Act English Exam 2
- 1.
Which word in the following sentence is an adjective? The opera singer's voice, poise, and costume were all perfect.
- A.
Voice
- B.
Poise
- C.
Costum
- D.
Perfect
Correct Answer
D. PerfectExplanation
D.Perfect is an adjective that describes the nouns voice, poise, and costume.See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Select the parts of speech of the underlined words in the following sentence. I had an early meeting, so I woke up early.
- A.
Adverb, adverb
- B.
Adverb, adjective
- C.
Adjective, adverb
- D.
Adjective, adjective
Correct Answer
C. Adjective, adverbExplanation
C. The first early is an adjective that describes the noun meeting, and the second early is an adverb that describes the verb woke.See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which word in the following sentence does the underlined adverb describe? The news is so upsetting.
- A.
The
- B.
News
- C.
Is
- D.
Upsetting
Correct Answer
D. UpsettingExplanation
D. So is an adverb that describes the adjective upsetting. See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Select the word that the underlined adverb describes. When we gave the stray dog some food, he ate hungrily.
- A.
Gave
- B.
Dog
- C.
Food
- D.
Ate
Correct Answer
D. AteExplanation
D. The adverb hungrily describes the verb ate. See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Select the correct word to complete the following sentence. We hiked far yesterday, farther yesterday, and the ___ today.
- A.
Farrest
- B.
Furthest
- C.
Most farly
- D.
Most furthest
Correct Answer
B. FurthestExplanation
B. The superlative of far is furthest. See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Fill in the blank with the correctly capitalized form. My favorite book in the Harry Potter series is _______.
- A.
Harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban
- B.
Harry Potter and the prisoner of azkaban
- C.
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban
- D.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Correct Answer
D. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanExplanation
D. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Short prepositions, conjunctions, and articles are not capitalized in publication titles. See Lesson: Capitalization.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which word(s) in the following sentence should be capitalized? on wednesdays every other month, the exterminator comes to service the building.
- A.
On and wednesdays
- B.
On, wednesdays, and month
- C.
On, month, and exterminator
- D.
Wednesdays, month, and exterminator
Correct Answer
A. On and wednesdaysExplanation
A. on and wednesdays. The first word of the sentence and all days of the week need to be capitalized. Month and exterminator are general terms and do not need to be capitalized. See Lesson: Capitalization.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following is correct?
- A.
Civil war
- B.
Black death
- C.
World War I
- D.
Nineteenth Century
Correct Answer
C. World War IExplanation
C. World War I. Specific wars and historical eras are capitalized. General historical eras like nineteenth century are not capitalized. See Lesson: Capitalization.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Choose the correct sentences.
- A.
My favorite day of the week is Tuesday. My favorite month is March, and Autumn is my favorite season.
- B.
My favorite day of the week is Tuesday. My favorite month is March, and autumn is my favorite season.
- C.
My favorite day of the week is tuesday. My favorite month is march, and Autumn is my favorite season.
- D.
My favorite day of the week is tuesday. My favorite month is march, and autumn is my favorite season.
Correct Answer
B. My favorite day of the week is Tuesday. My favorite month is March, and autumn is my favorite season.Explanation
B. My favorite day of the week is Tuesday. My favorite month is March, and autumn is my favorite season. Days of the week and months of the year need to be capitalized, but seasons are not. See Lesson: Capitalization.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Select the term that correctly describes the pair of words in the following sentence. He has neither eaten nor drunk anything since the surgery.
- A.
Correlative conjunction
- B.
Prepositional phrase
- C.
Interjection
- D.
Independent clause
Correct Answer
A. Correlative conjunctionExplanation
A. A correlative conjunction is a pair of conjunctions that work together to connect two words or phrases. In this case, neither/nor is a correlative conjunction that connects eaten and drunk. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which word in the following sentence is an interjection? "Yikes!" he shouted, as he slipped on the ice.
- A.
Yikes
- B.
Shouted
- C.
As
- D.
On
Correct Answer
A. YikesExplanation
A. Yikes is an interjection. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of these is not found in the following sentence? Let's try to think outside the box and come up with a better plan.
- A.
Contraction
- B.
Preposition
- C.
Conjunction
- D.
Interjection
Correct Answer
D. InterjectionExplanation
D. Let's is a contraction. Outside and with are prepositions. And is a conjunction. There is no interjection. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What does the underlined coordinating conjunction in the sentence below connect? We had a dry summer, so the crops didn't do well.
- A.
Dependent clauses
- B.
Independent clauses
- C.
Prepositional phrases
- D.
Gerunds
Correct Answer
B. Independent clausesExplanation
B. We had a dry summer and the crops didn't do well are independent clauses. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Identify the preposition in the following sentence/ It's really hot in that room.
- A.
It
- B.
Hot
- C.
In
- D.
That
Correct Answer
C. InExplanation
C. In is a preposition. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Select the word from the following sentence that has more than one meaning. It was a grave situation, and many people had given up hope.
- A.
Hope
- B.
Grave
- C.
People
- D.
Situation
Correct Answer
B. GraveExplanation
B. The word "grave" has more than one meaning. See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence based on the context clues. Since he was a novice at playing chess, he took lessons with a master to get more experience.
- A.
Failure
- B.
Natural
- C.
Teacher
- D.
Beginner
Correct Answer
D. BeginnerExplanation
D. The meaning of novice in the context of this sentence is “beginner.” See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Select the word from the following sentence that has more than one meaning. Only an animal with a strong constitution will be able to survive the Arctic’s climate.
- A.
Strong
- B.
Constitution
- C.
Survive
- D.
Climate
Correct Answer
B. ConstitutionExplanation
B. The word “constitution” has more than one meaning. See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Select the correct definition of the underlined word that has more than one meaning in the sentence. The teacher informed the student that the final draft of her report was due by the end of the week.
- A.
The cool air moving in a closed space
- B.
A version of a document such as a written paper
- C.
The system by which professional sports teams choose players
- D.
An order for the payment of money from one entity to another
Correct Answer
B. A version of a document such as a written paperExplanation
B. The meaning of draft in the context of this sentence is “a version of a document such as a written paper.” See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Select the context clue from the following sentence that helps you define the word unkempt. Our neighbors across the street have an unkempt front lawn with lawn furniture and knickknacks strewn in every corner.
- A.
"across the street"
- B.
"front lawn"
- C.
"knickknacks strewn"
- D.
"every corner"
Correct Answer
C. "knickknacks strewn"Explanation
C. The meaning of unkempt in this context is “messy or untidy.” The phrase “knickknacks strewn” helps you figure out the meaning of unkempt. See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Select the verb that acts on the underlined direct object. We decided that we should walk the dog before going to the restaurant.
- A.
Decided
- B.
Should
- C.
Walk
- D.
Going
Correct Answer
C. WalkExplanation
C. The dog is the direct object of the verb walk. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Select the type of word that cannot be found in the following sentence. Monet, Renoir, and Degas are famous impressionist painters.
- A.
Indirect object
- B.
Adjective
- C.
Conjunction
- D.
Verb
Correct Answer
A. Indirect objectExplanation
A. There is no indirect object. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which of the following verbs can take a direct object?
- A.
Go
- B.
Sneeze
- C.
Buy
- D.
Die
Correct Answer
C. BuyExplanation
C. Buy is the only verb here that can take a direct object. The other verbs are intransitive. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.Rate this question:
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- 23.
How many direct objects are in the following sentence? I read Gulliver's Travels, and I loved it!
- A.
0
- B.
1
- C.
2
- D.
3
Correct Answer
C. 2Explanation
C. Gulliver's Travels is a direct object of the verb read, and it is a direct object of the verb loved. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What part of speech correctly describes the underlined word in the following sentence? I don't think you should give her that.
- A.
Direct object
- B.
Indirect object
- C.
Verb
- D.
Preposition
Correct Answer
B. Indirect objectExplanation
B. Her is an indirect object in this sentence. See Lesson: Direct objects and Indirect Objects.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which word or phrase in the following sentence is not a modifier? The woman found her lost earring yesterday.
- A.
Found
- B.
Her
- C.
Lost
- D.
Yesterday
Correct Answer
A. FoundExplanation
A. Found is the main verb in this sentence; it is not a modifier. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Identify the likely misplaced modifier in the following sentence. Earlier this week, the young fishermen caught twenty fish, who were out all day.
- A.
Earlier this week
- B.
Young
- C.
Twenty
- D.
Who were out all day
Correct Answer
D. Who were out all dayExplanation
D. Who were out all day most likely refers to fishermen, so it should be placed after that word, not after fish. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Which modifier could not be added after the underlined word? The boy went home.
- A.
who was crying
- B.
wearing pajamas
- C.
six-year-old
- D.
hurriedly
Correct Answer
C. six-year-oldExplanation
C. This modifier would need to come before the word boy. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What type of error can be found in the following sentence? Spinning their webs, I saw two spiders.
- A.
Sentence fragment
- B.
Misplaced modifier
- C.
Incorrect verb tense
- D.
Spelling error
Correct Answer
B. Misplaced modifierExplanation
B. Spinning their web should modify spiders, but here it is misplaced to modify I. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.Rate this question:
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- 29.
How many modifiers are in the following sentence? They carried sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks.
- A.
0
- B.
1
- C.
2
- D.
3
Correct Answer
B. 1Explanation
B. The only modifier is the word sleeping, which is an adjective describing bags. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Identify the nouns in the following sentence. Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize in 1911.
- A.
Won, in, 1911
- B.
Won, Nobel Prize, 1911
- C.
Marie Curie, won, Nobel Prize
- D.
Marie Curie, Nobel Prize, 1911
Correct Answer
D. Marie Curie, Nobel Prize, 1911Explanation
D. Marie Curie, Nobel Prize, and 1911 are nouns. See Lesson: Nouns.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Which proper noun is the subject of the following sentence? Pearl S. Buck is the author of some of my favorite books, including The Good Earth and The Living Reed.
- A.
Reed
- B.
Earth
- C.
Author
- D.
Pearl S. Buck
Correct Answer
D. Pearl S. BuckExplanation
D. Pearl S. Buck is the subject of this sentence. See Lesson: Nouns.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Which words in the following sentence are common nouns? The crowd cheered as Dr. King gave an inspiring speech.
- A.
Cheered, gave
- B.
Crowd, speech
- C.
Inspiring, speech
- D.
Crowd, Dr. King, speech
Correct Answer
B. Crowd, speechExplanation
B. Crowd and speech are common nouns. There is one more noun in the sentence, Dr. King, but it is a proper noun. See Lesson: Nouns.Rate this question:
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- 33.
What part of speech is the underlined word in the following sentence? Lincoln was elected president in 1860.
- A.
Noun
- B.
Verb
- C.
Pronoun
- D.
Preposition
Correct Answer
A. NounExplanation
A. President is a noun. See Lesson: Nouns.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Select the noun to which the underlined pronoun refers. The fishermen caught three fish and fried them over the fire.
- A.
Fire
- B.
Fish
- C.
Three
- D.
Fishermen
Correct Answer
B. FishExplanation
B. Them refers to fish. See Lesson: Pronouns.Rate this question:
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- 35.
What is the role of the pronoun she in a sentence?
- A.
Object
- B.
Subject
- C.
Possessive
- D.
Any of these
Correct Answer
B. SubjectExplanation
B. She is a subject pronoun. See Lesson: Pronouns.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Select the word that is a possessive pronoun.
- A.
It's
- B.
Who
- C.
That
- D.
Ours
Correct Answer
D. OursExplanation
D. Ours is a possessive pronoun. It's is a contraction of it is. Who and That are relative pronouns. See Lesson: Pronouns.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Which subject correctly completes the following sentence? ___ have tickets to see Hamilton next week.
- A.
Anybody
- B.
Sean and I
- C.
Sean and me
- D.
Sean and them
Correct Answer
B. Sean and IExplanation
B. A subject pronoun must be used. See Lesson: Pronouns.Rate this question:
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- 38.
What is missing from the following sentence? He asked, When is the assignment due?
- A.
There should be quotation marks.
- B.
There needs to be a semicolon after asked.
- C.
There should be a comma after assignment.
- D.
Nothing is missing.
Correct Answer
A. There should be quotation marks.Explanation
A. There should be quotation marks. Direct quotes from someone else should be enclosed in quotation marks. See Lesson: Punctuation.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
- A.
Ashley cant ride a bike.
- B.
Ashleys parents never taught her.
- C.
Its an impossible task for her.
- D.
Ashley’s determined to learn.
Correct Answer
D. Ashley’s determined to learn.Explanation
D. Ashley’s determined to learn. Ashley’s stands for Ashley is and is the only correct use of an apostrophe in the examples. See Lesson: Punctuation.Rate this question:
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- 40.
What is the sentence with the correct use of quotation marks?
- A.
JFK said, Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
- B.
JFK said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.’
- C.
JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
- D.
JFK said a person must not ask what the country can do for them, but what they can do for their country.
Correct Answer
C. JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”Explanation
C. JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Quotation marks enclose words or sentences that someone else said or wrote. See Lesson: Punctuation.Rate this question:
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- 41.
What is the mistake in the following sentence? This weekend I need to do laundry, go grocery shopping, and walk my dog
- A.
There should be a colon after need.
- B.
There needs to be a period after dog.
- C.
There don’t need to be any commas.
- D.
There should be an exclamation point after dog.
Correct Answer
B. There needs to be a period after dog.Explanation
B. There needs to be a period after dog. All sentences need something at the end to signify that the sentence is finished. See Lesson: Punctuation.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Which of the following suffixes means capable of?
- A.
-ful
- B.
-tion
- C.
-ous
- D.
-ible
Correct Answer
D. -ibleExplanation
D. The suffix that means “capable of” is -ible. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.Rate this question:
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- 43.
The use of the prefix pre in the word premonition indicates which the following?
- A.
Something good has happened
- B.
Something is known before it happens
- C.
Something does not have a chance of happening
- D.
Something will happen as a result of something else
Correct Answer
A. Something good has happenedExplanation
B. The prefix pre means “before,” so a premonition means something is known before it happens. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.Rate this question:
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- 44.
What is the best definition of the word miscreant?
- A.
Careless
- B.
Uninformed
- C.
Villainous
- D.
Opinionated
Correct Answer
C. VillainousExplanation
C. The prefix mis means “wrong,” so a miscreant would be someone who does something wrong. Villainous is the best answer. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.Rate this question:
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- 45.
The use of the prefix sub in the word subservient indicates that a person is which of the following?
- A.
Equal with someone else
- B.
Better than someone else
- C.
In charge of someone else
- D.
Obedient to someone else
Correct Answer
D. Obedient to someone elseExplanation
D. The prefix sub means “below,” so a subservient person would be obedient to someone else. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.Rate this question:
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- 46.
Select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence. Jolie’s has remained intransigent in her stance on the issue.
- A.
Stubborn
- B.
Indefinite
- C.
Passionate
- D.
Outspoken
Correct Answer
A. StubbornExplanation
A. The prefix in means “not,” and the root word “trans” means across. So an intransigent person is not willing to cross or bend, so this would be a stubborn person. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.Rate this question:
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- 47.
What is the correct plural of theory?
- A.
Theores
- B.
Theorys
- C.
Theories
- D.
Theoryes
Correct Answer
C. TheoriesExplanation
C. With words ending in -y, drop the -y and add -ies. See Lesson: Spelling.Rate this question:
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- 48.
Which of the following spellings is correct?
- A.
Posibility
- B.
Possibility
- C.
Possibilitie
- D.
Possibillity
Correct Answer
B. PossibilityExplanation
B. Possibility is the only correct spelling. See Lesson: Spelling.Rate this question:
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- 49.
Subjects ___ to their king to show respect.
- A.
Bow
- B.
Bou
- C.
Baw
- D.
Beau
Correct Answer
A. BowExplanation
A. People bow, or bend down, to show respect and it’s the correctly spelled form. See Lesson: Spelling.Rate this question:
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- 50.
We _____ the newspaper every day.
- A.
Red
- B.
Reid
- C.
Reed
- D.
Read
Correct Answer
D. ReadExplanation
D. Read is the action of reading and is correctly spelled. See Lesson: Spelling.Rate this question:
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