writing 4
The tigers aren't the best Little League team that our town has ever seen, but their enthusiasm and sense of humor always ensure that the games are a joy to attend. No error. A tigers aren't B that our town C ensure D a joy to attend E No error.
a Solution Although the names of animals shouldn't be capitalized most of the time, in this case, the word Tigers is the name of a sports team, so it is a proper noun and should be capitalized. The right answer is not Choice (B) because an essential clause is correctly introduced with the relative pronoun that. The right answer is not Choice (C) because the plural verb form ensure, which has two subjects — the team's enthusiasm and sense of humor — is correct. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the games are a joy [for fans] to attend — the infinitive is both clear and correct in this context. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
Not only is the platypus not a marsupial but, as a monotreme, it is actually more closely related to placental mammals such as humans than it is to marsupials. A Not only is the platypus not a marsupial but, as a monotreme, it is actually more closely related to placental mammals such as humans than it is to marsupials. B The platypus is not a marsupial, as a monotreme; it is actually more closely related to placental mammals such as humans than it is to marsupials. C Not only is the platypus not a marsupial, but — as a monotreme, it is actually more closely related to placental mammals such as humans — than it is to marsupials. D Not only is the platypus not a marsupial: as a monotreme, it is actually more closely related to placental mammals such as humans than it is to marsupials. E The platypus is not a marsupial, as a monotreme, it is actually more closely related to placental mammals such as humans than it is to marsupials.
a Solution If an appositive clause follows the conjunction that joins two clauses (be they independent, or in this case, the "Not only/but also" construction), then the placement of the comma moves from before to after the conjunction. The right answer is not Choice (B) because the portion of the sentence before the semicolon is not an independent clause. The right answer is not Choice (C) because the portions of the sentence that fall outside the pair of dashes do not combine to form a coherent sentence; if a pair of dashes is used here, it should set off only the phrase as a monotreme. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the portion of the sentence before the colon is not an independent clause. The right answer is not Choice (E) because this sentence contains a comma splice.
Though he was unappreciated in his time, today the works of Vincent van Gogh are more celebrated than are those of any other Post-Impressionist painter. A than are those of B than C compared to D compared with E compared than
a Solution The sentence is correct as it is. The construction may be a little more formal than you're used to hearing in speech, but it isn't wrong. The right answer is not Choice (B) because you're comparing the works of van Gogh to the works of other painters, not to the painters themselves, so you need to say than are those of (meaning the works of) any other, rather than simply than any other. The right answer is not Choice (C) or Choice (D) because the more is a clue that you need than, rather than compared (the preposition you use after it — to or with — doesn't matter, because compared itself is wrong). The right answer is not Choice (E) because you need than instead of compared, not both words.
Correctly fill in the blanks: The element of writing that is usually called a _____ in secondary school is usually called a _____ in college. A "topic sentence" and "thesis statement" B "introduction" and "claim" C "supporting point" and "lede" D "conclusion" and "hook" E "bibliography" and "abstract"
a Solution The terms "topic sentence" and "thesis statement" are essentially synonymous; the first is more common in secondary school, and the second in college. The right answer is not Choice (B) because an introduction is the entire first paragraph; the claim is the thesis. The right answer is not Choice (C) because the "lede" is the "hook" (the thing that gets readers interested) and is near the beginning; supporting points come in subsequent paragraphs. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the "hook" occurs in the first paragraph; the conclusion comes last. The right answer is not Choice (E) because a bibliography is like a Works Cited Page and is placed at the end; an abstract is a summary placed at the beginning.
The dynamic Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of Queen, was a lifelong Zoroastrian, having grown up in the Parsi community of Zanzibar. A The dynamic Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of Queen, was a lifelong Zoroastrian, having grown up in the Parsi community of Zanzibar. B The dynamic Freddie Mercury was the late lead singer of Queen, a lifelong Zoroastrian, having grown up in the Parsi community of Zanzibar. C The dynamic, Freddie Mercury, late lead singer of Queen was a lifelong Zoroastrian and having grown up in the Parsi community of Zanzibar. D The dynamic Freddie Mercury, late lead singer of Queen, was a lifelong Zoroastrian whom had grown up in the Parsi community of Zanzibar. E The dynamic Freddie Mercury, being the late lead singer of Queen and a lifelong Zoroastrian who grew up in the Parsi community of Zanzibar.
a Solution This sentence correctly and coherently presents a single independent clause interrupted by an appositive clause (set off by two commas) and followed by an afterthought clause (preceded by a comma). The right answer is not Choice (B) because this sentence contains tense-agreement and parallel-phrasing issues. Because late means deceased, the verb should be is, not was (in other words, Freddie Mercury is currently dead); was, however, should govern a lifelong Zoroastrian. The right answer is not Choice (C) because a comma isn't necessary before Freddie Mercury's name, but another comma is needed at the end of the appositive late lead singer of Queen. Additionally, and having grown up doesn't work: You need to either replace and with a comma or alter the phrasing to and grew up. The right answer is not Choice (D) because you need who, rather than whom, as the pronoun is the subject of the verb phrase had grown up. The right answer is not Choice (E) because the sentence has no main verb (the comma should be omitted, and being should be replaced with was).
The number that Americans call a billion is called a thousand million in Great Britain, where the word billion signifies a million million, which Americans call a trillion. A The number that Americans call a billion is called a thousand million in Great Britain, where the word billion signifies a million million, which Americans call a trillion. B The number that Americans call a billion, is called a thousand million; in Great Britain, where the word billion signifies a million million, it is called a trillion. C The number that Americans call a billion is called a thousand million in Great Britain, and where the word billion signifies a million million, Americans call it a trillion. D The number that Americans call a billion, but is called a thousand million in Great Britain, where the word billion signifies a million million, and which Americans call a trillion. E The number that Americans call a billion, which is called a thousand million in Great Britain, is where the word billion signifies a million million, which Americans call a trillion.
a Solution This sentence correctly presents an independent clause followed by two non-essential clauses — a "where" clause and a "which" clause — each of which is preceded by a comma. The right answer is not Choice (B) because there should not be a comma before the main verb in the first clause. More importantly, although the semicolon technically separates two independent clauses, its placement impedes comprehension: in Great Britain is meant to modify the part of the sentence that ended in front of the semicolon. The right answer is not Choice (C) because, although the sentence is grammatically correct, it is impossible to understand. The right answer is not Choice (D) because there is no independent clause anywhere in the sentence. The right answer is not Choice (E) because the number that Americans call a billion is not a place. (Omit the "which" clause, and you will see why this sentence doesn't make sense.)
Neither of us was able to believe it when Kari told Dana and I that she used to be a professional clown. No error. A us was B it C Dana and I D used to be E No error.
c Solution As the pronoun is one of the objects of the verb told, it should be the objective-case me rather than the subjective-case I. The right answer is not Choice (A) because neither is disjunctive — in other words, it implies "neither one of us" — so it's correct to say neither of us was, rather than neither of us were. The right answer is not Choice (B) because, although you may say her (referring to Kari), it's also correct to say it (referring to the thing Kari told you). The right answer is not Choice (D) because used to be (with a "d") is the correct spelling. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
I was under the impression that my cat wanted to snuggle up on the couch with me, however he really just wanted to be fed. No error. A under the impression B to snuggle up C however D to be fed E No error.
c Solution However is an adverb, not a coordinating conjunction. It can't be used to link two independent clauses in this manner. The right answer is not Choice (A) because under the impression is a perfectly acceptable expression meaning "of the opinion." The right answer is not Choice (B) because the expression snuggle up is correct even though it's a bit informal. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the passive-voice construction to be fed is perfectly correct in this context. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
The tale of our portly 27th President William Howard Taft getting himself stuck in the white house bathtub is amusing, but just an urban legend. A The tale of our portly 27th President William Howard Taft getting himself stuck in the white house bathtub is amusing, but just an urban legend. B The tale of our portly 27th president, William Howard Taft, getting himself stuck in the White House bathtub is amusing but, in actuality, it is just an urban legend. C The tale of which our portly 27th President, William Howard Taft, gets himself stuck in the White House bathtub is amusing, but it is just an urban legend. D The tale of our portly 27th president William Howard Taft, in which he gets himself stuck in the white house bathtub, is amusing but just an urban legend. E The tale where our portly 27th President William Howard Taft gets himself stuck in the white house bathtub is amusing but just an urban legend.
b Because the proper name William Howard Taft could be omitted, it is set off with a pair of commas. Later in the sentence, the interrupting phrase in actuality is also set off with a pair of commas (the first of which shifts the comma from before a conjunction to after). The right answer is not Choice (A) because president should not be capitalized, William Howard Taft should be set off with a pair of commas, White House should be capitalized, and the comma before but is unnecessary. The right answer is not Choice (C) because you need in which, not of which, and president should not be capitalized. The right answer is not Choice (D) because William Howard Taft should be set off with two commas, White House should be capitalized, and no comma is necessary before is. The right answer is not Choice (E) because William Howard Taft should be set off with two commas, president should not be capitalized, and White House should be capitalized.
Some say that Chicago earned the nickname of "the Windy City" due to the weather, while others' claim the term is a reference to the infamous blustering of its politicians. No error. A Windy City B others' claim C is a reference D its politicians E No error.
b Solution The noun others is the subject of the verb claim (rather than claim being a noun that others possesses), so it doesn't need to be possessive — there should be no apostrophe. The right answer is not Choice (A) because, even though it is only a nickname, "Windy City" is still a proper noun, so it is correct to capitalize it. The right answer is not Choice (C) because to is the correct preposition to use in this context: The term is a reference to the politicians' behavior. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the possessive its is intended here, so it should be spelled without the apostrophe. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
The treasurer of the society devoted to the upkeep and preservation of historic disc-golf courses were delighted by, but unsure of how best to allocate, the sudden influx of donations. No error. A society devoted B were C of how D to allocate E No error.
b Solution The subject is treasurer, which is singular, so the verb should be was, not were. The right answer is not Choice (A) because "devoted to the upkeep . . ." is an adjectival phrase modifying society, so this construction is correct. The right answer is not Choice (C) because "unsure of how best to allocate" is perfectly correct even though it may be a bit more formal than everyday speech. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the infinitive is correct in this context. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
Discouraged by the fact that the old-fashioned coach discouraged controversial subject matter, Samantha's decision to quit the speech team was final. A Discouraged by the fact that the old-fashioned coach discouraged controversial subject matter, Samantha's decision to quit the speech team was final. B Discouraged by the fact that the old-fashioned coach discouraged controversial subject matter, Samantha decided to quit the speech team. C She was discouraged by the fact that the old-fashioned coach discouraged controversial subject matter, Samantha decided to quit the speech team. D As she was discouraged by the fact that the old-fashioned coach discouraged controversial subject matter, a decision to quit the speech team was made by Samantha. E Being discouraged by the fact that the old-fashioned coach discouraged controversial subject matter, the speech team was quit by Samantha.
b Solution This is a "misplaced modifier" question. When there is an initial dependent descriptive clause, the noun that is being described has to begin the subsequent independent clause. Samantha is who or what was discouraged, so this choice is correct because Samantha is the noun that begins the second clause. The right answer is not Choice (A) because, although the word Samantha appears to open the independent clause, it's possessive, so the subject of the independent clause here is actually Samantha's decision. Her decision wasn't what was discouraged — Samantha herself was — so this is a misplaced modifier. The right answer is not Choice (C) because it's a comma splice, a very serious grammatical error. You can't have two independent clauses joined with only a comma and no conjunction. The right answer is not Choice (D) for two reasons. First and most importantly, the sentence contains a misplaced modifier, because a decision was not who or what was discouraged (Samantha herself was). Secondly, the independent clause is in the passive voice, which is considered awkward: Why would you say a decision was made by Samantha instead of Samantha decided? The right answer is not Choice (E) for three reasons. Firstly, the word being is unnecessary and can simply be omitted. Secondly, the sentence contains a misplaced modifier, because the speech team is not who or what was discouraged (Samantha was). Thirdly, the independent clause is in the passive voice: Why would you say the speech team was quit by Samantha instead of Samantha quit the speech team?
Though I now admit that the details of the story are possibly unreliably, I maintain that the person from whom I first heard it is usually trustworthy. No error. A are B unreliably C the person from whom D trustworthy E No error.
b Solution You need an adjective instead of an adverb: The details of the story are unreliable, not unreliably. The right answer is not Choice (A) because the plural verb are agrees with the plural noun details (it's next to the singular story, but of the story is a prepositional phrase that must be jumped). The right answer is not Choice (C) because, as the pronoun is the object of the preposition from, the objective-case whom is correct. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the adjective trustworthy (modifying the noun person) is correct in this context. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
Assuming that all have been consulted while writing the paper, which of the following types of sources do NOT need to be listed in a Works Cited page? A secondary sources B YouTube videos C dictionaries used to look up words in primary sources D noncopyrighted blogs E any sources from which the author did not quote directly
c Solution Students are not required to list dictionaries that they merely used to look up words in a Works Cited page. Technically, you should list a dictionary in the Works Cited page if you quoted directly from the dictionary, but instructors generally dissuade students from quoting the dictionary in papers. The right answer is not Choice (A) because secondary sources refers to all the sources consulted aside from the primary text that the paper is about — so you sure had better list those! The right answer is not Choice (B) because, even though they're on the Internet (and often silly), if you did indeed use YouTube videos as sources, then you need to list them in the Works Cited page like any other source. The right answer is not Choice (D) because sources still need to be cited even if they're not copyrighted. As for the fact that they are blogs, citation format doesn't discriminate against the Internet — sources are sources. The right answer is not Choice (E) because you need to list all consulted sources in the Works Cited page, regardless of whether you quoted from them directly. Only quoted sources would end up with in-text citations, but quoted and nonquoted sources alike belong in the Works Cited page.
Some of the homeowners who lived right on the park were opposed to the construction of a new playground, but none of they're arguments had any affect on the excited parents. A none of they're arguments had any affect B none of there arguments had any affect C none of their arguments had any effect D none of they're arguments had any effect E none of their arguments had any affect
c Solution The third-person plural possessive pronoun is spelled their, and the noun that means "result" is spelled effect. The right answer is not Choice (A) because they're means "they are," and because affect (with an "a") is a verb. The right answer is not Choice (B) because there is the noun for a place, not the possessive, and because affect (with an "a") is a verb. The right answer is not Choice (D) because they're means "they are." The right answer is not Choice (E) because affect (with an "a") is a verb.
Both stories are extremely popular, and still, most people don't realize that King Edward I, who was the antagonist from Mel Gibson's Braveheart and was the grandson of the equally sinister Prince John of so many Robin Hood films. A Both stories are extremely popular, and still, most people don't realize that King Edward I, who was the antagonist from Mel Gibson's Braveheart and was the grandson of the equally sinister Prince John of so many Robin Hood films. B Both stories are extremely popular, but most people don't realize that King Edward I, the antagonist from Mel Gibson's Braveheart, and he was the grandson of the equally sinister Prince John of so many Robin Hood films. C Though both stories are extremely popular, most people don't realize that King Edward I, the antagonist from Mel Gibson's Braveheart, was the grandson of the equally sinister Prince John of so many Robin Hood films. D Both stories are extremely popular, however, most people don't realize that King Edward I, who was the antagonist from Mel Gibson's Braveheart, and the grandson of the equally sinister Prince John of so many Robin Hood films. E Despite the fact that both stories are extremely popular, yet most people don't realize that King Edward I, the antagonist from Mel Gibson's Braveheart, was the grandson of the equally sinister Prince John of so many Robin Hood films.
c Solution This sentence correctly and coherently presents a single independent clause interrupted by an appositive clause (set off with two commas) and preceded by an introductory clause (followed by a comma). The right answer is not Choice (A) because the unnecessary addition of who (and its preceding comma) means that the sentence has no main verb. The right answer is not Choice (B) because the unnecessary addition of and he after the appositive means that the first independent clause has no main verb. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the sentence contains a comma splice (at the however), and because the substitution of and for was later in the sentence robs the main clause of its verb. The right answer is not Choice (E) because this sentence "doubles up" on its conjunctions: The first clause begins with the subordinating conjunction despite, and the second begins with the coordinating conjunction yet (you need one or the other, but not both).
It was in the late 1970s, that films like Jaws, and Star Wars radically changed the movie industry by ushering in the era of the big-budget, high-concept blockbuster. A It was in the late 1970s, that films like Jaws, and Star Wars radically changed the movie industry by ushering in the era of the big-budget, high-concept blockbuster. B It was in the late 1970s, films like Jaws and Star Wars, they radically changed the movie industry by ushering in the era of the big-budget high-concept blockbuster. C In the late 1970s, films like Jaws and Star Wars radically changed the movie industry by ushering in the era of the big-budget, high-concept blockbuster. D Late 1970s films like Jaws and Star Wars radically changed the movie industry, they ushered in the era of the big-budget high-concept blockbuster. E The late 1970s, when films like Jaws, and Star Wars, radically changed the movie industry and ushered in the era of the big-budget, high-concept blockbuster.
c Solution This sentence correctly presents a single independent clause preceded by an introductory clause that is followed by a comma, and it correctly separates the adjectives big-budget and high-concept with a single comma. The right answer is not Choice (A) because the essential that clause does not need to be preceded by a comma, and no comma is necessary before the and that separates the titles Jaws and Star Wars. The right answer is not Choice (B) because this sentence contains a comma splice (the first and third clauses are independent, and there are no conjunctions), and there needs to be a comma between the adjectives big-budget and high-concept. The right answer is not Choice (D) because this sentence contains a comma splice, and there needs to be a comma between the adjectives big-budget and high-concept. The right answer is not Choice (E) because the sentence has no main verb and the commas after the titles of the two films are unnecessary.
Islamabad, the ninth-largest city in Pakistan, is the only world capitol that has a name beginning with the letter "I." No error. A ninth-largest B Pakistan, is C world capitol D has a name beginning E No error.
c Solution When talking about a capital city, the word capital is spelled with an "a," rather than with an "o." The right answer is not Choice (A) because it's correct to hyphenate ninth-largest as a single adjective modifying city. The right answer is not Choice (B) because a comma is correct here, as it marks the end of the appositive clause. The right answer is not Choice (D) because, while it would also be correct to say a name that begins with, it is equally acceptable to say a name beginning with. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
It didn't sell very many copies, but I thought the album was one of the best-produced musical endeavors in which I have ever heard. No error. A very many B best-produced C in which D have ever heard E No error.
c Solution You don't hear in an album; you just hear an album, so the addition of in is unnecessary and incorrect. Plus, which is used incorrectly here; the phrase should read "that I have ever heard." The right answer is not Choice (A) because very many is a perfectly clear and correct instance of an adverb modifying an adjective. The right answer is not Choice (B) because best-produced forms a two-word adjective here (in which the first word is not an adverb), so it should be hyphenated. The right answer is not Choice (D) because present-perfect have ever heard is correct in this context. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in the sentence.
The herd had herd that they're principle their had no principles, but he complimented me on the fact that my shirt complements my eyes. A The herd had herd that they're principle their had no principles, but he complemented me on the fact that my shirt compliments my eyes. B The heard had heard that their principal there had no principles, but he complemented me on the fact that my shirt compliments my eyes. C The herd had heard that there principal there had no principals, but he complimented me on the fact that my shirt compliments my eyes. D The herd had heard that their principal there had no principles, but he complimented me on the fact that my shirt complements my eyes. E The heard had herd that their principle they're had no principals, but he complemented me on the fact that my shirt complements my eyes.
d Solution Everything is spelled correctly in this sentence: Herd means group, while heard is the past tense of hear; their is the possessive, and there is a place; a principal is in charge of a school, whereas a principle is a belief; and a compliment is a nice thing to say, but to complement is to match. The right answer is not Choice (A) because the second herd should be heard; they're should be their, and their should be there; the first principle should be principal; and compliment and complement are reversed. The right answer is not Choice (B) because the first heard should be herd, and complement and compliment are reversed. The right answer is not Choice (C) because the first there should be their, principals should be principles, and compliments should be complements. The right answer is not Choice (E) because herd and heard are reversed, they're should be there, principals should be principles, and complemented should be complimented.
The town and its nearby lake are beautiful, but unfortunately, we have to get up early for work tomorrow, so please take Chris and I home now. No error. A are B unfortunately C to get up D and I E No error.
d Solution It should be take Chris and me home, because take is a verb, and both Chris and the speaker are objects of the verb. The right answer is not Choice (A) because two things are beautiful (the town and the lake), so the plural are is correct. The right answer is not Choice (B) because the adverb unfortunately is correctly used here to describe a state of affairs that the speaker laments (having to get up early). The right answer is not Choice (C) because we have to get up early is perfectly correct. The "no error" questions will frequently underline infinitives, because people are often suspicious of them, but that doesn't mean they're always wrong. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in the sentence.
Before the group entered the White House, the tour guide reminded Laura and her friends to keep careful track of which cameras were their's. No error. A White House B tour guide C of which cameras D their's E No error.
d Solution The possessive adjective theirs does not require an apostrophe. The right answer is not Choice (A) because capitalizing White House is correct, as it is the name of a specific place. The right answer is not Choice (B) because capitalizing tour guide isn't necessary, as it's the name of a job and not a specific proper noun. The right answer is not Choice (C) because no commas or any other changes are necessary in this portion of the sentence. It is correct as it is. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
Nowadays, people harbor a great many misconceptions about history: for instance, Vikings didn't really wear horned helmets, and Ninjas didn't actually wear black suits. No error. A Nowadays B harbor a great many C Vikings D Ninjas E No error.
d Solution There's no need for ninjas to be capitalized, although it's correct to capitalize Vikings: The term "ninja" refers to just a job, whereas "Viking" is an ethnicity. The right answer is not Choice (A) because nowadays is both spelled correctly and appropriately followed by a comma. The right answer is not Choice (B) because harbor is correctly used as a verb meaning "possess," and a great many is an acceptable formal expression meaning "a lot of." The right answer is not Choice (C) because, as it is an ethnicity, it's correct to capitalize Viking. The right answer is not Choice (E) because there is, in fact, an error in this sentence.
It is made from a mash that contains more than 50 percent corn, bourbon is the only variety of liquor that was invented in the United States. A It is made from a mash that contains more than 50 percent corn, bourbon is the only variety of liquor that was invented in the United States. B Since it is made from a mash that contains more than 50 percent corn, so bourbon is the only variety of liquor that was invented in the United States. C Because bourbon is the only variety of liquor that was invented in the United States, it is made from a mash that contains more than 50 percent corn. D Made from a mash that contains more than 50 percent corn, bourbon is the only variety of liquor that was invented in the United States. E Made from a mash that contains more than 50 percent corn, the United States can claim bourbon as its only native variety of liquor.
d Solution This sentence correctly presents a main independent clause preceded by a modifying clause and a comma, and the independent clause correctly opens with the noun that is being described in the modifying clause (thereby avoiding a misplaced modifier). The right answer is not Choice (A) because this sentence contains a comma splice. The right answer is not Choice (B) because both clauses begin with conjunctions. The right answer is not Choice (C) because, although the sentence is grammatically correct, it doesn't say what you want it to mean: The fact that bourbon was invented in the U.S. is not the reason it is made from corn. The right answer is not Choice (E) because this sentence contains a misplaced modifier: The United States is not made from corn; bourbon is.
Most people think of them as prehistoric animals, however, a population of Wooly Mammoths survived on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean until about 4,000 years ago. A Most people think of them as prehistoric animals, however, a population of Wooly Mammoths survived on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean until about 4,000 years ago. B Most people think of them as prehistoric animals, but a population of Wooly Mammoths survived on Wrangel island in the Arctic ocean until about 4,000 years ago. C Even though most people think of them as prehistoric animals, and yet a population of wooly mammoths survived on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean until about 4,000 years ago. D Despite the fact that most people think of them as Prehistoric Animals, a population of Wooly Mammoths survived on Wrangel island in the Arctic ocean, until about 4,000 years ago. E Though most people think of them as prehistoric animals, a population of wooly mammoths survived on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean until about 4,000 years ago.
e Solution Choice (E) is a grammatically correct sentence in which proper rules of capitalization are observed. The right answer is not Choice (A) because however is an adverb, not a coordinating conjunction; it may not be used to join two independent clauses. Additionally, wooly mammoths should not be capitalized. The right answer is not Choice (B) because the words island and ocean should be capitalized, as Wrangel Island and Arctic Ocean are both proper nouns, and because wooly mammoths should not be capitalized. The right answer is not Choice (C) because neither clause is independent: The first begins with even though, and the second begins with and yet. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the words island and ocean should be capitalized, as Wrangel Island and Arctic Ocean are both proper nouns, and because wooly mammoths should not be capitalized. Furthermore, an unnecessary comma is inserted before the prepositional "until" phrase.
In about 6 billion years, the Sun will exhaust its supply of hydrogen and expand into a red giant, and consume all the planets of our solar system, then collapse into a white dwarf. A and consume all the planets of our solar system, then collapse B it will consume all the planets of our solar system and then collapse C and it will consume all the planets of our solar system; then collapse D consuming all the planets of our solar system and then it will collapse E consuming all the planets of our solar system before collapsing
e Solution The participial forms consuming and collapsing are appropriate to the afterthought clause that ends the sentence. The right answer is not Choice (A) because the and should not have a comma before it (even if it didn't, the sentence as phrased would still be awkward). The right answer is not Choice (B) because it forms a comma splice. The right answer is not Choice (C) because a semicolon here would not separate two independent clauses (the then clause is not independent). The right answer is not Choice (D) because the afterthought clause's structure isn't parallel.
Although it's true that Babe Ruth was a formidable pitcher for the Red Sox before being traded to the Yankees, rule changes that took effect in 1920 and negatively affected pitchers might have rendered his pitching performance less impressive had he not switched to the outfield. No error. A being traded B rule changes that took effect C negatively affected pitchers D had he not switched E No error.
e Solution There is no error in this sentence. The right answer is not Choice (A) because while you should always be wary of being, it is correct in this context (you could also say before he was traded, but before being traded isn't wrong). The right answer is not Choice (B) because the subordinate that clause correctly modifies rule changes, the verb of which is took effect. The right answer is not Choice (C) because the spelling of the verb affected with an "a" is correct here. The right answer is not Choice (D) because had he not switched means the same thing as if he hadn't switched, and either would be correct.
Richard Nixon, the 37th President, was the first to visit the far east while in office. A Richard Nixon, the 37th President, was the first to visit the far east while in office. B Richard Nixon, the 37th President was the first to visit the Far East while in office. C Richard Nixon, the 37th president was the first to visit the far east while in office. D Richard Nixon the 37th president, was the first to visit the Far East while in office. E Richard Nixon, the 37th president, was the first to visit the Far East while in office.
e Solution This question is testing you on three things: where the commas (if any) should go, whether the word president needs to be capitalized, and whether the term Far East needs to be capitalized. Firstly, as an appositive, the 37th president needs to be set off with a pair of commas. Secondly, because it's not being used as a title (in other words, it doesn't precede the name), president doesn't need to be capitalized here. Thirdly, Far East does need to be capitalized, because it refers to a specific region of the globe rather than to a relative cardinal direction. The right answer is not Choice (A) because president should not be capitalized and Far East should. The right answer is not Choice (B) because president should not be capitalized, and because the sentence is missing the necessary comma after the appositive clause. The right answer is not Choice (C) because Far East should be capitalized, and because the sentence is missing the necessary comma after the appositive clause. The right answer is not Choice (D) because the sentence is missing the necessary comma preceding the appositive clause.
