So Ewe Think Your A Grammar Whiz?
VSO attracts only the finest minds, highly-educated people with razor-sharp intellects accustomed to wrestling with the big questions of the day. People who would never make basic errors in grammar and punctuation, right?
Right?
Here are a few questions that represent a few of the more common errors your friendly comms team see coming across our desks.
- 1.
Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
- A.
VSO volunteer, James Osterberg gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in Sierra Leone.
- B.
VSO volunteer James Osterberg gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in Sierra Leone.
- C.
VSO volunteer, James Osterberg, gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in Sierra Leone.
Correct Answer
B. VSO volunteer James Osterberg gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in Sierra Leone.Explanation
There are two rules about comma use in play here:
1) When inserting clauses into a sentence, use two commas or none at all
2) Pairs of commas can only be used to mark out information that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence.
In this case the volunteer's name is essential to the meaning of the sentence - if you took it out, the sentence wouldn't make sense - so a pair of commas cannot be used.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which is correct?
- A.
The popularity of GX is a riposte to suggestions that young people are uninterested in development.
- B.
The popularity of GX is a riposte to suggestions that young people are disinterested in development.
Correct Answer
A. The popularity of GX is a riposte to suggestions that young people are uninterested in development.Explanation
'Disinterested' means neutral or impartial.
'Uninterested' means lacking in a sense of engagement, not particularly caring.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which is correct?
- A.
The facilities co-ordinator Gerry McAleney was arrested for running an illegal still in the basement.
- B.
The facilities co-ordinator, Gerry McAleney, was arrested for running an illegal still in the basement.
- C.
The facilities co-ordinator, Gerry McAleney was arrested for running an illegal still in the basement.
Correct Answer
B. The facilities co-ordinator, Gerry McAleney, was arrested for running an illegal still in the basement.Explanation
This tests the same principles as Question #1.
In this case, the sentence would still make sense if Gerry's name was omitted, so it should be set off with commas around it.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which is correct?
- A.
As someone who's previously participated in an event for VSO, we thought you might like to join our expedition to the moon.
- B.
We thought that, as someone who's previously participated in an event for VSO, you might like to join our expedition to the moon.
Correct Answer
B. We thought that, as someone who's previously participated in an event for VSO, you might like to join our expedition to the moon.Explanation
The way the first option is structured means it's saying that 'we' (ie - the people writing) are the 'someone who's previously participated in an event for VSO'.
The second option avoids that problem and accurately reflects the intended meaning.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which is correct?
- A.
VSO is convening a sub-committee to form a working group to scope an initial response to the proposition of drafting a position paper.
- B.
VSO are convening a sub-committee to form a working group to scope an initial response to the proposition of drafting a position paper.
Correct Answer
A. VSO is convening a sub-committee to form a working group to scope an initial response to the proposition of drafting a position paper.Explanation
VSO is always singular: ‘VSO is an international…’ not ‘VSO are aiming to…’Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which is correct?
- A.
The programme aims to affect lasting change.
- B.
The programme aims to effect lasting change.
Correct Answer
B. The programme aims to effect lasting change.Explanation
'Affect' means to influence. 'Effect' (as a verb) means to bring about.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which is correct?
- A.
Charities, which can't demonstrate measurable impact, will struggle to attract funding.
- B.
Charities that can't demonstrate measurable impact will struggle to attract funding.
Correct Answer
B. Charities that can't demonstrate measurable impact will struggle to attract funding.Explanation
The rule is: 'that' defines, 'which' informs.
In other words, 'that' introduces information vital to the meaning of the sentence, 'which' provides useful supplemetary information.
Confusing the two can create ambiguity: 'The programme that VSO proposed was positively reviewed' suggests there were multiple programmes, and the thing that made this one different was that VSO proposed it. In 'the programme, which VSO proposed, was positively reviewed' , there could be one programme, or there could be several.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which is correct?
- A.
He volunteered twice during the 90's
- B.
He volunteered twice during the '90s
Correct Answer
B. He volunteered twice during the '90sExplanation
The 's' on the end of a decade is neither a contraction nor a possessive, so it doesn't get an apostrophe. If you're omitting the first two digits, that is a contraction, so use an apostrophe to mark it.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which is correct?
- A.
You'll need at least two years experience.
- B.
You'll need at least two year's experience.
- C.
You'll need at least two years' experience.
Correct Answer
C. You'll need at least two years' experience.Explanation
The experience belongs to the years (plural), so they get an apostrophe.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which is correct?
- A.
We will do our best to find placements for volunteers with dependants, but it will be dependent on the matching process, which can take longer.
- B.
We will do our best to find placements for volunteers with dependents, but it will be dependant on the matching process, which can take longer.
Correct Answer
A. We will do our best to find placements for volunteers with dependants, but it will be dependent on the matching process, which can take longer.Explanation
The word 'dependent' is an adjective meaning 'contingent on', 'relying on', 'supported by' or 'addicted to'.
A 'dependant' = a person who is dependent on someone else.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which is correct?
- A.
Volunteers share they’re skills and experiences so their able to make the best impact where it counts most.
- B.
Volunteers share their skills and experiences so they’re able to make the best impact where it counts most.
Correct Answer
B. Volunteers share their skills and experiences so they’re able to make the best impact where it counts most.Explanation
'They're' = They are
'Their' = belonging to themRate this question:
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- 12.
Which is correct?
- A.
'Good governance' is an issue for all individuals, agencies and organisations (state, private sector and civil society) that hold power in making decisions affecting access to rights.
- B.
'Good governance' is an issue for all individuals, agencies and organisations (state, private sector and civil society) that hold power in making decisions effecting access to rights.
Correct Answer
A. 'Good governance' is an issue for all individuals, agencies and organisations (state, private sector and civil society) that hold power in making decisions affecting access to rights.Explanation
'Affect' means to influence. 'Effect' (as a verb) means to bring about.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2022Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jul 06, 2011Quiz Created by
VSOBrandTeam
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