TASC ELA Exam 3

1. Select the pronoun that cannot be used in the following sentence. ___ coat is so warm!

My

Her

This

Hers

D. Hers cannot be used to modify a noun.See Lesson: Pronouns.

Explanation

D. Hers cannot be used to modify a noun.See Lesson: Pronouns.

2. Select the correct verb to complete the following sentence. Dolphins and fish ___ in that large tank.

Swim

Swum

Swims

Swimming

A. Dolphins and fish is a third person plural subject, so it takes the verb form swim. See Lesson: Subject and Verb Agreement.

Explanation

A. Dolphins and fish is a third person plural subject, so it takes the verb form swim. See Lesson: Subject and Verb Agreement.

3. Identify the type of clause. She ate her lunch late.

Dependent clause

Subordinate clause

Independent clause

Coordinate clause

C. Independent clause. The sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. See Lesson: Types of Clauses.

Explanation

C. Independent clause. The sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. See Lesson: Types of Clauses.

4. Which of the following options would complete the sentence below to make it a simple sentence? Eating salmon once a week _____________________.

Is a healthy choice.

Is good, and it is healthy.

Is healthy it is a good choice.

Is healthy while still being good.

A. This option would make the sentence a simple sentence. See Lesson: Types of Sentences.

Explanation

A. This option would make the sentence a simple sentence. See Lesson: Types of Sentences.

5. Which movie title contains a verb?

Annie Hall

Midnight in Paris

Play it Again, Sam

The Purple Rose of Cairo

C. Play is a verb.See Lesson: Verbs and Verb Tenses.

Explanation

C. Play is a verb.See Lesson: Verbs and Verb Tenses.

6. Bilateral most nearly means

Affecting one area

Relating to two sides

Pertaining to the inside of

Referring to the entire being

B. The prefix bi- means “two,” so bilateral means relating to two sides.

Explanation

B. The prefix bi- means “two,” so bilateral means relating to two sides.

7. The following words have a similar denotation. Which of them has a positive connotation?

Fixated

Fanatical

Obsessive

Enthusiastic

D. The word with the positive connotation is enthusiastic. See Lesson: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Analogies.

Explanation

D. The word with the positive connotation is enthusiastic. See Lesson: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Analogies.

8. Which of the following root words means five?

Bi

Tri

Pent

Quad

C. The root that means “five” is pent as in the word pentagon. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.

Explanation

C. The root that means “five” is pent as in the word pentagon. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.

9. Which of the following is an example of a simple sentence?

Although termites are insects.

Termites are very industrious insects.

Termites are insects, and they are very industrious.

Because termites are insects, they are very industrious.

B. This is a simple sentence since it contains one independent clause consisting of a simple subject and a predicate. See Lesson: Types of Sentences.

Explanation

B. This is a simple sentence since it contains one independent clause consisting of a simple subject and a predicate. See Lesson: Types of Sentences.

10. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence based on the context clues. In the early fall the temperature tends to fluctuate a lot, so I never know what clothes to wear.

Vary

Rise

Fall

Stabilize

A. The meaning of fluctuate in the context of this sentence is “vary.” See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.

Explanation

A. The meaning of fluctuate in the context of this sentence is “vary.” See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.

11. Which of the following is correct?

No; I did not do that.

Yes: I ate the leftovers.

No, I am not leaving yet.

Yes I finished my homework.

C. No, I am not leaving yet. Commas are used after yes or no. See Lesson: Punctuation.

Explanation

C. No, I am not leaving yet. Commas are used after yes or no. See Lesson: Punctuation.

12. Which sentence combines all of the information below using a parallel structure? Dental care requires brushing. You should also floss. Rinse with a fluoride wash.

Dental care requires to brush, floss, and rinsing.

Dental care requires brushing, to floss, and rinse.

Dental care requires brushing, flossing, and rinse.

Dental care requires brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

D. This sentence combines the information using parallel structure. See Lesson: Types of Sentences.

Explanation

D. This sentence combines the information using parallel structure. See Lesson: Types of Sentences.

13. Select the correct word to complete the sentence. It's exciting to watch the nation rebuild ___ economy.

Its

It's

Their

These

A. Nation is a singular noun, so the pronoun that refers to it should be a singular possessive pronoun. See Lesson: Pronouns.

Explanation

A. Nation is a singular noun, so the pronoun that refers to it should be a singular possessive pronoun. See Lesson: Pronouns.

14. What is the mistake in the following sentence? Hospital's can be scary, because they are filled with sick people and needles.

The comma is misplaced.

There should be a colon after with.

There should be a comma after people.

Hospital’s does not need an apostrophe.

D. Hospital’s does not need an apostrophe. Hospitals is plural and is not possessive in this sentence. See Lesson: Punctuation.

Explanation

D. Hospital’s does not need an apostrophe. Hospitals is plural and is not possessive in this sentence. See Lesson: Punctuation.

15. Which word in the following sentence is an adjective? Washington, Jefferson, and Adams were founding fathers of the United States.

And

Founding

Fathers

Of

B.Founding is an adjective that describes the noun fathers.See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs

Explanation

B.Founding is an adjective that describes the noun fathers.See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs

16. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence. When an egg gets fertilized, a number of traits are predetermined by the natural genetic processes, including gender.

Verified during a process

Concluded at a later date

Decided before something happens

Determined right after something occurs

C. The prefix pre- means “before,” so, predetermined means decided before something happens.

Explanation

C. The prefix pre- means “before,” so, predetermined means decided before something happens.

17. Hurricane : Destruction :: Comedian :

Routine

Audience

Amusement

Performance

C. A hurricane causes destruction in the same way that a comedian causes amusement. See Lesson: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Analogies.

Explanation

C. A hurricane causes destruction in the same way that a comedian causes amusement. See Lesson: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Analogies.

18. How many verbs are in the following sentence? We read about World War I, World War II, and the Korean War in my history class.

0

1

2

3

B. Read is the only verb in the sentence. See Lesson: Verbs and Verb Tenses.

Explanation

B. Read is the only verb in the sentence. See Lesson: Verbs and Verb Tenses.

19. Which is not a prepositional phrase?

On the bus

Against the wall

Oh no

To him

C. Oh no is an interjection. It does not contain a preposition. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.

Explanation

C. Oh no is an interjection. It does not contain a preposition. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.

20. Select the verb that is simple past tense.

Is

Are

Been

Were

D. Were (along with was) is a simple past form of the verb to be. See Lesson: Verbs and Verb Tenses.

Explanation

D. Were (along with was) is a simple past form of the verb to be. See Lesson: Verbs and Verb Tenses.

21. Which of the following is correct?

Wall Street Journal

Catcher In The Rye

To kill A mockingbird

“look what you made me do”

A. Wall Street Journal. Publication titles have to be capitalized, except for shorter prepositions, conjunctions, and articles. See Lesson: Capitalization.

Explanation

A. Wall Street Journal. Publication titles have to be capitalized, except for shorter prepositions, conjunctions, and articles. See Lesson: Capitalization.

22. Which word in the following sentence is a conjunction? If we wait for them, we'll be late.

If

For

Be

Late

A. If is a subordinating conjunction connecting two clauses. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.

Explanation

A. If is a subordinating conjunction connecting two clauses. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.

23. Which word does the underlined modifier describe? Everyone in the group worked together to make the best of the situation.

Everyone

Worked

Together

Situation

A. In the group clarifies, or gives additional detail about, the word everyone. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

Explanation

A. In the group clarifies, or gives additional detail about, the word everyone. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

24. Which word or phrase does the underlined modifier describe? Despite their talent and hard work, the band had trouble selling records.

The band

Had trouble

Selling

Records

A. Despite their talent and hard work refers to the band. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

Explanation

A. Despite their talent and hard work refers to the band. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

25. Select the context clue from the following sentence that helps you define the word insatiable. The teenager has such an insatiable appetite that he eats frequently.

“teenager”

“appetite”

“eats ”

“frequently”

D. The meaning of insatiable in this context is “can’t be satisfied.” The word “frequently” helps you figure out the meaning of insatiable. See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.

Explanation

D. The meaning of insatiable in this context is “can’t be satisfied.” The word “frequently” helps you figure out the meaning of insatiable. See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words.

26. Select the part of speech of the underlined word in the following sentence. I thought the homework was very difficult.

Noun

Adverb

Adjective

Preposition

C. Difficult is an adjective that describes the noun homework. See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs

Explanation

C. Difficult is an adjective that describes the noun homework. See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs

27. Select the correct verb to complete the following sentence. This box of toys ___ to be put away.

Ned

Need

Needs

Needing

C. Box is a third person singular subject, so it takes the verb form needs. Of toys is a prepositional phrase; it is not the subject. See Lesson: Subject and Verb Agreement.

Explanation

C. Box is a third person singular subject, so it takes the verb form needs. Of toys is a prepositional phrase; it is not the subject. See Lesson: Subject and Verb Agreement.

28. Select the verb to complete the following sentence. Do you think the automobile or the personal computer _______ changer our lives more?

Have

Haves

Has

His

C. The automobile and the personal computer are both singular subjects connected by or, so they take a singular verb form. See Lesson: Subject and Verb Agreement.

Explanation

C. The automobile and the personal computer are both singular subjects connected by or, so they take a singular verb form. See Lesson: Subject and Verb Agreement.

29. Which word(s) in the following sentence should NOT be capitalized?

South, and Has

Has, Good, and Food

South, Has, and Good

South, Has, Good, and Food

B. Has, Good, and Food. The is capitalized because it begins the sentence. South is capitalized because it is a definite region. See Lesson: Capitalization.

Explanation

B. Has, Good, and Food. The is capitalized because it begins the sentence. South is capitalized because it is a definite region. See Lesson: Capitalization.

30. Select the book title that does not contain a preposition.

The Man in the Brown Suit

The Secret of Chimneys

Murder on the Orient Express

And Then There Were None

D. In, of, and on are prepositions in the other titles. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.

Explanation

D. In, of, and on are prepositions in the other titles. See Lesson: Conjunctions and Prepositions.

31. Select the word from the following sentence that has more than one meaning. Officials were worried that the bad weather would hamper their search efforts.

Officials

Worried

Weather

Hamper

D. The word “hamper” has more than one meaning. See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words

Explanation

D. The word “hamper” has more than one meaning. See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words

32. Select the correct definition of the underlined word that has multiple meanings in the sentence. Cassandra was about to buckle from all the pressures of her new job.

To attack

To fasten together

To collapse or bend

To start to work hard

C. The meaning of buckle in the context of this sentence is “to collapse or bend.” See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words

Explanation

C. The meaning of buckle in the context of this sentence is “to collapse or bend.” See Lesson: Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words

33. Choose the common noun that correctly completes the following sentence. Someone was there to greet the students when they arrived at ____.

School

The Elementary School

West Elementary School

B. School is the only common noun listed with correct capitalization. See Lesson: Nouns.

Explanation

B. School is the only common noun listed with correct capitalization. See Lesson: Nouns.

34. How many direct objects are in the following sentence? I read Gulliver's Travels, and I loved it!

0

1

2

3

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.

Explanation

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.

35. What type of error does the following sentence contain? They waited for the gooses to cross the road.

Adjective

Verb tense

Punctuation

Plural formation

D. The correct plural of the noun goose is geese. See Lesson: Nouns.

Explanation

D. The correct plural of the noun goose is geese. See Lesson: Nouns.

36. Which of the following prefixes means carry?

Pot-

Port-

Post-

Poly-

B. The prefix that means “carry” is port- as in the word portable. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.

Explanation

B. The prefix that means “carry” is port- as in the word portable. See Lesson: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes.

37. Identify the type of clause. When she went to the movie.

Main clause

Coordinate clause

Independent clause

Dependent or subordinate clause

D. Dependent or subordinate clause. The clause does not express a complete thought. When is also a common indicator word that begins a dependent or subordinate clause. See Lesson: Types of Clauses.

Explanation

D. Dependent or subordinate clause. The clause does not express a complete thought. When is also a common indicator word that begins a dependent or subordinate clause. See Lesson: Types of Clauses.

38. Which word does the underlined modifier describe? The young children shouted loudly.

The

Young

Children

Shouted

D. Loudly is an adverb that describes shouted. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

Explanation

D. Loudly is an adverb that describes shouted. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

39. What is the mistake in the following sentence? Albert Einstein claimed "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

Albert Einstein needs an apostrophe.

There should be a colon after claimed.

There should be a comma before than.

There needs to be a comma after claimed.

D. There needs to be a comma after claimed. Commas are needed for introductory phrases and before the quoted material. See Lesson: Punctuation.

Explanation

D. There needs to be a comma after claimed. Commas are needed for introductory phrases and before the quoted material. See Lesson: Punctuation.

40. How many pronouns are in the following sentence? Suri and Marc asked about you.

0

1

2

3

B. You is the only pronoun listed. See Lesson: Pronouns.

Explanation

B. You is the only pronoun listed. See Lesson: Pronouns.

41. Which word does the underlined modifier describe? The puppy, who hadn't eaten all day, whined until we fed him.

Puppy

Who

Eaten

Whined

D. Until we fed him is an adverb phrase that describes whined. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

Explanation

D. Until we fed him is an adverb phrase that describes whined. See Lesson: Modifiers, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers.

42. Which word is an antonym for assiduous?

Indolent

Apathetic

Obstinate

Ineffective

A. Indolent is an antonym for assiduous. See Lesson: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Analogies.

Explanation

A. Indolent is an antonym for assiduous. See Lesson: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Analogies.

43. Identify the type of clause. I ate, and he drank.

Coordinate clause

Dependent clause

Subordinate clause

Independent clause

A. Coordinate clause. A coordinate clause is a sentence or phrase that combines clauses of equal grammatical rank (verbs, nouns, adjectives, phrases, or independent clauses) by using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or so, yet). See Lesson: Types of Clauses.

Explanation

A. Coordinate clause. A coordinate clause is a sentence or phrase that combines clauses of equal grammatical rank (verbs, nouns, adjectives, phrases, or independent clauses) by using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or so, yet). See Lesson: Types of Clauses.

44. Select the type of word that cannot be found in the following sentence. Monet, Renoir, and Degas are famous impressionist painters.

Indirect object

Adjective

Conjunction

Verb

A. There is no indirect object. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.

Explanation

A. There is no indirect object. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.

45. Which word in the following sentence is an adverb? We should go outside.

We

Should

Go

Outside

D. Outside is an adverb that describes the verb go. See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs.

Explanation

D. Outside is an adverb that describes the verb go. See Lesson: Adjectives and Adverbs.

46. Which of the following spellings in correct?

Judgmant

Judgment

Judgement

Judgemant

47. Identify the direct object in the following sentence. William's sister painted a portrait for him.

William's

Sister

Portrait

Him

D. Portrait is the direct object of the verb painted. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.

Explanation

D. Portrait is the direct object of the verb painted. See Lesson: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects.

48. Choose the correct plural noun to complete the following sentence. It was surprising to suddenly see some ____ as we drove along the deserted road.

Mooses

Churchs

Cactuses

Passerby

D. Passersby is the only correct plural form offered. It is the plural of the noun passerby. See Lesson: Nouns.

Explanation

D. Passersby is the only correct plural form offered. It is the plural of the noun passerby. See Lesson: Nouns.