ACT English Multiple Choice Questions

*It's official, from now on* no one under twelve is allowed on the trampoline. A. NO CHANGE B. It's official from now on, C. It's official, from now on, D. It's official: from now on,

D is correct because *it's official* is an independent clause. It is followed by a colon, after which comes an introductory phrase followed by a comma and another independent clause. A is incorrect because this is a comma error. B is incorrect because this is a comma error (*from now on* could conceivably belong to either clause). C is incorrect because the first comma creates a comma error.

I won't know anyone at the party if Jack and Beth aren't going. *On the contrary,* I will try my best to have a good time. A. NO CHANGE B. Secondly, C. Accordingly, D. Nevertheless,

D is correct because *nevertheless* means *despite the fact that* or *even though*. That transition makes sense here: *despite the fact* that my friends won't be there, I will try to have a good time. A is incorrect because *on the contrary* would imply that the ensuing sentence presents an opposite or alternative to the previous sentence. That is not the case here. The ensuing sentence might be surprising or counterintuitive in light of the first, but that is not the same thing. B is incorrect because *secondly* would mean that the ensuing sentence introduces the second in a series of points, and that is clearly not occuring. C is incorrect because *accordingly* would mean that the ensuing sentence conforms to expectations set by the first, and that's not the case.

We liked to hang out at *Jason's dads* house, because there was a pool. A. NO CHANGE B. his dads C. Jasons dad's D. his dad's

D is correct because Jason possesses his dad and his dad possesses his house. So both terms need to be possessive. D is the only choice where they both are. Whether you use the possessive noun *Jason's* or the possessive pronoun *his* is immaterial. A is incorrect because *dads* should be the possessive *dad's*. B is incorrect because *dads* should be the possessive *dad's* C is incorrect because *Jasons* should be the possessive *Jason's*

Lauren was very close to her grandmother, from *which* she had inherited her beautiful red hair. A. NO CHANGE B. where C. who D. whom

D is correct because Lauren's grandmother is a person. So the pronoun must be a form of *who*. Since the pronoun is the object of the preposition *from*, we use the objective case *whom*. A is incorrect because Lauren's grandmother is a person, not a thing. So *which* is not the correct pronoun. B is incorrect because Lauren's grandmother is a person, not a place. So *where* is not the correct pronoun. C is incorrect because *who* is the subjective case. We need the objective case *whom*. The difference is the same as that between *I* and *me*, between *we* and *us*, or between *they* and *them*.

*Whichever* dog you choose, make sure it is housebroken. Which of the following alternatives to the bolded portion would not be acceptable? A. However B. Whatever C. No matter which D. Even if it is a rambunctious

A is correct because *however dog you choose* does not make any sense. It does not refer to a specific or hypothetical dog. Instead, *however* refers to the manner in which something is done. *However you choose a dog* (modifying the verb *choose*) would work, but *however doge you choose* does not. B is incorrect because *whatever dog you choose* makes perfect sense. C is incorrect because *no matter which dog you choose* makes perfect sense. D is incorrect because *even if it is a rambunctious dog you choose*, although it contains more information than the other choices, still results in a comprehensible, correct sentence.

Both of my best *friends have cars* with vanity license plates. A. NO CHANGE B. friend's have cars C. friends have car's D. friend's have car's

A is correct because although the cars do belong to the friends and the plates do belong to the cars, neither the noun *friends* nor the noun *cars* possesses anything in the sentence, grammatically speaking. We merely need the plural form for each. Even if we did need possessive forms, we would need plural possessive forms. However, all of the possessive forms in the choices are singular! B is incorrect because the singular possessive *friend's* is not needed here. C is incorrect because the singular possessive *car's* is not needed here. D is incorrect because neither the singular possessive friend's nor the singular possessive car's is needed here.

How can you not love *Chicago, the* greatest city in the world? A. NO CHANGE B. Chicago, it's the C. Chicago, being the D. Chicago, because it's the

A is correct because an afterthought can occur in a question too, and this is an example. The main question is *how can you not love Chicago*? It is explained by a descriptive afterthought, which is separated from the main question by a comma. B is incorrect because this is a comma error. (Comma errors can happen in questions) C is incorrect because the inclusion of *being* before the afterthought is not necessary. (Remember, *being* is almost never correct on the SAT English.) D is incorrect because no comma is necessary before a terminal *because* clause. Even if the comma were not there, the question would not have its intended meaning. The question would imply that the person being asked does not love Chicago for the reason that it is the greatest city in the world.

Although our sports expert was sick and couldn't make *it, there* were hardly any questions about sports, so our team won the trivia competition anyway. A. NO CHANGE B. it, but there C. it; there D. it because there

A is correct because an introductory dependent clause is before the comma and the rest of the sentence is two independent clauses linked by a comma and conjunction. So a comma between *it* and *there* is correct. Remember that the adverb *although* is not like some other introduction words. It makes the clause it precedes into a dependent one. B is incorrect because this would make every clause in the sentence into a dependent one. *Although* and *but* cancel out each other. C is incorrect because the clause before the semicolon is not an independent one. D is incorrect because this would turn the sentence into two dependent clauses. Additionally, *because* would make no sense in context. The fact that no sports questions were asked is not the reason why he was sick.

Nobody ever asks *questions but the ones* who already know the answers. A. NO CHANGE B. questions, but the ones C. questions but the ones, D. questions; the ones

A is correct because despite the presence of the conjunction *but* in the middle, the sentence is a single independent clause. In this case, *but* works like *except*. B is incorrect because an independent clause does not follow *but*. So no comma is needed before it. C is incorrect because a comma before *who* would mean that the *who* clause is nonlimiting - that the identity of *the ones* is already clear. In fact, the *who* clause is limiting. The information it contains is necessary to specify identity of *the ones who already know the answers*. D is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses.

Every time he *looked* at the crack in the floor at the train station,m he felt an inexplicable sense of loneliness. A. NO CHANGE B. looks C. looking D. had looked

A is correct because the past tense *looked" matches the past tense "felt", which appears later in the sentence. B is incorrect because the present tense *looks* does not match the past tense *felt* C is incorrect because the participial form *looking* does not match the past tense *felt*. It also does not grammatically fit with the words immediately around it. D. is incorrect because the past perfect *had looked* does not match the past tense *felt*.

The famous, groundbreaking, and *controversial comedian Lenny Bruce* was convicted of obscenity in 1964. A. NO CHANGE B. controversial comedian, Lenny Bruce C. controversial comedian Lenny Bruce, D. controversial comedian, Lenny Bruce,

A is correct because even though deducing the subject's identity from contextual clues might be possible, grammatically speaking the sentence still would not refer to one specific person if the proper name Lenny Bruce were removed. So the name should not be set off with commas. B is incorrect because although one comma before the proper name would be correct if the sentence began with the indefinite article *a* rather than the definite article *the*, this would render the first part of the sentence a descriptive phrase. As it stands, the sentence is one single independent clause. C is incorrect because there is no reason to insert a comma between the subject and main verb. D is incorrect because the sentence would not refer to one specific person if the proper name were removed. So the name should not be set off with commas.

Every one of the popular students came late to the dance, and then *they spent* the rest of the time gossiping in the corner. A. NO CHANGE B. them spent C. he or she spent D. DELETE the underlined portion

A is correct because even though the singular *one* is technically the subject of the sentence, the pronoun is referring to *the popular students* and so needs to be the plural *they*. B is incorrect because we need the subjective-case *they*, not the objective-case *them*. C is incorrect because the pronoun is referring to the plural *popular students*. So we need the plural *they*, rather than the singular *he or she*. D is incorrect because although omitting the pronoun *they* alone would be acceptable, omitting the verb *spent* alongside it results in an incomplete sentence that makes no sense.

If it gets *too much louder* in here, I'm going to have to leave. A. NO CHANGE B. to be loudly C. too be loudly D. to loud

A is correct because the comparative adjective *louder* preceded by the adverb *too*, which means *excessively* (but can elsewhere mean *also*), and the adjective *much* make for a correct sentence. B is incorrect because although *to be loud* would be acceptable, *to be* does not properly precede the adverb *loudly*. C is incorrect because although *too* can properly precede *loudly*, in context the phrase *too loudly* makes no sense. An adjective is needed, not an adverb. D is incorrect because *to* is a preposition, not an adverb meaning "excessively."

Neither Parveen nor Joan *is* married. A. NO CHANGES B. are C. were D. have been

A is correct because the conjunction or/nor is disjunctive. This means that two nouns connected by it take a singular verb since the idea is that both are being discussed, separately (i.e., neither one of them is married). Even if you didn't know this rule, you should still have noticed that the other three choices are all plural and that there is no indication of the tense. So the singular verb is the odd man out and likely to be correct. B is incorrect because *are* is plural and so does not fit with a neither/ nor construction. C is incorrect because *were* is plural and so does not fit with a neither/nor construction. D is incorrect because *have been* is plural (in third person) and so does not fit with a neither/nor construction.

Every year on the Feast of San *Gennaro, the* parade goes right by my window. A. NO CHANGE B. Gennaro, and the C. Gennaro; the D. Gennaro. The

A is correct because the first part of the sentence is dependent, the second clause is independent, and they are correctly separated by a comma with no conjunction. B is incorrect because *every year on the Feast of San Gennaro* is not an independent clause. So it does not need to be separated from the independent clause that follows with a comma plus a conjunction. C is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses. D is incorrect because *every year on the Feast of San Gennaro* would not be a complete sentence on its own. (TIP: *If one of the choices is a semicolon and another choice is a period plus a new sentence in the same spot, they cancel out each other!*)

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, *she will get her medical degree in London*. A. NO CHANGE B. her medical degree will be obtained in London C. and she will get her medical degree in London D. she got her medical degree in London

A is correct because the introductory phrase *Barring any unforeseen circumstances* may look like a modifying phrase, but it is actually an *absolute construction* that does not refer to any specific noun elsewhere in the sentence. The sentence is correct the way it is. This is only a dangling-modifier question. B is incorrect because it is in the passive voice, which you should not use as long as an active-voice option is available. (Choice A is in the active voice.) C is incorrect because it results in two dependent groups of words with no independent clause. D is incorrect because it makes no sense. Do not introduce a past-tense statement about a completed action with *Barring any unforeseen circumstances*, which means "unless something unexpected happens."

*Andrew, the best player our school has ever seen,* eventually turned pro. A. NO CHANGE B. Andrew was the best player our school has ever seen. C. Andrew, the best player our school has ever seen, and D. Andrew was the best player our school has ever seen, who

A is correct because the main sentence is *Andrew eventually turned prop*. It is interrupted by the lift-out appositive clause *the best player our school has ever seen*, which is set off with a pair of commas. B is incorrect because although it begins with a coherent independent clause, the rest makes no sense since the sentence ends up with two main verbs (*was* and *turned*). C is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary *and* into the main independent clause. D is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary *who* into the main independent clause.

The Byzantines dominated the Mediterranean world because they possessed the secret of Greek *Fire, an* ancient superweapon. A. NO CHANGE B. Fire was an C. Fire, it was an D. Fire, and an

A is correct because the part of the sentence before the comma is an independent clause and the part after it is a dependent afterthought describing the term *Greek Fire*. B is incorrect because it overlaps two independent clauses, resulting in nonsense. C is incorrect because this results in a comma error. D is incorrect because this implies that the *Greek Fire* and the *ancient superweapon* were two different things when you mean to say that they are the same thing.

Comic-Con *International, a celebration of* sci-fi, superheroes, and all things nerdy, has been held in San Diego every summer since 1970. A. NO CHANGE B. International a celebration, of C. International is a celebration of D. International is a celebration, of

A is correct because the phrase *a celebration of sci-fi, superheroes, and all things nerdy* is an appositive that gives extra information about Comic-Con International. As a lift out, it is set off with a pair of commas: one after the subject and another before the verb phrase *has been held*. B is incorrect because no comma is necessary before the preposition *of*. However, one is necessary before *a* since it marks the start of an appositive. C is incorrect because there is already a main verb phrase, *has been held* on the other side of the appositive. So adding *is* is superfluous. D is incorrect because there is already a verb phrase, *has been held*, on the other side of the appositive. So adding *is* is superfluous. Additionally, no comma is necessary before the preposition *of*.

Any man *whose* friends won't tell him secrets is not to be trusted. A. NO CHANGE B. who's C. who'se D. who is

A is correct because the possessive form is needed here. Like all possessive pronouns, the possessive pronoun *whose* does not have an apostrophe. B is incorrect because *who's* is a contraction *who is* (which makes no sense in context). C is incorrect because there is no such word as *who'se*. D is incorrect because *who is* makes no sense in the context.

Because my friends are all *married, I* often go out by myself. A. NO CHANGE B. married I C. married, so I D. married, is the reason I

A is correct because the second clause is an independent one. The sentence reverses normal order by putting the dependent *because* clause first, so a comma is necessary after it but no additional words are. B is incorrect because a comma is necessary after the dependent introductory *because* clause. C is incorrect because a conjunction is not necessary between the dependent and independent clauses (this would make both clauses independent), only a comma. D is incorrect because an additional verb phrase is not necessary between the dependent and independent clauses, only a comma.

The enormous barking *dog in my cousin's backyard terrified me, and I* ran. A. NO CHANGE B. dog in my cousin's backyard terrified me and, I C. dog in my cousin's backyard, terrified me and I D. dog, in my cousin's backyard terrified me and I

A is correct because the sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a comma plus a conjunction. Never use length to try to determine what is or is not an independent clause. Just look for a subject and verb and whether it makes sense. B is incorrect because when two independent clauses are joined by a comma plus a conjunction, the comma goes before the conjunction. The only time a comma would ever go after a conjunction immediately precedes a lift-out clause. Tip: *This is rare and almost never featured on the ACT English.* C is incorrect because there is no reason to place a comma here, after the subject and a prepositional phrase but before a verb. D is incorrect because there is no reason to place a comma here, after the subject but before the prepositional phrase and the verb.

*Because* none of us could remember the way he had come, we got lost. A. NO CHANGE B. Although C. Being D. DELETE the underlined portion

A is correct because the sentence is a correct instance of a dependent clause separated from an independent clause by a comma. Beginning a sentence with *because* is perfectly fine as long as the dependent *because* clause is followed by an independent effect clause. The sentence is no different from writing *we got lost because none of us could remember the way we had come*. B is incorrect beacuse its meaning is nonsense although grammatically correct. (It makes perfect sense that you would get lost if you couldn't remember the way. So *although* is out of place). C is incorrect because *being* does not work as a substitute for *because*. (TIP: *The ACT English uses this trick frequently.*) D is incorrect because this would result in a comma error.

He never forgot her, *his one true love, the* most beautiful girl he had ever seen or ever would see. A. NO CHANGE B. she was his one true love and the C. his one true love and she was the D. his one true love also the

A is correct because the sentence is a perfectly correct (albeit heavily stylized) instance of an independent clause followed by two descriptive afterthoughts, each of which is preceded by a comma. B is incorrect because this results in a comma error. C is incorrect because it is highly awkward for a conjunction and new independent clause to follow an afterthought clause and because the conjunction is not preceded by a comma. D is incorrect because although an *and* in its place would correctly combine the two afterthoughts into one, *also* may not be used interchangeably with *and* in this fashion.

The *poet Lord Byron became, in 1813,* the first writer in English to use the word *vampire*. A. NO CHANGE B. poet, Lord Byron became in 1813 C. poet Lord Byron, became in 1813 D. poet, Lord Byron, became in 1813

A is correct because the sentence is a single independent clause interrupted by the lift-out phrase *in 1813*, which is set off with a pair of commas. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before *in* and includes an unnecessary comma after *poet*. C is incorrect because it omits the pair of commas around *in 1813* and includes an unnecessary comma after *Byron*. D is incorrect because it omits the pair of commas around *in 1813* and includes an unnecessary pair of commas around *Lord Byron*.

Most of the people Marci knew from *work, however,* came to her birthday party. A. NO CHANGE B. work, however C. work however, D. work. However,

A is correct because the sentence is a single independent clause with the lift-out conjunction *however* in the middle, set off with a pair of commas. B is incorrect because when it appears in the middle of a clause, *however* needs commas on both sides, not just one. C is incorrect because when it appears in the middle of a clause, *however* needs commas on both sides, not just one. D is incorrect because neither of the resulting sentences is a complete sentence. The subject (*people*) is in the first one, and the verb (*showed up*) is in the second.

I can *summon monsters from the deep and eerie beasts from* the dankest primeval woodlands. A. NO CHANGE B. summon monsters from the deep, and eerie beasts from C. summon monsters from the deep - and eerie beasts - from D. summon, monsters from the deep, and eerie beasts, from

A is correct because the sentence is a single independent clause, and no internal punctuation is necessary. The *and* in the middle merely links two different things that the speaker can summon and does not precede a separate clause. B is incorrect because *and* merely links two different things that the speaker can summon and does not precede a separate clause. So no comma is needed. C is incorrect because if *and eerie beasts* were set off with dashes, the rest of the sentence would not make sense. D is incorrect because there is no reason to put a comma after *summon* (i.e., between the verb and its object) or to set off *and eerie beasts* with a pair of commas.

I hope you know that both your extremely tall cousin *Marcy and I* hope you have a fun vacation. A. NO CHANGE B. Marcy, and I C. Marcy; I D. Marcy - and I

A is correct because the sentence is a single independent clause. No comma or other punctuation is necessary. B is incorrect because although the words following the *and* appear to constitute an independent clause, they are actually part of a larger independent clause. The fact that the words before the *and* do not constitute an independent clause should have been a clue. C is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses D is incorrect because the part of the sentence preceding the single dash is not an independent clause.

The band playing bad cover songs outside my window *is* really annoying me. A. NO CHANGE B. are C. is being D. and is

A is correct because the subject of the sentence is *band*, which is singular. So the main verb needs to be *is*. Even though multiple people are in a band, the word is still singular. B is incorrect because the plural *are* does not agree with the singular *band*. C is incorrect because although *the band is being really annoying* would be acceptable, the presence of the object *me* at the end of the sentence makes this option wrong. You would not say *the band is being really annoying me*. D is incorrect because *and* would incorrectly divide the sentence into two clauses with the subject in one and the main verb in the other.

The evidence that hyenas are more closely related to mongooses than they are to either *dogs or cats is* both surprising and indisputable. A. NO CHANGE B. dogs or cats are C. dogs and cats are D. dogs and cats is

A is correct because the subject of the sentence is *evidence*, which is singular, and so the main verb is *is.* Even though *that* is a relative pronoun rather than a preposition, this is essentially the same as the prepositional-phrase trick. A clause between the main subject and verb of the sentence can be removed. Just skip over it when analyzing the sentence. B is incorrect because *are* is plural and so does not agree with *evidence*. C is incorrect because *are* is plural and so does not agree with *evidence* and also because *either* takes *or*, not *and*. D is incorrect because *either* takes *or*, not *and*.

Even though Danielle likes to read love stories, none of her favorite *movies* are romances. A. NO CHANGE B. movie's C. movies' D. movie is

A is correct because the word *movies* here is plural but not possessive, and so an apostrophe isn't necessary anywhere. (Possession is at work in the phrase *her favorite movies*. However, it is *her* that possesses something, not *movies*. TIP: Watch out for that trick on the test!) B is incorrect because *movie's* is the singular possessive, but what we need is the plural nonpossessive. C is incorrect because *movies'* is the plural possessive, but what we need is the plural nonpossessive. D is incorrect because *movie is* makes no sense in context.

What I don't *understand, though, is why the* robot was evil in the first place. A. NO CHANGE B. understand, though the C. understand, although, is why the D. understand, although the

A is correct because this sentence correctly presents a single independent clause with the lift-out conjunction *though* in the middle, set off by a pair of commas. *Though* is a versatile word that can be used in a few different ways. TIP: *In this sentence (and often on the ACT English), though works the same way as however.* B is incorrect because neither of these clauses is an independent one. Aside from grammatical rules, the sentence is so unclear as to be virtually nonsense. C is incorrect because although *though* can always be substituted for *although*, *although* cannot always be substituted for *though*. In a sentence where *though* is made to work like *however*, *although* cannot do the same thing. D is incorrect because neither of these clauses is an independent one. Aside from grammatical rules, the sentence is so unclear as to be virtually nonsense.

I grabbed the dictionary *off* the shelf to settle the argument once and for all. Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable? A. from B. down C. down from D. down off of

B is correct because *I grabbed the dictionary down the shelf* is something that no English speaker would say. It borders on nonsense and is completely unacceptable. (Remember that with LEAST questions, there may be degrees of how wrong the choices are. Something informal is still preferable to something flatly wrong. ) A is incorrect because *I grabbed the dictionary from the shelf* is perfectly correct. C is incorrect because *I grabbed the dictionary down from the shelf* is something acceptable that people say although perhaps not the most efficient phrasing. D is incorrect because *I grabbed the dictionary down off of the shelf*, though highly informal is still preferable to choice B, which is completely wrong.

Mike is strong: he looks small, but he can explode *deceptively* when it counts. The most logical placement for the bolded portion would be... A. where is it now. B. before the word *strong*. C. before the word *small* D. after the word *counts* but before the period.

B is correct because *Mike is deceptively strong* would mean that he does not look strong but is. That is exactly the phenomenon that the part of the sentence after the colon is describing. A is incorrect because the idea is not that he explodes in a deceptive manner but, rather, that he does not appear to be strong although he is. C is incorrect because *deceptively small* would mean that he looks tall but is in fact short, which is not what you mean to say and barely makes any sense. D is incorrect because *counts deceptively* would mean that the way in which it counts is deceptive, which barely makes sense.

Of all the animals at the zoo, the polar bear cub was *my favorite.* Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable? A. my very favorite B. my totally favorite C. my absolute favorite D. the one I loved best

B is correct because *my totally favorite* is simply not something an English speaker would say. *My total favorite* might be acceptable (if extremely informal), but not *my totally favorite*. Even though *very* ( in choice A) is also an adverb, and *very* and *totally* are interchangeable in certain circumstances, this is not one of them. A is incorrect because *my very favorite* is perfectly correct English. C is incorrect because *my absolute favorite* is a bit informal but certainly not wrong. D is incorrect because *the one I loved best* is perfectly correct English.

Although all people have plans for the future, sometimes *are plans are* worth nothing. A. NO CHANGE B. our plans are C. are plans our D. our plans our

B is correct because *our* is the first-person plural possessive pronoun and *are* is the third-person plural form (among other forms) of the verb *to be*. They may sound similar to our ears when said aloud. However, they are two completely different words and should never be confused in writing. A is incorrect because it uses *are* (the first one) where it should use *our*. C is incorrect because it reverses the proper usages of *are* and *our*. D is incorrect because it uses *our* (the second one) where it should use *are*.

The *seven sticky loud young* children ruined everything. A. NO CHANGE B. seven sticky, loud young C. seven sticky loud, young D. seven, sticky, loud, young

B is correct because *seven* is an adjective of number and *young* is an adjective of age. Therefore, neither of them requires separation with commas. *Sticky* and *loud*, however, are both normal adjectives, and so a comma is required between them. A is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma between *sticky* and *loud*. C is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma between *sticky* and *loud* and inserts an unnecessary comma between loud and *young*. D is incorrect because it inserts unnecessary commas after *seven* and after *loud*

The squirrels in the ceiling *was keeping* us awake at night. A. NO CHANGE B. were keeping C. is keeping D. keeps

B is correct because *squirrels*, the subject of the sentence, is plural. *Were keeping* is the only plural verb among the choices. The prepositional phrase *in the ceiling* comes between the subject and the verb and must be jumped over. A is incorrect because was *keeping* is singular. C is incorrect because is *keeping* is singular. D is incorrect because *keeps* is singular.

[1] It just goes to show how the right frame of mind can take all the difference. [2] To my amazement, I turned out to be one of the stars, even though I had been terrible at sports in high school. [3] In fact, a lot of people barely knew how to play. [4] We were all friends, and all adults, so there was very little pressure. [5] My favorite memory of graduate school is playing softball on Sundays. What is the most logical order for the sentences in this paragraph? A. The order they are in now. B. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 C. 4, 5, 3, 1, 2 D. 1, 5, 2, 4, 3

B is correct because Sentence 5 introduces the topic of softball. Sentence 4 establishes that it was low pressure and is followed by Sentence 3, which intensifies the same idea. Sentence 2 mentions that the writer was one of the best players, which logically leads into the moral about having the right frame of mind in Sentence 1. A is incorrect because you don't even know what the writer is talking about until the last sentence. Furthermore, the sentence beginning with *in fact* comes before the sentence it is clearly supposed to follow C is incorrect because Sentence 5 should clearly not come between Sentences 4 and 3. Furthermore, the moral in Sentence 1 makes no sense unless it follows Sentence 2. D is incorrect because the moral in Sentence 1 makes no sense unless it follows Sentence 2. Furthermore, the surprise in Sentence 2 should come after the setup provided by Sentences 4 and 3.

Although I spent most of the day just sitting on the sand and watching, Maggie prevailed upon me to take her board out just once. I had never tried before, but I was able to catch a wave and stand up for several seconds before wiping out. It's not the sport for me, but I understand what my friends see in it now. *It's too bad we're all going off to separate colleges in the fall*. Which of the following phrases would conclude the paragraph in a fashion that emphasizes the writer's sense of accomplishment? A. NO CHANGE B. My first and last day of surfing was a success. C. I hope no guys saw me fall. D. The important thing is that I ride shotgun on the drive home.

B is correct because although it may not be a major accomplishment that means a great deal to the author, she did manage to stand up on the board. This is summed up in the phrase *my first and last day of surfing was a success*. No other device refers to having accomplished anything. A is incorrect because this is about how the writer will miss her friends, not about a sense of accomplishment. C is incorrect because this emphasizes the writer's fear that guys saw her fall off the board, not about a sense of accomplishment that she stood on it. D is incorrect because this is about the writer's desire to sit up front in the car, not a reference to having accomplished anything.

*I wonder whether the weather will improve?* A. NO CHANGE B. I wonder whether the weather will improve. C. I wonder, whether the weather will improve? D. I wonder, whether the weather will improve.

B is correct because despite the fact that it involves a lack of knowledge about something, this sentence is a statement, not a question. So it needs a period rather than a question mark. *Do you think the weather will improve?* is a question, but *I wonder whether the weather will improve* is a statement. The speaker is stating that he or she wonders this, not asking something. A is incorrect because the sentence is a statement, not a question. So no question mark is necessary. C is incorrect because the sentence is a statement, not a question. So no question mark is necessary. Additionally, no comma is necessary after *wonder*. D is incorrect because no comma is necessary after *wonder*.

*Carol I know, you're tired, but there must be* more restaurants that way. A. NO CHANGE B. Carol, I know you're tired, but there must be C. Carol I know you're tired but there must be, D. Carol, I know you're tired but there must, be

B is correct because not every sentence with two commas needs to involve a lift out. In this case, the proper name *Carol* is followed by a comma because *Carol* is being addressed. Later in the sentence, a comma plus a conjunction separates two independent clauses. A is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after *Carol* and inserts an unnecessary comma after *knew*. C is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after *Carol*, moves the necessary comma before *but* to after it, and inserts an unnecessary comma after *be*. D is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before *but* and inserts an unnecessary comma after *must*.

While in New York, be sure to visit *the zoo at least, two museums and Central* Park. A. NO CHANGE B. the zoo, at least two museums, and Central C. the zoo at least, two museums and, Central D. the zoo, at least two museums and, Central

B is correct because the commas here are separating items in a list. The first item is *the zoo*, the second is *at least two museums*, and the third is *Central Park*. A comma is necessary after *zoo* and is acceptable - though not necessary - after *museums*. A comma anywhere else, however, is wrong. A is incorrect because a comma after *zoo* is necessary and a comma after *least* is wrong. C is incorrect because a comma after *zoo* is necessary, a comma after *least* is wrong, and a comma after *and* is wrong (although a comma before *and* is optional). D is incorrect because a comma after *least* is wrong and a comma after *and* is wrong (although a comma before *and* is optional).

David Bowie was *born, on January 8, 1947,* twelve years to the day after Elvis Presley. A. NO CHANGE B. born on January 8, 1947, C. born on, January 8 1947, D. born on, January 8, 1947

B is correct because the commas in a date go after the day and after the year. No additional commas are necessary in this sentence for any other reason. A is incorrect because no comma is necessary between the verb phrase *was born* and the preposition *on*. C is incorrect because in a calendar date, a comma is not necessary before the month. However, a comma is necessary between the day and the year. D is incorrect because in a calendar date, a comma is not necessary before the month. However, a comma is necessary after the year.

Though it is imagined to be *often* characterized by shyness or passivity, the poetry of Emily Dickinson is thought by many critics to contain underlying themes of aggression or even sadism. The most logical placement for the bolded portion would be... A. where it is now. B. before the word *imagined*. C. after the word *thought*. D. after the word *contain*.

B is correct because the idea of the sentence is that although people usually assume one thing to be true of Dickinson's poetry, many critics see it differently. Thus, the best placement for *often* is before *imagined*: her poetry is *often imagined to be characterized by*.... A is incorrect because people do not imagine her poetry is *often characterized* by shyness. Rather, they *often imagine* that it always is. C is incorrect because *many critics* do not think this *often*. They simply think it, in an ongoing sense. D is incorrect because this would mean that the themes are *often underlying*, which is not what you mean to say.

The Jackson 5 *originally played at the Apollo Theater for the first time* in August 1967. A. NO CHANGE B. first played at the world-famous Apollo Theater C. first played at the Apollo Theater, originally D. played originally at the Apollo Theater

B is correct because the issue here is redundancy. *Originally* and *for the first time* mean the same thing and so do not both need to be in the sentence. Choice B is the most succinct option that still means what you are trying to say. The fact that the term *world-famous* is added is irrelevant. A is incorrect because *originally* and *for the first time* mean the same thing. C is incorrect because *first* and *originally* mean the same thing. D is incorrect because when it is moved after verb *played*, the adverb *originally* would refer to the manner in which the group played, rather than mean that it was their debut.

As lifelong fans of the Chicago *Cubs, Kathy and Marlene,* knew how to deal with disappointment. A. NO CHANGE B. Cubs, Kathy and Marlene C. Cubs, Kathy, and Marlene D. Cubs Kathy and Marlene

B is correct because the main independent clause begins with *Kathy* and is preceded by an introductory descriptive *as* phrase. The two are correctly separated by a single comma. A is incorrect because the sentence around the proposed lift out would not constitute an independent clause (though it would if the *as* were omitted). C is incorrect because this would imply that the *Cubs, Kathy,* and *Marlene* are all items in a list, and that is not what is going on here. D is incorrect because a comma is necessary (before *Kathy*) to separate the introductory phrase from the independent clause.

Rome having been *spotted, and the general ordered the trumpets sounded*. A. NO CHANGE B. spotted, the general ordered the trumpets sounded C. spotted, the general ordered, the trumpets sounded D. spotted; the general ordered, and the trumpets sounded

B is correct because the main independent clause is *the general ordered the trumpets [to be] sounded* and is preceded by the dependent phrase *Rome having been spotted*. The two are correctly separated by a comma. A is incorrect because *Rome having been spotted* is an independent clause. C is incorrect because *the general ordered the trumpets sounded* is a single independent clause, not two. If it were two, this would be a comma error. D is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separated two independent clauses. *Additionally, the general ordered the trumpets sounded* is a single independent clause, not two. It could be interpreted as two. Even so, this choice would still be wrong because of the semicolon error.

*Every time, I fly the hassles I run into* are the same. A. NO CHANGE B. Every time I fly, the hassles I run into C. Every time I fly the hassles, I run into D. Every time I fly, the hassles I run into

B is correct because the main independent clause is *the hassles I run into are the same*. This is preceded by the dependent introductory clause *every time I fly*. The two are separated by a comma. A is incorrect because although *every time* could work as an introduction by itself under certain circumstances, that is not the case here since *I fly the hassles I run into are the same* does not make sense as an independent clause. C is incorrect because neither of the planes separated by the comma makes sense as either a dependent or an independent clause. D is incorrect because *every time I fly are the same* does not make sense as an independent clause

For Pete's *sake - Nelson, what do you think you are - a ninja? A. NO CHANGE B. sake, Nelson, what do you think you are - a C. sake, Nelson, what do you - think you are a D. sake, Nelson - what do you think - you are a

B is correct because the main question is *what do you think you are?* This is preceded by the exclamation *for Pete's sake* and the name of the addressee, *Nelson*. The sarcastic answer to the main question, *a ninja*, is preceded by a single dash, which works like a colon. A is incorrect because two dashes implies a lift out. The rest of the question would not make sense around the proposed lift out. C is incorrect because the part of the sentence before the single dash is neither an independent clause nor complete question. D is incorrect because two dashes imply a lift out. The rest of the sentence around the proposed lift out would constitute a statement, rather than a question, and hence should not end with a question mark.

All of the bills had been sitting on my desk for two weeks, but I only got around *to paying it this* morning. A. NO CHANGE B. to paying them this C. and paid you this D. to paid it in the

B is correct because the noun *bills* is plural and so must be replaced by the plural pronoun them. A is incorrect because the singular *it* cannot replace the plural *bills*. C is incorrect because *got around and paid* is highly awkward. Additionally, there is no apparent identity for *you*. D is incorrect because *got around to paid* is highly awkward. Additionally, the singular *it* cannot replace the plural *bills*.

The rambunctious puppy left *it's* toys scattered all over the yard. A. NO CHANGE B. its C. it's D. it has

B is correct because the possessive form *its* is needed here. Possessive pronouns do not have apostrophes in them. A is incorrect because there is no such word as *its'*. C is incorrect because *it's* is a contraction of *it is* and so is not needed here. D is incorrect because *it has* makes no sense in context.

All of the students in the class who didn't pass the final *needs to retake* the entire course. A. NO CHANGE B. need to retake C. needed retaking D. needs retaking

B is correct because the prepositional phrase *in the class* and the limiting clause *who didn't pass the final* both come between the subject and the verb. However, the subject and verb still need to agree with each other. So those clauses must be "skipped." A is incorrect because the singular *needs* does not agree with the plural *students*. C is incorrect because *needed retaking* makes no sense in context. D is incorrect because *needs retaking* does not agree with the plural students and would make no sense in context even if it did.

Just between *you and I*, this party is terrible. A. NO CHANGE B. you and me C. we D. the three of us

B is correct because the pronouns are objects of the preposition *between* and so should both be in the objective case. This makes no difference for the second-person pronoun, which is *you* in both cases. However, the first-person pronoun should be *me* instead of *I*. A is incorrect because as the object of the preposition *between*, the first-person pronoun should be *me* instead of *I*. You sometimes hear people say *just between you and I* as though it were correct, but those people are mistaken. C is incorrect because the subjective case *we* does not work as an object of the preposition *between* (although the objective case *us* would be correct). D is incorrect because something cannot be *between* more than two people.

I'm still making up my mind about this whole tattoo thing. *In fact,* I know I want one, but I'm not sure what I want it to be. A. NO CHANGE B. That is, C. Besides, D. Thus,

B is correct because the second sentence clarifies an ambiguity in the first. So *that is* (in the sense of "that is to say...") is the appropriate transition phrase. A is incorrect because *in fact* would be used to introduce a sentence that either corrects a misconception in the previous one or one that heightens or intensifies the previous point by presenting an even more striking example of the same general idea. Neither of these is going on here. C is incorrect because *besides* would be used to introduce additional but less important information (similar to *anyway*), and that is not what is going on here. D is incorrect because *thus* means "in such a manner," and that is clearly now the sort of transition that would be appropriate here.

Let us enjoy *ourselves, to the fullest for never, shall we pass* this way again. A. NO CHANGE B. ourselves to the fullest, for never shall we pass C. ourselves to the fullest for never, shall we pass D. ourselves, to the fullest for never shall we pass

B is correct because the sentence consists of two independent clauses correctly linked by a comma plus a conjunction. Though it is typically a preposition, *for* can be a conjunction when it acts like *because*. (Although this usage of *for* is considered highly formal, it comes up now and then.) A is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before the conjunction *for* and inserts unnecessary commas before the prepositional phrase *to the fullest* and the verb *shall*. C is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before the conjunction *for* and inserts an unnecessary comma after the adverb *never*. D is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before the conjunction *for* and inserts unnecessary commas before the prepositional phrase *to the fullest* and the verb *pass*.

The class spent two *weeks, on Hamlet*, the greatest play ever written. A. NO CHANGE B. weeks on Hamlet, the C. weeks on Hamlet; the D. weeks on Hamlet, which

B is correct because the sentence involves an independent clause followed by a descriptive afterthought, with the two separated by a comma. A is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary comma between *weeks* and *on*. C is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses. D is incorrect because the *which* clause has no verb (*which* is would be acceptable).

In the final round, our trivia team had to send up one member who *answers* questions alone. A. NO CHANGE B. answered C. had answered D. was answering

B is correct because the sentence is in the past tense. So the past tense *answered* is needed. A is incorrect because the sentence is in the past tense. So the present tense *answers* does not work. C is incorrect because although *had* appears earlier in the sentence, it is simply the past tense of *have* and not an indicator that the past perfect *had answered* is needed. D is incorrect because although it results in a correct sentence, this would mean that the team member *was already answering* questions alone *before* being sent up for the final round.

You should always be on the lookout for new opportunities, but *one* should also avoid burning bridges if possible. A. NO CHANGE B. you C. he or she D. people

B is correct because the sentence is in the second person (you) and so should not deviate from this. Constructions like *one* or like *he or she* may be more formal than the second person, but consistency is more important than formality. A is incorrect because *one* does not match the initial *you*. C is incorrect because *he or she* does not match the initial *you*. D is incorrect because *people* does not match the initial *you*.

Once upon a *time, I cared, about what* was on the radio. A. NO CHANGE B. time, I cared about what C. time I cared, about what D. time, I cared about, what

B is correct because the sentence presents an independent clause (*I cared about what was on the radio*) preceded by an introductory phrase (*once upon a time*). The two are correctly separated by a comma. A is incorrect because no comma is necessary between the verb *cared* and the preposition *about*. C is incorrect because no comma is necessary between the verb *cared* and the preposition *about*. D is incorrect because no comma is necessary between the preposition *about* and the relative pronoun *what*.

The third movie in the *series, made the most money, even though* the critics hated. A. NO CHANGE B. series made the most money even though C. series made the most money, even though, D. series, made the most money even though,

B is correct because the sentence presents an independent clause followed by a dependent one. (TIP: *Even though* is the same as although.) A is incorrect because the rest of the sentence would make no sense as an independent clause around the proposed lift out. C is incorrect because the rest of the sentence would be a run-on around the proposed lift out. In other words, the conjunction should not be set off with two commas. D is incorrect because the rest of the sentence would make no sense as an independent clause around the proposed lift out.

Much great American literature was *produced, in the 1920s*, a time known as the Jazz Age. A. NO CHANGE B. produced in the 1920s, a C. produced in the 1920s, and a D. produced in the 1920s; a

B is correct because the sentence presents an independent clause followed by a descriptive afterthought, with the two separated by a comma. A is incorrect because no comma is necessary before the prepositional phrase *in the* 1920s. C is incorrect because the Jazz Age is another form for the 1920s, rather than a different time. So no *and* is necessary. Even if it were a different time, no comma would be necessary before the *and* since *and* does not precede an independent clause. D is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses (although a colon would be acceptable).

Although we never made it to the *party we* had a great 4th of July anyway. A. NO CHANGE B. party, we C. party; we D. party: we

B is correct because the sentence presents an introductory dependent *although* clause followed by an independent clause. The two are correctly separated by a comma. A is incorrect because a comma is necessary between the introductory and independent clauses. C is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses D is incorrect because the colon is not preceded by an independent clause.

I brought *both DVD, and Blue-Ray discs, game consoles of the Xbox, and PS3 varieties, and* an iPod. A. NO CHANGE B. both DVD and Blue-Ray discs, game consoles of the Xbox and PS3 varieties, and C. both, DVD and Blue-Ray discs, game consoles of the Xbox and PS3 varieties and D. both DVD and Blue-Ray, discs game consoles of the Xbox, and PS3 varieties and

B is correct because the speaker has brought two types of discs, two types of game consoles, and an iPod. So a comma is necessary after *discs* and after *varieties*. A is incorrect because commas should not be before the *ands* that link the two types of *discs* or the two types of *game consoles*. The two types of discs and two types of game consoles are each one item on the list. C is incorrect because *both* extends to *DVD and Blue-Ray discs*. The speaker brought *both* types. So both should not be followed with a comma. Additionally, a comma is not necessary before the *and* that links the two types of game consoles. D is incorrect because *DVD* and *Blue-Ray discs* are adjectives modifying *discs*, so there should not be a comma before *discs*. Additionally, a comma is not necessary before the *and* that links the two types of game consoles.

When the snow reached two, feet people left *they're* cars parked in the lot. A. NO CHANGE B. their C. there D. there are

B is correct because the spelling *their* is used for the third-person plural possessive pronoun, which is what we need here. (The cars belong to them.) A is incorrect because *they're* is a contraction of they are. C is incorrect because *there* (which can act as several different parts of speech) involves specifying a physical or conceptual place and is not a possessive pronoun. D is incorrect because *there are* would make no sense in the context. Although *there are cars parked in the lot* sounds fine if you real only from that point forward, reading the entire sentence will show that this choice results in nonsense.

The influence of the Beatles not only on the musical world, but on global culture as a whole, is incalculable. *Namely,* they deserve to be at the top of any list of the greatest artists in pop music history. A. NO CHANGE B. Therefore, C. Likewise, D. For example,

B is correct because the statements in the first sentence serve as support for the pronouncement made in the second. So *therefore* (i.e., for those reasons) is the appropriate transition word. A is incorrect because *namely* would mean that the second sentence is disclosing the identity of someone or something hinted at in the first, which is not happening here. C is incorrect because *likewise* would mean that the second sentence is expresses something being done in a similar manner to something in the first, which is not happening here. D is incorrect because the second sentence is not a specific *example* of a general principle stated in the first.

I e-mailed Kim for *advice, then by* the time she wrote back to me, I already felt better. A. NO CHANGE B. advice, but then by C. advice, by D. advice by

B is correct because the structure of this sentence is an independent clause followed by a longer independent clause that opens with an introductory clause. This option correctly separates the two independent clauses (the second of which contains an initial dependent clause) with a comma plus a conjunction. A is incorrect because this is a comma error at the comma between *advice* and *then*. C is incorrect because this is a comma error at the comma between *advice* and *by*. D is incorrect because this is a run-on at the point between *advice* and *by*.

The Chrysler *building, it* was the world's tallest building for eleven months. A. NO CHANGE B. building C. building: it D. building - it

B is correct because this option creates a simple independent clause with now additional punctuation necessary. A is incorrect because in an afterthought clause sentence, the independent clause has to come first. C is incorrect because the part before the colon is not an independent clause. D is incorrect because the part before the single dash is not an independent clause.

Everybody, get *in* the boat! Which of the following alternatives to the bolded portion would NOT be acceptable? A. on B. at C. into D. aboard

B is correct because this question deals with prepositions. Preposition usage is often idiomatic, meaning that there is no real explanation for why a given preposition is right or wrong. It is either something we say, or it is not. In this case, the only preposition we could not use is *at*. An English speaker simply would not say *Get at the boat*. There are no rules to memorize here. Right and wrong answers just have to sound right or wrong to you because you are accustomed to hearing them. A is incorrect because *get on the boat* is something we would say. C is incorrect because *get into the boat* is something we would say. D is incorrect because *get aboard the boat* is something we would say.

My trip to wrestling camp at age 15 marked the first time I'd ever *flew* on a plane. A. NO CHANGE B. flown C. had flown D. would fly

B is correct because we need the past perfect form *had flown*. The *had* part is already in the sentence since *I'd* is a contraction of *I had* (though it can act as a contraction of other things, too). The fact that *ever* comes between *had* and *flown* does not change anything. A is incorrect since there is already a *had* in the sentence in the contraction *I'd*. There is no such form as *had flew*. C is incorrect because the sentence already contains *had* in the contraction *I'd*. Inserting *had flown* would be redundant. You would be saying *I had had flown*. D is incorrect because we are talking about a definite past event. So the conditional mood established by *would* does not fit. In any case, saying *I had ever would fly* is never correct.

The book *form* which the movie is based is considered superior by critics but is not nearly as well known. A. NO CHANGE B. on C. in D.to

B is incorrect because we would say that a movie is based *on* a book. So *the book on which the movie was based* is the proper construction. Preposition usage is often *idiomatic*, meaning that there is no explanation for why one preposition is right over another in a particular place. It is simply either what we say or not what we say. The only way to know is if our ear can determine the correct usage. A is incorrect because we do not say that a movie is based *from* a book. C is incorrect because we do not say that a movie is based*in* a book. D is incorrect because we do not say that a movie is based *to* a book.

As the clock ran down those final seconds before the victory became official, *I called all my friends to tell them the good news*. Which of the following choices best illustrates the speaker's emotional reaction to the circumstances being discussed? A. NO CHANGE B. I quietly reflected on all the hard work it took. C. I felt a mist in my eye and a catch in my throat. D. I asked the person next to me whether I was dreaming.

C is correct because *a mist in my eye and a catch in my throat* implies that the speaker is all choked up and about to weep with joy. This is the only choice that specifically *mentions* an emotional emotion can be inferred in all the others. A is incorrect because although the speaker is presumably happy, no emotions are illustrated. B is incorrect because this is more of a philosophical reaction than an emotional one. D is incorrect because although the speaker is presumably happy, no emotions are illustrated.

Many of *childrens toy's* were damaged when the basement flooded. A. NO CHANGES B. children's toys' C. children's toys D. childrens' toys

C is correct because *children* is already plural without an "s" and so the apostrophe goes before the "s" when it is possessive. *Toys* here is simply plural, not possessive, and needs no apostrophe. A is incorrect because there is no such word as *childrens* (without and apostrophe). Additionally, *toy's* is the singular possessive, but there is no possession. B is incorrect because *toys'* is the plural possessive, but we do not need the possessive. D is incorrect because there is no such word as *childrens'* (with the apostrophe after the "s").

Aside from the fact *in which I* can't serve, I am actually pretty good at volleyball. A. NO CHANGE B. of I C. that I D. because I

C is correct because *the fact that* is the phrase we use to call attention to a particular idea: *the fact that I can't serve*. A is incorrect because the fact in which I can't serve* makes no sense. You are not serving inside the fact. B is incorrect because *the fact of I can't serve* is simply not what we say. The pronoun *that* is correct here, not the preposition *of.* D is incorrect because although cause and effect is at work, *because* makes no sense in context.

*There in they're with their* bear. A. NO CHANGE B. Their in there with they're C. They're in there with their D. They're in their with there

C is correct because *they're* is a contraction of *they are*, while *there* refers to a physical place (in this sentence), and *their* is the third-person plural possessive pronoun. A is incorrect because it reverses *they're* and *there* (though *their* is used correctly). B is incorrect because it reverses *their* and *they're* (though *there is used correctly). D is incorrect because it reverses *their* and *there* (though they're is used correctly).

There wasn't enough room in the closet for all of *Karen's sister's shoe's*. A. NO CHANGE B. Karens sister's shoe's C. Karen's sister's shoes D. Karens sister's shoes

C is correct because Karen possesses her sister and her sister possesses the shoes, but the shoes themselves possess nothing and are merely plural. So what need is *Karen's sister's shoes*. A is incorrect because *shoes* is merely plural. So it should not have an apostrophe. B is incorrect because Karen possesses her sister, so there should be an apostrophe in *Karen's*. Additionally, *shoes* is merely plural, so it should not have an apostrophe. D is incorrect because Karen possesses her sister. So there should be an apostrophe in *Karen's*.

Joyee used to be an opera *singer, sometimes, he* can be persuaded to sing at parties. A. NO CHANGE B. singer, sometimes, he C. singer; sometimes, he D. singer, sometimes; he

C is correct because a semicolon after *singer* correctly separates two independent clauses. A comma in the second clause after the introductory *sometimes* is also correct, although the absence of a comma might also be considered acceptable. A is incorrect because this option presents a grammatically unacceptable instance of two independent clauses separated only by and adverb (*sometimes*) set off with commas. B is incorrect because this is a comma error. D is incorrect because although the semicolon here technically separates two independent clauses, the first of them does not make any sense. *Sometimes* is clearly supposed to modify the second clause, not the first.

The two of us spent all *day; in the park it was lovely. A. NO CHANGE B. day, in the park C. day in the park; D. day in the park,

C is correct because a semicolon here correctly separates two independent clauses that function in a sensible relationship to each other. A is incorrect because although technically *the two of us spent all day* and *in the park it was lovely* are both independent clauses, the semicolon here is clearly not in the appropriate separation point when the sentence is examined as a whole. *In the park* is obviously supposed to be part of the first clause rather than the second. B is incorrect because the clauses are not separated at the appropriate place. Even if they were, this would still be a comma error. D is incorrect because this is a comma error.

Wherever the rain *falls hardest the flowers* will grow most beautifully. A. NO CHANGE B. falls, hardest the flowers C. falls hardest, the flowers D. falls hardest the, flowers

C is correct because although the syntax is a bit unusual, *the flowers will grow most beautifully* is an independent clause. It is preceded by the dependent clause *wherever the rain falls hardest*. The two clauses are correctly separated by a comma. A is incorrect because a comma is necessary between the dependent and independent clauses. B is incorrect because the part of the sentence after the comma does not constitute an independent clause. D is incorrect because neither of the proposed clauses make sense, either as a dependent or an independent clause.

We cleaned out the *dusty, rickety*, straw-filled barn, in* order to hold a dance. A. NO CHANGE B. dusty rickety straw-filled barn, in C. dusty, rickety, straw-filled barn in D. dusty, rickety, straw-filled, barn in

C is correct because commas are necessary to separate multiple adjectives from one another but are not necessary between the last adjective and the noun or anywhere else in this sentence. A is incorrect because it includes an unnecessary comma before the prepositional phrase. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary commas after each of the first two adjectives and includes an unnecessary comma before the prepositional phrase. D is incorrect because it includes an unnecessary comma between the final adjective and the noun.

I *feel that, and - don't argue with me, Bryant - jazz drummers are better than rock drummers. A. NO CHANGE B. feel-that, and don't argue with me, Bryant C. feel that - and don't argue with me, Bryant D. feel that, and don't argue with me - Bryant

C is correct because in this sentence, a pair of dashes set off the words that can be removed and leave the others to function as a complete sentence. The main sentence is *I feel that jazz drummers are better than rock drummers*. The speaker interrupts himself to say "and don't argue with me, Bryant*. The fact is that these six words can be removed to leave a complete sentence. A is incorrect because *I feel that, and jazz drummers are better than rock drummers* (what would be left around the dashes) is neither a complete nor a coherent sentence. B is incorrect because although the *that* could be omitted from the main sentence, it is senseless to move it inside the dashes. If the *that* were not there at all, this option would be acceptable. D is incorrect because there is no sensible reason to set off only the proper name *Bryant* with a pair of dashes and because the self-interruption requires stronger punctuation than a comma.

I'm *busy tonight, we'll hang* out next week. A. NO CHANGE B. busy, tonight we'll hang C. busy tonight; we'll hang D. busy; tonight we'll hang

C is correct because in this sentence, a semicolon is correctly used to separate two independent clauses. A is incorrect because this is a comma error. B is incorrect because *tonight we'll hang out next week* does not make any sense as a single thought. Even if it did, this would be a comma error. D is incorrect because *tonight we'll hang out next week* does not make any sense as a single thought.

*The most beautiful flowers I'd ever seen* greeted my eye as I entered. Which of the following phrases best illustrates the variety of flowers found in the garden? A. NO CHANGE B. More types of flowers than I could name C. Crocuses, zinnias, lilacs, and forget-me-nots D. My very favorite flowers, orchids

C is correct because it names four specific types of flower. This is more than any of the other choices name. So this choice best illustrates the variety of the flowers in the garden. A is incorrect because saying that the flowers were beautiful does not illustrate their variety. B is incorrect because saying that there more types of flower than the speaker could name does not tell us how many types that is exactly. Maybe he can name only one or two. D is incorrect because this choice mentions only one type of flower. The fact that is the speaker's favorite irrelevant.

[1] They didn't realize I was the teacher until I wrote my name on the board. [2] I walked away from my first day of teaching college with a big smile on my face. [3] I was young, so the kids thought I was another student at first. [4] Once we all got over the shock, the discussion went wonderfully. [5] I was almost shaking when I walked in the door. What is the most logical order for the sentences in this paragraph? A. The order they are in now B. 1, 3, 5, 2, 4 C. 5, 3, 1, 4, 2 D. 2, 5, 1, 3, 4

C is correct because sentence [5] depicts the speaker first entering the room, so it comes first. Sentence [3] describes the students' initial reaction to him, and Sentence [1] illustrates their realization of their mistake. Sentence [4] then deals with how the rest of class went. Finally, sentence [2] depicts the teacher leaving at the end of class. A is incorrect because the teacher leaves in the second sentence and does not enter the room until the last sentence. B is incorrect because the teacher does not enter the room until the third sentence and then leaves in the fourth sentence, before the discussion in the fifth. D is incorrect because the teacher leaves in the first sentence and enters in the second.

If you have any questions, please direct them either to Bryan or to myself. A. NO CHANGE B. I C. me D. myself as well

C is correct because since the speaker has not yet mentioned himself in the sentence, the reflexive *myself* is not necessary. It should simply be *direct them either to Bryan or to me.* A is incorrect because the speaker has not yet mentioned himself in the sentence. So the reflexive *myself* is not necessary. B is incorrect because the pronoun is the object of the preposition *to*. So we need the objective case *me* rather than the subjective case *I*. D is incorrect because the speaker has not yet mentioned himself in the sentence. So the reflexive *myself* is not necessary. Adding *as well* does nothing to change this.

The haunted house was unexpectedly terrifying: *I couldn't wait to get out of here*. Which of the following phrases provides the most sensory detail? A. NO CHANGE B. I just knew something was about to jump out at me from every corner. C. Even the chilly, musty air felt monstrous D. I swore I would never forgive my friends for making me go inside.

C is correct because the adjectives *chilly* (a feeling) and *musty* (a smell) involve sensory information. None of the other choices contain similar sensory information. A is incorrect because wanting to get out is an emotion, not sensory information. B is incorrect because knowing that something will jump out is a suspicion, not sensory information. D is incorrect because being mad at your friends is an emotion, not sensory information.

Connie decided to spend the weekend at the beach, rather *then she came* into the city. A. NO CHANGE B. then coming C. than come D. than she would come

C is correct because the conjunction *than* is used for comparisons and the present tense *come* matches the previous verb *spend*. She would rather *spend* the weekend at the beach *than come* into the city. A is incorrect because although the adverb *then*, used to indicate color, makes sense within the phrase *then she came into the city*, the phrase *then she came into the city* makes no sense in the context of the sentence as a whole. B is incorrect because we need the conjunction *than*, not the adverb *then*. D is incorrect because the phrase *rather than she would come into the city* makes no sense in context.

Most people are very surprised *learning* that there was a wild camel population in the southwestern United States from the 1850s through the 1940s. A. NO CHANGE B. from learning C. to learn D. and learned

C is correct because the infinitive form of *learn* is needed to fit with *surprised*. The people are *surprised to learn*. A is incorrect because the participial form *learning* does not fit with *surprised*. B is incorrect because the addition of the preposition *from* does not make *learning* correct (although some other prepositions, like *upon*, would). D is incorrect because *people are very surprised and learned* does not make sense in the context of the sentence as a whole.

Like *bull seeing red* Barney charged at the opposing players. A. NO CHANGE B. bull, seeing red C. bull seeing red, D. bull, seeing red,

C is correct because the main independent clause is *Barney charged at the opposing players*, and this is preceded by the dependent descriptive phrase *like a bull seeing red*. (Seeing red modifies the bull in the simile, not Barney.) The two are correctly separated by a comma. A is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after the introductory phase. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after the introductory phrase and inserts an unnecessary comma in the middle of it. D is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary comma in the middle of the introductory phase.

I am *certain my uncle an esteemed college professor is in high demand as a* seminar lecturer. A. NO CHANGE B. certain, my uncle an esteemed college professor, is in high demand as a C. certain my uncle, an esteemed college professor, is in high demand as a D. certain, my uncle an esteemed college professor, is in high demand as a,

C is correct because the main independent clause is *I am certain my uncle is in high demand as a seminar lecturer*. This is interrupted by the lift out *an esteemed college professor,* which is set off with a pair of commas. A is incorrect because there should be a comma before the *am* and before the *is* to create the lift-out interruption. B is incorrect because a comma should not be before the *my* but a comma should be before the *an* to create the lift-out interruption. D is incorrect because a comma should not be before the *my* but a comma should be before the *an* to create the lift-out interruption. A comma should not be after the *a* because this comma would have no grammatical purpose in the sentence.

Pam couldn't *decided after filling out her online profile, which picture* she wanted to use. A. NO CHANGE B. decided after filling out, her online profile which, picture C. decide, after filling out her online profile, which picture D. decided after filling out, her online profile which, picture

C is correct because the main independent clause is *Pam couldn't decide which picture she wanted to use*. This is interrupted by the lift-out phrase *after filling out her online profile*, which is set off with a pair of commas. A is incorrect because the necessary comma before *after* is omitted. A prepositional phrase would not normally be preceded by a comma, but here it happens to be a lift out. B is incorrect because neither the lift-out phrase nor the main clause around it makes any sense. The fact that a comma appears after *which* should have been a clue. D is incorrect because neither the lift-out phrase nor the main clause around it makes any sense. The fact that a comma appears after *which* should have been a clue.

Rob threw an ice cream *sandwich against my wall* the nerve. A. NO CHANGE B. sandwich, against my wall C. sandwich against my wall, D. sandwich, against my wall,

C is correct because the main independent clause is *Rob threw an ice cream sandwich against my wall* and is followed by *the nerve*, a brief, descriptive afterthought. The two are correctly separated by a comma. A is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before the afterthought. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before the afterthought and inserts an unnecessary comma before the prepositional phrase *against my wall*. D is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary comma before the prepositional phrase *against my wall*.

Inner *peace you see, Shannon, belongs to he* who lets go of desire. A. NO CHANGE B. peace you see, Shannon, belongs to he, C. peace, you see, Shannon, belongs to he D. peace, you see Shannon, belongs to he,

C is correct because the main independent clause is *inner peace belongs to he who lets go of desire*. The proper name *Shannon* is set off with a pair of commas because *Shannon* is being addressed. The phrase *you see* is set off with commas because the speaker is interrupting himself. The result is three commas since the two lift outs are consecutive and share one of the commas. A is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before *you see*. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before *you see* and inserts an unnecessary comma before *who*. No comma is necessary because the *who* clause is limiting. D is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma between *you see* and *Shannon* and inserts an unnecessary comma before *who*. No comma is necessary because the *who* clause is limiting.

Some of the *giraffes though I can't imagine why* began to dance. A. NO CHANGE B. giraffes, though, I can't imagine why C. giraffes, though I can't imagine why, D. giraffes though, I can't imagine, why

C is correct because the main sentence is *Some of the giraffes began to dance*. It is interrupted by the lift out *though I can't imagine why*, which is properly set off with a pair of commas. A is incorrect because it omits the necessary commas around the lift out clause. B is incorrect because although sometimes *though* is set off with a pair of commas (when it works like *however*), the rest of the sentence would need to be complete and coherent around it. Clearly this is not one of those times. D is incorrect because setting off *I can't imagine* as a lift out would imply that the main sentence is *some of the giraffes though why began to dance*, which is nonsense.

Jim's three best *friends: Tom,* Scott, and Chris - all came to visit him after he moved to Napa. A. NO CHANGE B. friends, Tom C. friends - Tom D. friends are Tom

C is correct because the presence of the dash after *Chris* indicates that the names of Jim's friends should be set off with a pair of dashes, with the first going before *Tom*. A is incorrect because although it may seem like a legitimate instance of a colon preceding a list, the sentence continues after the list. So a colon is wrong, especially in light of the dash after *Chris*. B is incorrect because the dash after *Chris* indicates that the names of Jim's friends are to be set off with a pair of dashes. Either a pair of dashes or a pair of commas would work, but not one of each. D is incorrect because although this creates an independent clause before the dash, the part after the dash is clearly supposed to be the second half of a single independent clause, not its own clause.

We spent Kelly's birthday on the Coney Island boardwalk, a place *were* it can really feel as if you've gone back in time. A. NO CHANGE B. we're C. where D. whereas

C is correct because the relative pronoun *where*, which applies to places, is needed here. A is incorrect because *were* is a verb, the second-person past tense of *to be*. B is incorrect because *we're* is a contraction of *we are* D is incorrect because *whereas* is a conjunction roughly meaning *since* or "but on the other hand."

We shall relax on the beaches, we shall walk in the *fields and in the streets, we shall run up the hills, we shall have an awesome summer.* A. NO CHANGE B. fields, and in the streets, we shall run up the hills, and we shall have an awesome summer. C. fields and in the streets, we shall run up the hills, and we shall have an awesome summer. D. fields and in the streets, and we shall run up the hills, we shall have an awesome summer.

C is correct because the sentence is a string of four independent clauses. So the last one needs to be preceded by a comma plus a conjunction. The others need to be separated from one another by commas but do not need conjunctions. A is incorrect because there is no conjunction before the final independent clause. B is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary comma before the *and* within the second independent clause. No comma is needed there because the *and* merely separates two prepositional phrases, and the same subject and verb apply to both phrases. D is incorrect because it inserts a conjunction before the second-to-last independent clause rather than before the final one.

Evening classes can be so *depressing; in the winter,* when it gets dark early. A. NO CHANGE B. depressing, in the winter, C. depressing in the winter, D. depressing in the winter;

C is correct because the sentence presents an independent clause followed by a dependent clause describing winter. The two clauses are correctly separated by a comma. A is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses. B is incorrect because no comma is necessary before the prepositional phrase *in the winter*. D is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses.

The theory that our 12th president, Zachary Taylor, was poisoned *but it disputed* by historians. A. NO CHANGE B. and was disputed C. is disputed D. disputed

C is correct because the subject of the sentence is *theory* and the verb should be *is*. The skeleton of the sentence is *the theory is disputed*. The limiting cause *that our 12th president, Zachary Taylor, was poisoned* and the prepositional phrase *by historians* provide additional information. A is incorrect because the addition of *but* divides the sentence into two parts, neither of which is independent. The first has no verb, and the second has no subject. B is incorrect because the addition of *and* divides the sentence into two parts, neither of which is independent. The first has no verb, and the second has no subject. *TIP: The tense change is meant to distract you.* D is incorrect because the auxiliary verb *is* is necessary to the grammar of the sentence. *The theory is disputed* makes sense, but *the theory disputed* would mean that the theory disputed itself.

Deep down, we knew it was a matter of time before all the koalas in the laboratory developed superintelligence and started *only* beating us at crossword puzzles. The most logical placement for the underlined portion would be... A. where it is now. B. after the word *we* C. after the word *was* D. after the word *developed*

C is correct because the word *only* should go after *was: we knew it was only a matter of time*. In other words, the speakers knew all along that it was bound to happen sooner or later. A is incorrect because this would mean that as a result of their newfound abilities, the koalas started beating the speakers *only at crossword puzzles* instead of at other activities too, which doesn't make any sense. B is incorrect because this would mean that the speakers *only knew* it would happen eventually. This changes the meaning of the sentence. D is incorrect because this would mean that the koalas developed *only superintelligence* as opposed to other superpowers. This is irrelevant as only superintelligence was necessary for the koalas to be good at crossword puzzles. If other superpowers were a possibility, this was never explained.

It was a crisp November *night yet* no wind blew. A. NO CHANGE B. night yet; C. night, yet D. night; yet

C is correct because this choice presents two independent clauses correctly joined by a comma plus conjunction. Although it is not as common as some others, *yet* can act as a conjunction. A is incorrect because it omits a necessary comma before the conjunction since the conjunction joins two independent clauses. B is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses. (It would if *yet* were omitted.) D is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses. (It would if *yet* were omitted.)

I never dreamed it would turn *out: like this, all my plans* have come to nothing. A. NO CHANGE B. out like this, all my plans C. out like this; all my plans D. out-like this-all my plans

C is correct because this choice presents two independent clauses correctly separated by a semicolon. No other punctuation is necessary in the sentence. A is incorrect because although the portion of the sentence preceding the colon is technically an independent clause, the sentence does not make any sense this way. B is incorrect because this is a comma error. It also has an additional unnecessary comma after *plans*. D is incorrect because *like this* does not make any sense as a lift out. The rest of the sentence does not make any sense as an independent clause.

While playing kickball in the living room, *the lamp got knocked over and smashed*. A. NO CHANGE B. the lamp was knocked over and smashed. C. we knocked over the lamp and it smashed D. nobody knew the lamp would be knocked over and smashed

C is correct because this is a dangling-modifier question. Since the sentence begins with the independent descriptive word phrase *While playing kickball in the living room*, the noun or nouns that describe who were playing kickball need to come immediately after that comma. Only choice C, which begins the independent clause with the first-person plural pronoun *we*, provides an acceptable answer. A is incorrect because this would imply that *the lamp* itself was playing kickball in the living room. B is incorrect because this would imply that *the lamp* itself was playing kickball in the living room. (The distinction between *got* and *was* in choices A and B is a red herring.) D is incorrect because this would imply that *nobody* was playing kickball in the living room when obviously somebody must have been.

I've taught *hundreds of students many of them brilliant-but one stands out-above* the rest. A. NO CHANGE B. hundreds of students - many of them brilliant, but one stands out above C. hundreds of students - many of them brilliant - but one stands out above D. hundreds of students - many 0f them - brilliant but one stands out above

C is correct because this is the only choice where the independent clause makes sense around the lift out and where the lift out is punctuated correctly. A is incorrect because the independent clause does not make sense around the lift out. B is incorrect because either a pair of dashes or a pair of commas would work around the lift out but not one dash and one comma. D is incorrect because the independent clause does not make sense around the lift out.

*The two greatest days in my life were: the* day I graduated from college and the day I met you. A. NO CHANGE B. The two greatest days in my life: were the C. There were two truly great days in my life: the D. Were the two greatest days in my life: the

C is correct because this is the only choice where the part of the sentence preceding the colon is an independent clause. A is incorrect because the part of the sentence preceding the colon is not an independent clause. B is incorrect because the part of the sentence preceding the colon is not an independent clause. D is incorrect because the part of the sentence preceding the colon is not an independent clause.

Course evaluation forms are very *important, for you to advance the* students have to like you. A. NO CHANGE B. important, for you to advance, the C. important; for you to advance, the D. important, for you to advance; the

C is correct because this option correctly separates two independent clauses with a semicolon between *important* and *for* and also correctly includes a comma after the introductory phrase within the second of them. A is incorrect because it is a comma error. It also omits the comma after the introductory phrase that follows the comma error, but this is much less serious. B is incorrect because it is a comma error at the comma between *important* and *for*. D is incorrect because it reverses the correct positions of the semicolon and comma

At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada won more gold medals than did any of the other *countrys*. A. NO CHANGE B. country's C. countries D. countries'

C is correct because we are talking about many *countries*, and so we need the plural. Even though the possession of gold medals is an issue in the sentence, the noun *countries* specifically does not possess anything here and should not be possessive. A is incorrect because there is no such word as *countrys*. B is incorrect because *country's* is the singular possessive, but we need the plural nonpossessive. D is incorrect because *countries'* is the plural possessive, but we need the plural nonpossessive.

We worked on our submerged clubhouse nearly every day that summer. Just digging the hole took the three of us weeks. We made sure to leave plenty of space between the floorboards and the dirt so it didn't flood. We even put insulation in the walls and tar paper on the roof. *The hardest part was figuring out how to get electricity in there*. Which of the following best serves to close the paragraph with an ironic twist? A. NO CHANGE B. The entrance was a cleverly disguised hatch in the roof C. Once we were finished, however, we hardly used it. D. We surrounded the woods with traps for our nosy younger brothers.

C is correct it is ironic that the speaker and his friends spent so much time and energy building this clubhouse and then hardly used it once they were finished. A is incorrect because getting electricity into a forest clubhouse may be difficult, but it is not ironic. B is incorrect because a disguised roof hatch is pretty cool but hardly ironic. D is incorrect because building traps for your younger siblings is pretty mean but not ironic

Even if you think that the Beatles have better songs than Christina Aguilera does, it is impossible to deny that Christina's singing voice is *bestest*. A. NO CHANGE B. more better C. the better D. more well

C is incorrect because although *better* would clearly be correct, that is not one of the choices. In this situation, saying *the better* is also correct (i.e., her voice is the better of the two). It is more formal and less common, but equally correct. A is incorrect because *bestest* is not a word. It is a redundant double superlative. B is incorrect because *more better* is a redundant double comparative. D is incorrect because although and adjective can modify an adverb under certain circumstances, *more well* is not a correct construction. We would just say *better* instead.

We *drunk* pink lemonade until the sun went down. A. NO CHANGE B. drink C. drank D. had drunk

C is incorrect because as indicated by the past-tense verb *went* in the sentence, the past-tense verb *drank* is needed. A is incorrect because *drunk* is not the past-tense form. In fact, *drunk* must always be preceded by *have* or *had*. B is incorrect because *drink* is the present-tense form. We need the past tense here. D is incorrect because although *had drunk* is the correct past-perfect tense of *drink*, the past perfect is not needed here. The regular past tense is needed.

Some *peoples'* entire lives are lived in one small town. A. NO CHANGE B. peoples C. people's D. people are

C is incorrect because the *people* possess their *lives*, so we need the possessive form. Since the word *people* is already plural without adding an "s," the apostrophe goes before the added "s." A is incorrect because although *peoples'* is a word, it is rarely used and is not correct here. It is the possessive form of the noun referring to several different civilizations simultaneously. B is incorrect because *peoples* (meaning "multiple civilizations") is a rare plural of the already plural *people*. However, we need the possessive form of *people.* D is incorrect because *people are* would make no sense in context.

While watching from the top of the hill, *the sunset was indescribably beautiful*. A. NO CHANGE B. the sunset is beautiful beyond description. C. we were awed by the sunset's indescribable beauty D. the beauty of the sunset was impossible to describe

C is incorrect because the dependent-descriptive phrase *While watching from the top of the hill* needs to be followed immediately by the noun that was doing the watching. Since *we* were doing the watching, only choice C can be right. Only choice C begins with a term referring to the people doing the watching. A is incorrect because this would imply that the sunset was watching itself. B is incorrect because this would imply that the sunset was watching itself. (The tense change is a red herring.) D is incorrect because this would imply that the beauty of the sunset was watching the sunset.

Nobody could have predicted that our star player *had* quit halfway through the season. A. NO CHANGE B. to have C. would D. DELETE the underlined portion

C is incorrect because, technically, this is a verb mood agreement question. The auxilliary verbs *could, would,* and *should* are all in the conditional mood. Once the initial *could have predicted* establishes the mood, the later *would* is needed to match it. A is incorrect because the past perfect *had quit* makes no sense in the context of a hypothetical prediction. *Had quit* implies a completed action. B is incorrect because the perfect infinitive to *have quit* makes no sense in this context. D is incorrect because the past tense *quit* makes no sense in the context of a hypothetical prediction. *Quit* implies a completed action.

Albert brought a bunch of fireworks, but there was one *thing he forgot, a* lighter. A. NO CHANGE B. thing, he forgot a C. thing: he forgot, a D. thing he forgot - a

D is correct because a dash between the rest of the sentence and *a lighter* effects a dramatic pause. A single dash in this case works no differently from a colon. A is incorrect because a comma does not work in every place where a dash or colon would. In this case, *a lighter* functions as the answer to the rest of the sentence, not as an afterthought. So a comma is not strong enough. B is incorrect because this is a comma error (with an extremely awkward first clause). C is incorrect because there is no reason to put a colon between *thing* and *he*, even though this would technically separate two independent clauses (the first of them being extremely awkward). A colon between *forgot* and *a*, however, would be correct.

The music festival was expensive and in the middle of *nowhere, therefore we* didn't go. A. NO CHANGE B. nowhere and, therefore we C. nowhere, therefore, we D. nowhere; therefore, we

D is correct because a semicolon inserted into this sentence between *nowhere* and *therefore* correctly separates two independent clauses. A is incorrect because this results in a comma error. B is incorrect because although the same word sequence with the comma before the *and* would be correct, with the comma after the *and* it is wrong. C is incorrect because although *therefore* can sometimes appear with commas on both sides when inserted into the middle of one independent clause, this is not acceptable when it appears between two independent clauses. In other words, an independent clause with *therefore* at the beginning is still an independent clause. So a comma error is still a comma error.

The *three, pretty, English girls* asked me for directions. A. NO CHANGE B. three, pretty, English, girls C. three pretty, English girls D. three pretty English girls

D is correct because although *three, pretty* and *English* are all adjectives modifying the noun *girls*, no commas are necessary. Adjectives of number (like *three) and of nationality (like *English*) do not require commas when they appear in a series. Here *pretty* does not, because it appears between them. This is an obscure rule. Even so, the choice without the commas probably sounded right to you. It just goes to show you: when in doubt, always trust your ear. A is incorrect because it inserts unnecessary commas after *three* and *pretty*. B is incorrect because it inserts unnecessary commas after *three, pretty,* and *English.* A comma never comes between the final adjective and the noun. C is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary comma after *pretty*.

It was clear to everyone at the *party: that she* was not interested in him at all. A. NO CHANGE B. party; that she C. party that, she D. party that she

D is correct because although the sentence contains two clauses, the second is a limiting (or essential) clause joined to the first by the relative pronoun *that*. As such, no punctuation of any kind is needed where they join. A is incorrect because a colon is not needed before a *that* clause. If the *that* were omitted, a colon between the two remaining independent clauses would be correct. B is incorrect because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses. Even if the *that* were omitted, a colon would still be preferable to a semicolon because the second independent clause explains the first. C is incorrect because a comma is not necessary with a *that* clause, either before or after the *that*. (A comma is necessary before a nonlimiting *which* clause.)

Every single one of the cars in my parents' driveway *were* red. A. NO CHANGE B. are C. being D. is

D is correct because although there are multiple cars, the subject of the sentence is *one*, which is singular. The trick here is that there are two prepositional phrases (*of the cars* and *in my parents' driveway*) between the subject of the sentence and the main verb. A is incorrect because *were* is plural and does not agree with the singular *one*. B is incorrect because *are* is plural and does not agree with the singular *one*. C is incorrect because *being* cannot work as the main verb here and does not form a complete sentence. *TIP: Remember, "being" is almost always a trick!*

We ended up *deciding, it* was a good idea for to cancel the cookout. A. NO CHANGE B. deciding, so it C. deciding; it D. deciding it

D is correct because although this might seem like a run-on, since both halves are technically independent clauses, it is actually a single independent clause followed by a dependent one. An implied *that* occurs in the middle: *We ended up deciding [that] it was a good idea to cancel the cookout.* A is incorrect because this is a comma error. Adding a comma negates the implied *that*, as limiting clauses do not have commas. B is incorrect because even though this is a grammatically correct sentence, it makes no sense. It implies that what *we ended up deciding* was something other than the fact that the cookout should be canceled. C is incorrect because although two halves are technically independent clauses, separating them with a semicolon in this way reduces them to nonsense.

Every time something this weird happens, we suspect it *had been* one of Danny's pranks. A. NO CHANGE B. have been C. were D. must be

D is correct because as the introductory clause (*every time ... happens*) indicates, the idea is of an ongoing condition. The present tense is necessary. *Must be* is the only choice in the present tense. A simple *is* would also be correct, but that is not one of the choices. A is incorrect because the past perfect *had been* is not needed here. B is incorrect because the present perfect *have been* is not needed here. Even if it were, the plural form *have been* does not agree with the singular *it*. C is incorrect because the plural *were* does not agree with the singular *it*.

*In Zurich, Switzerland in 1941,* James Joyce died of a perforated ulcer. A. NO CHANGE B. In Zurich, Switzerland, in 1941 C. In Zurich, Switzerland, in 1941, D. In Zurich, Switzerland, in 1941,

D is correct because commas are necessary after the names of both the city and country. Another comma is necessary after *1941* to separate the introductory prepositional phrases from the main independent clause. A is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after *Switzerland*. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after *1941*. C is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after *Zurich*.

Before I drove out to the beach yesterday, I *have drove* there last weekend. A. NO CHANGE B. had drived C. had drove D. had driven

D is incorrect because the past-perfect tense, which governs actions already completed in the recent past, is needed here. *Had driven* is the past-perfect form of *drive*. A is incorrect because there is no such form as *have drove*. B is incorrect because there is no such form as *had drived*. C is incorrect because there is no such form as *had drove*.

It's a *pity, so* many people give up on worthwhile goals just because they're hard to achieve. A. NO CHANGE B. pity, however so C. pity, although so D. pity. So

D is correct because even though it is short, *It's a pity* is an independent clause. The rest of the sentence beginning at *so* is also an independent clause. This choice correctly makes them into two separate sentences. A is incorrect because this is a comma error. B is incorrect because *however* should appear in the middle of an independent clause, set off by two commas, rather than between two independent clauses and preceded by only one comma. C is incorrect because *although* renders the second half of the sentence a dependent clause, causing the resulting sentence to not make any sense.

It's really too *bad, that* company discontinued my favorite brand of shampoo. A. NO CHANGE B. bad, which C. bad which D. bad: that

D is correct because in this sentence, a colon is correctly used to separate two independent clauses, the second of which answers or explains the first. A is incorrect because this is a comma error. B is incorrect because substituting *which* for *that* here creates an incomplete nonsense sentence, regardless of whether it includes a comma. C is incorrect because substituting *which* for *that* here creates an incomplete nonsense sentence, regardless of whether it includes a comma.

Lena will be *bringing her dog, and her best friend, and closest confidant* Patty. A. NO CHANGE B. bringing, her dog and her best friend, and closest confidant C. bringing, her dog, and her best friend and closest confidant D. bringing her dog and her best friend and closest confidant

D is correct because since only two terms are in the list, no commas are necessary. You know that the *best friend* and *closest confidant* are both referring to the same person (*Patty*). If they were not, then another *her* would be necessary before *closest*. A is incorrect because unnecessary commas are after *dog* and *friend*. B is incorrect because unnecessary commas are after *bringing* and *friend*. You never need a comma between the verb and first item no matter how many items there are. C is incorrect because unnecessary commas are after *bringing* and *dog*. You never need a comma between the verb and first item no matter how many items there are.

Everyone stopped hanging out with Albert, *too apparent* for no reason. A. NO CHANGE B. it is apparent C. being apparent D. apparently

D is correct because the adverb *apparently* properly introduces the dependent afterthought. A is incorrect because *too apparent* makes no sense in context. B is incorrect because *it is apparent* makes no sense in context. Even if it did, the result would still be a comma error. C is incorrect because *being apparent* makes no sense in context. TIP: *Answer choices that use *being* are seldom correct on the ACT English*.

As the first of my friends to own a home, *I have always admired Mark*. A. NO CHANGE B. and I have always admired Mark. C. is Mark, whom I have always admired. D. Mark is someone I have always admired.

D is correct because the dependent descriptive phrase *As the first of my friends to own a home*, is referring to *Mark*. So the noun Mark must come immediately after the comma. A is incorrect because this would imply that the speaker (I), rather than *Mark* is the first of the friends to own a home. B is incorrect because the first clause is not an independent one. So a comma plus a conjunction is not necessary before the second. C is incorrect. Although this would be acceptable if the comma after *home* were omitted, the comma is still in the wrong place.

*Regardlesss, of whether my team does well* I am proud of it. A. NO CHANGE B. Regardless of whether my team, does well C. Regardless of whether my team does, well D. Regardless of whether my team does well,

D is correct because the independent clause, *I am proud of it*, and the dependent clause, *regardless of whether my team does well*, are appropriately separated by a comma. A is incorrect because although *regardless* could work as an introductory word by itself under certain circumstances, it does not do so here. The rest of the sentence makes no sense thrown all together as one clause. B is incorrect because a comma here does not divide the sentence at a point where it makes sense. C is incorrect because *regardless of whether my team does* is not a comprehensible dependent clause. *Regardless of what my team does* would be, but *what* and *whether* are not interchangeable. Furthermore, *well I am proud of them* makes no sense as an independent clause.

We slowly maneuvered the *weighty, heavy couch up the long, climbable* staircase. A. NO CHANGE B. heave couch up the climbable C. weighty couch up the D. heavy couch up the long

D is correct because the issue here is redundancy (saying things twice when once will do). *Weighty* and *heavy* mean the same thing, and staircases are by definition *climbable*. However, it is necessary to specify that the staircase was *long* as we would not know that otherwise. A is incorrect because *weighty* and *heavy* are redundant, as is saying *climbable* when you are talking about the staircase. B is incorrect because saying *climbable* is unnecessary when discussing a staircase. C is incorrect because there is no reason to omit *long*.

Then I told them the *spot, where unless it was raining I* would meet them. A. NO CHANGE B. spot where unless it was raining, I C. spot, where unless it was raining, I D. spot where - unless it was raining - I

D is correct because the main independent clause is *then I told them the spot where I would meet them*, and the speaker interrupts herself to say *unless it was raining*. The self-interruption is set off with a pair of dashes. (A pair of commas would also work, provided they were in the same places. however, none of the other choices presents this option.) A is incorrect because the *where* clause is limiting and should not be preceded by a comma. Additionally, the interruption *unless it was raining* needs to be set off somehow. B is incorrect because another comma would be necessary before *unless*. C is incorrect because *where* is not part of the interruption. So the comma should be after *where* rather than before it.

*On the morning, of December 24, 1814, that* the Treaty of Ghent was signed. A. NO CHANGE B. On the morning, of December 24, 1814, C. On the morning of December 24, 1814 that D. On the morning of December 24, 1814,

D is correct because when writing dates, commas are necessary after the day and the year. No commas are necessary elsewhere in this sentence for any reason. The sentence begins with two prepositional phrases (which is why *that* is not necessary). However, a comma is already after the second phrase because it concludes with the year in the date. A is incorrect because no comma is necessary after *morning*, a comma is necessary after *1814*, and *that* should be omitted. B is incorrect because no comma is necessary after *morning*. C is incorrect because a comma is necessary after *1814* and *that* should be omitted.

If any college student wants to make sure of joining a rock band at school, *you* would be wise to learn bass or drums because singers and guitarists are a dime a dozen. A. NO CHANGE B. one C. they D. he or she

D is correct because the main subject of the sentence, *college student*, is third-person singular. So the sentence needs the third-person singular pronoun(s) *he or she*. A is incorrect. Although the informal second-person pronoun *you* is often used in hypothetical examples, in this particular sentence, it does not agree with the third-person *college student*, which is the subject. B is incorrect because the formal pronoun *one* needs to be used consistently. If *college student* has already been established as the subject, then it cannot simply suddenly be replaced with *one* later in the sentence. C. is incorrect. Although people frequently use *they* as a gender-neutral third-person singular pronoun when speaking, it is still considered incorrect by most authorities. TIP: It is definitely wrong on the ACT test!

In a hurry to catch her train, *Jennifer's purse was left in her car*. A. NO CHANGE B. her purse was left in Jennifer's car. C. and Jennifer left her purse in the car. D. Jennifer spaced out and left her purse in the car.

D is correct because the noun being modified by *In a hurry to catch her train*, which is *Jennifer*, needs to follow immediately after the comma. This happens only in choice D. The expression *spaced out* may be informal. However, the other choices are grammatically wrong, and informal is always preferable to wrong. A is incorrect because although it looks at first as if Jennifer follows the comma, the noun phrase Jennifer's purse actually does. Jennifer was in a hurry, not her purse. B is incorrect because Jennifer was in a hurry, not her purse. So *Jennifer* needs to follow the comma. C is incorrect because this results in a sentence where two dependent groups of words are separated by a comma, with no independent clause.

The *guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, is* widely considered the greatest of all time. A. NO CHANGE B. guitarist, Jimi Hendrix is C. guitarist Jimi Hendrix, is D. guitarist Jimi Hendrix is

D is correct because the presence of the proper name *Jimi Hendrix* shows the sentence is referring to one specific person (i.e., it would not mean the same thing if the name were deleted). So the name should not be set off with commas. A is incorrect because the sentence would not mean the same thing if the proper name *Jimi Hendrix* were lifted out. So the name should not be set off with commas. B is incorrect because a proper name would never be set off with only one comma, either before or after. Either use two commas or use none. Here, using one comma is incorrect. C is incorrect because a proper name would never be set off with only one comma, either before or after. Either use two commas or use none. Here, using one comma is incorrect.

*In my opinion, there is only one logical plan for what to build in the park*. While it would please some people, it would upset others. There are many young children living in the houses that surround the park, so why don't we build a playground in it instead? Everyone can enjoy that. Which of the following choices would best introduce the paragraph? A. NO CHANGE B. Several ideas about what to build in the park have been proposed. C. There are many reasons why a playground is the best idea. D. I really don't think a statue of Reagan in the park is the best idea.

D is correct because the second sentence implies that a specific plan, referred to with pronoun *it*, has already been proposed. The speaker goes on to reject that idea in favor of a playground. Only choice D, which alludes to someone else's idea to erect a statue of President Reagan, mentions a specific other plan that the speaker might be rejecting. A is incorrect because the speaker's own plan is to build the playground. He goes on to say that a playground should be built *instead* of whatever the first sentence mentions. Furthermore, he says that *everyone can enjoy* his idea. In contrast, whatever the first sentence mentions would *please some people* but *upset others*. B is incorrect because with the singular pronoun *it*, the subsequent sentence refers to one specific plan, not to *several ideas* as this choice does. C is incorrect because the speaker cannot possibly be referring to his own playground plan in the first sentence. Why would he then say that his own plan would *upset others*? The third sentence clearly states that a playground should be built *instead* of whatever the first sentence mentions.

You lied to *me, Austin I* can't trust you anymore. A. NO CHANGE B. me; Austin I C. me Austin; I D. me; Austin, I

D is correct because the sentence consists of two independent clauses with the name of the addressee between them. The name could belong to either clause. However, a semicolon needs to be on one side of the name to separate the independent clause in which it appears from the other independent clause. A comma needs to be on the other side to separate the name of the addressee from the rest of the clause in which it appears. A is incorrect because this is a comma error at either one of the commas; take your pick. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after *Austin*. C is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma before *Austin*.

The red panda is not only *furry, and adorable,* but also endangered. A. NO CHANGE B. furry, and adorable C. furry and adorable, D. furry and adorable

D is correct because the sentence is a single independent clause and no commas are necessary. Even with a correlative conjunction like *not only...but also*, a comma is necessary before *but also* only if it precedes an independent clause. A is incorrect because it inserts unnecessary commas before *and* and *but*. B is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary comma before *and*. C is incorrect because it inserts an unnecessary comma before *but*.

Els *said: that* she is thinking about moving to Colorado. A. NO CHANGE B. said that: C. said, that D. said that

D is correct because the sentence is one uninterrupted independent clause: a subject and verb followed by a limiting *that* clause. No punctuation of any kind is necessary. A is incorrect because no colon is necessary to indicate speech when *said* is used. Even if *spoke* were used in place of *said*, the *that* would not be necessary. B is incorrect because no colon is necessary to indicate speech when *said* is used. Even if *spoke* were used in place of *said*, the *that* would not be necessary. C is incorrect because no comma is necessary before a limiting *that* clause.

My father was always jealous of the *Jones's* well-manicured lawn. A. NO CHANGE B. Jones' C. Joneses D. Joneses'

D is incorrect because the neighbor family possesses their lawn, so the possessive is needed here. The family's last name is *Jones*, which means the plural is *Joneses* and the possessive plural is *Joneses'*. A is incorrect because *Jones's* is the singular possessive when we need the possessive plural. B is incorrect because *Jones'* is an alternate, old-fashioned form of the singular possessive when we need the possessive plural. C is incorrect because *Joneses* is the nonpossessive plural when we need the possessive plural.

He is not that great of a bass player, and he's not popular with the girls. *Meanwhile,* Ed is the only one who knows how the mixing board works, so maybe we should keep him in the band after all. A. NO CHANGE B. Although C. Therefore D. On the other hand,

D is correct because the speaker and addressee(s) are trying to make up their minds about whether to keep Ed in the band and are we weighing the evidence. *On the other hand* is both grammatically correct and provides a segue between Ed's drawbacks (the previous sentence) and his attributes (the ensuing sentence). A is incorrect because *meanwhile* would imply that the speaker had just been discussing a different matter that is/was going on at the same time. B is incorrect because this would create a sentence with no independent clause. *Although* can sometimes work informally in a sense like that of *on the other hand*, but it would need to be followed by a comma, which is not the case here. C is incorrect because *therefore* would imply that the previous sentence is the reason for the ensuing sentence, which is not the case

All the band members checked one last time that their instruments were in tune with *them*. A. NO CHANGE B. it. C. him. D. the others'.

D is correct because they checked to make sure that their instruments were in tune with *the other's* (i.e., *the others'* instruments). This is one of those pronoun questions where the answer is not a pronoun at all but, rather, a new noun. However, none of the pronoun options make sense in context. (TIP: *This is a trick the ACT English has been known to use.*) A is incorrect because this would imply that they made sure their instruments were in tune with themselves, which is not what you mean to say here. B is incorrect because there is no identifiable thing to whom *it* could possibly refer. C is incorrect because there is no identifiable person to whom *him* could possibly refer.

At Dan's wedding, we were all singing, dancing, and at one point *pounded* the floor so hard that the wedding party downstairs complained. A. NO CHANGE B. pounds C. have pounded D. even pounding

D is correct because this is a parallel phrasing question. The participial form *pounding* matches the forms of the previous verbs *singing* and *dancing*. The presence of the emphatic *even* makes no difference one way or the other. A is incorrect because the past tense *pounded* does not match *singing* and *dancing*. B is incorrect because the third-person present tense *pounds* does not match *singing* and *dancing* and also does not agree with the first-person plural pronoun *we*. C is incorrect because the present perfect *have pounded* does not match *singing* and *dancing*.

Cameron asked Bill *if he'd be coming to the beach?* A. NO CHANGE B. whether he'd be coming to the beach? C. about whether he'd be coming to the beach? D. whether he'd be coming to the beach.

D is correct because this is a statement, not a question. So it should end with a period rather than a question mark. The other options are all meant to distract you. A is incorrect because a statement should not end with a question mark. B is incorrect because a statement should not end up with a question mark. C is incorrect because a statement should not end with a question mark.

Patsy arrives in *town next month then: it* will be time to party! A. NO CHANGE B. town next month and, then it C. town next month, then it D. town next month - then it

D is correct because this option presents a grammatically correct instance of a single dash separating two independent clauses. Two independent clauses can be separated in other ways. However, you might choose to use a dash in order to imply a long pause and make the second clause more dramatic. Even if you are not sure how to use dashes, you should still have been able to eliminate the other three choices. A is incorrect because although a colon after *month* would be fine, a colon after *then* is not. *Then* is clearly supposed to be part of the second clause rather than the first. B is incorrect because although a comma before *and* would be correct, a comma after *and* in this case is not. C is incorrect because this is a comma error.

I *wear red socks they are* the best kind. A. NO CHANGE B. wear red socks are C. wear; red socks, they are D. wear red socks. They are

D is correct because this option results in two separate, complete correct sentences. A is incorrect because this is a run-on sentence. *I wear red socks* is an independent clause and so is *they are the best kind*. They are not separated or linked by anything. B is incorrect because it overlaps two independent clauses, resulting in nonsense. *I wear red socks* is an independent clause, and *red socks are the best kind* is an independent clause. However, *I wear red socks are the best kind* is not. C is incorrect because the semicolon is not separating two comprehensible independent clauses. *I wear* is technically an independent clause (although one that makes very little sense). However, *red socks, they are the best kind* is not.

Near the town of *Waterloo Belgium English Prussian* and French armies prepared for the final battle. A. NO CHANGE B. Waterloo Belgium, English, Prussian C. Waterloo, Belgium English, Prussian D. Waterloo, Belgium, English, Prussian,

D is correct because this tricky sentence places a city and country immediately before a series of items in a list. Commas are necessary after the city and country in *Waterloo, Belgium*. More commas are necessary to separate the listed items in *English, Prussian, and French armies*. (The Oxford comma after *Prussian* is optional. However, the other answer choices are wrong for other reasons. A is incorrect because it omits all four necessary commas. B is incorrect because it omits the necessary commas after *Waterloo* and *English*. C is incorrect because it omits the necessary comma after *Belgium*. (The Oxford comma after *Prussian* is optional.)

I was optimistic about *things in July but in August,* the hammer fell. A. NO CHANGE B. things in July, in August C. things in July, but in August; D. things in July; in August

D is correct because two independent clauses are correctly separated with a semicolon. The second of the two clauses begins with the introductory prepositional phrase *in August*, which is not followed by a comma. A is incorrect because the conjunction *but* precedes an independent clause and so would need to be preceded with a comma. B is incorrect because this is a comma error. C is incorrect because the first of the two clauses is not independent, despite being longer.

Never *fear, the thunder* cannot hurt you. A. NO CHANGE B. fear the thunder C. fear the thunder, it D. fear: the thunder

D is correct because two independent clauses, the second of which answers the first, are appropriately separated by a colon. *Never fear* is an independent clause because it is a command or imperative; the subject is an implied you. A is incorrect because this is a comma error. B is incorrect because the second clause does not make sense on its own as either a dependent or an independent clause. C is incorrect because this is a comma error.

There are probably a thousand things I *could of done* to make her stay, but now I'll never know. A. NO CHANGE B. could of did C. could have did D could have done

D is incorrect because the phrase is *could have done*. The past-tense construction *could have*, used to indicate possibility, should have combined with *have done*, the present0-perfect of *do*. A is incorrect because there is no such thing as *could of*. That is a mistake people make because they mishear *could've*, the contraction of could have*. B is incorrect because there is no such thing as *could of*. That is a mistake people make because they mishear *could've*, the contraction of *could have*. Also, *could have* combines with the present perfect form of *have done*, not with the past tense *did*. C is incorrect because *could have* combines with the present perfect form *have done*, not with the past tense *did*.

You'll have to ask someone *else that's* not my job. A. NO CHANGE B. else, that is C. else who's D. else because I'm afraid that's

D is incorrect because this is the only choice that results in a complete correct sentence (an independent clause and a dependent clause). Even though this is a wordy option, it is the only correct option. TIP: Adding unnecessary, but not incorrect, words to the right answer is a trick the ACT English sometimes uses. A is incorrect because this is a run-on sentence. B is incorrect because this results in a comma error. C is incorrect because *who's* (who is) makes no sense in context. It implies that the addressee needs to ask someone who is not the speaker's job.