Gace English Practice Test
Are you preparing for the GACE English assessment? Here, we have prepared a GACE English practice test to make your preparation level better. The GACE English exam is designed to check secondary school teachers' professional knowledge of English. Are you one of them, or do you want to be like them? Whatever the reason, you should try this quiz and evaluate your English knowledge. Are you ready to accept this challenge? We shall find it out soon.
- 1.
Read the poem below, "Ozymandias," by Percy Bysshe Shelley; then answer the question that follows. I met a traveler from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand, Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed: And on the pedestal these words appear: "My name is Ozymandias1, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare, The lone and level sands stretch far away. _________________________ 1Ozymandias: the Greek name for Rameses II, a pharaoh who ruled Egypt during the thirteenth century B.C.E. and built many palaces and statues A significant theme of the poem above is that rulers tend to:
- A.
Overestimate their abilities and influence
- B.
Be easily morally corrupted by absolute power
- C.
Prize their reputations for goodwill above all else
- D.
Become weaker and more fallible with age
Correct Answer
A. Overestimate their abilities and influenceExplanation
The correct answer is overestimate their abilities and influence. This can be inferred from the description of the shattered statue of Ozymandias, a once powerful king who proclaimed himself as the "king of kings" and demanded others to look upon his works with despair. However, the statue now lies in ruins in the desert, emphasizing the transient nature of power and the ultimate insignificance of rulers in the face of time. This suggests that Ozymandias overestimated his abilities and influence, as his legacy has crumbled and nothing remains of his once grand empire.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The fiction of Amy Tan, Jamaica Kincaid,and Bharati Mukherjee frequently examines which of the following themes?
- A.
The devastation of war and its aftermath
- B.
The expanding influence of science and technology
- C.
The hypocrisy and corruption of government
- D.
The nature of the experience of some recent immigrants
Correct Answer
D. The nature of the experience of some recent immigrantsExplanation
The fiction of Amy Tan, Jamaica Kincaid, and Bharati Mukherjee frequently examines the nature of the experience of some recent immigrants. This means that their works often explore the challenges, struggles, and cultural clashes that immigrants face when adapting to a new country. They delve into the complexities of identity, assimilation, and the clash between the old and new cultures. Their stories shed light on the immigrant experience, providing insight into the unique perspectives and narratives of those who have recently migrated to a different country.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following characteristics of Elizabethan tragedy represents a departurefrom the classical Greek form of tragedy?
- A.
The main character is a person of renown, stature, or exceptional qualities.
- B.
Dialogue is written in verse and embellished with prose, song, and other artistic forms.
- C.
The tragic hero's downfall is brought about by a fatal flaw or error in judgment.
- D.
Violent acts are represented on stage, particularly during the play's final act.
Correct Answer
D. Violent acts are represented on stage, particularly during the play's final act.Explanation
In classical Greek tragedy, violent acts were not depicted on stage but were rather described or reported by characters. The violence was usually kept offstage to maintain a sense of decorum and to focus more on the emotional and psychological aspects of the tragedy. However, in Elizabethan tragedy, such as the works of Shakespeare, violent acts were often shown on stage, including physical fights, stabbings, and deaths. This departure from the classical Greek form allowed for a more visually dramatic and intense experience for the audience.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following periods in the development of European literature was characterized by a new emphasis on the vernacular languages and a revival of classical forms?
- A.
The Middle Ages
- B.
The Renaissance
- C.
The Enlightenment
- D.
The modern age
Correct Answer
B. The RenaissanceExplanation
The Renaissance period in the development of European literature was characterized by a new emphasis on the vernacular languages and a revival of classical forms. During this time, writers began to use their native languages, such as Italian, French, and English, rather than Latin, which had been the dominant language in literature during the Middle Ages. Additionally, there was a renewed interest in the literature and art of ancient Greece and Rome, leading to a revival of classical forms and styles in literature. This emphasis on vernacular languages and classical forms was a defining feature of the Renaissance period in European literature.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The main advantage of the chapter summaries that are often found in informational and technical texts is that they:
- A.
Provide readers with better summaries than they could create on their own
- B.
Indicate which ideas the writers of the text consider most important
- C.
Allow readers to skip the chapters and simply read the summaries
- D.
Include interesting information that is not in the chapters themselves
Correct Answer
B. Indicate which ideas the writers of the text consider most importantExplanation
Chapter summaries in informational and technical texts indicate which ideas the writers consider most important. This is because the summaries provide a condensed version of the main points and key concepts discussed in the chapter. By highlighting these ideas, the writers are guiding the readers' attention to the most significant information in the text. This helps readers to quickly grasp the main ideas without having to read the entire chapter, making the summaries a valuable tool for efficient and effective reading.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Structural analysis would be most effective in helping a reader determine the meaning of which of the following words?
- A.
Circumnavigate
- B.
Blithe
- C.
Charlatan
- D.
Raucous
Correct Answer
A. CircumnavigateExplanation
Structural analysis would be most effective in helping a reader determine the meaning of the word "circumnavigate". This is because "circumnavigate" is a compound word made up of the prefix "circum-" meaning "around" and the root word "navigate" meaning "to travel or move". By breaking down the word into its parts, the reader can infer that "circumnavigate" means to travel or move around something, usually referring to traveling around the world or a large area.Rate this question:
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- 7.
1More hybrid cars are appearing on U.S. roads every day. 2Registration of hybrids, which run on gasoline and electricity, is at an all-time high, and sales of one hybrid model more than doubled last year. 3The financial benefits of owning a hybrid include tax breaks and potential annual savings at the pump of hundreds of dollars. 4But monetary considerations are not the only incentive for purchasing a hybrid car. 5Most drivers of hybrids say that saving the environment is more important to them than saving money. 6The eagerness with which U.S. car buyers are embracing the hybrid is a good sign for both the automotive industry and theenvironment.Which of the following sentences in theexcerpt above states the author's opinionrather than a fact?
- A.
Sentence 3
- B.
Sentence 4
- C.
Sentence 5
- D.
Sentence 6
Correct Answer
D. Sentence 6Explanation
Sentence 6 states the author's opinion rather than a fact. The sentence suggests that the eagerness of U.S. car buyers embracing hybrid cars is a good sign for both the automotive industry and the environment. This statement reflects the author's subjective viewpoint and cannot be proven as a factual statement.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The term superhighway has similar meanings and applications in the fields of transportation and:
- A.
Information technology
- B.
Mathematics
- C.
Political science
- D.
Agriculture
Correct Answer
A. Information technologyExplanation
The term superhighway is commonly used in the field of information technology to refer to a high-speed network or communication system that allows for the rapid transmission of data. This term is often used to describe the internet and other advanced digital networks. In transportation, a superhighway refers to a large, multi-lane highway designed for high-speed travel. While the term may have some applications in other fields such as mathematics or political science, it is most commonly associated with information technology.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following sentences provides an example of parallel structure?
- A.
This winter I want to learn to ski, ice-skate, and to make hot chocolate from scratch.
- B.
The news article addressed all aspects of the problem—environmental, political, and cost.
- C.
According to her teacher, her essay reflected considerable skill, effort, and attention to detail.
- D.
Kiwis and other tropical fruits not only grow in New Zealand but in other areas as well.
Correct Answer
C. According to her teacher, her essay reflected considerable skill, effort, and attention to detail.Explanation
The sentence "According to her teacher, her essay reflected considerable skill, effort, and attention to detail" provides an example of parallel structure because it lists three items (skill, effort, and attention to detail) in a consistent grammatical form (reflected). Each item is presented in the same way, creating a balanced and parallel structure in the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A writer has created a first draft of an essay and wishes to revise it for coherence. Which of the following actions is likely to be most important in helping the writer achieve this goal?
- A.
Changing all verbs from the active to the passive voice
- B.
Creating a new thesis statement
- C.
Removing any ill-fitting or redundant ideas
- D.
Correcting all spelling errors
Correct Answer
C. Removing any ill-fitting or redundant ideasExplanation
Removing any ill-fitting or redundant ideas is likely to be the most important action in helping the writer achieve coherence in their essay. Coherence refers to the logical and smooth flow of ideas in a piece of writing. By removing ideas that do not fit well or are repetitive, the writer can ensure that their essay is focused and streamlined, allowing the reader to easily follow the argument or narrative. This action helps eliminate any confusion or distractions that may arise from unrelated or repetitive content, ultimately enhancing the overall coherence of the essay.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following questions should a researcher ask to test the objectivity of a source?
- A.
Is the information included in the source supported by evidence?
- B.
Is this the first edition of the source or has it been revised and updated?
- C.
Is the publication aimed at a general or a specialized audience?
- D.
Is the source focused on one facet of a topic or does it provide an overview?
Correct Answer
A. Is the information included in the source supported by evidence?Explanation
To test the objectivity of a source, a researcher should ask if the information included in the source is supported by evidence. This question helps determine if the source is based on facts and reliable research rather than personal opinions or biases. By assessing the evidence provided, the researcher can evaluate the credibility and objectivity of the source.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Use the notes below taken for a newspaper story to answer the question that follows.• A one-car accident occurred last Saturday.• It happened near the intersection of Main Street and South Street in Augusta.• Sonya Martin was the driver of the vehicle.• Martin is 33 years old and lives in Augusta at 100 West Street.• Martin's two children, ages 7 and 9, were visiting relatives in Pittsburgh at the time.• Martin was driving a brown, four-door sedan.• She was the only person in the car and the only person injured.• It was raining, the street was slick, and Martin was driving 10 miles above the speed limit when she lost control of her vehicle.• She was driving east on Main Street at around 4 p.m. when the accident occurred.• The car crashed into the front of Elron's Grocery.• Martin was wearing a seat belt and suffered only minor injuries.• She was taken to Memorial Hospital, treated, and released.• The impact crushed the front end of Martin's car and did significant damage to the store.• Elron Quigby, owner of Elron's Grocery, said, "It's just lucky nobody happened to be in the store right at that moment."If a writer were using an inverted pyramidstructure to develop the newspaper storyfrom these notes, which of the followingsentences would be best to lead the storywith?
- A.
Although Sonya Martin was wearing her seatbelt, she suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.
- B.
Skidding on the wet pavement, Sonya Martin's car crashed into the front of Elron's Grocery at the corner of Main and South streets, crushing its front end.
- C.
An Augusta woman was slightly injured on Saturday after losing control of her car and crashing into the front of a local business.
- D.
Thirty-three-year-old Sonya Martin, of 100 West Street, lost control of her brown, four-door sedan at around 4 p.m. while heading east on Main Street.
Correct Answer
C. An Augusta woman was slightly injured on Saturday after losing control of her car and crashing into the front of a local business.Explanation
The sentence "An Augusta woman was slightly injured on Saturday after losing control of her car and crashing into the front of a local business" would be the best to lead the story with because it provides a concise and clear summary of the main event and its consequences. It introduces the key elements of the accident, including the location, the driver's injury, and the damage to the business.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following techniques would be most effective for a writer to use to support a persuasive argument?
- A.
Defining terms carefully to avoid misconceptions
- B.
Directly addressing opposing viewpoints
- C.
Recounting relevant personal experiences
- D.
Creating emphasis with transitional words and phrases
Correct Answer
B. Directly addressing opposing viewpointsExplanation
Directly addressing opposing viewpoints would be the most effective technique for a writer to use to support a persuasive argument. By acknowledging and engaging with opposing perspectives, the writer demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue and can effectively counter opposing arguments. This approach adds credibility to the writer's own viewpoint and shows that they have considered different perspectives before forming their argument. It also allows the writer to anticipate and address potential objections, making their argument more persuasive and convincing.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Use the information below to answer the question that follows.A writer is planning an essay entitled "Self-Made Individuals," in which she will draw parallelsbetween the lives of the fictional character Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby and a well-known contemporary figure. The writer's notes appear below. Notes on Jay Gatsby• Real name: James Gatz• Son of poor North Dakota farmer• College dropout, clam digger, fisherman• Charms way into job with millionaire• Makes fortune on fake bonds, shady schemes• Hosts lavish parties at Long Island mansionBased on the notes above, which of thefollowing contemporary figures would bethe most appropriate choice for the writerto use to draw a parallel with Gatsby inher essay "Self-Made Individuals"?
- A.
Fashion designer: Parents were cannery workers in Alaska. Encouraged by high school drama teacher to design costumes. Shuns spotlight, lives alone in log cabin. Needs solitude to create.
- B.
Rock singer: Born in Chicago to famous opera singers. Changed name to avoid embarrassment to his parents. Lives on farm with wife and children and sings at annual fundraisers for local hospital.
- C.
Nobel Prize–winning physicist: Born in California, son of a teacher and accountant. Teaches at Stanford University. Donated Nobel Prize money to scholarships for underprivileged students.
- D.
Movie actor: Born in Texas to ranch hand and waitress. Ran away at age 16. "Discovered" surfing in Malibu. Had plastic surgery. Rumored to have illegal casino in basement of his palatial home.
Correct Answer
D. Movie actor: Born in Texas to ranch hand and waitress. Ran away at age 16. "Discovered" surfing in Malibu. Had plastic surgery. Rumored to have illegal casino in basement of his palatial home.Explanation
The movie actor would be the most appropriate choice for the writer to use to draw a parallel with Jay Gatsby in her essay "Self-Made Individuals." Both Jay Gatsby and the movie actor come from humble backgrounds and have achieved success through unconventional means. They have both created extravagant lifestyles and are surrounded by rumors and speculation. The movie actor's rumored illegal casino in the basement of his palatial home mirrors Gatsby's shady schemes and fake fortune.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The president of a community gardening organization has just shared some discouraging news with other group members about municipal plans to demolish the gardens in order to makeway for a new shoe factory. Group members are clearly upset, but the meeting is scheduled to end in ten minutes.Which of the following techniques wouldbe the most effective for addressingmembers' concerns while achievingclosure?
- A.
Summarizing the most significant threats to the gardens and reviewing the dates of important municipal decisions regarding demolition
- B.
Assuring group members that they are justified in feeling worried and selecting three members to speak briefly before the meeting ends
- C.
Outlining a list of actions that group members can take in order to express their concerns to a wider audience, including local residents and officials
- D.
Encouraging group members to write to the president of the shoe company to let her know that her company is not welcome in the area
Correct Answer
C. Outlining a list of actions that group members can take in order to express their concerns to a wider audience, including local residents and officialsExplanation
The most effective technique for addressing members' concerns while achieving closure would be to outline a list of actions that group members can take in order to express their concerns to a wider audience, including local residents and officials. This approach not only acknowledges their concerns but also provides a proactive solution by suggesting specific actions they can take to make their voices heard. By involving a wider audience and reaching out to local residents and officials, the group members have a better chance of making an impact and potentially preventing the demolition of the gardens.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A magazine advertisement depicts a mother, a father, and two young children in bathing suits lounging around the pool at an upscale hotel. The setting is tropical, and the sun, sand, and sea are clearly on display in the background. The mother is smiling while applying Never Burn suntan lotion to her daughter's back. A caption at the bottom of the page reads "A Day in the Sun Was Never So Much Fun!" The implied message that this advertisement is most likely designed to convey is that using Never Burn suntan lotion will:
- A.
Make both men and women look younger
- B.
Allow people to stay out in the sun indefinitely
- C.
Make children more attractive and popular
- D.
Allow families to spend more time together
Correct Answer
D. Allow families to spend more time togetherExplanation
The advertisement is depicting a family enjoying their time together at a tropical hotel pool. The mother is shown applying suntan lotion to her daughter's back, indicating that using Never Burn suntan lotion will provide protection from the sun's harmful rays. The caption at the bottom of the page suggests that using this lotion will make a day in the sun more enjoyable and fun for families. Therefore, the implied message of the advertisement is that using Never Burn suntan lotion will allow families to spend more time together by ensuring their safety and enjoyment under the sun.Rate this question:
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Aug 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jul 02, 2009Quiz Created by
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