english pre-study diagnostics

What do you think we should do if the consensus on the city council _______ to fall apart? A. was B. were

B. were

Choose the best sentence for publication in a public document. A. All the freshmen members of Congress attended the opening session. B. All the new members of Congress attended the opening session. C. All the new congressmen attended the opening session.

B. All the new members of Congress attended the opening session.

Choose the answer that is hyphenated correctly. A. twenty-nine years of age B. pre-test C. internationally-known cellist

A. twenty-nine years of age

Peggy is the only one of my students who _______ research papers ahead of the deadline. A. turns in B. turn in

A. turns in

Select the sentence that most clearly combines the information in these two sentences: "Mass immigration into the United States began in the 1830s" and "Many Irish, Germans, and Scandinavians arrived." A. Mass immigration into the United States began in the 1830s; for example, many Irish, Germans, and Scandinavians arrived. B. Though mass immigration into the United States began in the 1830s, many Irish, Germans, and Scandinavians arrived. C. Mass immigration into the United States began in the 1830s, when many Irish, Germans, and Scandinavians arrived.

C. Mass immigration into the United States began in the 1830s, when many Irish, Germans, and Scandinavians arrived.

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentence. We plan to take back roads rather ______ the interstate highway A. then B. than

B. than

Choose the correct words to fill in the blanks in the following sentence. Scott Joplin's sheet music for "Maple Leaf Rag" sold ______, which probably made Joplin feel ______. A. quickly, good B. quick, good C. quickly, well

A. quickly, good

Choose the most precise and effective sentence. A. During World War II, Roosevelt did a good job as a speaker and inspired the nation with his "fireside chats" on the radio. B. During World War II, Roosevelt spoke eloquently, inspiring the nation with his "fireside chats" on the radio. C. During World War II, Roosevelt was an excellent speaker, and he helped people with his "fireside chats" on the radio.

B. During World War II, Roosevelt spoke eloquently, inspiring the nation with his "fireside chats" on the radio.

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Sonja was "desperate" to be a cheerleader. "I'll cry forever if I can't!" she yelled at her father, while pleading with him to change his mind. B. Sonja was desperate to be a cheerleader. "I'll cry forever if I can't!" she yelled at her father, while pleading with him to change his mind. C. Sonja was desperate to be a cheerleader. "I'll cry forever if I can't"! she yelled at her father, while pleading with him to change his mind.

B. Sonja was desperate to be a cheerleader. "I'll cry forever if I can't!" she yelled at her father, while pleading with him to change his mind.

Choose the most effective sentence. A. Whether you like his brand of comedy or not, it is doubtful that Jon Stewart will disappear from our TV screens anytime soon. B. Whether you like his brand of comedy or not, Jon Stewart probably will not disappear from our TV screens anytime soon. C. Whether you like his brand of comedy or not, there are not many people who think John Stewart will disappear from our TV screens anytime soon.

B. Whether you like his brand of comedy or not, Jon Stewart probably will not disappear from our TV screens anytime soon.

Peanut butter and jelly _______ a popular American sandwich filling. A. is B. are

A. is

Choose the passage that uses commas correctly. A. Choosing a pet is a serious undertaking. To begin with make sure you have the finances, time, and space to care for an animal. B. Choosing a pet, is a serious undertaking. To begin with make sure you have the finances, time, and space to care for an animal. C. Choosing a pet is a serious undertaking. To begin with, make sure you have the finances, time, and space to care for an animal.

C. Choosing a pet is a serious undertaking. To begin with, make sure you have the finances, time, and space to care for an animal.

Choose the clearest sentence. A.The governor promised to cut $700 million from the state budget by reducing wasteful spending during his campaign. B. By reducing wasteful spending, the governor promised to cut $700 from the state budget during his campaign. C. During his campaign, the governor promised to cut $700 million from the state budget by reducing wasteful spending.

C. During his campaign, the governor promised to cut $700 million from the state budget by reducing wasteful spending.

Select the sentence that contains neither a comma splice nor a fused sentence. A. In clinical psychology, the therapist tries to treat mental disturbances without prescribing drugs; therefore, this branch of psychology often carries the label talk therapy. B. In clinical psychology, the therapist tries to treat mental disturbances without prescribing drugs, this branch of psychology often carries the label talk therapy. C. In clinical psychology, the therapist tries to treat mental disturbances without prescribing drugs therefore this branch of psychology often carries the label talk therapy.

A. In clinical psychology, the therapist tries to treat mental disturbances without prescribing drugs; therefore, this branch of psychology often carries the label talk therapy.

Select the sentence that best shows the relationship between the two ideas expressed in the sentence. A. When the side effects of antidepressant drugs range from dizziness to sexual dysfunction, these drugs can save lives. B. Side effects of antidepressant drugs range from dizziness to sexual dysfunction; obviously, these drugs can save lives. C. Although the side effects of antidepressant drugs range from dizziness to sexual dysfunction, these drugs can save lives.

C. Although the side effects of antidepressant drugs range from dizziness to sexual dysfunction, these drugs can save lives.

Choose the answer showing correct use of capital letters. A. Sidney Poitier's most famous films include Lilies of the Field, In the Heat of the Night, and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. B. Sidney Poitier's most famous films include Lilies of the field, In the heat of the night, and Guess who's coming to dinner. C. Sidney Poitier's most famous films include Lilies of the Field, In the Heat Of The Night, and Guess Who's Coming To Dinner.

A. Sidney Poitier's most famous films include Lilies of the Field, In the Heat of the Night, and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentence. Juan's new house has _____ windows than his previous home. A. fewer B. less

A. fewer

Choose the sentence that is most appropriate for academic writing. A. Foremost among the daunting challenges that confront us is unifying our nation. B. Foremost among the major hassles that face us is unifying our nation. C. The most serious challenge we face is unifying our nation.

C. The most serious challenge we face is unifying our nation.

Which of the following sentences contains neither a comma splice nor a fused sentence? A. Winslow Homer (1836-1910) excelled in painting dramatic seascapes, one example is On a Lee Shore. b. Lonely streets, buildings, and interiors dominate the canvases of Edward Hopper (1882-1967) his work has influenced a 21st-century photographer of street scenes. C. Robert Indiana (born 1928) produces pop paintings and sculptures, such as his Love series, that sometimes look like large signs.

C. Robert Indiana (born 1928) produces pop paintings and sculptures, such as his Love series, that sometimes look like large signs.

Choose the answer showing correct use of capital letters. A. Someone once said, "technology is the science of arranging life so that one need not experience it." B. Someone once called technology "The science of arranging life so that one need not experience it." C. Someone once said, "Technology is the science of arranging life so that one need not experience it."

C. Someone once said, "Technology is the science of arranging life so that one need not experience it."

Select the sentence that shows correct parallel structure. A. To do well on final exams, students should not only study every day but also be getting enough sleep. B. To do well on final exams, students should not only have studied every day but also sleep enough.T C. To do well on final exams, students should not only study every day but also get enough sleep.

C. To do well on final exams, students should not only study every day but also get enough sleep.

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Mythology usually deals with divinities; in contrast, folktales generally focus on ordinary people, even if the tales have supernatural elements. B. Mythology usually deals with divinities, in contrast folktales generally focus on ordinary people, even if the tales have supernatural elements. C. Mythology usually deals with divinities, in contrast, folktales generally focus on ordinary people, even if the tales have supernatural elements.

A. Mythology usually deals with divinities; in contrast, folktales generally focus on ordinary people, even if the tales have supernatural elements.

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug" quipped Mark Twain. B. "The difference between the right word and the almost right word," quipped Mark Twain "is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." C. "The difference between the right word and the almost right word," quipped Mark Twain, "is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."

C. "The difference between the right word and the almost right word," quipped Mark Twain, "is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Anyone who has ever gone bowling can understand why the sport is sometimes referred to as tenpins! B. Josh can't decide which kind of bowling ball would improve his game? C. He sure did love those two-tone shoes.

C. He sure did love those two-tone shoes.

Choose the most correct sentence. A. In physics, both liquids and gases are considered fluids, but the molecules in a gas are farthest apart. B. In physics, both liquids and gases are considered fluids, but the molecules in a gas are far apart. C. In physics, both liquids and gases are considered fluids, but the molecules in a gas are farther apart.

C. In physics, both liquids and gases are considered fluids, but the molecules in a gas are farther apart.

Choose the sentence that is most appropriate for academic writing. A. Psychologists who have clients with severe mental illnesses often tell them to establish a broad, supportive social network throughout their community. B. Psychologists who have clients with severe mental illnesses often tell them to look to friends and family for support. C. Psychologists who have clients with severe mental illnesses often tell them to hang out with people who will help them.

B. Psychologists who have clients with severe mental illnesses often tell them to look to friends and family for support.

Choose the most effective sentence. A. Supervisors may be upset if a worker shows up at 10 A.M. in the morning rather than at 9 A.M. B. Supervisors may be upset if a worker shows up at 10 A.M. rather than at 9 A.M. C. Supervisors may be upset if a worker shows up at a time that is way too late rather than at 9 A.M.

B. Supervisors may be upset if a worker shows up at 10 A.M. rather than at 9 A.M.

Just below China on the list of the most populous countries _____ India. A. sits B. sit

A. sits

What are the subject and the verb of the following sentence? Issues considered worthy of debate include health insurance and the environment. A. Issues, include B. health insurance and the C. environment, include E. Issues, considered

A. Issues, include

Select the sentence that contains no shifts in either verb tense or point of view. A. To understand the Korean War, which started in 1950, you have to know that the Soviet Union backed the northern occupation zone. B. For one to understand the Korean War, which started in 1950, you have to know that the Soviet Union backed the northern occupation zone. C. To understand the Korean War, which started in 1950, you have to know that the Soviet Union is backing the northern occupation zone.

A. To understand the Korean War, which started in 1950, you have to know that the Soviet Union backed the northern occupation zone.

Choose the sentence that is correctly punctuated. A. When you order food at a restaurant, do you prefer to order a la carte? B. When you order food at a restaurant, do you prefer to order a la carte? C. When you order food at a restaurant, do you prefer to order a la carte?

A. When you order food at a restaurant, do you prefer to order a la carte?

Does the following item contain a fragment? If it snows, I might try cross-country skiing. And maybe downhill. A. Yes, it contains a fragment. B. No, it does not contain a fragment

A. Yes, it contains a fragment.

Choose the answer that shows how the word articulate would be hyphenated if it had to be divided at the end of a line. A. artic-ulate B. arti-culate C. articul-ate

A. artic-ulate

. Which of the following sentences contains no fragments? AAgnes de Mille (1909-1993) choreographed not only ballets based on American folklore but also dances for Broadway musicals. Among the latter, Oklahoma! B. Agnes de Mille (1909-1993) choreographed not only ballets based on American folklore but also dances for Broadway musicals. Among the latter, Oklahoma! stands out.

B. Agnes de Mille (1909-1993) choreographed not only ballets based on American folklore but also dances for Broadway musicals. Among the latter, Oklahoma! stands out.

Which of the following sentences has no problems with verb tense? A. By the end of tomorrow's race, Annie will run more than forty miles. B. By the end of tomorrow's race, Annie will have run more than forty miles. C. By the end of tomorrow's race, Annie has run more than forty miles.

B. By the end of tomorrow's race, Annie will have run more than forty miles.

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Rachel has a lot of trouble hitting a golf ball squarely, doesn't she. B. Don't you think some golf lessons would help improve her game? C. She always wonders why she never seems to get any better?

B. Don't you think some golf lessons would help improve her game?

One of the contemporary novels that _______ deeply affected me is Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner. A. has B. have

B. have

Choose the sentence that is most appropriate for academic writing. A. In sociology, the term mob psychology refers to the way people get hot under the collar in an emotional group situation. B. In sociology, the term mob psychology refers to the way people get carried away in an emotional group situation. C. In sociology, the term mob psychology refers to the way people become less inhibited in an emotional group situation.

C. In sociology, the term mob psychology refers to the way people become less inhibited in an emotional group situation.

In the following sentence, the words in italics are what kind of phrase? Selling more than 500 million records, Elvis Presley was the most successful solo recording artist during his lifetime. A. prepositional phrase B. appositive phrase C. participial phrase D. gerund phrase E. infinitive phrase

C. participial phrase

In the following sentence, are the italicized words an independent clause, a subordinate clause, or a fragment? The snowstorms came one after another, yet the fires burned brightly in the cabin where Josie read Mark Twain's novels to her favorite uncle. A. independent clause B. subordinate clause C. fragment

A. independent clause

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Keep in mind class, that you have ten more minutes to finish the exam. B. I'm in big trouble now Jeff. C. Oh, you'll do all right.

C. Oh, you'll do all right.

Choose the phrase showing the correct use of italics. A. Eugene O'Neill's play Long Day's Journey into Night B. William Faulkner's short story Barn Burning C. the Beatles' song Hey Jude

A. Eugene O'Neill's play Long Day's Journey into Night

Choose the passage that makes the best use of commas. A. In addition to westerns, adventure films, melodramas, and historical epics were popular. Remember, though, that all of these early films were part of the silent-movie age. B. In addition, to westerns, adventure films, melodramas, and historical epics were popular. Remember though that all of these early films were part of the silent-movie age. C. In addition to westerns, adventure films, melodramas, and historical epics were popular. Remember, though that all of these early films were part of the silent-movie age.

A. In addition to westerns, adventure films, melodramas, and historical epics were popular. Remember, though, that all of these early films were part of the silent-movie age.

Select the instruction for editing the following passage. Wendy Wasserstein's play Uncommon Women and Others follows a group of women friends who attend a women's college and stay in touch after graduation. Each friend has her own strengths and weaknesses. A. Leave as is. B. Change her own strengths and weaknesses to their own strengths and weaknesses. Change her own strengths and weaknesses to his or her own strengths and weaknesses.

A. Leave as is.

Select the passage that contains no shifts in either verb tense or point of view. A. The North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong staged the Tet offensive in 1968. American and South Vietnamese troops won the battle but lost in the arena of public opinion. B. The North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong were staging the Tet offensive in 1968. American and South Vietnamese troops won the battle but lost in the arena of public opinion. C. The North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong staged the Tet offensive in 1968. American and South Vietnamese troops win the battle but lose in the arena of public opinion.

A. The North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong staged the Tet offensive in 1968. American and South Vietnamese troops won the battle but lost in the arena of public opinion.

Choose the sentence that is most ambiguous. A. The psychologist quickly realized that the husband liked golf more than his wife. B. The psychologist quickly realized that the husband liked golf more than he liked his wife. C. The psychologist quickly realized that the husband liked golf more than his wife was ever going to like the game.

A. The psychologist quickly realized that the husband liked golf more than his wife.

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentence. An absence of sunshine in the winter can _____ people's moods. A. affect B. effect

A. affect

The current population of only two countries, China and India, _______ one billion each. A. exceeds B. Exceed

A. exceeds

Choose the words that best fill in the blanks in the following sentence. According to the ad ____ the newspaper, I need to register in person for the class ____ February 3. A. in, on B. at, at C. on, on

A. in, on

Choose the item that is punctuated correctly. A. the William Faulkner short story "A Rose for Emily" B. "The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States" C. Stephen King's book of short stories "Everything's Eventual"

A. the William Faulkner short story "A Rose for Emily"

What is the correct verb form to fill in the blank in the following sentence? Once Nora is out of college, she wants _______ to Spain and Portugal. A. to travel B. traveling C. to traveling

A. to travel

Besides Hadley Richardson, _____ else did Hemingway marry? Group of answer choices A. who B. whom

B. whom

Each of the students on the committee _______ hard, so most of the teachers only _______ to supervise them. A. works, has B. works, have C. work, has D. work, have

B. works, have

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Cooperstown New York is the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. B. Cooperstown, New York is the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. C. Cooperstown, New York, is the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

C. Cooperstown, New York, is the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Select the passage that expresses the idea most clearly. A. Real-estate developers wants to build residences and offices on some vacant land in our town. The community objects to them. B. Real-estate developers wants to build residences and offices on some vacant land in our town. The community objects to this use of the land. C. Real-estate developers wants to build residences and offices on some vacant land in our town, which the community objects to it.

B. Real-estate developers wants to build residences and offices on some vacant land in our town. The community objects to this use of the land.

Choose the answer showing the correct use of italics. A. When you hear the word Amazon, you probably think of the Amazon River, but an Amazon is also a small greenish parrot. B. When you hear the word Amazon, you probably think of the Amazon River, but an Amazon is also a small greenish parrot. C. When you hear the word Amazon, you probably think of the Amazon River, but an Amazon is also a small greenish parrot.

B. When you hear the word Amazon, you probably think of the Amazon River, but an Amazon is also a small greenish parrot.

The following sentence is in the passive voice. What are the subject and the verb of this sentence? The World Series was finally won by the Boston Red Sox in 2004. A. teams, won B. World Series, was won C. Boston Red Sox, won

B. World Series, was won

The jury _______ order their lunches from various nearby take-out restaurants. A. has to B. have to

B. have to

Choose the answer showing correct use of capital letters. A. the Mississippi River museum, along the Eastern shore of the River in Iowa B. the Mississippi River Museum, along the eastern shore of the river in Iowa C.the Mississippi river museum, along the Eastern shore of the river in Iowa

B. the Mississippi River Museum, along the eastern shore of the river in Iowa

Select the articles (or no article) that best fill in the blanks in the following sentence. She said ____ club will take ____ historic perspective, but we'll read all kinds of books: autobiographies, novels, and ____ adventure stories. A. a, an, the B. the, a, [no article] C. [no article], an, an

B. the, a, [no article]

Choose the most effective sentence. A. In the event that a child is sick, most employers are understanding about a parent's absence or late arrival. B. In view of the fact that a child may become sick, most employers are understanding about a parent's absence or late arrival. C. If a child is sick, most employers are understanding about a parent's absence or late arrival.

C. If a child is sick, most employers are understanding about a parent's absence or late arrival.

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Industrialization thrived in England, where factories replaced home manufacturing, in France, which started science, technology, and engineering schools, and in the United States, which had a vast pool of laborers and consumers. B. Industrialization thrived in England, where factories replaced home manufacturing; in France, which started science, technology, and engineering schools, and in the United States, which had a vast pool of laborers and consumers. C, Industrialization thrived in England, where factories replaced home manufacturing; in France, which started science, technology, and engineering schools; and in the United States, which had a vast pool of laborers and consumers.

C, Industrialization thrived in England, where factories replaced home manufacturing; in France, which started science, technology, and engineering schools; and in the United States, which had a vast pool of laborers and consumers.

Choose the answer showing correct use of capital letters. A. Chancellor Angela McAlister, formerly an Associate Professor, an Editor at McGraw-Hill, and a Research Fellow at the Hoover institution B. chancellor Angela McAlister, formerly an associate professor, an editor at McGraw-Hill, and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution C. Chancellor Angela McAlister, formerly an associate professor, an editor at McGraw-Hill, and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution

C. Chancellor Angela McAlister, formerly an associate professor, an editor at McGraw-Hill, and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution

Choose the best sentence. A. Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central's Daily Show, has made an extremely unique contribution to television news commentary. B. Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central's Daily Show, has made a very unique contribution to television news commentary. C. Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central's Daily Show, has made a unique contribution to television news commentary.

C. Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central's Daily Show, has made a unique contribution to television news commentary.

Choose the sentence that is most appropriate for academic writing. A. When parents don't discipline their children, the parents' behavior is tantamount to relinquishing their responsibility. B. When parents don't discipline their children, the parents' behavior is the same as letting kids be in charge of the whole ball of wax. C. When parents don't discipline their children, the parents' behavior is irresponsible.

C. When parents don't discipline their children, the parents' behavior is irresponsible.