ACT English

The committee, along with several prominent experts in the field, (has, have) issued a statement regarding the recent findings.Which verb correctly completes the sentence? a) has b) have

A) Has. The subject of the sentence is "committee," which is singular. The phrase "along with several prominent experts in the field" is a prepositional phrase and does not affect the number of the subject. Therefore, "has" is correct.

Neither the manager nor the employees (is, are) satisfied with (his or her, their) current work conditions. Which set of verbs and pronouns correctly completes the sentence? a) is / his or her b) are / their c) is / their d) are / his or her

B) are / their. The subject "employees" is closer to the verb, making it plural ("are"). Since "employees" is plural, the pronoun must also be plural ("their"), ensuring proper agreement.

By the time the committee (announces, announced) its decision, most of the members (have, had) already made up their minds. Which verb forms correctly complete the sentence? a) announces / have b) announced / had c) announced / have d) announces / had

B) announced / had. The phrase "By the time" signals a shift to past perfect ("had made up") to indicate that the decision was already settled before the committee announced it.

The scientist's new theory was received (positive, positively) by the academic community, but some critics remained (skeptical, skeptically).Which set of modifiers correctly completes the sentence? a) positive / skeptical b) positive / skeptically c) positively / skeptical d) positively / skeptically

C) positively / skeptical "Received" is a verb, so it requires an adverb ("positively")."Remained" is a linking verb, meaning it should be followed by an adjective ("skeptical").

Unlike other classical composers, Beethoven's symphonies (was, were) significantly more dynamic and emotionally expressive. Which correction makes the sentence logically correct? a) No change b) Unlike those of other classical composers, Beethoven's symphonies were significantly more dynamic and emotionally expressive. c) Unlike Beethoven, other classical composers' symphonies were significantly less dynamic and expressive. d) Unlike Beethoven's symphonies, other classical composers were significantly less dynamic and expressive.

B) Unlike those of other classical composers, Beethoven's symphonies were significantly more dynamic and emotionally expressive. The original sentence illogically compares Beethoven himself to symphonies. The correct sentence properly compares symphonies to symphonies ("those of other composers").

The researchers had been analyzing the data for weeks, they finally reached a conclusion. Which revision correctly fixes the comma splice? a) The researchers had been analyzing the data for weeks. They finally reached a conclusion. b) The researchers had been analyzing the data for weeks; they finally reached a conclusion. c) The researchers had been analyzing the data for weeks, and they finally reached a conclusion. d) All of the above

D) All of the above A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma. The correct ways to fix this include: Using a period to separate the clauses. Using a semicolon to join them. Adding a conjunction like "and" to link them properly.

The course required students to read complex texts, write analytical essays, and (conducting, conduct) original research. Which revision maintains proper parallel structure? a) No change b) conduct c) to conduct d) conducting

B) conduct. The sentence follows a parallel pattern: "to read, write, and conduct." All three verbs should be in the same base form without "to" since "to read" and "write" already establish the infinitive structure.

At this point in time, the committee is currently reviewing the proposal.Which revision best eliminates redundancy? a) The committee is reviewing the proposal at this point in time. b) At this time, the committee is currently reviewing the proposal. c) The committee is currently reviewing the proposal.d) The committee is reviewing the proposal.

D) The committee is reviewing the proposal. "At this point in time" and "currently" are redundant because "reviewing" already implies an ongoing process. The most concise and effective version removes unnecessary words.

She almost drove her sister to school every morning. Which revision corrects the misplaced modifier? a) Almost every morning, she drove her sister to school. b) She drove her sister almost to school every morning. c) She drove almost her sister to school every morning. d) No change

A) Almost every morning, she drove her sister to school. In the original sentence, "almost" incorrectly modifies "drove", making it seem like she nearly drove but didn't. The correct revision ensures "almost" modifies "every morning," which is the intended meaning.

The professor gave extra credit to both my friend and (I, me) after class. Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence? a) I b) me

B) me. The phrase "to both my friend and me" uses the objective case ("me") because it follows the preposition "to." A common mistake is using "I" in compound phrases, but "I" is only used as a subject.

Each of the students must bring (his or her, their) own calculator for the exam. Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence? a) his or her b) their

A) his or her. The subject "Each" is singular, so it requires a singular pronoun. "Their" is incorrect because it is plural.

Between the two competing brands, consumers found that Brand A was the (better, best) choice. Which adjective correctly completes the sentence? a) better b) best

A) better "Between" refers to two items, so we use the comparative form "better" instead of the superlative "best," which applies to three or more.

By the time we arrived, the guests (left, had left) the party.Which verb correctly completes the sentence? a) left b) had left

B) had left The phrase "By the time" signals an action completed before another past event, requiring past perfect ("had left") instead of simple past.

To prepare for the competition, the athletes trained rigorously, followed a strict diet, and (practicing, practiced) mindfulness techniques. Which verb correctly completes the sentence? a) practicing b) practiced

B) practiced.To maintain parallel structure, all verbs in the list should be in the same tense. "Trained" and "followed" are in past tense, so "practiced" must match.

She couldn't find her keys nowhere in the house.Which revision eliminates the double negative? a) She couldn't find her keys anywhere in the house. b) She could find her keys nowhere in the house. c) She couldn't find no keys in the house.d) No change

A) She couldn't find her keys anywhere in the house."Couldn't" is already negative, so using "nowhere" creates a double negative, which makes the sentence incorrect. "Anywhere" is the correct replacement.

Covered in thick fog, the driver could barely see the road ahead. Which revision correctly places the modifier? a) The driver could barely see the road ahead, which was covered in thick fog. b) Covered in thick fog, the road ahead was barely visible to the driver. c) The driver, barely able to see, noticed the road ahead was covered in thick fog. d) No change

B) Covered in thick fog, the road ahead was barely visible to the driver. The original sentence suggests that the driver was covered in fog, which is incorrect. The modifier should describe "the road ahead."

After Sarah spoke with Lisa, she said she would arrive early.Which revision clarifies the ambiguous pronoun?a) After Sarah spoke with Lisa, Lisa said she would arrive early. b) After speaking with Lisa, Sarah said she would arrive early. c) Sarah told Lisa that she, Sarah, would arrive early. d) No change

C) Sarah told Lisa that she, Sarah, would arrive early.The original sentence is ambiguous because "she" could refer to either Sarah or Lisa. The revision explicitly states that Sarah is arriving early.

Unlike my sister, my math scores were much higher this semester. Which revision corrects the illogical comparison? a) Unlike my sister, I had much higher math scores this semester. b) My math scores were much higher this semester than my sister's were. c) Unlike my sister's, my math scores were much higher this semester.d) No change

C) Unlike my sister's, my math scores were much higher this semester. The original sentence incorrectly compares "my sister" to "my math scores" instead of comparing "my sister's math scores" to mine. The correction ensures a logical comparison.

She is not only a talented musician but also (writes, a talented writer). Which phrase correctly completes the sentence? a) writes b) a talented writer

B) a talented writer. "Not only... but also..." requires parallel structure. "A talented musician" is a noun phrase, so "a talented writer" must match.

While running to catch the bus, the backpack slipped off my shoulder.Which revision eliminates the dangling modifier? a) While running to catch the bus, I felt my backpack slip off my shoulder.b) The backpack slipped off my shoulder while I was running to catch the bus. c) While running to catch the bus, my backpack slipped off my shoulder.d) No change

A) While running to catch the bus, I felt my backpack slip off my shoulder.The original sentence suggests that the backpack was running—a dangling modifier. The correction makes it clear that I was the one running.

She is responsible (of, for) managing the company's finances.Which preposition is correct? a) of b) for

B) for. The correct idiomatic phrase is "responsible for", not "responsible of."Prepositions in idioms must be memorized.

If I (was, were) the president, I would implement new policies.Which verb correctly completes the sentence? a) was b) were

B) were The sentence expresses a hypothetical situation, which requires the subjunctive mood ("were"), rather than the indicative "was."

I prefer (to read, reading) before bed. Which verb form is correct? a) to read b) reading

B) Reading.Some verbs, like "prefer," are followed by gerunds rather than infinitives. "Prefer reading" is the correct usage.

There were (fewer, less) students in class today than yesterday. Which word correctly completes the sentence? a) fewer b) less

A) fewer. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns ("students"), while "less" is used for uncountable nouns like "water" or "money."

Each of the books (is, are) missing a cover. Which verb correctly completes the sentence? a) is b) are

A) Is. "Each" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("is").

This is the most fastest route to school.Which revision eliminates the redundancy? a) This is the fastest route to school. b) This is the more faster route to school. c) This is the most fast route to school. d) No change

A) This is the fastest route to school.The word "fastest" is already superlative, so "most" is redundant.

She (runs, ran) to the store and bought groceries. Which verb is correct? a) runs b) ran

B) ran "Bought" is in past tense, so "ran" must match for tense consistency.

Before the sun set (I, I,) took a long walk along the beach. Where should the comma be placed? a) Before "I" b) After "set" c) No change

B) After "set" Introductory phrases should be followed by a comma to clarify the sentence. The correct sentence is: "Before the sun set, I took a long walk along the beach."

She wanted to stay up late (but, however) she had an early meeting. Which punctuation correctly fixes the sentence? a) She wanted to stay up late, however she had an early meeting. b) She wanted to stay up late; however, she had an early meeting. c) She wanted to stay up late however, she had an early meeting.

B) She wanted to stay up late; however, she had an early meeting. A semicolon must be used before "however" when joining two independent clauses.

All of the (students, student's, students') books were on the table. Which option is correct? a) students b) student's c) students'

C) students' The books belong to multiple students, so the apostrophe must be placed after the "s" to show plural possession.

She packed everything she needed (a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight.) Which punctuation correctly introduces the list? a) No change b) She packed everything she needed: a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight. c) She packed: everything she needed—a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight.

B) She packed everything she needed: a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight. A colon should be used after an independent clause to introduce a list.

I finally finished my essay (a huge relief to say the least) and submitted it.Which punctuation correctly sets off the phrase? a) I finally finished my essay—a huge relief, to say the least—and submitted it. b) I finally finished my essay—a huge relief to say the least—and submitted it. c) I finally finished my essay, a huge relief to say the least—and submitted it.

B) I finally finished my essay—a huge relief to say the least—and submitted it. Dashes are used to add emphasis or set apart nonessential information.

I love writing, it helps me express my thoughts.Which correction avoids the comma splice? a) I love writing. It helps me express my thoughts. b) I love writing; it helps me express my thoughts. c) I love writing, and it helps me express my thoughts. d) All of the above

D) All of the above. All three options correctly fix the comma splice by either using a period, semicolon, or conjunction.

My brother (who is a great cook always makes) dinner on Sundays.Which revision correctly places commas? a) My brother, who is a great cook, always makes dinner on Sundays. b) My brother who is a great cook, always makes dinner on Sundays. c) My brother, who is a great cook always makes dinner, on Sundays.

A) My brother, who is a great cook, always makes dinner on Sundays.The phrase "who is a great cook" is nonessential, so it must be set off by commas.

She bought a (well designed, well-designed) backpack. Which version is correct? a) well designed b) well-designed

B) well-designed When two words work together as a single adjective before a noun, they should be hyphenated.

We need eggs milk and butter from the store. Which revision correctly adds commas? a) We need eggs, milk, and butter from the store. b) We need eggs milk, and butter from the store. c) We need eggs, milk and butter, from the store.

A) We need eggs, milk, and butter from the store.The Oxford comma (before "and") is often preferred for clarity.

Original Quote: "She was the best chef in the city, admired by everyone for her creativity and talent." Which version correctly uses ellipses to omit words? a) "She was the best chef... admired by everyone for her creativity and talent." b) "She was the best chef in the city... for her creativity and talent." c) "She was the best chef in the city, admired... for her creativity and talent."

A) "She was the best chef... admired by everyone for her creativity and talent." Ellipses indicate omitted words without changing the meaning of the quote.

We visited Paris, France (London, England, and Rome, Italy). Which punctuation correctly organizes the complex list? a) We visited Paris, France; London, England; and Rome, Italy. b) We visited Paris; France; London; England; and Rome, Italy. c) We visited Paris, France, London, England, and Rome, Italy.

A) We visited Paris, France; London, England; and Rome, Italy. Semicolons separate items in a list when commas are already used within those items.

He always said (never give up on your dreams). Which revision correctly introduces the quote? a) He always said, "Never give up on your dreams." b) He always said: "Never give up on your dreams." c) He always said—"Never give up on your dreams."

B) He always said: "Never give up on your dreams." A colon introduces a quote when the preceding clause is independent.

My sister (who just turned 16 has been driving) every day. Which revision correctly places parentheses? a) My sister (who just turned 16) has been driving every day. b) My sister, who just turned 16 (has been driving) every day. c) My sister (who just turned 16, has been driving) every day.

A) My sister (who just turned 16) has been driving every day. Parentheses set off extra information without interrupting the main sentence.

Running through the forest with the wind in my hair. How should the sentence be corrected? a) No change b) Add a subject c) Add a main verb d) Add both a subject and a main verb

D) Add both a subject and a main verb "Running through the forest with the wind in my hair" is a fragment because it lacks a main subject and verb to complete the thought. A corrected version might be: "I was running through the forest with the wind in my hair."

She wanted to go to the store she forgot her wallet. Which correction avoids a run-on sentence? a) She wanted to go to the store. She forgot her wallet.b) She wanted to go to the store; she forgot her wallet. c) She wanted to go to the store, but she forgot her wallet. d) All of the above

D) All of the above. A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are improperly joined. It can be fixed by: Using a period (two separate sentences), Using a semicolon (connecting related ideas), Using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, etc.)

She enjoys swimming, hiking, and (to ride, riding) her bike. Which revision maintains parallel structure? a) She enjoys swimming, hiking, and to ride her bike. b) She enjoys swimming, hiking, and riding her bike. c) She enjoys to swim, hiking, and riding her bike.

B) She enjoys swimming, hiking, and riding her bike. In a list, all verbs should follow the same grammatical form. "Swimming" and "hiking" are gerunds, so "riding" must also be a gerund.

She found a gold necklace in the store (that was expensive). Which correction avoids the misplaced modifier? a) She found a gold necklace that was expensive in the store. b) She found a gold necklace in the store that was expensive. c) She found a gold necklace, which was expensive, in the store.

C) She found a gold necklace, which was expensive, in the store. The phrase "which was expensive" should clearly describe "gold necklace", not "store". Placing the modifier correctly eliminates ambiguity.

Walking to school, (the rain soaked my clothes, I was soaked by the rain). Which correction avoids the dangling modifier? a) The rain soaked my clothes walking to school. b) Walking to school, the rain soaked my clothes. c) Walking to school, I was soaked by the rain.

C) Walking to school, I was soaked by the rain. The modifier "Walking to school" must describe "I", not "the rain." The best choice clarifies who was walking.

The team lost the game. They played their best. Which revision correctly shows subordination? a) The team lost the game, and they played their best. b) Even though the team played their best, they lost the game. c) The team played their best, they lost the game.

B) Even though the team played their best, they lost the game. Using "Even though" creates a subordinate clause, showing contrast between the two ideas.

He (didn't see nothing, didn't see anything) unusual in the report. Which version is correct?a) He didn't see nothing unusual in the report. b) He didn't see anything unusual in the report.

B) He didn't see anything unusual in the report. "Didn't" is already negative, so adding "nothing" creates a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect.

The reason why she was late is because her alarm didn't go off. Which revision is most concise? a) The reason why she was late is because her alarm didn't go off. b) She was late because her alarm didn't go off. c) Due to the fact that her alarm didn't go off, she was late.

B) She was late because her alarm didn't go off. The original sentence is wordy. "The reason why" and "is because" are redundant. The best option keeps the meaning but removes unnecessary words.

The chef prepared the dish, which took three hours, using organic ingredients from his farm. Which revision removes unnecessary details? a) The chef prepared the dish using organic ingredients from his farm. b) The chef prepared the dish, which took three hours, using ingredients. c) The chef prepared the dish, taking three hours, using organic ingredients.

A) The chef prepared the dish using organic ingredients from his farm. The phrase "which took three hours" does not contribute to the sentence's main focus (the organic ingredients), so it should be removed for clarity.

The company increased its revenue. It launched a successful marketing campaign. Which revision improves sentence logic? a) The company increased its revenue because it launched a successful marketing campaign. b) The company increased its revenue, launching a successful marketing campaign. c) The company launched a successful marketing campaign, increasing its revenue.

C) The company launched a successful marketing campaign, increasing its revenue.The sentence must follow logical order—first, the company launched the campaign, then revenue increased. The best option reflects this cause-effect relationship.

She trained hard for months. (However, Consequently, Meanwhile), she won the race. Which transition best connects the ideas? a) However b) Consequently c) Meanwhile

B) Consequently. "She won the race" is the result of training hard, so "Consequently" is the correct transition. "However" introduces contrast, which doesn't fit, and "Meanwhile" suggests simultaneous actions.

Original: The scientist conducted an experiment and discovered a breakthrough.Which revision enhances clarity? a) The scientist discovered a breakthrough and conducted an experiment. b) The scientist conducted an experiment that led to a breakthrough. c) A breakthrough was discovered by the scientist in an experiment.

B) The scientist conducted an experiment that led to a breakthrough. This revision clarifies cause and effect, ensuring the breakthrough logically follows the experiment.

The research was super cool, and it totally changed how we look at physics. Which revision maintains a formal tone? a) The research was extremely interesting and significantly altered our understanding of physics. b) The research was cool and changed how we view physics. c) The research was awesome and made physics different.

A) The research was extremely interesting and significantly altered our understanding of physics. The original sentence uses informal language ("super cool," "totally"). The best choice replaces casual words with academic language.

The mayor announced new policies to improve public transportation, including increased bus routes and station upgrades. She also mentioned her favorite coffee shop. Which revision removes irrelevant details? a) The mayor announced new policies to improve public transportation, including increased bus routes and station upgrades. b) The mayor, who loves coffee, announced new transportation policies.c) The mayor announced new policies to improve public transportation and mentioned her favorite coffee shop.

A) The mayor announced new policies to improve public transportation, including increased bus routes and station upgrades. The mention of her favorite coffee shop is irrelevant and distracts from the sentence's main idea.

The new recycling program has reduced waste by 30% in one year. Schools have added new recycling bins, and businesses have partnered with environmental groups. Additionally, the city built a new skate park downtown. Which revision maintains focus? a) The new recycling program has reduced waste by 30% in one year. Schools have added new recycling bins, and businesses have partnered with environmental groups. b) The new recycling program has reduced waste, and a new skate park was built. c) The city built a skate park, and businesses have focused on recycling.

A) The new recycling program has reduced waste by 30% in one year. Schools have added new recycling bins, and businesses have partnered with environmental groups. The skate park is off-topic and does not contribute to the paragraph's main idea (the recycling program).

The hurricane caused (big, devastating, some) damage to the coastal town. Which word is most precise? a) big b) devastating c) some

B) Devastating. "Big" is too vague, and "some" understates the destruction. "Devastating" accurately conveys the severity of the hurricane's impact

The company has expanded into international markets and increased its profits significantly. Which sentence best concludes the paragraph? a) The company has also been considering new office locations. b) As a result, it is now one of the leading global businesses in its industry. c) Profits are important for companies.

B) As a result, it is now one of the leading global businesses in its industry. A good conclusion summarizes key points and reinforces the main idea. This choice directly ties back to the company's expansion and growth.

Many students benefit from extracurricular activities. Which sentence best adds support? a) Studies show that students in extracurriculars have higher GPAs and better time management skills. b) Extracurricular activities exist in many schools. c) Some students like sports while others prefer music.

A) Studies show that students in extracurriculars have higher GPAs and better time management skills. A strong supporting detail adds evidence that directly connects to the main idea. The other options are too vague or off-topic.

The scientist conducted an experiment to test the hypothesis, and she tested the hypothesis with an experiment. Which revision eliminates redundancy? a) The scientist conducted an experiment to test the hypothesis. b) The scientist tested the hypothesis with an experiment. c) The scientist conducted an experiment and tested a hypothesis.

A) The scientist conducted an experiment to test the hypothesis. The original sentence repeats the same idea twice. The best revision removes unnecessary repetition while keeping the meaning.

(1) The final product was a huge success.(2)The team brainstormed ideas for weeks. (3) They tested multiple prototypes. Which order makes the most logical sense? a) 1, 2, 3 b) 2, 3, 1 c) 3, 2, 1

B) 2, 3, 1. The correct sequence follows a logical process: brainstorming → testing prototypes → final success.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and (to hike, hiking). Which word maintains parallel structure? a) to hike b) hiking

B) hiking. All items in the list should use the same grammatical form. "Reading" and "painting" are gerunds, so "hiking" should also be a gerund.

Sarah told Emily that she won the award. Which revision makes the sentence clearer? a) Sarah told Emily, "You won the award." b) Sarah told Emily that Sarah won the award. c) Sarah told Emily that Emily won the award.

A) Sarah told Emily, "You won the award.". The original sentence is ambiguous—it's unclear whether Sarah or Emily won. Adding direct speech removes the confusion.

The chef prepared the meal, and then the dishes (were washed, washed) by the staff. Which correction maintains active voice? a) were washed b) washed

B) washed. The original sentence switches from active to passive voice, which disrupts clarity. Keeping both clauses active makes the sentence stronger.

She (walks, walked) into the room and sat down. Which verb maintains consistency? a) walks b) walked

B) walked. The verb "sat" is past tense, so "walked" must also be past tense for tense consistency.

The speech really hit the nail on the head. Which revision improves clarity? a) The speech was very effective and well-received. b) The speech hit the hammer right on the nail. c) The speech was totally awesome.

A) The speech was very effective and well-received. Clichés like "hit the nail on the head" lack precision in formal writing. The best revision clearly conveys the intended meaning.

Due to the fact that she was late, she missed the beginning of the presentation. Which revision is most concise? a) Since she was late, she missed the beginning of the presentation. b) She was late, and she missed the beginning of the presentation. c) Due to her lateness, she missed the start of the presentation.

A) Since she was late, she missed the beginning of the presentation. The phrase "due to the fact that" is wordy—"since" is a simpler and more direct alternative.

The boy ran quickly. The boy jumped high. The boy shouted loudly. Which revision improves variety? a) The boy ran quickly, jumped high, and shouted loudly. b) The boy ran quickly. He jumped high. He shouted loudly. c) The boy ran. The boy jumped. The boy shouted.

A) The boy ran quickly, jumped high, and shouted loudly.Repeating "The boy" at the start of each sentence is repetitive. The best revision combines ideas to create better sentence flow.

Covered in frosting, Mia enjoyed the cupcake. Which revision correctly places the modifier? a) Mia enjoyed the cupcake, which was covered in frosting. b) Covered in frosting, the cupcake was enjoyed by Mia. c) Mia, covered in frosting, enjoyed the cupcake.

A) Mia enjoyed the cupcake, which was covered in frosting. The original sentence incorrectly suggests that Mia was covered in frosting instead of the cupcake. The best revision clarifies the meaning.

Some students prefer studying in silence. (However, For example) others work better with background noise.Which transition best fits the sentence? a) However b) For example

A) However. "However" contrasts two different study preferences, making it the correct transition. "For example" doesn't fit because no specific example follows.

The scientist performed a (thing, procedure, action) to test the hypothesis. Which word is most precise? a) thing b) procedure c) action

B) procedure. "Thing" and "action" are too vague. "Procedure" precisely describes the method used in an experiment.

At this point in time, we should begin our work. Which revision is most concise?\ a) We should begin our work. b) At this time, we should begin our work. c) At this moment, we should start our work.

A) We should begin our work. "At this point in time" is redundant—"We should begin" is more direct and efficient.

The final decision (was made, was being made, was decided) by the committee. Which correction removes passive voice? a) The committee made the final decision. b) The final decision was made by the committee. c) The committee was making the final decision.

A) The committee made the final decision. Passive voice ("was made by the committee") is wordy. Changing it to active voice makes the sentence stronger and clearer.

In accordance with the previously mentioned stipulations, we shall embark upon the task. Which revision sounds more natural? a) As stated before, we will begin the task. b) In agreement with what was said, we are going to start the task. c) We should start the task now.

A) As stated before, we will begin the task. The original sentence is overly formal. The best choice keeps professional yet natural language.

The experiment totally worked out super well. Which revision is more formal? a) The experiment was successful. b) The experiment, like, totally worked out. c) The experiment was kind of okay.

A) The experiment was successful. "Totally worked out super well" is too casual. The best choice maintains a formal academic tone.

Despite working late into the night. Which revision makes this a complete sentence? a) Despite working late into the night, she finished the project. b) Working late into the night. c) She was working late into the night.

A) Despite working late into the night, she finished the project. The original is a fragment. Adding a main clause ("she finished the project") makes it complete.

She was tired, but she stayed up late, and she finished her assignment, and she finally went to bed.Which revision improves sentence structure?a) Though tired, she stayed up late to finish her assignment before going to bed. b) She was tired, but she stayed up late and finished her assignment and finally went to bed. c) She stayed up late, and she finished her assignment, and she finally went to bed.

A) Though tired, she stayed up late to finish her assignment before going to bed.The original sentence overuses "and" and sounds clunky. The best revision simplifies and strengthens the structure.

She woke up early. She ate breakfast. She left for school. Which revision improves sentence variety? a) After waking up early, she ate breakfast before leaving for school. b) She woke up early. She ate breakfast. Then she left for school. c) She woke up early and ate breakfast. She left for school.

A) After waking up early, she ate breakfast before leaving for school. The original sentence repeats the same subject-verb pattern. The best revision varies sentence structure for better flow.

The reason why she was late was because of the traffic. Which revision is most concise? a) The reason she was late was because of the traffic. b) She was late because of traffic. c) The reason she was late was due to traffic.

B) She was late because of traffic."The reason why" and "was because" are redundant. The best revision is direct and clear.

(1) The storm caused widespread power outages. (2)Many residents were left without electricity. (3) Officials worked quickly to restore power. (4) Heavy rain and strong winds battered the area. Where should sentence 4 be placed to improve the logical flow? a) Before sentence 1 b) After sentence 2 c) After sentence 3

A) Before sentence 1. Sentence 4 introduces the cause of the storm damage, so it should come before mentioning power outages.

Many students struggle with time management in college. Some use planners to stay organized. (Pizza is a popular college food.) Others set reminders on their phones. Which revision improves relevance? a) Remove the sentence in parentheses. b) Change "Pizza is a popular college food" to "Students often take study breaks with snacks." c) Keep the sentence as is.

A) Remove the sentence in parentheses. The sentence about pizza is off-topic and does not contribute to the discussion about time management.

The professor was (super mad, visibly upset, kind of annoyed) about the late assignments. Which word choice is most formal? a) super mad b) visibly upset c) kind of annoyed

B) Visibly upset.."Super mad" is too informal, and "kind of annoyed" is too weak. "Visibly upset" maintains an academic tone.

If a student wants to succeed, (they, he or she) should manage their time well. Which correction maintains proper agreement? a) If a student wants to succeed, they should manage their time well. b) If a student wants to succeed, he or she should manage time well. c) If students want to succeed, they should manage their time well.

C) If students want to succeed, they should manage their time well. The original sentence incorrectly shifts from singular ("a student") to plural ("they"). The best fix adjusts the subject to match the pronoun.

For my trip, I packed hiking boots, a flashlight, and (to go camping, extra food, a tent).Which option maintains parallel structure? a) a tent b) to go camping c) extra food

A) a tent. All items in the list must be nouns to maintain parallel structure. "To go camping" is a verb phrase, so it does not fit.

The cat chased the mouse. The dog barked at the cat. The mouse ran away. Which revision improves sentence variety? a) While the cat chased the mouse, the dog barked. The mouse ran away. b) The cat chased the mouse. The dog barked. The mouse ran. c) The cat was chasing the mouse when the dog barked at it. The mouse then ran away.

A) While the cat chased the mouse, the dog barked. The mouse ran away. The original has choppy, repetitive sentences. The best revision combines sentences for better flow.

Despite the ongoing precipitation occurring throughout the duration of the afternoon hours, the baseball game was persistently continued by the determined players. Which revision improves clarity? a) Even though it rained all afternoon, the players kept playing. b) The rain continued into the evening, but the players stayed determined. c) The baseball game was played in the rain.

A) Even though it rained all afternoon, the players kept playing.The original is wordy and overly complex. The best revision is clear and direct.

Jake told Mark he should study more.Who does "he" refer to? a) Jake b) Mark c) It's unclear

C) It's unclear. The pronoun "he" could refer to either Jake or Mark, creating confusion. The sentence should be rewritten for clarity.

The scientist discovered a breakthrough, and it was, like, totally unexpected. Which revision keeps the tone formal? a) The scientist discovered a breakthrough, and it was really surprising. b) The scientist discovered a breakthrough that was completely unexpected. c) The scientist found something cool that nobody saw coming.

B) The scientist discovered a breakthrough that was completely unexpected.The phrase "like, totally unexpected" is too informal. The best revision maintains a formal tone.

A paragraph discusses the benefits of daily exercise. Which sentence would best be added to support this idea? a) Many people prefer watching TV instead of exercising. b) Exercise helps improve cardiovascular health and mental well-being. c) Some exercises require expensive equipment.

B) Exercise helps improve cardiovascular health and mental well-being. A new sentence should support the main idea rather than introduce an unrelated or off-topic point.

A paragraph explains how photosynthesis works. One sentence states, "Many people enjoy planting flowers in their gardens." What should be done with this sentence? a) Keep it, as it adds interesting detail. b) Remove it, as it is unrelated to photosynthesis. c) Move it to the conclusion of the passage.

B) Remove it, as it is unrelated to photosynthesis. This sentence does not contribute to the main topic and should be omitted for clarity.

(1)Bees collect nectar from flowers. (2)They use the nectar to make honey. (3) Honey is stored in the hive for food. (4) Beekeepers harvest honey and sell it. Which sentence should come last? a) Sentence 1 b) Sentence 3 c) Sentence 4

C) Sentence 4. The logical sequence moves from bees collecting nectar to producing and storing honey. The final step is beekeepers harvesting it.

The students, in a manner that was quick and efficient, finished their group project. Which revision is most concise? a) The students finished their project efficiently. b) The students finished their project in a quick manner. c) The students, in a way that was efficient, finished their project.

A) The students finished their project efficiently. Eliminating wordy phrases makes the sentence more direct and clear.

Which revision places emphasis on how quickly the storm arrived? a) The storm arrived. It was sudden. b) The storm arrived suddenly, catching everyone by surprise. c) The storm was sudden when it arrived.

B) The storm arrived suddenly, catching everyone by surprise. This revision combines ideas smoothly and emphasizes the suddenness of the storm.

The team did a lot of work to prepare for the event. Which revision is clearer? a) The team did an extensive amount of work to prepare for the event. b) The team worked really hard. c) The team did stuff to prepare for the event.

A) The team did an extensive amount of work to prepare for the event. "A lot of" is too vague—choosing a specific and formal phrase improves clarity.

The scientist recorded the results of the experiment. (_____), she analyzed the data. Which transition best fits? a) However, b) Therefore, c) Meanwhile,

B) Therefore, "Therefore" logically connects the two steps—recording data leads to analyzing it.

Sarah told Emily that she should call her later. Who should call whom? a) Sarah should call Emily. b) Emily should call Sarah. c) The sentence is unclear.

C) The sentence is unclear. The pronoun "she" could refer to either Sarah or Emily, making the meaning ambiguous.

If you practice daily, one will see improvement over time. Which revision maintains consistent point of view? a) If one practices daily, one will see improvement over time. b) If you practice daily, he or she will see improvement over time. c) If you practice daily, you will see improvement over time.

C) If you practice daily, you will see improvement over time. The original sentence mixes "you" and "one"—this revision maintains a consistent second-person point of view.

Which revision is most appropriate for a formal essay? a) The results were kinda surprising. b) The results were somewhat unexpected. c) The results were, like, totally shocking.

B) The results were somewhat unexpected. "Kinda" and "like, totally" are too informal—"somewhat unexpected" fits a formal tone