Try our free PERT Writing practice test. These online practice questions will help you prepare for the Florida Postsecondary Education Readiness Test. The topics reviewed include grammar, sentence structure, spelling, capitalization, word choice, and punctuation. The PERT Writing test has 30 questions with no time limit. Start your test prep right now with this free practice test!
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Question 1 |
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.
She was _______ exhausted than her sister after they ran the marathon.most | |
more | |
increasingly | |
the more |
Question 1 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Since we are only comparing two individuals: the subject (“she”) and the direct object (“her sister”), we need to use the correct comparative form, “more.” The word “most” is used when we’re discussing three or more people. There is no need to use the article “the” in front of “more.”
Question 2 |
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
They’re concern is that the caterer may not have enough appetizers for everyone they're expecting at the party. | |
Their concern is that that the caterer may not have enough appetizers for everyone there expecting at the party. | |
Their concern is that the caterer may not have enough appetizers for everyone they’re expecting at the party. | |
There concern is that the caterer may not have enough appetizers for everyone their expecting at the party. |
Question 2 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). In the first half of the sentence, “Their” is used as a pronoun used to refer to a group of people. Since the “concern” belongs to a group of people, we’d use the word “their” to explain the possessive meaning. In the second half of the sentence, the word “they’re,” a contraction of “they are,” is appropriate because it is referring to who “they are” expecting at the party. The word “there,” which does not belong in this sentence, is the opposite of “here" and means “at that place.” Only answer (C) uses these words correctly.
Question 3 |
Which of the following correctly completes the sentence?
The mountaineering group _______ looking forward to climbing K2 next year.is | |
are | |
be | |
were |
Question 3 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The word “group” is a collective noun so it takes a singular verb. In context, the phrase “next year” shows that they are currently looking forward to the climb, so a present-tense verb is required.
Question 4 |
Which of the following sentences uses apostrophes correctly?
I can’t believe you're wearing those old boots. | |
I’ll marry you the day that pig’s fly! | |
I want to see Sarahs’ new pet cat. | |
The cashier said, “Remember that tomorrows the big sale on pumpkin’s!” |
Question 4 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The apostrophes are used correctly to shorten "cannot" and "you are." With answer (B) the word “pigs” does not need an apostrophe because it is not possessive. With answer (C) the apostrophe should be before the "s" (“Sarah’s”) to correctly show possession. With answer (D) the apostrophe should be in “tomorrow’s” to shorten “tomorrow is,” and is not needed in “apples.”
Question 5 |
Which of the following correctly completes the sentence?
Next year, I _____________.completed my college degree | |
did complete my college degree | |
will complete my college degree | |
completing my college degree |
Question 5 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The phrase “next year” indicates the future tense is needed. The verb “will complete” is correctly in the future-tense.
Question 6 |
Read this passage about Thomas Paine and answer the questions that follow.
(1) Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, nobody knows who this person Thomas Paine actually was. (2) Paine was born on February 9 1737, in the town of Thetford England. (3) As a young man, Paine worked as a tailor, sailor, and minister, but he found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
Which version of sentence (1) is the best?
Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, nobody knows who this person Thomas Paine actually was. | |
Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, Thomas Paine remains an unknown figure to many Americans. | |
Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, he remains an unfamiliar figure to many Americans. | |
Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, Thomas Paine continues to remain an unknown and unfamiliar figure to many Americans. |
Question 6 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). It is clear and concise. Answer (A) is awkward; it is not necessary to say “this person” in front of “Thomas Paine.” Answer (C) only says “he,” never indicating that the sentence is about Thomas Paine. Answer (D) is redundant when it states “continues to remain,” and when it describes Thomas Paine as both “unknown” and “unfamiliar.”
Question 7 |
(1) Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, nobody knows who this person Thomas Paine actually was. (2) Paine was born on February 9 1737, in the town of Thetford England. (3) As a young man, Paine worked as a tailor, sailor, and minister, but he found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
Which version of sentence (2) demonstrates correct punctuation?
Paine was born on February 9 1737, in the town of Thetford England. | |
Paine was born on February 9, 1737, in the small town of Thetford England. | |
Paine was born on February 9 1737, in the small town of Thetford, England. | |
Paine was born on February 9, 1737, in the small town of Thetford, England. |
Question 7 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). It is necessary to include a comma after both the day and the year of the date given, as well as in between a city and state. Answer (D) is the only answer that does this correctly.
Question 8 |
(1) Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, nobody knows who this person Thomas Paine actually was. (2) Paine was born on February 9 1737, in the town of Thetford England. (3) As a young man, Paine worked as a tailor, sailor, and minister, but he found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
Which version of sentence (7) demonstrates correct punctuation?
The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. | |
The book’s popularity spread like wildfire, soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. | |
The book’s popularity spread like wildfire, which soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. | |
The book’s popularity spread like wildfire soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. |
Question 8 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The semicolon connects two closely related independent clauses: “The book’s popularity spread like wildfire,” and “soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation.” Option (B) creates a comma splice, where a comma is incorrectly used to join two independent clauses. For a comma to work here, the sentence would need a coordinating conjunction such as “and” or “but.” The use of “which” in choice (C) makes the sentence awkward and unclear. Choice (D) leads to a run-on sentence, since it connects two independent clauses without any punctuation or coordinating conjunctions.
Question 9 |
(1) Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, nobody knows who this person Thomas Paine actually was. (2) Paine was born on February 9 1737, in the town of Thetford England. (3) As a young man, Paine worked as a tailor, sailor, and minister, but he found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
Which of the following would be the best way to combine sentences (12) and (13)?
Paine’s envisioning of Agrarian Justice became the written inspiration for modern-day Social Security, in that it envisioned a social insurance system for both the young and the elderly. | |
Paine, envisioning a system of social insurance for the young and the elderly, in his essay Agrarian Justice, paved the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. | |
In an essay called Agrarian Justice, a system of social insurance was envisioned by Paine, inspired to create what we would call Social Security. | |
In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly, paving the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. |
Question 9 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). To combine these sentences, it is important to note what information is being conveyed. The first phrase of choice (D), “In an essay called Agrarian Justice,” clearly introduces the next independent clause: “Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly.” From there, a second comma sets off the final, elaborating comment, “paving the way for what would become modern-day Social Security.”
Choice (A) wrongly describes Agrarian Justice as something Thomas Paine envisioned, rather than as an essay. Choices (B) and (C) have very confusing structures that leave the sentences very unclear.
Choice (A) wrongly describes Agrarian Justice as something Thomas Paine envisioned, rather than as an essay. Choices (B) and (C) have very confusing structures that leave the sentences very unclear.
Question 10 |
(1) Despite his tremendous influence on the history of the United States, nobody knows who this person Thomas Paine actually was. (2) Paine was born on February 9 1737, in the town of Thetford England. (3) As a young man, Paine worked as a tailor, sailor, and minister, but he found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
(4) Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine, and became much more prominent as political turmoil engulfed the colonies. (5) Pennsylvania later became the second state to ratify the Constitution, after Delaware. (6) In 1776, Paine anonymously published the book Common Sense, in which he made a persuasive and impassioned case for American independence from Britain. (7) The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. (8) Once the American Revolution began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. (9) Paine’s work became a source of morale for troops engaged in the bloody war.
(10) Many of Thomas Paine’s visionary ideas were far-reaching in their scope. (11) American Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work, when drafting the Declaration of Independence. (12) In an essay called Agrarian Justice, Paine envisioned a system of social insurance for both the young and the elderly. (13) His innovative idea would pave the way for what would become modern-day Social Security. (14) Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”
Which sentence should be deleted from the passage?
Sentence 3 | |
Sentence 5 | |
Sentence 9 | |
Sentence 10 |
Question 10 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Sentence 5 has nothing to do with Thomas Paine, his work, or his influence. Since the passage is written on Thomas Paine and the sentence does not pertain to that subject, it is unneeded.
Question 11 |
Which of the following sets of words should be used to fill in the blanks in the sentence?
It’s important ____ research your essay topic thoroughly so you do not include ____ much irrelevant information.too; to | |
to; two | |
to; too | |
too; two |
Question 11 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). In front of an infinitive verb (such as “research”) we need the article “to.” The second half of the sentence is referring to an excess of irrelevant information, so “too much” is the appropriate phrase to use. The only answer choice with these options is (C).
Question 12 |
Which sentence is written correctly?
Since the professor was excessively boring; many of his students fell asleep. | |
Since the professor was excessively boring, many of his students fell asleep. | |
Since the professor was excessively boring many of his students fell asleep. | |
Since the professor was, excessively boring, many of his students fell asleep. |
Question 12 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). This sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. There should be a comma separating the two clauses. Answer choice (A) might be tempting, but remember that a semicolon connects two independent clauses. This makes answer choice (B) the only correct option.
Question 13 |
Rebecca is raising money for her trip to Houston to help with hurricane relief. Choose the sentence that is the best way to end this fundraising letter.
Dear Aunt Caroline,As you know, last month Hurricane Harvey caused a lot of damage in the southern United States, particularly in Houston, Texas. I am raising money to take a service trip with my school to help in the recovery efforts. The money will be used to cover the cost of travel, food, and lodging, as well as to purchase the supplies we will take to the people in Houston.
My fundraising goal is $400. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Your niece,
Rebecca
I know you make a lot of money, so please donate generously. | |
This was one of many hurricanes that has caused major damage to the U.S. this year. | |
I hope you will consider donating to help me reach this goal. | |
I’m so excited for the fun I’ll have on this trip! |
Question 13 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). This demonstrates the polite way to ask for a donation, and it keeps the focus on the topic of the letter. Choice (A) is rude, choice (B) is out of place at the end of the letter, and choice (D) sends the message that this is a vacation rather than a charitable trip.
Question 14 |
Which of the following transition words should be used to fill in the blank?
Abstract Expressionism is not a single style and isn't even consistently abstract. __________, it is an intensely personal way of painting, often on a very large scale, that is more concerned with exposing the act of creative invention than in following traditions of representation.Rather | |
Although | |
Thus | |
Likewise |
Question 14 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The first two sentences can be reconsidered as, “Expressionism is not that. Instead, it is this.” This establishes a contrasting relationship between the two sentences, so the linking word must express that contrast. “Rather” and “Although” are the only choices that express contrast, and “Although” works best at the beginning of two contrasting ideas. To use it here would suggest that the writer is changing their mind as they write, which is illogical in this sentence.
Question 15 |
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
He could accept anything from her, accept a lie. | |
He could except anything from her, accept a lie. | |
He could accept anything from her, except a lie. | |
He could except anything from her, except a lie. |
Question 15 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The word, “accept” means "to receive." “Except” is usually a preposition meaning "but" or "not including." The correct answer is the only one that uses both these words correctly.
Question 16 |
Select the sentences which best support the following topic sentence:
It is possible for people with a peanut allergy to build up an immunity to small amounts of peanut.Students are forbidden from bringing class treats with peanuts or peanut butter to school. Peanut allergies are becoming more common and can be life-threatening. | |
Whenever we go out to eat in a restaurant, my dad asks the waiter if there is anything that is peanut-free. If the restaurant can’t guarantee that some items are free from traces of peanuts, we must eat somewhere else. | |
My brother has a severe peanut allergy, but he has started seeing an allergist. She gives him very small doses of peanut to eat every day and carefully studies his reaction. Now he can consume food that may contain tiny amounts of peanuts without having an allergic reaction. | |
Peanut oil is used in lots of dishes, and many bakeries make treats with peanut butter. Even if a certain dish or treat was not made with peanut oil or peanut butter, there is always the chance of cross-contamination in the kitchen. |
Question 16 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). These sentences support the topic sentence by describing the process of a child building up an immunity to his peanut allergy with the help of an allergist.
Question 17 |
Select the best order for the sentences in this paragraph:
Once the moon passed in front of the sun completely, we took off our protective glasses and stared at the black spot in the sky. Because my town was in the path of the eclipse, my boss let the whole office take a break to watch it that afternoon. After a few minutes, the sun began to reappear on the other side of the moon, so we returned to work. Yesterday was the first solar eclipse visible from the United States since 1979. | |
Because my town was in the path of the eclipse, my boss let the whole office take a break to watch it that afternoon. Yesterday was the first solar eclipse visible from the United States since 1979. After a few minutes, the sun began to reappear on the other side of the moon, so we returned to work. Once the moon passed in front of the sun completely, we took off our protective glasses and stared at the black spot in the sky. | |
After a few minutes, the sun began to reappear on the other side of the moon, so we returned to work. Once the moon passed in front of the sun completely, we took off our protective glasses and stared at the black spot in the sky. Because my town was in the path of the eclipse, my boss let the whole office take a break to watch it that afternoon. Yesterday was the first solar eclipse visible from the United States since 1979. | |
Yesterday was the first solar eclipse visible from the United States since 1979. Because my town was in the path of the eclipse, my boss let the whole office take a break to watch it that afternoon. Once the moon passed in front of the sun completely, we took off our protective glasses and stared at the black spot in the sky. After a few minutes, the sun began to reappear on the other side of the moon, so we returned to work. |
Question 17 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D) The first sentence establishes the topic of the paragraph, and the subsequent sentences follow the timeline of events before, during, and after the eclipse.
Question 18 |
A student is researching pointe shoes and locates a magazine article that includes the following information:
Pointe shoes allow ballerinas to stand up on the top of their toes. Pointe shoes are handmade by master craftsmen around the world. A craftsman layers cardboard or paper around a mold using glue, then covers the shoe with satin.Because of the labor-intensive process required to make pointe shoes, they typically cost $80 per pair. The shoe is quite similar to papier-mâché, so the sweat of a dancer’s feet causes the material to break down. Typically shoes need to be replaced every 8–12 hours of wear.
Which of the following notes should the student take to reference the materials that are used in making pointe shoes?
Pointe shoes are handmade by master craftsmen. | |
Pointe shoes are constructed with cardboard or paper, glue, and satin. | |
Pointe shoes are made using a mold, similar to papier-mâché. | |
Pointe shoes need to be replaced after 8–12 hours of wear due to the break down of the materials. |
Question 18 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). This answer lists the materials that the craftsman uses when making the pointe shoes.
Question 19 |
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
My favorite outdoor activities include camping fly-fishing, and river-rafting. | |
My favorite outdoor activities include camping and fly-fishing, and also river-rafting. | |
My favorite outdoor activities include camping, fly-fishing, and river-rafting. | |
My favorite outdoor activities include camping and fly-fishing and river-rafting. |
Question 19 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). Items in a list should be separated by commas. Only choice (C) correctly separates all of the items with commas, giving them equal weight.
Question 20 |
Which of these sentences contains an error (or errors) in capitalization?
Of all the romantic poets of the Eighteenth Century, William Blake is the most independent and the most original. | |
In August of 1772, Blake was apprenticed to engraver James Basire of Great Queen Street. | |
Songs of Innocence and of Experience was published in 1794, and it is considered to be one of Blake's most notable works. | |
Blake's attacks on conventional religion were shocking and his poetry questioned God's superiority to mankind. |
Question 20 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The phrase “eighteenth century” should not be capitalized. All of the other answer choices correctly capitalize the proper nouns.
Question 21 |
Read this complaint letter and answer the questions that follow.
Dear Mr. Nielsen:(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
Which version of Sentence (1) uses the correct pronouns?
Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. | |
My wife and I have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. | |
My wife and me have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. | |
Myself and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. |
Question 21 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The easiest way to make sure this sentence is grammatically correct is to remove ‘wife’ from the phrase and then see how it sounds. You would never say ‘me have been’ or ‘myself have been.’ However, ‘I have been’ does sound correct, so the correct answer is ‘My wife and I.’
Question 22 |
Dear Mr. Nielsen:
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
Which version of Sentence (5) is grammatically correct?
Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model. | |
Our energy bills also seem too have increased buy about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model. | |
Are energy bills also seem two have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model. | |
Our energy bills also seem to have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model. |
Question 22 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). The word “our” is a possessive pronoun, used to indicate who the energy bills belong to. “Are” is a verb, and would not make sense to be placed in front of “energy bills”. The word “to” must be used with “have” in its infinitive form. Only answer (D) uses these words correctly.
Question 23 |
Dear Mr. Nielsen:
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
Which version of Sentence (7) uses commas correctly?
I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. | |
I spoke to your salesman Lucas Garcia at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. | |
I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. | |
I spoke to your salesman Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. |
Question 23 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). Nonessential words, clauses, and phrases that occur mid-sentence must be enclosed by commas. This sentence works fine without including the salesman’s name: “I spoke to your salesman at the outlet store…” So, in this case the salesman’s name is considered nonessential information, and must be enclosed by commas.
Question 24 |
Dear Mr. Nielsen:
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
Which improvement of Sentence (8) is most effective?
Mr. Garcia called the toll free number, and was told he needed to forward the refrigerator to the distribution facility, and that we should return it to the outlet store. | |
Upon calling the toll free number, I was told to return the refrigerator to the outlet store for forwarding to your distribution facility. | |
So I called the toll free number, and the outlet store was given as the place I was told to return the refrigerator, as it needed forwarding to your distribution facility. | |
The toll free number informed me that the distribution facility could forward the refrigerator to your outlet store, and I was told to return it. |
Question 24 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). As written, the sentence is wordier and awkward. Look for a clearer, more concise version of the sentence. The shortest option is (B), and this choice also provides the best transition from the preceding sentence with the phrase “upon calling….”
Question 25 |
Dear Mr. Nielsen:
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
(1) Me and my wife have been customers of the Swirl Corporation for the past 30 years. (2) We have purchased various household appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers from the local Swirl outlet store since moving here in the early nineties. (3) We recently purchased a Swirl Eco Energy Star refrigerator from your store to replace our old non-Energy Star refrigerator. (4) The new refrigerator worked well for two months before the top freezer stopped cooling completely. (5) Are energy bills also seem too have increased by about $25 per month since we bought this new Energy Star model.
(6) Upon researching the problem, I found that there have been recalls of several products with 20 serial numbers comparable to us. (7) I spoke to your salesman, Lucas Garcia, at the outlet store, but all he did was tell me to call your toll free number. (8) I called the toll free number and returning the refrigerator was something I was advised to do to your outlet store in order for it to be forwarded on to your distribution facility.
(9) It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. (10) Our energy bills have dropped back to their original level since we switched back to our old refrigerator. (11) Our goal was to reduce our energy bill, so we are still dissatisfied. (12) If you would like to retain us as customers, then please address these issues immediately.
Sincerely,
Horace Whittaker III
Which version of Sentence (9) is grammatically correct?
It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but, we still hadn’t received a status update. | |
It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store. We still hadn’t received a status update. | |
It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store, but we still have not received a status update. | |
It has been over three weeks since we returned the refrigerator to your store but we are not receiving a status update. |
Question 25 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). Answer choice (A) is incorrect because the comma after but is not necessary. Answer choice (A) is also incorrect because the past perfect tense is used to express an action that occurred further back in time than any other action in the sentence. Answer choice (B) is incorrect because it attempts to connect two related ideas with a period, but ends up creating two independent clauses, thereby making the author’s intent less clear. Answer choice (D) is incorrect because the present progressive “we are not receiving” should not be used to express the way things are.
Question 26 |
Which of the following provides the clearest, most concise version of the sentence?
Being bothered by the washing machine’s noise, Tara could not fall asleep the whole night. | |
Tara could not fall asleep the whole night due to the bothering washing machine and its noise. | |
Bothered by the washing machine’s noise, Tara could not fall asleep the whole night. | |
Since she was bothered by the washing machine’s noise, Tara could not fall asleep and it was the whole night. |
Question 26 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). This sentence is the shortest and most concise version. It has the fewest words and the clearest meaning. Tara is the subject of the sentence, and she (not the washing machine) is the one “bothered” in the opening clause. Answer choice (A) unnecessarily includes “being.” Answer choice (B) inappropriately describes the washing machine as bothering. Answer choice (D) includes the awkward expression, “and it was the whole night,” to describe her inability to fall asleep.
Question 27 |
Read the paragraph.
In 1898, Marie and Pierre Curie discovered the existence of radium and polonium while researching a radioactive mineral known as pitchblende. On April 20, 1902, the Curies successfully isolated radioactive radium salts in their laboratory in Paris.Which sentence best concludes this paragraph?
Marie and Pierre married in 1895, marking the beginning of a scientific partnership that would achieve world renown. | |
Marie Curie was born Marie Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland, in 1867. | |
One year after isolating radium, they would share the 1903 Nobel Prize in physics with French scientist A. Henri Becquerel for their groundbreaking investigations of radioactivity. | |
The term radioactivity, which describes the phenomenon of radiation caused by atomic decay, was in fact coined by Marie Curie. |
Question 27 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The paragraph focuses on the Curies’ discoveries, specifically radium and polonium. The best concluding sentence will continue to discuss their accomplishments regarding these experiments, while also providing additional, relevant information that brings the topic of the paragraph to a close. The other options offer additional, unrelated biographical information that is not relevant to this specific paragraph.
Question 28 |
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
The soccer player ran quick to the goal. | |
The soccer player run quickly to the goal. | |
The soccer player did ran quickly to the goal. | |
The soccer player ran quickly to the goal. |
Question 28 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). Since “ran” is a verb, we need the adverb form, “quickly,” to modify it. “Quick” is an adjective and describes nouns, not verbs.
Question 29 |
A student is working on a term paper about sloths for her science class, and takes some notes as she does her research. Which sentence from her notes contains facts that would be the most important to include in her paper?
Everyone knows that sloths have a reputation for being slow and sleepy. | |
Recent studies show that sloths only sleep around 10 hours a day, rather than the previously assumed 15–20. | |
The word “sloth” means lazy, sluggish, and idle, and it is considered one of the “seven deadly sins.” | |
Maybe sloths don’t deserve their bad reputation. |
Question 29 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Since the question is about a science paper, the most important facts about sloths would be facts about sloth behavior that were discovered in a study. The reputation of sloths and the sin of sloth would be less important.
Question 30 |
Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly?
The penguin walked to one end of the enclosure, and dived into the pool. | |
The sign in the movie theater read, “Movie tickets are only $5 on Tuesdays.” | |
I want to go hiking but she wants to go to a restaurant, and eat pizza. | |
Jessica my older sister, has a job at the local animal shelter. |
Question 30 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Commas should precede phrases enclosed in quotations. With answer (A) there is no need for a comma because both verbs share the same subject. With answer (C) the comma should be moved to after “hiking” to separate two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. With answer (D) there should be another comma after Jessica to set off the nonessential part of the sentence (“my older sister” could be removed without changing the structure of the sentence).
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