SAT Section 3 - Group 5
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The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A; if not, select one of the other choices. In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence—clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity. EXAMPLE: Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first book and she was sixty-five years old then. (A) and she was sixty-five years old then (B) when she was sixty-five (C) at age sixty-five years old (D) upon the reaching of sixty-five years (E) at the time when she was sixty-five 1. The library is older than it but still just as beautiful as the courthouse.
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Older than it but still just as beautiful as the courthouse
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Older and it is just as beautiful as the courthouse
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Older than the courthouse; it is just as beautiful
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Older than the courthouse but just as beautiful
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Just as beautiful as the courthouse and it is older than it.
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SAT Section 3 - Group 5 assesses English language proficiency, focusing on grammar and effective expression. It challenges students to select the clearest and most precise phrasing in various sentences, enhancing their written communication skills.
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- 2.
Winslow Homer, one of America’s foremost artists, spent his last 27 years and painted on the scenic Maine coast.
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Spent his last 27 years and painted
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Spent his last 27 years having painted
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Spent his last 27 years painting
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Having spent his last 27 years doing his painting
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Spending his last 27 years painting
Correct Answer
A. Spent his last 27 years paintingExplanation
Winslow Homer, one of America's foremost artists, dedicated the final 27 years of his life to painting. He focused his artistic endeavors on the picturesque Maine coast during this period.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Researchers are experimenting with various techniques for preventing the accumulation in water of high levels of nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals.
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Nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals
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Nitrogen; plants and animals can be killed
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Nitrogen, that is what can kill plants and animals
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Nitrogen, they could kill plants and animals
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Nitrogen, and they can kill plants and animals
Correct Answer
A. Nitrogen, which can kill plants and animalsExplanation
The correct answer is "nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals". This answer correctly identifies that nitrogen is the substance that can kill plants and animals. The use of "which" indicates that nitrogen is the cause of the harm to plants and animals.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When the news spread how new goldfields were discovered in Nome, Alaska, thousands abandoned Dawson, the site of the previous gold rush.
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How new goldfields were discovered
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How there was discovery of new goldfields
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About new goldfields, and they were discovered
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About new goldfields, and they were discovered
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About new goldfields that had been discovered
Correct Answer
A. About new goldfields that had been discoveredExplanation
During the time when news about the discovery of new goldfields in Nome, Alaska started to circulate, thousands of people left Dawson, which was previously the site of a gold rush.Rate this question:
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- 5.
When the Berlin Wall, long a symbol of the Cold War, began to be torn down in 1989, five million people went to Berlin to celebrate that.
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To celebrate that
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For its celebration
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To celebrate
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In celebration of that
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In celebrating
Correct Answer
A. To celebrateExplanation
The correct answer is "to celebrate". This is because the phrase "to celebrate" accurately describes the purpose or reason for the five million people going to Berlin. They went there in order to celebrate the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, which was a significant event in the context of the Cold War.Rate this question:
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- 6.
To complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and composing one original work.
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And composing one original work
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And one original composition
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With one original composition
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And to compose one original work
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As well as the student's original composition
Correct Answer
A. And one original compositionExplanation
The correct answer is "and one original composition." This answer accurately reflects the requirement stated in the question, which is that a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and compose one original work. "One original composition" is a concise and clear way to express this requirement.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Zookeepers have expanded one’s definition of care to include concern for the animal’s mental state as well as for its physical well-being.
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Have expanded one’s definition of care to include
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Have expanded one’s definition of care, including
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Expand their definition of care, they include
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Expanding the definition of care to include
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Have expanded their definition of care to include
Correct Answer
A. Have expanded their definition of care to includeExplanation
Zookeepers have broadened their understanding of care to encompass not only the physical health of the animals but also their mental well-being.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The time and the place for such a large event is subject to approving from the mayor’s office.
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The time and the place for such a large event is subject to approving from the mayor’s office.
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For such a large event, the time and the place are subject to the mayor’s office’s approving them.
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The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office.
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The time and place for such a large event are subject to be approved by the office of the mayor.
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Subject to the approval of the mayor’s office are the time and place for such a large event taking place.
Correct Answer
A. The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office.Explanation
The correct answer is: The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office.
This answer correctly rephrases the original sentence while maintaining the same meaning. It states that the time and place of the event are dependent on the approval from the mayor's office.Rate this question:
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- 9.
New Zealand’s Kaikoura Peninsula, a ruggedly beautiful spit of land, borders an undersea canyon that is home to the sperm whale and the giant squid.
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Borders an undersea canyon that is
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Bordering an undersea canyon,
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And it borders an undersea canyon, which is
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Which borders an undersea canyon,
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Is the border of an undersea canyon, being
Correct Answer
A. Borders an undersea canyon that isExplanation
The correct answer is "borders an undersea canyon that is". This is the correct answer because it accurately describes the relationship between the Kaikoura Peninsula and the undersea canyon. The word "borders" indicates that the peninsula is adjacent to the canyon, and the phrase "that is" provides additional information about the nature of the canyon.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In similarity with some other great works, the enduring horror tale Frankenstein was first published anonymously; its author, Mary Shelley, wrote the novel when she was not quite nineteen years old.
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In similarity
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As
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Like what happened with
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Like the case with
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Like
Correct Answer
A. LikeExplanation
The phrase "Like" is the correct answer because it is used to compare the enduring horror tale Frankenstein with some other great works. It suggests that Frankenstein had a similar experience or characteristic as those other works.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The book is useful because it offers not just philosophy and theory but also tells you what and how to live every day.
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But also tells you what and how to live every day
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But also it gives ways of everyday living
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But also advice for everyday living
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But also it gives practical advice for everyday life
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And also tells you what to do and how to live every day
Correct Answer
A. But also advice for everyday livingExplanation
The correct answer suggests that the book is useful because it provides advice for everyday living.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The following sentences test your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. Each sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice E. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English. Example: The other delegates and him immediately accepted the resolution drafted by the neutral states. No error 12. The country found that its economy was growing more stronger, with an improved outlook and more opportunities for training and employment. No error
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Was growing
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More stronger
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An improved
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For training
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No error
Correct Answer
A. More strongerExplanation
The phrase "more stronger" is incorrect because the word "stronger" already indicates a comparative degree. The correct phrase should be "growing stronger."Rate this question:
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- 13.
The iris, the colored part of the eye, contains delicate patterns that are unique to each person, offering a powerful means of identification. No error
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Contains
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Are
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Unique to
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Means of
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No error
Correct Answer
A. No errorExplanation
The given sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The newly elected Prime Minister, to the dismay of opponents from other parties, have argued for the strict regulation of campaign financing. No error
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Newly elected
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To the dismay
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Have argued
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The strict regulation
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No error
Correct Answer
A. Have arguedExplanation
The correct answer is "have argued". The subject of the sentence is "The newly elected Prime Minister", which is singular. Therefore, the verb should be "has argued" instead of "have argued".Rate this question:
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- 15.
Studies have suggested that eating nuts—almonds in particular—might help to lower blood cholesterol levels in humans and reducing the risk of heart disease by protecting the blood vessels. No error
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Have suggested
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Lower
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Reducing
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By protecting
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No error
Correct Answer
A. ReducingExplanation
The given sentence is grammatically correct. It states that studies have suggested that eating nuts, particularly almonds, can help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease by protecting the blood vessels. The word "reducing" is used correctly as a gerund, functioning as the object of the verb "help."Rate this question:
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- 16.
In English literature James Boswell is the prime example of a biographer who, by ensuring the immortality of another author, has achieved immortality for himself. No error
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In
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By ensuring
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Another
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Himself
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No error
Correct Answer
A. No errorExplanation
James Boswell is a prime example of a biographer in English literature. He achieved immortality for himself by ensuring the immortality of another author. The sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Because the garden was untended, the windows had no shutters, and the lawn overrun by weeds, people passing by the old house assumed that it was unoccupied. No error
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Untended
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Had no
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Overrun
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Passing by
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No error
Correct Answer
A. OverrunExplanation
The correct answer is "overrun". The word "overrun" is used correctly in the sentence to describe the condition of the lawn. It means that the lawn is covered or taken over by weeds, indicating that it is not well-maintained. The other words in the sentence are also used correctly and do not contain any errors.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Until recently, most people entering politics feel that loss of privacy was a fair price to pay for the chance to participate in policy making. No error
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Entering
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Feel
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A fair price
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For
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No error
Correct Answer
A. FeelExplanation
Until recently, most people entering politics felt that loss of privacy was a fair price to pay for the chance to participate in policy making. The verb "feel" is in the past tense, which matches the tense of the sentence. It correctly expresses the belief or perception of people in the past. Therefore, there is no error in the given sentence.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Only by tapping their last reserves of energy were the team members able to salvage what was beginning to look like a lost cause. No error
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Only by tapping
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Were
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To salvage
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What was beginning
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No error
Correct Answer
A. No errorExplanation
The sentence is grammatically correct as it is. The phrase "Only by tapping their last reserves of energy" is followed by the verb "were," which agrees with the subject "the team members." The phrase "to salvage" correctly follows the verb "were." The phrase "what was beginning" is also grammatically correct and makes sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, there is no error in the given sentence.Rate this question:
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- 20.
When Doris Lessing published The Golden Notebook in 1962, it instantly established herself as one of the most important literary voices of her generation. No error
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It
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Instantly established
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As one
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Most important
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No error
Correct Answer
A. ItExplanation
The pronoun "it" is used correctly in this sentence as a subject pronoun referring to the action of publishing The Golden Notebook. The phrase "it instantly established" indicates that the novel quickly gained recognition and acclaim. The rest of the sentence is grammatically correct and coherent, stating that this achievement established Doris Lessing as one of the most important literary voices of her generation.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Not many authors have described the effects of environmental pollution as effective as Rachel Carson, whose work is still a model for nature writers. No error
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Not many
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Have described
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As effective as
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A model for
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No error
Correct Answer
A. As effective asExplanation
Rachel Carson's work is still a model for nature writers. This sentence is comparing the effectiveness of Rachel Carson's description of the effects of environmental pollution to other authors. The phrase "as effective as" is used to show that Rachel Carson's description is just as effective or even more effective than other authors. The use of "as effective as" is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 22.
It was a Chinese American grower who finally succeeded with adapting the now familiar orange tree to the American climate. No error
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It was
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With adapting
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Now familiar
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To
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No error
Correct Answer
A. With adaptingExplanation
The phrase "with adapting" is incorrect in this sentence. The correct phrase should be "in adapting." This is because the verb "succeeded" should be followed by the preposition "in" to indicate the action being successful.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The survey indicated that workers in the United States hope that his or her wages will keep pace with the rising cost of living. No error
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Hope
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His or her
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Keep pace with
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Rising
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No error
Correct Answer
A. His or herExplanation
The correct answer is "his or her". In this sentence, the subject is "workers in the United States", which is a plural noun. Therefore, the pronoun used to refer to the workers should also be plural. The use of "his or her" is incorrect because it is singular. Instead, it should be "their" to match the plural subject.Rate this question:
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- 24.
In Angkor, Cambodia's ancient city, a clever designed reservoir, five miles long and one mile wide, supplied fish and helped farmers to produce three crops of rice annually. No error
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Clever
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Supplied fish
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And
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To produce
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No error
Correct Answer
A. CleverExplanation
The word "clever" is the correct answer because it is used as an adjective to describe the design of the reservoir. It suggests that the reservoir was intelligently or ingeniously designed. The sentence structure and context support this interpretation.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Last summer, when Mary's aunt and uncle flew from Turkey to visit their relative and tour and the United States, Mary invited Sandhya and I to her house to meet them. No error
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Flew from
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And tour
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I
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To meet
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No error
Correct Answer
A. IExplanation
The error in the sentence is the use of "I" instead of "me". The correct phrase should be "Mary invited Sandhya and me to her house to meet them." This is because "me" is the object pronoun used when referring to oneself in a sentence.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Ongoing research by several scientists suggest that regular periods of meditation reduce blood pressure and are likely to contribute to other improvements in health. No error
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Ongoing
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Suggest
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Reduce
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Likely to
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No error
Correct Answer
A. SuggestExplanation
The word "suggest" is the correct answer in this context. The sentence is discussing ongoing research by scientists, and the verb "suggest" is used to indicate that the research findings indicate a correlation between regular meditation and reduced blood pressure, as well as potential improvements in other aspects of health.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Because the American Indian rodeo includes games and exhibitions developed as early as the seventeenth century, they predate by a few hundred year the form of rodeo now seen on television. No error
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As early as
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They predate
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By
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The form
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No error
Correct Answer
A. They predateExplanation
The word "they predate" is the correct answer because it correctly identifies the error in the sentence. The word "predate" means to come before in time, so it should be used to show that the games and exhibitions developed in the seventeenth century came before the form of rodeo seen on television.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Five years in the writing, her new book is both a response to her critics' mistrust with her earlier findings and an elaboration of her original thesis. No error
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The writing
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Bother a response
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With
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An elaboration
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No error
Correct Answer
A. WithExplanation
The correct answer is "with". The preposition "with" is used to show the relationship between the noun "mistrust" and the verb "respond". In this context, it indicates that the response is directed towards the mistrust.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Despite its cultural importance, the Daily Gazette lost 70 percent of its subscribers since 1920 and, by 1955, was losing as much as $200,000 a year. No error
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Despite
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Lost
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Was losing
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As much as
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No error
Correct Answer
A. LostExplanation
The correct answer is "lost". The sentence is in the past tense, so the verb "lost" is the correct form to use.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 12, 2011Quiz Created by
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