that modifier, which doesn’t make sense. Chraïbi wasn’t "published two
years before" Moroccan independence; his novel The Simple Past was.
ID: b5b74c3f
When writing The Other Black Girl (2021), novelist Zakiya Dalila Harris drew on her own experiences working at a publishing office. T
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
were
have been
has been
D. are
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “has been”
agrees in number with the singular subject “writing.”
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “writing.”
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “have been” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
“writing.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “are” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
“writing.”
ID: 432b1ede
The forty-seven geothermal springs of Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park are sourced via a process known as natural groundwa
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Springs to
Springs: to
Springs—to
D. Springs, to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The dash after “Springs” pairs with the dash after “earth” to separate the supplementary element “in this
case, the porous rocks of the hills around Hot Springs” from the rest of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from
the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a colon can’t be paired with a dash in this way to separate
the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired
with a dash in this way to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.
ID: c21df211
In 1959, the film industry debuted Smell-O-Vision. Theaters were fitted with specialized vents that emitted odors at specific points in a
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
movie such
movie; such
movie. Such
D. movie, such
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The comma appropriately separates the nonessential descriptive aside "such as…scene"
from the independent clause "Theaters were…movie." Since the descriptive example of roses isn’t necessary for the
sentence to function, it needs to be set off with punctuation.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence. Since the example of roses isn’t necessary for the
sentence to function, the descriptive aside "such as…scene" needs to be separated from the preceding
independent clause with some sort of punctuation. Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error.
A semicolon can only be used to separate two independent clauses, but "such…scene" is not an independent
clause and couldn’t stand on its own as a sentence. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a sentence
fragment. The descriptive aside "Such…scene" is not an independent clause and can’t stand on its own as a
sentence.
ID: 50445680
In winter, the diets of Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are influenced more by food availability than by food pr
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
forces
to force
forcing
forced
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a
sentence. The nonfinite present participle “forcing” is correctly used to form a participial phrase that
supplements the main clause “those...cover,” describing the effects on monkeys of the lack of food sources.
Choice A is incorrect because the finite present tense verb “forces” can’t be used in this way to supplement the
main clause (“those...cover”). Choice B is incorrect. While the nonfinite to-infinitive “to force” could be used to form
a subordinate clause that supplements the main clause (“those...cover”), to-infinitives conventionally express
purpose, and nothing in the sentence suggests that the food sources become unavailable for the purpose of forcing
monkeys to hunt marine animals. Choice D is incorrect because the finite past tense verb “forced” can’t be used
in this way to supplement the main clause (“those...cover”).
ID: 267a13e2
In 2010, archaeologist Noel Hidalgo Tan was visiting the twelfth-century temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia when he noticed mark
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
walls, with
walls with
walls so with
D. walls. With
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “walls” is used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“In...walls”) and the second
sentence (“With…techniques”), which starts with a supplementary phrase.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between sentences. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences
(“In...walls” and “with...paintings”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect.
Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “so” can’t be used in this way to join sentences.
ID: 403d7bb5
According to Naomi Nakayama of the University of Edinburgh, the reason seeds from a dying dandelion appear to float in the air
to
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
falling,
falling:
falling;
D. falling
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The word “falling” occurs in the middle of a clause and isn’t part of a supplement, so we
don’t need any punctuation after it. We can see this more clearly if we simplify the rest of the sentence: “The
reason seeds appear to oat while falling is that their plumes enhance drag.” .
CTh
heoiwceorAdi“sfainllcinogrr”eocctc. Turhsisindotheesnm’ticdodmlepolfeatectlhaue stexatnidn
iasnw’tapyatrhtaot fcaonsufoprpmlesmtoentht,escoownevednotnio’tnnseoefdSatnayndpaurndcEtunagtliiosnh. after
it. We can see this more clearly if we simplify the sentence: “The reason seeds appear to oat while falling is
that their plumes enhance drag.” . Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to
the conventions of Standard English. The word “falling” occurs in the middle of a clause and isn’t part of a
supplement, so we don’t need any punctuation after it. We can see this more clearly if we simplify the sentence:
“The reason seeds appear to oat while falling is that their plumes enhance drag.” . Choice C is incorrect. This
doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The word “falling”
occurs in the middle of a clause and isn’t part of a supplement, so we don’t need any punctuation after it. We can
see this more clearly if we simplify the sentence: “The reason seeds appear to oat while falling is that their
plumes enhance drag.” .
ID: de3dd17d
Planetary scientist Briony Horgan and her colleagues have determined that as much as 25 percent of the sand on Mars is composed
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
to rain
raining
having rained
D. rain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. "That…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface" is a relative clause that describes the "bits of
molten rock." Forming the clause requires a conjugated, finite verb, and this is the only choice that provides that.
Choice A is incorrect. "To rain" is an infinitive and can’t serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is
n e e de d he r e t o f rm th e m a in v e r b o f t h e r e l at i v e c la u e " th a t…
"b i ts o f m o l te n r oc k." Ch o ic e B i s i nc o r r e ct . " R a i n in g " is a p re s
[r ai n ] b a c k on t o M a rs ’ s s u rf a c e ," w h ic h d e c r i be s th e
en t p a r ti c ip le a n d , o n i t s o w n , c a n ’t se r ve a s t h e m a in verb of a clause.
A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface,"
which describes the "bits of molten rock." Choice C is incorrect. "Having rained" is a perfect participle and can’t
serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause
"that…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface," which describes the "bits of molten rock."
ID: 6b49f5f1
In 1727, dramatist Lewis Theobald presented a new play, Double Falsehood, at a London theater. Theobald claimed that his drama w
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
skeptical but
skeptical, but
skeptical,
D. skeptical
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. There are two independent clauses in the sentence, each with a subject and a verb:
"many...were skeptical" and "historians have determined…." These clauses can be grammatically joined by a comma
and the coordinating conjunction "but."
C h o ic e A i s in c o r r e . T h i s c h o ic e re s u l ts in a r u n - o n e n t e n c ,
j o in e d w it h o u t p u n ctt u a ti o n . T w o in d e p e nd en t c l a u s es
s c an ’ tb e
w h i c h o cc u r s w h e n t w o i n d ep e n d e n t l a u se s a r e
j oi n e d b y ju s t t h e c oo r d in a t in g c o n ju n ct i o n "b u t ." A comma would also be
required. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error called a comma splice. This sentence
contains two independent clauses ("Many…were skeptical" and "historians have determined…"). A comma alone
can’t join two independent clauses. That requires a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Choice D is incorrect.
This choice results in a run-on sentence, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined without
punctuation. This sentence contains two independent clauses ("Many…were skeptical" and "historians have
determined…"), which need to be either joined by a semicolon, joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction,
or separated by a period.
ID: 2dd1b8bf
Compared to that of alumina glass, silica glass atoms are so far apart that they are unable to re-form bonds after being separated.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
silica glass is at a significant disadvantage due to its more dispersed atomic arrangement:
silica glass has a more dispersed atomic arrangement, resulting in a significant disadvantage:
a significant disadvantage of silica glass is that its atomic arrangement is more dispersed:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes “silica
glass’s atomic arrangement” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase
“compared to that of alumina glass.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that silica glass’s atomic
arrangement—and not another noun in the sentence—is being compared to the atomic arrangement (“that”) of
alumina glass.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “silica glass”
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that silica glass itself (rather than its atomic
arrangement) is being compared to alumina glass’s atomic arrangement. Choice B is incorrect because it results in
a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “silica glass” immediately after the modifying phrase
illogically suggests that silica glass itself (rather than its atomic arrangement) is being compared to alumina
glass’s atomic arrangement. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the
noun phrase “a significant disadvantage” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “a
significant disadvantage” is being compared to alumina glass’s atomic arrangement.
ID: 577b09fa
Robin Wall Kimmerer of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is a bryologist, a plant scientist who specializes in mosses. To Kimmerer, mos
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
themselves;
themselves,
themselves. And
D. themselves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a series. The comma after
“themselves” is used conventionally to separate the first item (“they can clone themselves”) and the second item
(“enter a dormant state in times of drought”) in the series of things mosses can do.
A i s a
Choice C i s incorrect because i t
s m i c ol o n c a n ’ b e u s e d i t h is w y t o s e p a r a t i te m s
re
es u l ts i n a r h e to r ic a l ly u na c c ep ta bl e s e n t e n c e f r a gm
i a s i m p le s er ie s s u c h as this.
e nt b e g in n in g w it h “ A n d enter.” Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate
punctuation to separate the first and second items in the series.
ID: 59094d87
The Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville, Connecticut, was founded in 1931 with the goal of showcasing the culture and history of the
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Tribe, and
Tribe
Tribe and
D. Tribe,
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction (“and”) to join two
independent clauses (“The Tantaquidgeon…Tribe” and “Today…country”).
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error known as a run-on sentence. The clauses before and
after “Tribe”
incorrect. Thisare both independent,
choice so they error
results in a grammar need to be separated
known withsentence.
as a run-on some sort of clauses
The punctuation. Choice
before C is“and”
and after
are both
independent, so they can’t be linked with just a conjunction. A comma would also be required. Choice D is incorrect.
This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. The clauses before and after “Tribe” are both
independent, so they can’t be linked with just a comma. A coordinating conjunction like “and” or “but” would also be
required.
ID: 0ff8477b
Food and the sensation of taste are central to Monique Truong’s novels. In The Book of Salt, for example, the exiled character of Bìn
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
experienced
had experienced
experiences
D. will be experiencing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. In this choice, the
present tense verb “experiences” is consistent with the other present tense verbs (e.g., “connects” and
“prepares”) used to describe the events in Truong’s novels. Furthermore, it’s conventional to use the present
tense when discussing a literary work.
Choice A is incorrect because the past tense verb “experienced” isn’t consistent with the other present tense verbs
used to describe the events in Truong’s novels. Choice B is incorrect because the past perfect tense verb “had
experienced” isn’t consistent with the other present tense verbs used to describe the events in Truong’s novels.
Choice D is incorrect because the future progressive tense verb “will be experiencing” isn’t consistent with the
other present tense verbs used to describe the events in Truong’s novels.
ID: b260c65a
Earth is not a perfect sphere. Due to the gravitational pull, Earth bulges out on the sides closest to and farthest from the Moon. This d
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Moon’s
Moons
Moons’
D. Moon
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of possessive nouns. The singular possessive
noun "Moon’s" correctly indicates that there is only one Moon, and it has a gravitational pull.
Choice B is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "Moon’s," not the plural noun
"Moons."
possessiveChoice C is incorrect
noun "Moons’." because
Choice the context
D is incorrect requires
because thethe singular
context possessive
requires noun "Moon’s,"
the singular possessivenot the"Moon’s,"
noun plural
ID: 9f737b2a
In Death Valley National Park’s Racetrack Playa, a flat, dry lakebed, are 162 rocks—some weighing less than a pound but others almo
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
playas sediment mark the rock’s
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of plural and possessive nouns. The singular
possessive noun “playa’s” and the plural possessive noun “rocks’” correctly indicate that the sediment is that of one
playa (the Racetrack Playa) and that there are multiple rocks that have mysteriously migrated across the sediment.
Choice A is incorrect
noun “rocks’,” not thebecause the context
plural noun requires
“playas” and thethe singular
singular possessive
possessive noun
noun “playa’s”
“rock’s.” and the
Choice B isplural possessive
incorrect because
the context requires the plural possessive noun “rocks’,” not the plural noun “rocks.” Choice D is incorrect because
the context requires the singular possessive noun “playa’s,” not the plural possessive noun “playas’.”
ID: c52652c9
The human brain is primed to recognize faces—so much so that, due to a perceptual tendency called pareidolia, will even find faces in
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
she
they
it
D. those
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. "It" is a singular pronoun used to stand in for objects. Since the antecedent in this
case is the singular noun phrase "the human brain," "it" is a perfect pronoun to use here.
Choice A is incorrect. Although "she" is a singular pronoun, it is reserved for people and animals, not objects like
"the human brain." Choice B is incorrect. "They" is a plural pronoun, but we need a singular pronoun to represent
the antecedent "the human brain." Choice D is incorrect. "Those" is a plural pronoun, but we need a singular
pronoun to
represent the antecedent "the human brain."
ID: ba8ebf49
The poem Beowulf begins with the word “hwæt,” which is an Old English as “hark!” or “listen!” in some versions, the word was playf
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
exclamation, translated
exclamation translated
exclamation. Translated
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("The poem…exclamation") and another
sentence that begins with a supplementary element ("Translated…poem"). The supplementary element "translated
as ‘hark!’ or ‘listen!’ in some versions" modifies the subject of the second sentence, "the word" (referring to
hwæt).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after "exclamation." A comma can’t be used in this way
to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction
"and"
can’t be used in this way to join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after
"versions." A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.
SAT
Reading and Standard English Form, Structure,
Writing Conventions and Sense
ID: 188f7e3c
In 2016, engineer Vanessa Galvez oversaw the installation of 164 bioswales, vegetated channels designed to absorb and
divert stormwater, along the streets of Queens, New York. By reducing the runoff flowing into city sewers,
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. the mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved by bioswales.
B. the bioswales have mitigated both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways.
C. the bioswales’ mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved.
D. both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways have been mitigated by bioswales.
Correct Answer:
B Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “the bioswales” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase
“By reducing…sewers.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that the bioswales—and not another noun in
the sentence—are reducing runoff owing into city sewers.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the mitigation…
waterways” immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear modification. The resulting sentence makes
it hard to determine what is responsible for “reducing the runoff”: the bioswales or some other noun in the
sentence. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the
bioswales’ mitigation…waterways” immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear modification. The
resulting sentence makes it hard to determine what is responsible for “reducing the runoff”: the bioswales or some
other noun in the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the
noun phrase “street ooding and the resulting pollution” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically
suggests that the “ooding and pollution” are reducing runoff owing into city sewers.
ID: 36944347
Official measurements of the Mississippi River’s length vary: according to the US Geologic Survey, the river is 2,300 miles long, wh
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
they accumulate
one accumulates
it accumulates
D. we accumulate
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The noun that goes with "expand and contract" is "rivers," a plural noun. "They"
is a third-person plural pronoun, so it can correctly stand in for "rivers."
Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "One" is a singular pronoun, but
the noun that goes with "expand and contract" is "rivers," a plural noun. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "It" is a singular pronoun, but the noun that goes with "expand
and contract"
is "rivers," a plural noun. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. The
noun that goes with "expand and contract" is the plural noun "rivers." Rivers are not people, so "we" can’t be used
to stand in for it.
ID: a466679a
In 1976, the Inuit rock group Sikumiut recorded the album People of the Ice. Though only their first record, it shows a band already
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
blend, with
blend. With
blend; with
D. blend with
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a verb and a prepositional
phrase. No punctuation is needed between the verb “blend” and the prepositional phrase “with Charlie Adams’s
delightfully catchy vocal melodies.” The prepositional phrase completes the idea of the sentence, explaining with
what Koperqualuk’s guitar riffs blend.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb and the prepositional phrase. Choice B is
incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb and the prepositional phrase. Choice C is
incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb and the prepositional phrase.
ID: a8fa749a
Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta’s celebrated literary oeuvre includes The Joys of Motherhood, a novel about the changing roles o
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Lagos, A Kind of Marriage,
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series
including internal punctuation). In this choice, the semicolon after “Lagos” is conventionally used to separate the
first item (“The Joys…Lagos”) and the second item (“ A Kind…Nigeria”) in the series. Further, the comma after
“Marriage” correctly separates the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…
Nigeria”)
that describes it.
Choice A is incorrect because the comma after “Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to
separate the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) from the third item (“and…autobiography”). Choice C is incorrect
because the comma after “Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to separate the second item
(“A Kind…Nigeria”) from the third item (“and…autobiography”). Additionally, a colon can’t be used in this way to
separate the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it.
Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the title “A Kind of Marriage”
from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it.
ID: 898f182c
Richard Spikes was a prolific African American inventor known for his contributions to automotive engineering. Between 1907 an
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
included
includes
including
D. will include
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of nonfinite verb forms within a sentence. The
nonfinite present participle "including" is correctly used to form a participial phrase that supplements the main
clause "he patented many inventions," listing several of Spikes’s patented inventions.
Choice A is incorrect because the finite past tense verb "included" can’t be used in this way to supplement the main
clause "he patented many inventions." Choice B is incorrect because the finite present tense verb "includes" can’t
be
used in this way to supplement the main clause "he patented many inventions." Choice D is incorrect because the
finite future tense verb "will include" can’t be used in this way to supplement the main clause "he patented many
inventions."
ID: 6e5bf3a8
Even though bats prefer very sweet nectar, the plants that attract them have evolved to produce nectar that is only moderately sweet
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
explains
explaining
having explained
D. to explain
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a
sentence. A main clause requires a finite verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, “a recent study”),
and this choice supplies the finite present tense verb “explains” to indicate that the study explains why plants that
attract bats have evolved to produce moderately sweet nectar.
Choice B is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “explaining” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite
verb. Choice C is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “having explained” doesn’t supply the main clause
with a finite verb. Choice D is incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to explain” doesn’t supply the main
clause with a finite verb.
ID: 84658166
In 1943, in the midst of World War II, mathematics professor Grace Hopper was recruited by the US military to help the war effort by
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
equations, though:
equations, though,
equations. Though,
D. equations though
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation to mark boundaries between
supplements and clauses. The comma after “equations” is used to separate the independent clause (“Hopper’s…
equation”) from the supplementary adverb phrase “though.” The colon after “though” is used to mark the boundary
between the clause ending with “though” and the following clause (“as…age”). A colon used in this way introduces
information that illustrates or explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon after “though”
introduces the following explanation of how Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just solving
equations: she would become a pioneering computer programmer.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two
independent clauses (“Hopper’s…though” and “as…age”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results in
an illogical sequence of sentences. Placing the period after “equations” and beginning the next sentence with
“Though” illogically suggests that the following information (that Hopper would help usher in the digital age) is
contrary to the information in the previous sentence (Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just
solving equations). Instead, the information that follows supports the information from the previous sentence by
explaining how her work and inuence extended beyond solely solving equations. Choice D is incorrect because it
results in a
run-on sentence. The two independent clauses (“Hopper’s…though” and “as…age”) are fused without punctuation.
Question Difficulty:
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
Question ID
SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,
Conventions and Sense
ID: 7c48a6dd
In the late 1960s, inspired in part by the sight of laundry hanging on a clothesline, African American abstract painter Sam Gilliam b
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
to have suspended
suspending
to suspend
D. suspended
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The past tense of "suspended" matches the past tense of "applied," which has the same
subject ("he") and takes place in the same context: "He applied…and [he] suspended."
Choice A is incorrect. The perfect infinitive "to have suspended" doesn’t match the past tense of "applied," and it
can’t serve as a verb on its own. These are both verbs with the same subject and in the same context, so there’s
no need to shift tenses. Choice B is incorrect. The present participle "suspending" doesn’t match the past tense of
"applied," and it can’t serve as a verb on its own. These are both verbs with the same subject and in the same
context, so there’s no need to shift tenses. Choice C is incorrect. The infinitive "to suspend" doesn’t match the
past tense of "applied," and it can’t serve as a verb on its own. These are both verbs with the same subject and in
the same context, so there’s no need to shift tenses.
ID: 5cc85f01
A conceptual artist and designer embraced by both the art world and the fashion Mary Ping was chosen to curate the exhibition Fron
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
world
world:
world;
world,
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a supplementary phrase and a
main clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase (“A
conceptual artist…world”), which describes Mary Ping, and the main clause (“Mary…America”).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase (“A conceptual
artist…world”) and the main clause (“Mary…America”) with appropriate punctuation. Choice B is incorrect because a
colon can’t be used in this way to join the supplementary phrase (“A conceptual artist…world”) and the main clause
(“Mary…America”). In this context, the colon incorrectly suggests that the information in the supplementary phrase
is an explanation or amplification of the information in the main clause (Mary Ping being chosen to curate the
exhibition), which isn’t the case. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the
supplementary phrase (“A conceptual artist…world”) and the main clause (“Mary…America”). Semicolons are
conventionally used to separate two main clauses or to separate items in a complex series.
ID: 8d53e7a0
Slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo’s debut novel The Poet X, winner of the 2018 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, is
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
poems putatively written by the novel’s
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. Nothing belongs to the “poems” in the sentence, so it should not be possessive—just a
simple plural noun. The protagonist does belong to the novel—it’s the protagonist of the novel—so “novel” needs
to be a singular possessive noun.
Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English.
This choice uses the singular possessive “poem’s,” but the text indicates that it should be the simple plural “poems”:
there is more than one poem, and nothing belongs to the poems. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the
text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. This choice uses the singular possessive
“poem’s,” but the text indicates that it should be the simple plural “poems”: there is more than one poem, and
nothing belongs to the poems. This choice also uses the plural possessive “novels’,” which is incorrect because
there is only one novel. Choice D is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the
conventions of Standard English. This choice uses the plural possessive “novels’,” which is incorrect because
there is only one novel, so it should be the singular possessive “novel’s.” .
ID: cabe71d4
Both Sona Charaipotra, an Indian American, and Dhonielle Clayton, an African American, grew up frustrated by the lack of diverse
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
company,
company that
company
company, that
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use and punctuation of an integrated relative
clause. This choice correctly uses the relative pronoun “that” and no punctuation to create an integrated relative
clause that provides essential information about the noun phrase (“a book packaging company”) that it modifies.
Choice A is incorrect because it doesn’t use a relative pronoun to link the verb phrase beginning with
“specializes” to the noun phrase that it modifies (“a book packaging company”). Choice C is incorrect because
it doesn’t use a relative pronoun to link the verb phrase beginning with “specializes” to the noun phrase that it
modifies (“a book packaging company”). Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the
integrated relative clause beginning with “that specializes” and the noun phrase that it modifies (“a book
packaging company”).
ID: 61160f0a
Author Madeline L’Engle, to create a suspenseful tone that draws the reader in, begins her novel A Wrinkle in Time
with descriptions of “wraithlike shadows” and “the frenzied lashing of the wind.”
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
looked
looks
is looking
looking
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. The nonfinite
present participle verb “looking” is correctly used to form a subordinate clause that describes the intent behind
how L’Engle begins her novel.
Choice A is incorrect because the finite past tense verb “looked” can’t be used in this way to form a subordinate
clause. Choice B is incorrect because the finite present tense verb “looks” can’t be used in this way to form a
subordinate clause. Choice C is incorrect because the finite present progressive tense verb “is looking” can’t be used
in this way to form a subordinate clause.
ID: 7b950fc2
In 2000, Nora de Hoyos Comstock, herself an owner of a successful consulting firm, sought to increase Latina representation in cor
served as a resource and information network for Latina business professionals.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
settings she
settings, she
D. settings. She
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. It appropriately uses a period to mark the end of one independent clause ("In 2000…
settings") and the start of another ("She founded…professionals").
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence error. Both the clause before the blank ("In 2000…
settings") and the clause after the blank ("she…professionals") are independent clauses, so they need to be separated
by punctuation. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a comma splice error. It incorrectly joins two
independent clauses with just a comma. Linking two independent clauses with a comma also requires the use of a
coordinating conjunction (like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so). Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a run-
on sentence, an error caused when two independent clauses are joined without punctuation or appropriate
conjunctions. Since both the clause before the blank ("In 2000…settings") and the clause after the blank ("she…
professionals") are independent, a comma would be required in addition to the coordinating conjunction "and."
ID: 75f49353
The Progressive Era in the United States witnessed the rise of numerous Black women’s clubs, local organizations that advocated for
Era Club of Boston.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
was
were
are
D. have been
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested here is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “was”
agrees in number with the singular subject “Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin.”
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “Josephine
St. Pierre Ruffin.” Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “are” doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject “Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “have been” doesn’t agree in
number with the singular subject “Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin.”
ID: 1b97cce9
Hegra is an archaeological site in present-day Saudi Arabia and was the second largest city of the Nabataean Kingdom (fourth ce
the rocky outcrops of a vast desert, these burial chambers seem to blend seamlessly with nature.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
tombs. Built
tombs, built
D. tombs built
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “tombs” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“Archaeologist...tombs”) and
another (“Built...nature”).
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between sentences. Choice C is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be
used in this
way to join the two sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences
(“Archaeologist...tombs” and “Built...nature”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: fff4c7f4
American poet Emily Dickinson wrote many of her poems on scraps of paper, but she also took steps to collect these works. From
fascicles).
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
them
this
that
D. it
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The pronoun "them" agrees with the plural antecedents "poems" and "works."
Choice B is incorrect. "This" is a singular pronoun, but its antecedents, "poems" and "works," are plural. Choice C
is incorrect. "That" is a singular pronoun, but its antecedents, "poems" and "works," are plural. Choice D is
incorrect. "It"
is a singular pronoun, but its antecedents, "poems" and "works," are plural.
Question Difficulty: Easy
Question ID
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
ID: 40c3589d
Luci Tapahonso is the inaugural poet laureate of the Navajo Nation. Her book Sáanii Dahataal/The Women Are Singing—a
combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and serves as a testament to her versatility as a writer.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
prose;
prose
prose,
prose—
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. “A combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and prose” is a nonessential
supplement, so it needs to be set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks. We
already have a dash at the beginning of the supplement, so we need to add a dash at the end of the supplement to
match.
Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English.
“A combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and prose” is a nonessential supplement, so it needs to be set off
from the rest of the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already have a dash at the beginning
of the
supplement, so we need to add a dash at the end of the supplement to match. Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t
complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. “A combination of fiction and
memoir, poetry and prose” is a nonessential supplement, so it needs to be set off from the rest of the sentence with
a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already have a dash at the beginning of the supplement, so we need to
add a dash at the end of the supplement to match. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way
that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. “A combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and prose” is
a nonessential supplement, so it needs to be set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of matching
punctuation marks. We already have a dash at the beginning of the supplement, so we need to add a dash at the
end of the supplement to match.
ID: b15724fc
American writer Edwidge Danticat, who emigrated from Haiti in 1981, has won acclaim for her powerful short stories, novels, and her
Danticat to Nobel Prize–winning novelist Toni Morrison.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
essays, praising
essays praising
D. essays. Praising
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “essays” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“American…essays”) and another
(“praising…Morrison”). The participial phrase beginning with “Praising” modifies the subject of the second sentence,
“writer Robert Antoni.”
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be
used in this way to join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences
(“American… essays” and “Praising…Morrison”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: c5d39bc7
Scientists believe that, unlike most other species of barnacle, turtle barnacles (Chelonibia testudinari) can dissolve the cement-like sec
the shell’s surface.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
it
themselves
them
D. itself
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun-antecedent agreement. The plural reexive
pronoun “themselves” agrees in number with the plural antecedent “turtle barnacles,” correctly indicating what is
attached to a sea turtle shell.
Choice A is incorrect because the singular pronoun “it” doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent “turtle
barnacles.” Choice C is incorrect because it results in an unclear and confusing sentence. In this context, it’s
unclear
what the plural pronoun “them” refers to. Choice D is incorrect because the singular reexive pronoun “itself”
doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent “turtle barnacles.”
ID: e2759b92
Occupying a significant part of modern-day Nigeria, the Kingdom of Benin was one of the major powers in West Africa
between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries. It ruled by Oba Ewuare I from 1440 to 1473.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
is
will be
has been
was
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In this
choice, the past tense verb “was ruled” correctly indicates that Oba Ewuare I ruled the Kingdom of Benin in the
distant past (from 1440 to 1473). This past tense verb choice is consistent with the other past tense verb (“was”)
used to describe the Kingdom of Benin.
Choice A is incorrect because the present tense verb “is ruled” doesn’t indicate that Oba Ewuare I ruled the
Kingdom of Benin in the distant past. Choice B is incorrect because the future tense verb “will be ruled” doesn’t
indicate that
Oba Ewuare I ruled the Kingdom of Benin in the distant past. Choice C is incorrect because the present perfect
tense verb “has been ruled” doesn’t indicate that Oba Ewuare I ruled the Kingdom of Benin in the distant past.
ID: 594b4a94
The field of geological oceanography owes much to American Marie Tharp, a pioneering oceanographic cartographer whose detailed
of plate tectonics and continental drift.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
geologist,
geologist
geologist;
D. geologist:
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. “Marie tharp” is essential information that completes the first clause — the first clause
doesn’t function without it. So we don’t want to separate it with punctuation.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to
American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity,
which means it’s essential information and should not be separated by a comma. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
creates
a punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to American geologist” is unclear: which
geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s essential information and
should not be separated by a semicolon. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field
of geological oceanography owes much to American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about?
We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s essential information and should not be separated by a
colon.
ID: 2fd05c15
In crafting her fantasy fiction, Nigerian-born British author Helen Oyeyemi has drawn inspiration from the classic nineteenth- centu
Snow White, while her 2019 novel offers a delicious twist on the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Gingerbread—
Gingerbread,
Gingerbread
D. Gingerbread:
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as in
this case, a subject (“her 2019 novel Gingerbread”) is immediately followed by a verb (“offers”), no punctuation
is needed.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is
needed between the subject and the
ID: 175df826
In the 2011 documentary The Barber of Birmingham, civil rights activist James Armstrong recounts how his barbershop in
Birmingham, Alabama, as a political hub for members of the Black community during the 1950s.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
serving
having served
served
to serve
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. Relative
clauses, such as the one beginning with "how," require a finite (tensed) verb, a verb that can function as the main
verb of a clause. This choice correctly supplies the clause with the finite past tense verb "served."
Choice A is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite participle "serving" doesn’t
supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice B is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The
nonfinite participle "having served" doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice D is incorrect because it
results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive "to serve" doesn’t supply the clause with a finite
verb.
ID: c8540a5b
Swedish scientists Eva Engvall and Peter Perlmann developed a method for measuring the concentration of different proteins in a bi
indicate the presence of certain diseases.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
method (called
method—called
method, called
D. method called
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The comma after “method” pairs with the comma after the closing parenthesis to separate the
supplementary element “called ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)” from the rest of the sentence. This
supplementary element functions to identify the name of Engvall and Perlmann’s method, and the pair of commas
indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because an opening parenthesis can’t be paired with a comma to separate the
supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a dash can’t be paired with a
comma to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because it fails
to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.
ID: e15c50b2
A standard Argo float, a type of autonomous robot, measures temperature and salinity in the upper regions of ice-free
oceans. More advanced floats can measure a wider range of and monitor seasonal ice zones.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
variables: travel to greater depths
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a series. The comma after
“variables” is used conventionally to separate the first and second items in the series, and the comma after
“depths” is used conventionally to separate the second and third items.
Choice A is incorrect because a colon can’t be used in this way to separate items in a simple series. Choice C is
incorrect because a comma is needed after “variables” to separate the first and second items in the series. Choice D
is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to separate items in a simple series.
ID: 988c78eb
Former First Lady of the United States Eleanor Roosevelt and Indian activist and educator Hansa Mehta were instrumental in drafting
people are entitled.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
have outlined
were outlining
outlines
D. outline
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “outlines”
agrees in number with the singular subject “document.”
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “have outlined” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
“document.” Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “were outlining” doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject “document.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “outline” doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject “document.”
ID: 96499989
Fans of science fiction will multiple references to classic sci-fi stories in Janelle Monáe’s song lyrics, including her
recurring nods to the plot of the 1927 sci-fi film Metropolis.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
appreciate the
appreciate. The
appreciate, the
appreciate: the
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested here is punctuation between a verb and object. No
punctuation is needed between the verb ("appreciate") and its object ("the multiple references..."). The object helps
complete the idea of the verb—in this case, it explains what fans of science fiction will appreciate—and any
punctuation between the two results in an ungrammatical sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb and its object. Choice C is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between the verb and its object. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is
needed between the verb and its object.
ID: fdb16e20
Quantum particles of light—photons—provide an unhackable means of transmitting encryption keys over networks, as attempts to o
transmit.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
and in the process,
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. This choice uses paired punctuation in the form of two commas to set off the
nonessential phrase "in the process."
Choice A is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired
punctuation. We need a comma after "and" to match the one after "process." Choice C is incorrect. The phrase "in
the process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired punctuation, so we would need a dash
after
"and" to match the one following "process." Choice D is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential
element and needs to be set off with paired punctuation. We would need a comma after "process" to match the one
following "and."
ID: 4565a53c
Lucía Michel of the University of Chile observed that alkaline soils contain an insoluble form of iron that blueberry plants cannot ab
solubilization, Michel was determined to find out.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
could the blueberries thrive.
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is end-of-sentence punctuation. This choice correctly
uses a question mark to punctuate the interrogative clause “could the blueberries thrive,” which asks a direct
question at the end of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because a period can’t be used in this way to punctuate an interrogative clause, such as
“could the blueberries thrive,” at the end of a sentence. Choice B is incorrect because the context requires an
interrogative
clause. The declarative clause “the blueberries could thrive” incorrectly indicates that it was known that the
blueberries could thrive in alkaline soil, whereas Michel had yet to find this out. Choice C is incorrect because a
question mark can’t be used in this way to punctuate a declarative clause, such as “the blueberries could thrive,”
at the end of a sentence.
ID: 7a0d9031
In many of her landscape paintings from the 1970s and 1980s, Lebanese American artist Etel Adnan worked to capture the essence
paintings.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are
have been
were
is
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject–verb agreement. The singular verb “is” agrees in
number with the singular subject “the triangle.”
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “are” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the triangle.”
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “have been” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the
triangle.” Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the
triangle.”
ID: 91fbd59d
Award-winning cinematographer James Wong Howe was known for his innovative filming techniques. While filming a boxing matc
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. (1947), and
B. (1947),
C. (1947) and
D. (1947)
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a supplementary element and a
main clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase
(“While...1947”), which indicates when the action occurred, and the main clause (“Howe had a handheld camera
operator wear roller skates”).
Choice A is incorrect because a comma paired with the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between the supplementary element (“While…1947”) and the main clause (“Howe…skates”). Choice C is
incorrect because the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join the supplementary element (“While…1947”)
and the main clause (“Howe…skates”). Choice D is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the
supplementary element and the main clause with appropriate punctuation.
ID: d46ac7e7
A second-generation Japanese American, Wataru Misaka in World War II (1941-45) and won two amateur national basketball champio
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
already served
already serves
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the New York Knicks in 1947. To
show that a past occurrence took place before another past occurrence, we need to use “had” + the past tense
form of the verb. This is called the past perfect tense.
Choice A is incorrect. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but
his service in World War II happened earlier, so we need a verb that makes it clear that his service (and the two
national
championships) had ended by the time he joined the Knicks. Choice B is incorrect. “Was already serving” forms
the continuous past tense, which we use when we’re showing a past action that was ongoing. Misaka served in
World War II before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but they’re not happening at the same time,
so we shouldn’t use the continuous past tense here. Choice C is incorrect. Misaka served in World War II in the
past, so we shouldn’t use the present tense “serves.”
ID: b1e8b87f
Winding through the ice atop Norway’s Jotunheim Mountains is the Lendbreen pass, an ancient route that was used by hunters, f
knives, horseshoes, wool tunics, and thousands of other artifacts from the icy pass.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
unearthed:
unearthed,
unearthed—
D. unearthed
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. No punctuation should separate the verb "unearthed" and its objects (i.e, what was
"unearthed"): "knives, horseshoes, wool tunics, and thousands of other artifacts."
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error, separating the verb "unearthed" from its objects (i.e,
what was "unearthed") with a colon. Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error, separating the
verb "unearthed" from its objects (i.e, what was "unearthed") with a comma. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
creates a punctuation error, separating the verb "unearthed" from its objects (i.e, what was "unearthed") with a dash.
ID: 3595a991
In 1930, Japanese American artist Chiura Obata depicted the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park in two memorable woodcuts:
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
it was
they were
this was
some were
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun–antecedent agreement. The plural pronoun
“they” agrees in number with the plural antecedent “woodcuts” and clearly identifies what was exhibited at the
Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Choice A is incorrect because the singular pronoun “it” doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent
“woodcuts.” Choice C is incorrect because the singular pronoun “this” doesn’t agree in number with the plural
antecedent “woodcuts.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural pronoun “some” is illogical in this context (referring
to “some” of two woodcuts).
ID: 1ee4485c
Journalists have dubbed Gil Scott-Heron the “godfather of rap,” a title that has appeared in hundreds of articles about him since the
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
nickname, however
nickname, however;
nickname, however,
nickname; however,
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and two
supplementary elements. In this choice, the commas after “nickname” and “however” are correctly used to
separate the supplementary adverb “however” from the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”) on one side and
the supplementary participial phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”) on the other.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary adverb “however” and
the supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this
way to join the supplementary adverb “however” and the supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice D
is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”)
and the supplementary word and phrase (“however” and “feeling…bluesologist”). Moreover, placing the semicolon
after “nickname” illogically signals that the following information (Scott-Heron’s feeling that the nickname
didn’t encapsulate his devotion to the blues tradition) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (Scott-
Heron’s resistance to the nickname).
ID: 31362d2d
If simple sugars such as ribose and glycolaldehyde Earth from elsewhere and survived impact—a possibility astrophysicist Nicolle Zelln
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
reach
had reached
will reach
are reaching
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. In this choice, the
past perfect verb “had reached” is used correctly to describe a past action that was completed before another
action in the past. Specifically, in this hypothetical scenario about the origins of RNA and DNA on Earth, the
simple sugars had to have reached Earth before they could react with other molecules on the planet.
Choice A is incorrect because the present tense verb “reach” doesn’t indicate that the simple sugars reached
Earth before reacting with other molecules on the planet. Choice C is incorrect because the future tense verb
“will reach” doesn’t indicate that the simple sugars reached Earth before reacting with other molecules on the
planet. Choice D is incorrect because the present progressive verb “are reaching” doesn’t indicate that the
simple sugars reached Earth before reacting with other molecules on the planet.
ID: d2cf0e11
Inventor John Friedman created a prototype of the first flexible straw by inserting a screw into a paper straw and, using dental floss,
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
screw’s thread’s.
screws’ threads.
screw’s threads.
screws threads’.
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of plural and possessive nouns. The
singular possessive noun “screw’s” and the plural noun “threads” correctly indicate that there is only one screw
and it has multiple threads.
Choice A is incorrect because the context requires the plural noun “threads,” not the singular possessive noun
“thread’s.” Choice B is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun “screw’s,” not the plural
possessive noun “screws’.” Choice D is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun
“screw’s” and the plural noun “threads,” not the plural noun “screws” or the plural possessive noun “threads.’”
ID: 1d971f75
Photographer Ansel Adams’s landscape portraits are iconic pieces of American art. However, many of the of landscapes were intende
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
photographer’s early photo’s
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. There’s only one photographer (Adams), and the photos are his, so the singular
possessive "photographer’s" is correct. There’s more than one photo, and nothing belongs to the photos, so the
simple plural "photos" is correct.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses the singular possessive "photo’s," which isn’t correct. There’s more than
one photo, and they don’t possess anything, so the noun should be the simple plural "photos." Choice B is
incorrect. This
choice uses the simple plural "photographers" and the singular possessive "photo’s," which aren’t correct. There’s
only one photographer (Adams) and there’s more than one photo. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses the
simple plural "photographers," which isn’t correct. There’s only one photographer (Adams).
ID: f40ca576
Each year in the fall, when the weather starts to cool in the northern hemisphere, millions of North American monarch butterflies jou
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
flew
were flying
had flown
fly
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. In this choice, the
present tense verb “y” is consistent with the other present tense verb ( “journey”) used to describe the
butteries’ yearly migration. Together, these simple present tense verbs correctly indicate that the migration is
a current, yearly occurrence.
Choice A is incorrect. The simple past tense verb “ew” isn’t consistent with the other present tense verb used to
describe the butteries’ yearly migration. Choice B is incorrect. The past progressive tense verb “were ying” isn’t
consistent with the other present tense verb used to describe the butteries’ yearly migration. Choice C is incorrect.
The past perfect tense verb “had own” isn’t consistent with the other present tense verb used to describe the
butteries’ yearly migration.
ID: c101fc44
How do scientists determine what foods were eaten by extinct hominins such as Neanderthals? In the past, researchers were limited
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
new: sequencing
new; sequencing
new, sequencing:
new. Sequencing
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. “A team…tried something new” is an independent clause leading to an explanation
of what the new thing was. A colon can only be used at the end of an independent clause, and typically introduces
further explanation that expands upon the first clause, which makes a colon the perfect choice here.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error. “Sequencing…dental plaque” can’t stand on its
own as a sentence, and so it can’t be linked to the independent clause “a team…tried something new” with a
semicolon.
Only two independent clauses can be connected in this way. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a
punctuation error. If “sequencing” is included in the first clause, it can no longer stand on its own as a complete
idea. Since a colon can only come at the end of an independent clause, using one in this way creates an error.
Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a sentence fragment. “Sequencing…dental plaque” can’t stand on its
own as a sentence.
ID: 0bcb4417
Oglala Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier’s star quilt poems offer an unusually open-ended reading experience. With eight panels of t
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
their
it’s
they’re
its
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of possessive determiners. The plural
possessive determiner "their" agrees in number with the plural noun "the poems," thus indicating that the poems
had eight panels of text stitched together in the shape of a traditional eight-pointed Lakota star quilt.
Choice B is incorrect because "it’s" is the contraction for "it is" or "it has," not a possessive determiner. Choice C is
incorrect because "they’re" is the contraction for "they are," not a possessive determiner. Choice D is incorrect
becausethe singular possessive determiner "its" doesn’t agree in number with the plural noun "the poems."
ID: dddfa043
Before the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, transporting goods by wagon between New York City and the Midwest took up to fo
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Erie; the
Erie (the
Erie, the
Erie: the
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a supplementary phrase and a
main clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the introductory supplementary
phrase (“By linking the Hudson River to Lake Erie”), which identifies how the canal reduced transport time, and
the main clause (“the canal reduced transport time to nine days and cut costs to six dollars per ton”).
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between a supplementary
phrase (“By…Erie”) and the main clause (“the canal...ton”). Choice B is incorrect because an open parenthesis can’t
be used in this way to mark the boundary between a supplementary phrase (“By…Erie”) and the main clause (“the
canal...ton”). Choice D is incorrect because a colon can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between an
introductory supplementary phrase (“By…Erie”) and the main clause (“the canal...ton”).
ID: be37d4ae
During the English neoclassical period (1660–1789), many writers imitated the epic poetry and satires of ancient Greece and Rome. Th
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
antiquity, however
antiquity, however,
antiquity, however;
antiquity; however,
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary phrase following
a clause. This choice uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb phrase “however” from the
independent clause it modifies (“They …antiquity”) and uses a semicolon to join the first independent clause (“They
…antiquity”) and the second independent clause (“some…literature”). Further, placing the semicolon after
“however” indicates that the information in the clause that this part of (that neoclassical writers were not the first
to adopt classical literary modes) is contrary to what might be assumed from the information in the previous
sentence (that the neoclassical writers were unique in imitating classical epic poetry and satires).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary after “however” between the two independent clauses
with appropriate punctuation. Choice B is incorrect because the comma after “however” can’t be used in this way
to mark the boundary between the two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because placing the semicolon
after “antiquity” illogically indicates that the information in the clause that this part of (that prominent Renaissance
figures were also inuenced by classical literature) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (that
neoclassical writers were not the first to adopt classical literary modes).
Question Difficulty:
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
Question ID
SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,
Conventions and Sense
ID: c8607bdf
“Praise Song for the Day,” Elizabeth Alexander’s 2009 inaugural poem, asserts that “We cross dirt roads and highways…to see what’s
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
evokes
are evoking
have evoked
evoke
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "evokes"
agrees in number with the singular subject "Alexander’s use."
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "are evoking" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"Alexander’s use." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "have evoked" doesn’t agree in number with the
singular subject "Alexander’s use." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "evoke" doesn’t agree in number
with the singular subject "Alexander’s use."
ID: 5aae2475
Stomata, tiny pore structures in a leaf that absorb gases needed for plant growth, open when guard cells surrounding each pore sw
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
biologist, Yuree Lee
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns.
No punctuation is needed to offset the proper noun “Yuree Lee” form the title “plant cell biologist” that describes Lee.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.
Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed around the proper noun “Yuree Lee.” Setting the phrase off
with punctuation suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the
case.
ID: 4c9a2aee
Wanda Diaz-Merced is an astrophysicist who lost her sight when she was young. Diaz-Merced’s condition inspired her to develop
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
has enabled
enable
is enabling
enables
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The plural verb "enable"
agrees in number with the plural subject "sound-based tools."
Choice A is incorrect because the singular verb "has enabled" doesn’t agree in number with the plural subject
"sound-based tools." Choice C is incorrect because the singular verb "is enabling" doesn’t agree in number with the
plural subject "sound-based tools." Choice D is incorrect because the singular verb "enables" doesn’t agree in
number
with the plural subject "sound-based
ID: db2e480a
By the time Hawaiian king Kamehameha III the throne, the number of longhorn cattle, first introduced to the islands in 1793, had
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
ascended
will ascend
ascends
is ascending
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. "Ascended" is in the simple past tense. Since Kamehameha became king in the past,
this makes the most sense.
Choice B is incorrect. "Will ascend" is in the future tense, but we wouldn’t know about Kamehameha III’s ascent if it
hadn’t happened yet. The information in the sentence, as well as the tense of other verbs, tells us that the events
described happened in the past. Choice C is incorrect. "Ascends" is in the simple present tense. However, the
information in the sentence, as well as the tense of other verbs, tells us that the events described happened in
the past. Choice D is incorrect. "Is ascending" is in the continuous present tense, which we use to show that
something is ongoing, but this doesn’t make sense here—the information in the sentence, as well as the tense of
other verbs, tells us that the events described happened in the past.
ID: a30567fd
Nuhād al-Ḥaddād, known as Fairuz, was one of the most beloved Lebanese singers of the twentieth century. Her broad singing re
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
earned
had earned
earning
earn
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The word "earning" is being used to introduce an additional modifying phrase,
which describes how Fairuz’s repertoire lent her cross-generational appeal. When a verb ends in -ing and
doesn’t have a helper verb like "is" before it, it can be used to modify a noun or verb. This is appropriate here.
Choice A is incorrect. The underlined verb is being used to introduce additional descriptive information, which
is set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma. Because there is no subject here, a finite form of the verb
(like
"earned") creates an error. We need another form of the verb that doesn’t require a subject and can introduce
descriptive information. Choice B is incorrect. The underlined verb is being used to introduce additional
descriptive information, which is set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma. Because there is no subject
here, a finite form of the verb (like "had earned") creates an error. We need another form of the verb that doesn’t
require a subject and can introduce descriptive information. Choice D is incorrect. The underlined verb is being
used to introduce additional descriptive information, which is set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Because there is no subject here, a finite form of the verb (like "earn") creates an error. We need another form of
the verb that doesn’t require a subject and can introduce descriptive information.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 329255db
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
ID: 329255db
Bengali author Toru Dutt’s A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields (1876), a volume of English translations of French poems,
scholars’ understanding of the transnational and multilingual contexts in which Dutt lived and worked.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
has enhanced
are enhancing
have enhanced
enhance
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “has
enhanced” agrees in number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields, ” which is the title of a
book of poems.
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “are enhancing” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “A
Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.” Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “have enhanced” doesn’t agree in
number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields .” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb
“enhance” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields .”
ID: 603755a5
In 1959, marine biologist Dr. Albert Jones founded the Underwater Adventure Seekers, a scuba diving that is the oldest club for Blac
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
club
club,
club—
club, and
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. “That is…field” is an essential supplement, so we should not use punctuation to
separate it from “scuba diving club.” .
Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “That is…field” is an essential supplement, so we
should not use a comma (or any kind of punctuation) to separate it from “scuba diving club.” . Choice C is incorrect.
This choice creates a punctuation error. “That is…field” is an essential supplement, so we should not use a dash (or
any kind of punctuation) to separate it from “scuba diving club.” . Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a run-
on sentence. It makes “that is…United States” into an awkward independent clause, but it also makes “that has…
field”
into its own awkward independent clause without the correct punctuation separating it.
ID: ad046778
To humans, it does not appear that the golden orb-weaver spider uses camouflage to capture its the brightly colored arachnid seems
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
prey, rather,
prey rather,
prey, rather;
prey; rather,
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. The
semicolon is correctly used to join the first main clause (“To humans…prey”) and the second main clause (“rather…
approach”). Further, the comma after the adverb “rather” is correctly used to separate the adverb from the main
clause (“the brightly…approach”) it modifies, logically indicating that the information in this clause (how the spider’s
behavior appears to humans) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (how the spider’s behavior does
not appear to humans).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be
used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two
main clauses are fused without appropriate punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. Placing the
comma between the first main clause “To humans…prey” and the adverb “rather” illogically indicates that the
information in the first main clause is contrary to what came before, which doesn’t make sense in this context.
ID: 7ce4ee13
After immigrating from Mexico and obtaining U.S. citizenship, Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo entered politics, earning a reputatio
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
New Mexico and
New Mexico,
New Mexico
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction "and" to join the first main clause ("In 1919
Larrazolo was elected governor of New Mexico") and the second main clause ("in 1928 he became the nation’s
first Hispanic US Senator").
Choice A is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use
a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice.
Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is
incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction.
ID: 0a114526
In 1937, Chinese American screen actor Anna May Wong, who had portrayed numerous villains and secondary characters but neve
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
critic, Stina Chyn, claims
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The conventions being tested are punctuation use between titles and proper nouns and
between verbs and integrated quotations. No punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun “Stina Chyn” from
the title that describes Chyn, “critic.” Because “Stina Chyn” is essential information identifying the “critic,” no
punctuation is necessary. Further, no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and the following
quotation because the quotation is integrated into the structure of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun “Stina Chyn.” Setting the
critic’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence,
which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun
“Stina Chyn.” Setting the critic’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the
coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between “claims” and
the integrated quotation. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and
its subject, “critic Stina Chyn.” Additionally, no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and the
integrated quotation.
ID: 42cc9236
If you try on one of artist Nick Cave’s signature Soundsuits, you can expect to swish, rustle, or clang every time you move. Cave m
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
this
that
these
it
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested here is pronoun-antecedent agreement. The singular
pronoun "it" agrees in number with the singular antecedent "object."
Choice A is incorrect. The singular pronoun "this" is used to refer to a specific thing, but here there is no specific
object being referred to. Instead, the sentence is referring back to a hypothetical object that Cave might use in
a Soundsuit. Choice B is incorrect. The singular pronoun "that" is used to refer to a specific thing, but here there
is no specific object being referred to. Instead, the sentence is referring back to a hypothetical object that Cave
might use in a Soundsuit. Choice C is incorrect because the plural pronoun "these" doesn’t agree in number with
the singular
antecedent "object."
ID: 81ac953e
In 1899, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius developed an equation to answer a long-standing question: why do chemical reactions spe
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
have remained
remain
remains
are remaining
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. This choice uses the singular verb "remains" to match the singular subject "equation."
Choice A is incorrect. The singular noun "equation" doesn’t match with the plural verb conjugation "have
remained." Choice B is incorrect. The singular noun "equation" doesn’t match with the plural verb conjugation
"remain." Choice D is incorrect. The singular noun "equation" doesn’t match with the plural verb conjugation "are
remaining."
ID: 50801257
In 1994, almost 200 years after the death of Wang Zhenyi, the International Astronomical the contributions of the barrier-breaking 18
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Union would finally acknowledge
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. It’s the only choice that offers a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the
subject “International Astronomical Union” to make a complete sentence. This might seem like an odd use of
“would,” but when speaking from a point of view in the past, we can actually use “would” to express something
that happened later. That’s the case here: 200 years after Wang Zhenyi’s death, the IAU would finally acknowledge
her contributions.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There’s no main verb elsewhere in the sentence,
so we need a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject “the International Astronomical
Union” and serve as that main verb. “To acknowledge” can’t do that. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates
a sentence fragment. There’s no main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so we need a form of the verb
“acknowledge” that can go with the subject “the International Astronomical Union” and serve as that main verb.
“Having acknowledged” can’t do that. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There’s no
main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so we need a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject
“the International Astronomical Union” and serve as that main verb. The “-ing” form can’t do that.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID 1f39ab8b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
ID: 1f39ab8b
In the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo is a leader of Umuofia (a fictional Nigerian clan) and takes pride in his c
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Umuofia’s traditions will be affected.
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The clause before the colon tells us that the novel “asks a question,” so the clause
after the colon should be in the conventional form of a question: with the verb before the subject, and a question
mark at the end.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice ends the sentence with a period, which isn’t right. The clause before the colon
tells us that the novel “asks a question,” so the clause after the colon should be that question. Choice B is
incorrect. This choice ends the sentence with a period, which isn’t right. The clause before the colon tells us
that the novel “asks a question,” so the clause after the colon should be that question. In Standard English,
questions place the verb before the subject and end with a question mark. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
doesn’t conform to the conventions of Standard English. In Standard English, questions place the verb before the
subject.
ID: a14eef71
In 2015, a team led by materials scientists Anirudha Sumant and Diana Berman succeeded in reducing the coefficient of friction (CO
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
when their COF drops below 0.01, two surfaces reach superlubricity.
two surfaces, when their COF drops below 0.01, reach superlubricity.
reaching superlubricity occurs when two surfaces’ COF drops below 0.01.
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-
modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the
first word in the missing clause.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier “a
nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be
next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the first word in the missing clause. Choice B is incorrect. This
choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is
“superlubricity.” Subject- modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so
“superlubricity” must be the first word in the missing clause. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-
modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-
modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the
first word in the missing clause.
ID: f868d438
In 2018, the innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek were featured in City Dreams, a solo exhibition at New
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Kingelez;
Kingelez,
Kingelez
Kingelez:
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. No
punctuation is needed when the subject of a sentence is immediately followed by a main verb. In this case, the
sentence’s subject (“the innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek Kingelez”) is followed by
the main verb “were featured,” and no punctuation should come between them.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is
needed between the subject and the verb.
ID: 6d4b2e1e
The 1977 play And the Soul Shall Dance depicts two Japanese American farming families in Depression-era Southern California. Cri
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
playwright, Wakako Yamauchi,
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns.
No punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi" from the title that describes Yamauchi,
"pioneering playwright." Because "Wakako Yamauchi" is essential information identifying the "pioneering
playwright," no punctuation is necessary.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi."
Setting the playwright’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence
of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the title
"pioneering playwright" and the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi." Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is
needed between the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi" and the verb "compares."
ID: b85c19ed
The violins handmade in the seventeeth century by Italian craftsman Antonio Stradivari have been celebrated as some of the finest in
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
those
one
them
it
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun–antecedent agreement. The singular
pronoun “it” agrees in number with the singular antecedent “violin” and thus indicates that the traditional violin
(and not its curves) was made lighter.
Choice A is incorrect because the plural pronoun “those” doesn’t agree in number with the singular antecedent
“violin.” Choice B is incorrect because the singular pronoun “one” is ambiguous in this context; the resulting
sentence leaves unclear what Stradivari made lighter. Choice C is incorrect because the plural pronoun “them”
doesn’t agree in number with the singular antecedent “violin.”
ID: 109d5bbb
With some 16,000 in attendance, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and or FESTAC ‘77, as the event was more
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Culture:
Culture—
Culture,
Culture
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The text uses a dash to introduce a nonessential element that explains the acronym
FESTAC. The dash matches the dash that comes after “known,” ending the descriptive aside.
Choice A is incorrect. A colon can only come after an independent clause, which isn’t the case here. Choice C is
incorrect. While punctuation is required to set off “or FESTAC…known” from the rest of the sentence, nonessential
elements must be separated from the sentence with matching punctuation. Since a dash appears on the other side
of the element, we can’t use a comma here. Choice D is incorrect. The descriptive aside “or FESTAC…known” is a
nonessential element that must be separated with punctuation from the rest of the sentence. This choice fails to
add the necessary punctuation before the nonessential element.
ID: 56770dda
In his 1963 exhibition Exposition of Music—Electronic Television, Korean American artist Nam June Paik showed how television ima
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
will be
had been
was
is
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. In this choice, the
present tense verb “is,” used in conjunction with the word “today,” correctly indicates that Paik is currently
considered the first video artist.
Choice A is incorrect because the future-indicating verb “will be” doesn’t indicate that Paik is currently
considered the first video artist. Choice B is incorrect because the past perfect tense verb “had been” doesn’t
indicate that Paik is currently considered the first video artist. Choice C is incorrect because the past tense verb
“was” doesn’t indicate that Paik is currently considered the first video artist.
ID: d073983d
Known for her massive photorealistic paintings of African American figures floating or swimming in pools, Calida Garcia
was the logical choice to design the book cover for Ta-Nehisi Coates’s The Water Dancer, a novel about an African American man wh
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rawles—
Rawles:
Rawles,
Rawles
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as
in this case, a subject (“Calida Garcia Rawles”) is immediately followed by a verb (“was”), no punctuation is
needed.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is
needed between the subject and the verb.
ID: c468db1c
A group of ecologists led by Axel Mithöfer at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Germany examined the defensive r
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
plant.
plant;
plant
plant:
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A
group…plant”) and the supplementary element (“TN57…pests”) and to introduce the following elaboration on the
specific varieties of sweet potato plants that were examined.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with
“TN57.” Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“A group…
plant”) and the supplementary element (“TN57…pests”). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main
clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally used to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information
in the preceding clause. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A
group...plant”) and the supplementary element (“TN57...pests”) with appropriate punctuation.
ID: 8a9d2f4e
Researchers studying the “terra-cotta army,” the thousands of life-size statues of warriors found interred near the tomb of Emperor Q
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are
is
were
have been
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject–verb agreement. because the singular verb
“is” agrees in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “are” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “have been” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the
shape.”
ID: 576b2c70
A member of the Cherokee Nation, Mary Golda Ross is renowned for her contributions to NASA’s Planetary Flight Handbook, wh
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
provided
having provided
to provide
providing
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite verbs in a relative clause. Relative
clauses, such as the one beginning with “which,” require a finite verb, a verb that can function as the main verb of a
clause. This choice correctly supplies the clause with the finite past tense verb “provided.”
Choice B is incorrect because the non-finite participle “having provided” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite
verb. Choice C is incorrect because the non-finite to-infinitive “to provide” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite
verb.
Choice D is incorrect because the non-finite participle “providing” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb.
ID: dfbf5d33
In 1453, English King Henry VI became unfit to rule after falling gravely ill. As a result, Parliament appointed Richard, Third Duke o
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Henry resumed his reign,
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures that
the introductory phrase “upon recovering two years later” appears immediately before the noun it modifies
(“Henry”), clearly establishing that Henry recovered two years later.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the reign of
Henry” immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that the reign of Henry recovered two years
later. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Henry’s
reign” immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that Henry’s reign recovered two years
later. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word “it”
immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that “it” recovered two years later.
ID: f2eaaf5d
At eight paragraphs long, the preamble to the constitution of country in Western Asia—is much longer than the one- paragraph prea
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Bahrain—a
Bahrain, a
Bahrain a
Bahrain: a
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The dash after “Bahrain” pairs with the dash after “Asia” to separate the supplementary element “a
country in Western Asia” from the rest of the sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash in this way to separate the supplementary
element from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to
separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a colon can’t be
paired with a dash in this way to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.
ID: ec08463d
Botanists recognize over fifty different species of sunflower. One species, the silverleaf sunflower, both an early- flowering ecotype
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
having included
including
to include
includes
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. This verb needs to function as the main verb in the sentence, with the subject “one
species,” so it needs to be conjugated. This choice gives us the singular present tense “includes,” which is the only
conjugated form of the verb among the choices.
Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English.
This verb needs to function as the main verb in the sentence, with the subject “one species,” so it needs to be
conjugated. “Having included” is a participle form of the verb: it’s not conjugated and doesn’t function like a normal
verb. Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English. This verb needs to function as the main verb in the sentence, with the subject “one species,” so it needs to
be conjugated. “Including” is the gerund form of the verb: it’s not conjugated and doesn’t function like a normal
verb. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English. This verb needs to function as the main verb in the sentence, with the subject “one species,” so it needs to
be conjugated. “To include” is the infinitive form of the verb: it’s not conjugated.
ID: 4a90a978
In 1990, California native and researcher Ellen Ochoa left her position as chief of the Intelligent Systems Technology Branch a NASA
at
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
to join
is joining
joined
joins
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of nonfinite verb forms in a sentence. The
nonfinite to-infinitive verb "to join" is correctly used to form a subordinate clause that expresses why Ochoa left her
position (to join the training program).
Choice B is incorrect because the finite verb "is joining" can’t be used in this way to indicate Ochoa’s action of
joining the training program. A conjunction such as "and" would be needed to coordinate "is joining" with the
previous finite verb, "left." Choice C is incorrect because the finite verb "joined" can’t be used in this way to
indicate Ochoa’s action of joining the training program. A conjunction such as "and" would be needed to
coordinate "joined" with the previous finite verb, "left." Choice D is incorrect because the finite verb "joins" can’t
be used in this way to indicate Ochoa’s action of joining the training program. A conjunction such as "and" would
be needed to coordinate "joins" with the previous finite verb, "left."
ID: 59e41600
Why are Rome’s famous concrete structures, such as the Colosseum, still standing after 2,000-plus years, when modern concrete may
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
explain
having explained
explaining
to explain
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. The main
clause of a sentence requires a finite (tensed) verb, and this choice supplies the finite present tense verb “explain”
to indicate what the scientists do.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite participle “having explained”
doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb. Choice C is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical
sentence. The nonfinite participle “explaining” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb. Choice D is
incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive “to explain” doesn’t supply
the main clause with a finite verb.
ID: d75d57a0
While many video game creators strive to make their graphics ever more others look to the past, developing titles with visuals inspire
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
lifelike but
lifelike
lifelike,
lifelike, but
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subordinate clause and a main
clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the subordinate clause (“While…
lifelike”) and the main clause (“others look to the past”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in an incomplete sentence with no main clause. Choice B is incorrect
because it fails to mark the boundary between the subordinate clause (“While…lifelike”) and the main clause
(“others…past”). Choice D is incorrect because it results in an incomplete sentence with no main clause.
ID: a427a52c
The Lion Light system, developed by Kenyan inventor Richard Turere, consists of LED lights installed around the perimeter of livest
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
energy collected, by solar panels, during the day
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a supplementary phrase and a
main clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase
(“powered…day”), which describes how the LEDs are powered, and the main clause (“the blinking…night”).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase and the main clause
with appropriate punctuation. Furthermore, placing commas around the phrase “by solar panels” suggests that it
could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect
because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase and the main clause with appropriate
punctuation. Choice D is incorrect. Placing commas around the phrase “collected by solar panels during the day″
suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case.
ID: 3daf126e
A model created by biologist Luis Valente predicts that the rate of speciation—the rate at which new species form—on an isolated isla
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
being
to be
to have been
will be
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence.
Relative clauses, such as the one beginning with “that,” require a finite verb, a verb that can function as the main
verb of a clause. This choice correctly supplies the clause with the finite future tense verb “will be.”
Choice A is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “being” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice B is
incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to be” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice C is incorrect
because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to have been” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb.
ID: 975eda7c
For thousands of years, people in the Americas the bottle gourd, a large bitter fruit with a thick rind, to make bottles,
other types of containers, and even musical instruments. Oddly, there is no evidence that any type of bottle gourd is native
to the Western Hemisphere; either the fruit or its seeds must have somehow been carried from Asia or Africa.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
to use
have used
having used
using
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence. A
main clause requires a finite verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, “people in the Americas”),
and this choice supplies the finite past perfect tense verb “have used” to indicate what people in the Americas
used the gourd for.
Choice A is incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to use” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice C is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “having used” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite
verb. Choice D is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “using” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
ID: c04e9136
The 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three pioneers in the field of click chemistry: two-time Nobel laureate Barry Shar
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Stanford
Stanford,
Stanford:
Stanford;
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. This choice correctly uses a semicolon to punctuate a complex list (which is made up
of items that have commas in them).
Choice A is incorrect. This is a complex list, indicated by the semicolon between "1998" and "Carolyn Bertozzi."
What comes after the blank is a separate list item, so punctuation is needed after "Stanford." Choice B is incorrect.
This is a complex list, indicated by the semicolon between "1998" and "Carolyn Bertozzi." The items in this list
have internal punctuation in the form of commas and must therefore be separated by semicolons to avoid
confusion. Choice C is incorrect. This is a complex list, indicated by the semicolon between "1998" and "Carolyn
Bertozzi." Colons aren’t used to separate items in a list.
ID: 588887b9
In 1881, French chemist Camille Faure redesigned the rechargeable lead-acid battery. Faure’s design greatly increased the amount o
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
is inventing
will invent
invents
had invented
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. Faure redesigned the battery in 1881, and the original battery was invented “fifteen
years earlier.” Notice that this is the only choice in the past tense. To indicate that a past occurrence took place
before another past occurrence, we need to use “had” + the past tense form of the verb. This is called the “past
perfect” tense.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a tense error. Planté invented the original battery in the past, so we
shouldn’t use the present tense “is inventing.” Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a tense error. Planté
invented the original battery in the past, so we shouldn’t use the future tense “will invent.” Choice C is
incorrect. This choice creates a tense error. Planté invented the original battery in the past, so we shouldn’t use
the present tense “invents.”
ID: fe41f258
In ancient Greece, an Epicurean was a follower of Epicurus, a philosopher whose beliefs revolved around the pursuit of pleasure. Epicu
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
soul,” positing
soul”: positing
soul”; positing
soul.” Positing
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
participial phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause
(“Epicurus…‘soul’”) and the participial phrase (“positing…absence”) that provides additional information about how
ID: 9902d2de
The Alvarez theory, developed in 1980 by physicist Luis Walter Alvarez and his geologist son Walter Alvarez, maintained that the se
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
out but
out, but
out
out,
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction “but” to join the first main clause (“the
Alvarez…out”) and the second main clause (“it left…extinctions”).
Choice A is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use
a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The
two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a
comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.
ID: cd2443c0
A pioneer in the field of taphonomy (the study of how organic remains become fossils), may be just as prevalent in the fossil record a
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
fossils of thin-shelled organisms, Anna Behrensmeyer demonstrated in a 2005 analysis,
it was demonstrated in a 2005 analysis by Anna Behrensmeyer that fossils of thin-shelled organisms
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “Anna Behrensmeyer” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying
phrase “a pioneer…fossils.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that Anna Behrensmeyer—and not another
noun in the sentence—is a pioneer in the field of taphonomy.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “fossils of thin-
shelled organisms” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the “fossils” are a pioneer in
the field of taphonomy. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the
pronoun “it” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “it” is a pioneer in the field of
taphonomy. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “a
2005 analysis” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “a 2005 analysis” is a pioneer in
the field of taphonomy.
ID: e44db0a0
Because a cycle of lunar phases 29.5 days to complete, it’s possible to observe two full moons in a single month, one at the beginni
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are taking
have taken
take
takes
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb
"takes" agrees in number with the singular subject "a cycle of lunar phases."
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "are taking" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "a
cycle of lunar phases." Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "have taken" doesn’t agree in number with
the singular subject "a cycle of lunar phases." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "take" doesn’t agree
in number with the singular subject "a cycle of lunar phases."
ID: 96e5da01
The alga species Chlorella vulgaris is very efficient at making oxygen. For this reason, scientists are currently exploring ways to use
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are producing
produced
produce
have produced
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense. Simple present
tense verbs can be used to describe actions that tend to occur, including in a hypothetical or future scenario. In
this case, the simple present tense verb “produce” indicates what the air exchange systems might be able to do
in the future
ID: 2c4cd76d
Researchers studying magnetosensation have determined why some soil-dwelling roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere move
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
food:
food,
C. food while
D. food
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is colon use within a sentence. A colon used in this way
introduces information that illustrates or explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon
introduces the following explanation of why some roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere move in the opposite
direction of Earth’s magnetic field.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two long
independent clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results
in a run-on sentence. The two clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without punctuation.
Furthermore, the conjunction “while” fails to indicate that what follows is an explanation of why some
roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere move in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field. Choice D is
incorrect
because it results in a run-on sentence. The two clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without
punctuation and/or a conjunction.
Question Difficulty:
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
Question ID
SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,
Conventions and Sense
ID: 12bd5b75
With its towering, six-spired exterior of granitelike quartz monzonite, the Salt Lake Temple is one of the most instantly recognizable s
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
it was
one was
they were
both were
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun-antecedent agreement. The singular pronoun
"it" agrees in number with the singular antecedent "the Salt Lake Temple."
Choice B is incorrect because the singular pronoun "one" is ambiguous in this context; the resulting sentence
leaves unclear whether there is only one Salt Lake temple or multiple. Choice C is incorrect because the plural
pronoun "they" doesn’t agree in number with the singular antecedent "the Salt Lake Temple." Choice D is
incorrect because the plural pronoun "both" doesn’t agree in number with the singular antecedent "the Salt Lake
Temple."
ID: 3ed5ebb4
In her analysis of Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth (1905), scholar Candace Waid observes that the novel depicts the upper class
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
materialism”; and
materialism” and
C. materialism,”
D. materialism”
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a main clause and a
supplementary noun phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause
(“scholar…materialism”) and the supplementary noun phrase (“an apt assessment”) that describes Waid’s
observation about how The House of Mirth depicts the upper classes of New York society.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon and the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between a main clause and a supplementary noun phrase. Choice B is incorrect. Joining the main clause
(“scholar… materialism”) and the following noun phrase with the conjunction “and” results in a confusing and
illogical sentence that suggests that the novel depicts the upper classes of New York society as “an apt
assessment,” which doesn’t make sense in this context. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to mark the
boundary between the main clause and the supplementary noun phrase with appropriate punctuation.
ID: 67614549
After winning the 1860 presidential election, Abraham Lincoln appointed Edward Bates, Salmon P. Chase, and William H. Seward to h
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
has leveraged
is leveraging
will leverage
leveraged
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject of the verb is “Lincoln,” and the first sentence tells us that we’re talking
about something that Abraham Lincoln did in 1860. So the simple past tense “leveraged” fits the logic of the text.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a tense issue. “Has leveraged” is the present perfect tense, which is used
for an action that began in the past and continues into the present. Lincoln started leveraging his rivals’ talents in
1860—it’s definitely not still happening today. So the present perfect tense isn’t appropriate. Choice B is incorrect.
This choice creates a tense issue. “Is leveraging” is the present tense, but Lincoln leveraged his rivals’ talents in
1860, so the present tense isn’t appropriate. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a tense issue. “Will leverage” is
the future tense, but Lincoln leveraged his rivals’ talents in 1860, so the future tense isn’t appropriate.
ID: 78b88c04
Joshua Hinson, director of the language revitalization program of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, helped produce the world’s
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Basic; in 2009, an online television network;
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice,
the semicolon after “2009” is conventionally used to separate the first item (“the world’s…2009”) and the second item
(“an online…2010”) in the series of things that Hinson helped create. Further, the comma after “Basic” correctly pairs
with the comma after “app,” and the comma after “network” correctly pairs with the comma after “TV” to set off the
supplemental elements (“Chickasaw Basic” and “Chickasaw TV”) that provide the names of the app and the TV
network, respectively. Altogether, the punctuation in this choice results in a sentence that clearly indicates that
Hinson helped make a language app in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped
make a language app in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice B is incorrect
because it fails to punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped make a language app
in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice D is incorrect because the comma
after “2009” doesn’t match the semicolon used to separate the second and third items in the complex series.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID bd11fe93
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
ID: bd11fe93
Dr. Rocío Paola Caballero-Gill is a paleoceanographer. This means that Dr. Caballero-Gill doesn’t just study oceans as they are today
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
has studied
to study
studied
D. studies
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. The nonfinite
to-infinitive verb “to study” is correctly used to form a subordinate clause that indicates what Dr. Caballero-Gill
uses chemistry and fossil evidence for (to study oceans as they were in the past).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The finite verb “has studied” can’t be used
in this way to form a subordinate clause that indicates what Dr. Caballero-Gill uses the evidence for. Choice C is
incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The finite verb “studied” can’t be used in this way to
form a subordinate clause that indicates what Dr. Caballero-Gill uses the evidence for. Choice D is incorrect
because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The finite verb “studies” can’t be used in this way to form a
subordinate clause that indicates what Dr. Caballero-Gill uses the evidence for.