ACT

Upon hearing this, Hugh was getting annoyed. "Her name wasn't 'Important,'" said Hugh, "it was Ingrid." Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. Hugh got annoyed B. NO CHANGE C. Hugh had gotten annoyed D. Hugh was annoyed

Correct answer: Hugh got annoyed Explanation: The phrase "Hugh got annoyed" would be the most active form of the phrase as the original and all the other choices are in passive voice.

"I have no need of the clerk yet," said Edith (9) "I have not made my selection." Choose from the following four options the answer that best corrects the underlined mistake preceding the number (9). Possible Answers: A. Edith; B. Edith, C. Edith: D. NO CHANGE

Correct answer: Edith; Explanation: Edith is making two separate statements rather than uttering a single sentence, so the semicolon would be the most appropriate choice here.

He is not speaking of Socrates, he is only using my name by way of illustration. Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. He is not speaking of Socrates; he is only using my name by way of illustration. B. He is not speaking of Socrates, but he is only using my name by way of illustration. C. He is not speaking of Socrates: he is only using my name by way of illustration. D. NO CHANGE E. He is not speaking of Socrates—he is only using my name by way of illustration.

Correct answer: He is not speaking of Socrates; he is only using my name by way of illustration. Explanation: As written, the sentence contains a comma splice, as it separates two independent clauses with a comma, which is grammatically incorrect.

The world is full of contradictions and I am full of them as well. Every person has their quirks and I am no exception. I love sports but I am also lazy I love animals, but I am not a vegetarian and I love teaching but I hate taking classes. With all these contradictions how does a person like me make sense? I would love to enlighten you!How should the author punctuate the underlined portion to make it a proper sentence? Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. I love sports, I am also lazy, and I love teaching. C. DELETE the underlined portion D. I love sports, but I am also lazy, I love animals, but I am not a vegetarian, and I love teaching, but I hate taking classes. E. I love sports, but I am also lazy; I love animals, but I am not a vegetarian; and I love teaching, but I hate taking classes.

Correct answer: I love sports, but I am also lazy; I love animals, but I am not a vegetarian; and I love teaching, but I hate taking classes. Explanation: When a sentence consists of smaller sentences combined into a longer one, if those smaller sentences already contain commas (such as the commas necessary between the conjunctions in the smaller sentences), they can be separated by semi colons to help keep the sentences cohesive.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. While I really enjoy studying the French language, I would also like to try and learn some Portuguese as well. Possible Answers: A. I would also like to try to learn some Portuguese. B. I would also like to try and learn some Portuguese as well. C. I would also like to try learning some Portuguese. E. I would also like to try to learn some Portuguese as well. F. I would also like to try and learn some Portuguese.

Correct answer: I would also like to try to learn some Portuguese. Explanation: Only the preposition "to" can follow the verb "to try." It isn't necessary to include the "as well" because "also" means the same thing; the original phrasing is redundant.

Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon incorrectly? Possible Answers: A. Contestants came from Houston, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; and Los Angeles, California. B. I'd like to go out tonight; but I have a lot of homework. C. Don't tell me about it; I haven't seen it yet. I've never played golf; even so, I think I would be good at it. D. She had never worn a dress before, and she was reluctant to try one on now; however, she was tired of people calling her a tomboy, so she slipped the pink gown over her head.

Correct answer: I'd like to go out tonight; but I have a lot of homework. Explanation: Semicolons can be used to separate items in a complex list, to join two independent clauses, to join two main clauses with a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase, and to join complex clauses with a coordinating conjunction. They are not used to join main clauses with coordinating conjunctions, which require commas instead.

Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. James chose a large, rusty car, Philip chose a brand new car, and I chose the cheapest, ugliest car on the lot. Possible Answers A. James chose a large rusty car Philip chose a brand new car and I chose the cheapest ugliest car on the lot. B. NO CHANGE C. James chose a large, rusty car; Philip chose a brand new car; and I chose the cheapest, ugliest car on the lot. D. James chose a large rusty car, Philip chose a brand new car, and I chose the cheapest ugliest car on the lot. E. James chose a large, rusty car, Philip chose a brand new car; and I chose the cheapest, ugliest car on the lot.

Correct answer: James chose a large, rusty car; Philip chose a brand new car; and I chose the cheapest, ugliest car on the lot. Explanation: Because the first and third clauses in this sentence contain commas themselves, semicolons are needed to separate the clauses in order to avoid confusion.

That would have been fine, except it involved tracking the enemy using a helicopter, and Jimmy much to his chagrin never mastered flying the helicopter. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. Jimmy, much to his chagrin, never mastered B. NO CHANGE C. Jimmy, much to his chagrin never mastered D. Jimmy much to his chagrin, never mastered

Correct answer: Jimmy, much to his chagrin, never mastered Explanation: The phrase "much to his chagrin" is extra information in the sentence and can be taken out without affecting the sentence's meaning, so it should be set off by commas.

I proposed that we should all of us bring our books to that room, where they would not only be ready to consult in our conferences but become a common benefit, each of us being at liberty to borrow such as he wished to read at home. Which is the best form of the underlined section? Possible Answers: A. conferences; but B. conferences, but C. NO CHANGE D. conferences: but

Correct answer: NO CHANGE Explanation: Although "but" is being used as a contraction here, it is not followed by a complete sentence and thus would not need to be preceded by a comma.

"We talked to whoever would answer our questions," replied Jake with the red hair (as opposed to Jake who sat behind him with the brown hair). "Our questions were answered by one woman most of the time." Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. who C. who many D. one

Correct answer: NO CHANGE Explanation: Since the interrogative pronoun here is the subject of the clause "whoever would answer our questions," the object pronoun "whoever" is used, and the "-ever" prefix is used to show that anyone could have talked to the boys.

But the ending of the game was worst. By the time he got to the end, the hero had decided to stop chasing rogue spies and therefore marry his girlfriend, a surprise attack resulted in her being kidnapped, and the hero must go on a final mission to save her before the game can be completed. Which is the best form of the bolded and underlined section? Possible Answers: A. decided B. NO CHANGE C. was deciding D. is deciding

Correct answer: NO CHANGE Explanation: The hero's decision takes place in the past of other past events in the game, so the past perfect form ("had decided") is appropriate here.

"We never got her name," Jake with the brown hair said. "At the time, we didn't think her name was important." Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. In the time B. At that time C. NO CHANGE D. In that time

Correct answer: NO CHANGE Explanation: The phrase "at the time" is the most logical prepositional phrase to use here.

"What were these?" Jake with the brown hair asked."They were the bigger of the three by the door," Jake with the brown hair replied. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. that B. theses C. NO CHANGE D. those

Correct answer: those Explanation: "Those" would be the correct demonstrative pronoun to refer to a plural of the paintings.

By the time he got to the end, the hero had decided to stop chasing rogue spies and therefore marry his girlfriend, a surprise attack resulted in her being kidnapped, and the hero must go on a final mission to save her before the game can be completed. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. OMIT the bolded and underlined selection. B. consequently C. NO CHANGE D. thus

Correct answer: OMIT the bolded and underlined selection. Explanation: The hero's action of deciding to stop chasing rogue spies does not entail his marrying his girlfriend; he could have simply decided he needed a career change. Since there is no causal connection between the two actions, it is incorrect to use a conjunction like "therefore," "consequently," or "thus,".

"We talked to whoever would answer our questions," replied Jake with the red hair (as opposed to Jake who sat behind him with the brown hair). "Our questions were answered by one woman most of the time." Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. One woman answered our questions C. One woman was the one was answered our questions D. By one woman most of our questions were answered

Correct answer: One woman answered our questions Explanation: The original form of the sentence is in passive voice, and all but the choice "One woman answered our questions" are variations on the passive voice.

At the time I established myself in -Pennsylvania there- was not good booksellers shop in any of the colonies to the southward of Boston. Which is the best form of the underlined section? Possible Answers: A. Pennsylvania: there B. NO CHANGE C. Pennsylvania; there D. Pennsylvania, there

Correct answer: Pennsylvania, their Explanation: The phrase that ends in "Pennsylvania" would be considered by a contemporary reader as an introductory phrase, and thus a comma should follow it.

Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated as President, and Aaron Burr was inaugurated as Vice President. Which of the following would NOT be an acceptable alternative for the bolded selection? Possible Answers: A. President, Aaron B. President; Aaron C. President. Aaron D. NO CHANGE

Correct answer: President, Aaron Explanation: "President, Aaron" is correct because it is a run-on sentence; it connects two full sentences without a period, semicolon, or conjunction. Each of the other choices contains one of those three options.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends. Possible Answers: A. The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends. B. The beach is often a fun place to visit around long weekends. C. The beach is always a fun place to visit further long weekends. D. The beach is always a fun place to visit beyond long weekends. E. The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.

Correct answer: The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends. Explanation: Here, the preposition "on" is most appropriate of the choices available.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. The mother was endlessly comparing her friends' children against her own, something that drove her whole family crazy. Possible Answers: A. The mother was endlessly in comparison with her friends' children with her own, B. The mother was endlessly comparing her friends' children for her own, C. The mother was endlessly comparing her friends' children with her own, D. The mother was endlessly comparing her friends' children against her own, E. The mother was endlessly in comparison with her friends' children and her own,

Correct answer: The mother was endlessly comparing her friends' children with her own, Explanation: "With" and "to" are the only possible prepositions for the verb "compare." "Compare with" is used for objects of essentially the same type (for example, comparing one family's children with another family's), while "compare to" is used for objects of essentially different types (for example, comparing a mother to a raging forest fire).

Which is the best form of the underlined section? Possible Answers: A. The wind sows the seed, the sun evaporates the sea, the wind blows the vapor to the field, the ice, on the other side of the planet, condenses rain on this, the rain feeds the plant, the plant feeds the animal; and thus B. NO CHANGE C. The wind sows the seed; the sun evaporates the sea; the wind blows the vapor to the field; the ice, on the other side of the planet, condenses rain on this; the rain feeds the plant; the plant feeds the animal, and thus D. The wind sows the seed; the sun evaporates the sea; the wind blows the vapor to the field; the ice, on the other side of the planet, condenses rain on this; the rain feeds the plant; the plant feeds the animal; and thus

Correct answer: The wind sows the seed; the sun evaporates the sea; the wind blows the vapor to the field; the ice, on the other side of the planet, condenses rain on this; the rain feeds the plant; the plant feeds the animal; and thus Explanation: Semicolons are used when a sentence contains a series of elements which contain commas; if commas were used, there would be confusion about where an element begins or ends, as would be the case with the element "the ice, on the other side of the planet, condenses rain on this."

For another, it was incredibly hard while playing the game to control the cars. It always wanted to veer to the left when he tried to steer to the right. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. They B. Jimmy C. The game D. NO CHANGE

Correct answer: They Explanation: The previous sentence makes it clear that it is the cars that Jimmy cannot control. "Cars" is a plural noun, so the pronoun should be changed to the plural "they."

"What were these?" Jake with the brown hair asked. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. Which C. Whatever D. Whichever

Correct answer: Which Explanation: The boy is asking which of the paintings were done by Renoir.

"We talked to whomever would answer our questions," replied Jake with the red hair (as opposed to Jake who sat behind him with the brown hair). "Our questions were answered by one woman most of the time." Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. Whomever B. NO CHANGE C. Whom D. What

Correct answer: Whom Explanation: The interrogative pronoun "whom" is the correct answer here because if the question were answered, the result would be "They talked to a woman," meaning that the pronoun that would replace it needs to be an object pronoun ("whom") rather than a subject pronoun ("who").

So few were the readers at that time in Philadelphia, and the majority of us so poor, that I was not able, with great industry to find more than fifty persons, mostly young tradesmen, willing to pay down for this purpose forty shillings each, and ten shillings per annum. Which is the best form of the underlined section? Possible Answers: A. able, or with B. able with C. NO CHANGE D. able; with

Correct answer: able with Explanation: There would be no need for a comma in this context since Franklin is using "with great industry" as an adjectival clause to describe his inability to find subscribers for the library.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. A number of people living in the area were still a matter of much debate in researchers. Possible Answers: A. among research. B. among researchers. C. around researchers. D. in researchers. E. around research.

Correct answer: among researchers. Explanation: The underlined elements of the sentence have an issue with the usage of the preposition before researchers. The debate happens from one researcher to the next, and the correct preposition would indicate this. "Among researchers" is the best choice among the answers.

[6] "Oh," Jake with the brown hair said. "I knew it started with an 'I.'"[7] "We saw several paintings by some guy named Renoir," Jake with the red hair said. [8] "What were these?" Jake with the brown hair asked.[9] "They were the bigger of the three by the door," Jake with the brown hair replied. The writer is considering removing paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 from the passage. The primary effect of removing these paragraphs would be which of the following? Possible Answers: A. the loss of essential descriptive information B. a lessening of confusion about the two Jakes C. a greater contrast between the two Jakes D. an added emphasis on the joke about the woman's name

Correct answer: an added emphasis on the joke about the woman's name Explanation: Differentiating between the two Jakes is not absolutely essential to understanding the passage, nor does the addition of information about the paintings necessarily add to the passage, while removing that information would add greater emphasis to the joke about the woman's name.

In New York and Philadelphia the printers were indeed stationers; they sold only paper, etc., almanacs, ballads, and a few common school-books. Which of the following would be an acceptable replacement for the underlined phrase? Possible Answers: A. and so forth B. for example C. in effect D. that is

Correct answer: and so forth Explanation: "Etc." is the abbreviation of the Latin phrase "et cetera," which literally means "and so forth."

The morrow came, and, of course, instead of being better, the nose had been growing on all night as before; and the poor princess was in a dreadful fright. Which of the following is the best form of the underlined selection, "as before; and the poor princess was in a dreadful fright"? Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. as before, and the poor princess was in a dreadful fright C. as before; therefore, the poor princess was in a dreadful fright D. as before and the poor princess was in a dreadful fright

Correct answer: as before; therefore, the poor princess was in a dreadful fright Explanation: Since the sentence already is compounded, it is necessary to avoid stringing together more clauses by using "and" in a simple manner.

"We talked to whoever would answer our questions," replied Jake with the red hair (as opposed to Jake who sat behind him with the brown hair). "Our questions were answered by one woman most of the time." Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. as opposed to the Jake with brown hair who sat behind him B. NO CHANGE C. as opposed to Jake with the brown hair who sat behind D. him as opposed to Jake who sat behind him

Correct answer: as opposed to Jake with the brown hair who sat behind him Explanation: The phrases "with the brown hair" and "who sat behind him" are both functioning as adjectival prepositional phrases here, but they must be placed in the most logical order - "Jake with the brown hair" functions as one grammatical idea, and "who sat behind him" in turn modifies it.

At the time I established myself in Pennsylvania there were not a good bookseller shop in any of the colonies to the southward of Boston. Which is the best form of the underlined section? Possible Answers: A. bookseller's shop B. NO CHANGE C. book sellers shop D. booksellers' shop

Correct answer: bookseller's shop Explanation: The word "bookseller" is singular, so an apostrophe and an "s" should be used to show possession instead of just an "s," which indicates the plural form.

He took a deep breath then (9) he said "That's wonderful news (10) Paul. Choose from the following four options the answer that best corrects the underlined mistake preceding the question number. Possible Answers: A. breath, then B. breath; then C. NO CHANGE D.breath: then

Correct answer: breath; then Explanation: The semicolon is most appropriate here, because the two clauses can stand as two complete sentences, and "then" is being used not as a conjunction but as a conjunctive adverb.

If it's average numbers are to increase in its new home, we should have to modify it in a different way to what we should have had to do in its native country; for we should have to give it some advantage over a different set of competitors or enemies. What is the best form of the boldfaced and underlined section? Possible Answers: A. country: because, B. country; for, C. country; because, D. country because

Correct answer: country because Explanation: Admittedly, this sentence is a bit wordy, so it is difficult to come up with a "textbook" form for the answer.

He would never tell any of them this, of course, (6) they might get offended, and if there was one thing that Mr. Man learned (7) about teaching, its (8) that in order to keep one's job, you couldn't offend your students (9). Choose from the following four options the answer that best corrects the underlined mistake preceding the question number. Possible Answers: A. course B. NO CHANGE C. course: D. course;

Correct answer: course; Explanation: Since the two sentences are so closely related to each other in theme, the semicolon is most appropriate here.

They say that the relationships are false because face-to-face time is diminishing however, I do not believe this to be the case. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. diminishing; however, I do B. NO CHANGE C. diminishing however I do D.diminishing, however, I do E. diminishing, and however, I do

Correct answer: diminishing; however, I do Explanation: When there are two complete sentences separated by a transition word, that word must be preceded by a semi colon, especially if either sentence already has a comma in it.

Because text messaging exists we can tell many people something very important very quickly. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. messaging exists; we can tell B. messaging, exists we can tellNO CHANGE C. Omit the underlined portion D. exists, we can tell E.

Correct answer: exists, we can tell Explanation: Any dependent clause that begins a sentence must be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.

The student had said (9) that she had heard him, therefore (10) she answered his question. Choose from the following four options the answer that best corrects the underlined mistake preceding the question number. Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. him; therefore C. him: therefore D. him therefore

Correct answer: him; therefore Explanation: "Therefore" is working here as a conjunctive adverb and not a conjunction, so the use of a comma is not appropriate. The semicolon should be used instead since this is actually two sentences, not one.

For one thing, there was not nearly enough interesting characters suspenseful moments or exciting escapes in the game to satisfy him. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. interesting characters suspenseful moments plot twists, or exciting escapes C. interesting characters, suspenseful moments, or exciting escapes, D. interesting characters, suspenseful moments, or exciting escapes

Correct answer: interesting characters, suspenseful moments, or exciting escapes Explanation: Commas are needed to separate each of the items in a list. While some outmoded grammar guides suggest omitting the comma before "and" or "or" in a series of three objects, the more common practice is to include it, so the phrase should read "suspenseful moments, plot twists, or exciting escapes." This particular comma is called the Oxford comma, and is used to avoid ambiguity in certain sentences.

I will not, therefore, by useless condolences, open afresh the sluices of your grief, nor, although mingling sincerely my tears with yours, will I say a word more where words are vain. Which of the following is the best form of, "Open afresh the sluices of your grief, nor, although mingling sincerely my tears with yours"? Possible Answers: A. open afresh the sluices of your grief, nor, although mingling sincerely my tears with yours B. open afresh the sluices of your grief nor although mingling sincerely my tears with yours C. open afresh the sluices of your grief; nor, although mingling sincerely my tears with yours D. open afresh the sluices of your grief: nor, although mingling sincerely my tears with yours

Correct answer: open afresh the sluices of your grief; nor, although mingling sincerely my tears with yours Explanation: Simplifying the long prose will help you to see the two independent clauses involved here: (1) "I will not . . . open . . . the sluices of your grief"; (2) "nor . . . will I say a word more where words are vain."

All that we can do is to keep steadily in mind that each organic being is striving to increase in a geometrical ratio; that each at some period of its life, during some season of the year, during each generation or at intervals, has to struggle for life and to suffer great destruction. What would be the best syntactic form of the boldfaced and underlined selection "ratio; that"? Possible Answers: A. ratio that B. ratio and C. ratio and, likewise, that D. NO CHANGE

Correct answer: ratio and, likewise, that Explanation: Cut out all of the unnecessary portions of this sentence in order to see the basic structure being expressed.

Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. Sawyer attended that high school his first solo violin performance took place in the auditorium during his sophomore year. Possible Answers: A. that high school, his first B. NO CHANGE C. that high school? His first D. that high school; his first E. that high school, but his first

Correct answer: that high school; his first Explanation: Unchanged, the presented sentence is a run-on. The option "that high school, his first" does not fix it completely as it is a comma splice.

It always wanted to veer to the left when he tried to steer to the right. But the ending of the game was worst. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. more worse B. the worst C. worser D. NO CHANGE

Correct answer: the worst Explanation: In the context of the passage, Jimmy is comparing three things: the lack of suspenseful moments and so on, the difficulty of steering the cars, and the ending. Since three things are being compared, the superlative form "the worst" would be the most logical choice here. A "the" is needed because "worst" is acting as a substantive adjective, or an adjective that stands in for a noun.

The show is based upon these girl's (11) lives and it doesn't always seem to have to do with their children it has to do with them being teenagers (12). Choose from the following four options the answer that best corrects the underlined mistake preceding the question number. Possible Answers: A. their children it has to do with them, being teenagers B. NO CHANGE C. their children, it has to do with them being teenagers D. their children; it has to do with them being teenagers

Correct answer: their children; it has to do with them being teenagers Explanation: To avoid a comma splice or run-on sentence, the only option here for separating the two sentences is to join them with a semicolon since they are directly related to each other.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. The girls were always challenging their father's rules for every opportunity. Possible Answers: A. their father's rules in every opportunity. B. their father's rules for every opportunity. C. their father's rules on every opportunity. D. their father's rules onto every opportunity. E. their father's rules at every opportunity.

Correct answer: their father's rules at every opportunity. Explanation: The use of the preposition "for" in the sentence is odd, and does not properly reflect what the girls are doing. The preposition should be changed to indicate that they challenged during certain moments. The preposition that best shows this is "at," making the correct answer choice "their father's rules at every opportunity."

Jimmy is annoyed at the video game that he was playing. For one thing, there was not nearly enough interesting characters suspenseful moments or exciting escapes in the game to satisfy him. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. there is not nearly enough B. there had been not nearly enough C. there were not nearly enough D. NO CHANGE

Correct answer: there were not nearly enough Explanation: The verb in this phrase needs to agree with the phrase that follows it, which is a list of plural nouns; thus, the phrase "there were not nearly enough" is most appropriate.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. Questions are rarely asked by students in an imposing teacher. Possible Answers: A. through an imposing teacher. B. in an imposing teacher. C. in a teacher imposing. D. by an imposing teacher. E. to an imposing teacher.

Correct answer: to an imposing teacher. Explanation: The underlined portion of the sentence has an odd use of the preposition "in." The questions are actually being asked by students, directed at the teacher, and the preposition needs to reflect this; therefore, "to an imposing teacher" is the correct answer choice.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. In the past, corporations had very few restrictions on what they had to pay from employee's wages. Possible Answers: A. for pay from employees' wages. B. to pay for employees' wages. C. to pay from employees' wage. D. to pay from employees' wages. E. to pay on employees' wages.

Correct answer: to pay for employees' wages. Explanation: The use of the preposition "from" in the sentence is very odd. The correct preposition needs to indicate the "wages" are something the "corporations" give to the "employees." The answer choice that best reflects this is "to pay for employees' wages."

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. She would frequently compare her mother with the most loving of saints. Possible Answers: A. to most loving of saints. B. with saints that are the most loving. C. to the most loving of saints. D. with most loving of saints. E. with the most loving of saints.

Correct answer: to the most loving of saints. Explanation: The grammatical error in the underlined portion is the use of the word "with." Comparisons are not done "with" something else, but "to" something else. The correct answer choice is "to the most loving of saints."

Jimmy is annoyed at the video game that he was playing. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. NO CHANGE B. has been annoyed C. will be annoyed D. was annoyed

Correct answer: was annoyed Explanation: The entire passage is written in past tense, so the past tense form "was annoyed" is most appropriate here.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. To some people, the idea of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is synonymous for rowdy behavior, noisiness, and disorder. Possible Answers: A. with B. to C. of D. about E. in meaning for

Correct answer: with Explanation: According to the idiomatic usage of prepositions, "synonymous" is typically followed by the preposition "with," not "for." All other variations are grammatically incorrect.

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. Never before did the members of the class see a sight such like that. Possible Answers: A. a sight such as that. B. a sight such like. C. a sight such like that. D. a sight such that. E. sight such like that.

Correct answer: a sight such as that. Explanation: "Such as" and "like" are related terms, with both being used to indicate examples of things mentioned earlier in the sentence. The correct usage, however, is either "such as" or "like," with "such like" being completely incorrect. The correct answer is "a sight such as that."

"They were the bigger of the three by the door," Jake with the brown hair replied. Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. Possible Answers: A. the biggest of the two B. the biggest of the three C. the biggest D. NO CHANGE

Correct answer: the biggest of the three Explanation: More than two paintings are being compared, and so the superlative form "the biggest of the three" would be appropriate. "The biggest" would be an incomplete idea.

Abraham Lincoln's forefathers were pioneers. People that left their homes to open up the wilderness and make the way clear for others to follow them. For one hundred and seventy years, ever since the first Lincoln came from England to Massachusetts in 1638, he had been moving slowly westward as new settlements were made in the forest. They faced solitude, privation, and all the dangers and hardships that beset those who take up their homes where only beasts and wild men have had homes before; but they continued to press steadily forward, though they lost fortune and sometimes even life itself in their westward progress.The author wants to insert a sentence highlighting a contrast between what are currently the first and second sentences of paragraph two. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this? Possible Answers: A. "This propensity toward wealth and power only grew as the Lincolns moved west." B. Leave the passage as it is. C. "This also characterized the early life of Abraham Lincoln." D. "For the parents of young Abraham, this would not be the case."

Correct answer:"For the parents of young Abraham, this would not be the case."Explanation:"This also characterized the early life of Abraham Lincoln and "This propensity toward wealth and power only grew as the Lincolns moved west" suggest that Abraham Lincoln's parents were wealthy and powerful, which is incorrect and invalidated by the following sentence.Leaving the passage as it is leaves a contrast unintroduced.

[3] "But who was that woman?" the teacher asked.[4] "We never got her name," Jake with the brown hair said. "At the time, we didn't think her name was important." [5] Upon hearing this, Hugh was getting annoyed. "Her name wasn't 'Important,'" said Hugh, "it was Ingrid." If the writer of this passage wanted to end with a joke, and wanted to make very few edits, which of the following changes should he make? Possible Answers: A. Move paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6 to the end of the passage, and adjust the transitions between paragraphs. B. Move paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6 to follow paragraph 7 C. NO CHANGE D. Move paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6 to the beginning of the passage

Correct answer:Move paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6 to the end of the passage, and adjust the transitions between paragraphs.Explanation:The passage's joke is contained in paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6. If the writer wanted the passage to end with a joke, making the paragraph end with paragraph 6 would make it end with the joke. The only answer choice that presents this as an option is "Move paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6 to the end of the passage, and adjust the transitions between paragraphs."

The making, of the trip to Bramville, was utterly unexpected, and his companions had encouraged him to reconnoiter the situation, record his thoughts, and communicate them within the coming week. Many peoples' fates rode on the character of this mysterious man, this James. By stroke of luck, Paul was about to meet him.Although Paul was quite certain that this was the appropriate course of action, he was still quite unnerved. Thousands of miles from his home, far from any friends, and without a cell phone, he could well be the target of a dangerous man. For this reason, he watched very intently as every person passed by, particularly those men who were alone. Many times, he asked himself, "Is that him"? Which of the following options for an opening sentence for the third paragraph best matches the style of describing Paul's internal state in that paragraph? Possible Answers: A. Still, Paul knew that he must meet this mysterious James. B. Above all, Paul showed great bravery in his trip. C. Still, Paul travelled onward into the new lands. D. Paul knew he would have to be crafty and careful on the trip.

Correct answer:Still, Paul knew that he must meet this mysterious James.Explanation:The last two sentences of the second paragraph help to give us a sense of Paul's internal state. He is aware of the many fates that are linked to the mysterious man he is soon to meet. Likewise, it is by a stroke of luck that this meeting is going to occur. Thus, he likely has some inner determination that this is the correct (and, indeed, necessary) thing to do.

Although Paul was quite certain that this was the appropriate course of action, he was still quite unnerved. Thousands of miles from his home, far from any friends, and without a cell phone, he could well be the target of a dangerous man. For this reason, he watched very intently as every person passed by, particularly those men who were alone. Many times, he asked himself, "Is that him"? Which of the following options would end the third paragraph by indicating that James had not yet arrived? Possible Answers: A. While asking this question, he silently stared down the street. B. The silence itself was the answer, "No, it is not him." C. The question was not answered by those who passed by. D. The question was permitted to be spoken, although it seemed quite strange to see a man speaking to himself.

Correct answer:The silence itself was the answer, "No, it is not him."Explanation:The correct answer not only indicates the silence or lack of response; it likewise expresses (in a semi-explicit, though still metaphoric way) that the silence indicated that James had not yet arrived.

Read the following passage and choose the correct response. When I was a child, my father would take me to our local amusement park every other weekend. He would always wake me up early so we could spend all day at the park. A wave of excitement always hit me as we walked through the gate into the park. Getting to the top of the roller coaster, I my entire body tensed up.I wasn't ready for a ride like this, but there was no turning back now.I felt the cart move forward and braced for the impending drop. Possible Answers: A. The narrator does not properly establish the history of the amusement parks B. There is no proper transition between getting to the top of the roller coaster and the narrator's apprehension about being on the ride C. There's no transition between entering the park and getting to the top of the roller coaster D. The narrator does not properly establish the history of roller coasters

Correct answer:There's no transition between entering the park and getting to the top of the roller coasterExplanation:The change from entering the park to being at the top of the roller coaster is abrupt and not properly established by the sentences before it. It would be best for these two ideas to be in two separate paragraphs.

A significant number of Johann Sebastians ancestors and descendants were musicians of various levels of talent. [33] Although he was known for music of a variety of forms, one of his most enduring legacies is the repertoire of chorale music by which he improved and solidified the world of German congregational singing. Choose the answer that would best help to transition from selection [33] to the next paragraph in the text. Possible Answers: A. These works were some of the grandest pieces written by an ecclesiastical composer during the Baroque period. B. These works were the outcome of Protestant sensibilities and would remain the primary repertoire for Protestant hymnals for years to come. C. These works were of unparalleled beauty and would stand the test of time in musical culture. D. These works organically developed the existing culture of music and created a kind of universal "harmonic ear" for Western culture after Bach's time.

Correct answer:These works organically developed the existing culture of music and created a kind of universal "harmonic ear" for Western culture after Bach's time.Explanation:The second paragraph of this text discusses how Bach's chorales helped to develop existing forms of music. Yes, they were different from contemporary harmony structures, but the idea is that his work did not occur "in a vacuum." The passage then goes on to discuss how these works have found universal acclaim, including outside of even religious circles. Thus, the best option is the sentence that transitions by stating, "These works organically developed the existing culture of music and created a kind of universal 'harmonic ear' for Western culture after Bach's time."

Ray Charles was one of the first major musical sessions artists of the 20th Century to assert total control over his recording sessions;At this point, the writer is considering adding the following information:"he selected musicians, arranged charts for each song, and supervised the mixing and mastering of each of his records." Should the writer add this to the passage here? Possible Answers: A. Yes, because it adds important details that support the claim made in the sentence. B. No, the added clause is grammatically incorrect. C. Yes, because it explains why Ray Charles' music was so popular. D. No, because it makes claims that cannot be verified. E. No, because it introduces irrelevant details.

Correct answer:Yes, because it adds important details that support the claim made in the sentence.Explanation:The answer choice provides three specific examples of how Ray Charles controlled the recording of his music.No connection is made to the popularity of Ray Charles' records.The information is relevant.The information is factual and can be verified.

The writer is considering adding the following phrase to the end of the sentence: "he appeared as the Little Tramp in over 300 films during his long career." Should the writer make this addition?Charlie Chaplin was one of the most prolific filmmakers of the 20th Century Possible Answers: A. No, because it contradicts the claim made in the sentence. B. Yes, because it explains why the Little Tramp character was so popular. C. Yes, because it provides a specific detail that supports the claim made in the sentence. D. No, because the sentence given is a complete thought, not in need of support of addition. E. No, because it introduces a detail that is largely irrelevant.

Correct answer:Yes, because it provides a specific detail that supports the claim made in the sentence.Explanation:The sentence claims that Chaplin was "prolific", thus the large number of films he made is a very relevant detail in the context of the sentence.

To understand this idea, it can be helpful to consider two example people, one whose skills are the fruit of a so-called intellectual virtue and the other whose skills are not. Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE." Possible Answers: A. not an fruit B. not such a fruit C. not an intellectual virtue D. NO CHANGE E. not an intellectual fruit

Correct answer:not such a fruitExplanation:Clearly there is a parallel contrast in this sentence. There are some activities that are the fruit of intellectual virtues and there are ones that are not such a fruit. Now, you might well choose the longer version "not the fruit of a so-called intellectual virtue." This is, however, a bit wordy. The sentence is clear enough if you replace not with "not such a fruit."