Writing B2 - Skills Practice: Written Expression

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TOEFL Quizzes & Trivia

This section consists of a number of sentences with blanks, each followed by four answers choices.
Read the sentence and the answer choices. Choose the answer choice that best completes the sentence.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    In addition to quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure and diet, people need to think about how ______________ stress to avert potentially fatal heart problems.

    • A.

      Can they manage

    • B.

      The management

    • C.

      They manage

    • D.

      Managing

    Correct Answer
    C. They manage
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause people need… and the question-word connector how. This sentence needs a subject and a verb following the connector how to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb they manage. Answer A contains an inverted subject and verb, answer B is missing a verb, and answer D is missing a subject and contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 2. 

    Rarely ________ now used for battle purposes.

    • A.

      In the band

    • B.

      Military bands are

    • C.

      Banded

    • D.

      Are military bands

    Correct Answer
    D. Are military bands
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the negative expression rarely. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb are military bands. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, and answer C is missing a subject and contains an incomplete verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 3. 

    Only recently _________ popular all over the country.

    • A.

      Have indoor climbing gyms become

    • B.

      In becoming indoor climbing gyms

    • C.

      Indoors climbing gyms have become

    • D.

      Indoor climbing gyms

    Correct Answer
    A. Have indoor climbing gyms become
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the negative expression Only recently. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb have indoor climbing gyms become. Answer B contains a prepositional phrase, answer C contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, and answer D is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 4. 

    A motionless atom is colder than _________________.

    • A.

      In the movement

    • B.

      To be moved

    • C.

      The atom moving

    • D.

      Is a moving atom

    Correct Answer
    D. Is a moving atom
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause A motionless atom is and a comparative expression colder than. A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer D is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb is a moving atom. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer C contains a reduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 5. 

    According to a recent survey, were _________ of telecommuters to lose their jobs, they would look for other telecommuting positions.

    • A.

      To major

    • B.

      If a majority

    • C.

      A majority

    • D.

      In the major

    Correct Answer
    C. A majority
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause they would look... and an incomplete inverted conditional were… This sentence needs a subject to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject a majority. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an extra connector, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 6. 

    In the sand of the northern California coast ____________ San Agustin, which is said to be loaded with gold.

    • A.

      The galleon is lying

    • B.

      Lies the galleon

    • C.

      The galleon

    • D.

      The galleon which lies

    Correct Answer
    B. Lies the galleon
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the place expression In the sand of the northern California coast. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb lies the galleon. Answer A contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, answer C is missing a verb, and answer D contains an extra connector/subject and a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 7. 

    When ______________ chest pain, some doctors recommend that they take one full 325- milligram aspirin.

    • A.

      Patients feel

    • B.

      Feel impatient

    • C.

      Do patients feel

    • D.

      As patients feel

    Correct Answer
    A. Patients feel
    Explanation
    This sentence has the question-word connector When and the main clause some doctors recommend... This sentence needs a subject and verb following the connector when to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb patients feel. Answer B is missing a subject, answer C contains an extra helping verb, and answer D contains an extra connector, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 8. 

    Only in the Civil War ___________ killed or wounded.

    • A.

      Soldiers in America

    • B.

      Were so many American soldiers

    • C.

      Many in America

    • D.

      So many American soldiers were

    Correct Answer
    B. Were so many American soldiers
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the negative expression Only. This sentence needs an inverted subject and passive helping verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and passive helping verb were so many American soldiers. Answers A and C are each missing a verb, and answer D contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 9. 

    There __________ called Epstein-Barr which leaves people feeling chronically fatigued and feeling as if they have a recurring case of the flu.

    • A.

      A viral

    • B.

      In a disease

    • C.

      A virus is

    • D.

      Is a virus

    Correct Answer
    D. Is a virus
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the place expression There. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb is a virus. Answer A contains an adjective, answer B contains a prepositional phrase, and answer C contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 10. 

    Lifestyle is more important __________ in a person’s lifespan.

    • A.

      As genetics are

    • B.

      With genes

    • C.

      Genetically

    • D.

      Than are genetics

    Correct Answer
    D. Than are genetics
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause Lifestyle is... and an incomplete comparative expression more important… A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer D is the best answer because it contains part of a comparison than and the inverted subject and verb are genetics. Answer A contains an extra connector and the subject and verb are not inverted, answer B contains a prepositional phrase, and answer C contains an extra adverb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 11. 

    There has been a string of recent technology advances aimed t building new engines which are more clean and efficient than _____________.

    • A.

      To engineer

    • B.

      Are current engines

    • C.

      In engines currently

    • D.

      Current

    Correct Answer
    B. Are current engines
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause There has been a string... and a comparative expression more… than… A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer B is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb are current engines. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answer D contains an adjective, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 12. 

    In the vessels of the vascular system of the giraffe _________ of valves that ensures a needed supply of blood to the head.

    • A.

      Are series

    • B.

      Is serious

    • C.

      Is a series

    • D.

      A series is

    Correct Answer
    C. Is a series
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the place expressions In the vessels… of the giraffe. This sentence needs an inverted singular subject and verb following the introductory place expressions to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the inverted singular subject and verb is a series. Answer A contains an inverted plural subject and verb, answer B is missing a subject, and answer D contains a subject and a verb that are not inverted, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 13. 

    Should _________ help keeping their weight, blood pressure, pulse, and cholesterol down, swimming is an excellent activity.

    • A.

      Adults need

    • B.

      Needy adults

    • C.

      To need

    • D.

      Needs adults

    Correct Answer
    A. Adults need
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause swimming is... and an incomplete inverted conditional should… This sentence needs a subject and main verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains a subject and main verb adults need. Answer B is missing a verb, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer C contains an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 14. 

    A collision with another galaxy may be what _______, the Milky Way, may experience.

    • A.

      Earth’s galaxy is

    • B.

      Is Earth’s galaxy

    • C.

      Earth’s galaxy

    • D.

      For Earth’s galaxy

    Correct Answer
    C. Earth’s galaxy
    Explanation
    This sentence has the main clause A collision… may be... and the question-word connector what. This sentence needs a subject following the connector to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject Earth’s galaxy. Answers A and B each contain an extra verb, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 15. 

    Scarcely __________ started building his theme park when he launched his first television program titled Disneyland.

    • A.

      Walt Disney

    • B.

      Walt Disney had

    • C.

      Had Walt Disney

    • D.

      Walt Disney was

    Correct Answer
    C. Had Walt Disney
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the negative expression Scarcely. This sentence needs an inverted subject and active helping verb following the introductory negative expression to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and active helping verb had Walt Disney. Answer A is missing a verb, answer B contains a subject and active helping verb that are not inverted, and answer D contains a passive helping verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 16. 

    Daylight saving time seems to reduce people’s exposure to crime, so were people to get home from work and school and complete more errands and chores in daylight, ____________ safer.

    • A.

      For being

    • B.

      To be

    • C.

      They

    • D.

      They would be

    Correct Answer
    D. They would be
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause Daylight saving time seems to reduce... a complete inverted conditional clause were people, and n incomplete main clause …safer. This sentence needs a subject and a verb in the second main clause to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains a subject and verb they would be. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer C contains is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 17. 

    The hunting season for firearms is more restricted than _______ because hunting with firearms is more dangerous and less challenging.

    • A.

      To season

    • B.

      Is the archery season

    • C.

      For archery

    • D.

      Is seasoning

    Correct Answer
    B. Is the archery season
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause The hunting season for firearms is and a comparative expression more… than. A comparative can be followed by an inverted subject and verb. Answer B is the best answer because it contains an inverted subject and verb is the archery season. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answer D contains a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 18. 

    Orthopedic and sports medicine specialists now realize that _________ people to get prolonged bed rest for acute and chronic back problems, they would heal less quickly.

    • A.

      Were

    • B.

      If

    • C.

      The

    • D.

      Of

    Correct Answer
    A. Were
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause …specialists now realize, an incomplete inverted conditional clause …people…, and a noun clause that… they would heal… This sentence needs a verb in the inverted conditional to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb were. Answer B contains a connector, answer C contains an article, and answer D contains a preposition, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 19. 

    Scientists now know that the lack of an embryonic thumb in birds is why ____________ almost impossible for birds and dinosaurs to be related.

    • A.

      Is

    • B.

      It is

    • C.

      Is it

    • D.

      It

    Correct Answer
    B. It is
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause Scientist now know… and the question-word connector why. This sentence needs a subject and a verb following the connector why to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the subject and verb it is. Answer A is missing a subject, answer C contains an inverted subject and verb, and answer D is missing a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 20. 

    There ________ launched in 1958 that fell back to Earth and burned up in the atmosphere.

    • A.

      A lunar probe was

    • B.

      Was a lunar probe

    • C.

      A lunar probe

    • D.

      With a lunar probe

    Correct Answer
    B. Was a lunar probe
    Explanation
    This sentence begins with the place expression There. This sentence needs an inverted subject and verb following the introductory place expression to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the inverted subject and verb was a lunar probe. Answer A contains a subject and verb that are not inverted, answer C is missing a verb, and answer D contains a prepositional phrase, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 21. 

    In the halcyon days of the civil rights movement, a small group of dedicated lawyers, mostly black, ___________ carefully craft the strategy that led to the destruction of legal segregation.

    • A.

      Which is able to

    • B.

      Was able to

    • C.

      Able to

    • D.

      Were able

    Correct Answer
    B. Was able to
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause mostly black and an incomplete main clause a small group… This incomplete main clause needs a singular verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the singular verb was. Answer A contains an extra connector/subject and a verb tense that is not logical, answer C contains an adjective, and answer D contains a plural verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 22. 

    The birth of swing music can be traced to Battle of the Bands competitions ____________ at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem.

    • A.

      Held

    • B.

      Were held

    • C.

      The holdings

    • D.

      To hold

    Correct Answer
    A. Held
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause The birth…can be traced… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …at the Savoy Ballroom… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb held. Answer B contains an unreduced verb, answer C contains a noun, and answer D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 23. 

    On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France, __________ in New York Harbor by President Cleveland.

    • A.

      To dedicate

    • B.

      It dedicated

    • C.

      Was dedicated

    • D.

      Was dedicating

    Correct Answer
    C. Was dedicated
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause a gift… and an incomplete main clause the Statue of Liberty… This incomplete main clause needs a passive verb to be complete because of the expression by President Cleveland. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the passive verb was dedicated. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an extra subject and an active verb, and answer D contains an active verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 24. 

    While making the embarrassing mistake of wearing a scarlet garment instead of somber black, ___________, the atomic chemist and Quaker, discovered that he was color-blind.

    • A.

      In John Dalton’s laboratory

    • B.

      John Dalton was

    • C.

      John Dalton

    • D.

      John Dalton and

    Correct Answer
    C. John Dalton
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause While making…, an incomplete main clause …discovered…, and a complete reduced adjective clause the atomic chemist and Quaker. This incomplete main clause needs a subject to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the subject John Dalton. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an extra verb, and answer D contains an extra connector, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 25. 

    _____________Lake Erie and the Hudson River, the Erie Canal opened in upstate New York in 1825.

    • A.

      Linking

    • B.

      It was linked

    • C.

      Have been linking

    • D.

      The linked

    Correct Answer
    A. Linking
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause the Erie Canal opened… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …Lake Erie… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb Linking. Answers B and D each contain an extra subject and an unreduced verb, and answer C contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 26. 

    Though racing toward the Milky Way galaxy at 300000 miles an hour, the Andromeda galaxy _________ with the Milky Way for about five billon years.

    • A.

      Colliding

    • B.

      Will not collide

    • C.

      To collide

    • D.

      The collision

    Correct Answer
    B. Will not collide
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause Though racing… and an incomplete main clause the Andromeda galaxy… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb will not collide. Answer A contains a reduced verb, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 27. 

    While ______________, Chu developed a way of trapping thousands of gas atoms using lasers.

    • A.

      To work at Bell Laboratories

    • B.

      Working at Bell Laboratories

    • C.

      Worked at Bell Laboratories

    • D.

      Was working at Bell Laboratories

    Correct Answer
    B. Working at Bell Laboratories
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause Chu developed… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause While… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the reduced active verb working. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer C contains a reduced passive verb, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 28. 

    If introduced into avocado groves, the seed and stem weevils, seed moth, and fruit fly __________ the avocado industry in California.

    • A.

      The ending

    • B.

      May end

    • C.

      To end

    • D.

      They will end

    Correct Answer
    B. May end
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause If introduced… and an incomplete main clause the seed and stem weevils, seed moth, and fruit fly… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb may end. Answer A contains a noun, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 29. 

    Although _____________ their jobs, a majority of workers expect to move on to other jobs within five years of starting their current jobs.

    • A.

      To enjoy

    • B.

      Enjoy

    • C.

      The enjoyment

    • D.

      Enjoying

    Correct Answer
    D. Enjoying
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause a majority of workers expect… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause Although… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb enjoying. Answer A contains an infinitive, answer B contains an unreduced verb, and answer C contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 30. 

    Most adults, including 78 percent of men and 61 percent of women, __________ that gender roles in marriage today are more equal than traditional.

    • A.

      Say

    • B.

      The say

    • C.

      Saying

    • D.

      To say

    Correct Answer
    A. Say
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause including… and an incomplete main clause Most adults… This incomplete main clause needs a unreduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb say. Answer B contains an extra subject, answer C contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 31. 

    While ____________ those who are not working members of the press, press pins provide access to a press box for media members.

    • A.

      Kept out

    • B.

      Keeping out

    • C.

      The keeper

    • D.

      Was kept out

    Correct Answer
    B. Keeping out
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause press pins provide… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause while… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb keeping out. Answer A contains a reduced passive verb, answer C contains a noun, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 32. 

    _________________ New York and New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge opened to traffic in 1931.

    • A.

      Connecting

    • B.

      Which was connected

    • C.

      Connects

    • D.

      It connects

    Correct Answer
    A. Connecting
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause the George Washington Bridge opened… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …New York and New Jersey. This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb connecting. Answer B contains a connector/subject that cannot be used at the beginning of a sentence and an unreduced verb, answer C contains an unreduced verb, and answer D contains an extra subject and an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 33. 

    While repositioning, cruise ships ___________ passengers for what is called a line voyage.

    • A.

      The embarkation of

    • B.

      Embark

    • C.

      Embarking

    • D.

      They embark

    Correct Answer
    B. Embark
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause while repositioning and an incomplete main clause cruise ships… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb embark. Answer A contains a noun, answer C contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains an extra subject, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 34. 

    After ______ seven years to journey to Saturn, the spacecraft Cassini will spend four years exploring Saturn, its rings, and its icy moons.

    • A.

      Takes

    • B.

      Taken

    • C.

      Was taken

    • D.

      Taking

    Correct Answer
    D. Taking
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause the spacecraft Cassini will spend… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause after… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced active verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb taking. Answers A and C each contain an unreduced verb, and answer B contains a reduced passive verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 35. 

    Although applied for in October of 1793, Eli Whitney’s patent for his cotton gin ________ until March of the following year.

    • A.

      Granting

    • B.

      It was not granted

    • C.

      To grant

    • D.

      Was not granted

    Correct Answer
    D. Was not granted
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adverb clause Although applied… and an incomplete main clause Eli Whitney’s patent… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb was not granted. Answer A contains a reduced verb, answer B contains an extra subject, and answer C contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 36. 

    ________________, honoring the African tradition of celebrating the harvest, is held December 16 through January 1 in the United States.

    • A.

      For Kwanzaa

    • B.

      Kwanzaa was celebrated

    • C.

      Kwanzaa celebrations

    • D.

      Kwanzaa

    Correct Answer
    D. Kwanzaa
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause honoring… and an incomplete main clause …is held… This incomplete main clause needs a singular subject to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the singular subject Kwanzaa. Answer A contains a prepositional phrase, answer B contains an extra verb, and answer C contains a plural noun, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 37. 

    The four-character drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, __________ by Edward Albee, opened on Broadway.

    • A.

      It was written

    • B.

      Who was written

    • C.

      Written

    • D.

      Was written

    Correct Answer
    C. Written
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause The for-character drama…opened… and an incomplete reduced clause …by Edward Albee… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb written. Answer A contains an extra subject and a verb, answer B contains an extra connector/subject, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 38. 

    _____________ famous civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. was named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

    • A.

      A

    • B.

      Which was

    • C.

      He was a

    • D.

      Was a

    Correct Answer
    A. A
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause Martin Luther King, Jr. was named… and an incomplete reduced adjective clause …famous… This incomplete reduced adjective clause needs to be a complete phrase. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the article A, which completes the phrase. Answer B contains a connector/subject that cannot be uses at the beginning of a sentence and an extra verb, answer C contains an extra subject and a verb, and answers D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 39. 

    The surgeon operating without delay on an inflamed appendix _______ a far more serious complication, which is the rupture of a germ-laden appendix.

    • A.

      Which prevents

    • B.

      Preventing

    • C.

      Prevents

    • D.

      Prevention

    Correct Answer
    C. Prevents
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete reduced adjective clause operating… and an incomplete main clause The surgeon… This incomplete main clause needs an unreduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the unreduced verb prevents. Answer A contains an extra connector/subject, answer B contains a reduced verb, and answer D contains a noun, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 40. 

    Unless _____________ as injury-free as possible, older athletes can have their activity and quality of life affected.

    • A.

      The remnants of

    • B.

      To remain

    • C.

      Remaining

    • D.

      Remain

    Correct Answer
    C. Remaining
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause older athletes can have… and an incomplete reduced adverb clause unless… This incomplete reduced adverb clause needs a reduced verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the reduced verb remaining. Answer A contains a noun, answer B contains an infinitive, and answer D contains an unreduced verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 41. 

    _______________ is so perfectly with their environment is what makes Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture so distinctive.

    • A.

      That the buildings blend

    • B.

      The buildings blend

    • C.

      Since the buildings blend

    • D.

      Build and blend

    Correct Answer
    A. That the buildings blend
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. The noun clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector that, the subject buildings, and the verb blend. Answer B is missing a connector, answer C contains an adverb clause connector, and answer D is missing a connector and a subject, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 42. 

    ____________________ in the atmosphere is the temperature falling below freezing.

    • A.

      Frost is produced

    • B.

      Frost produces

    • C.

      What produces frost

    • D.

      What is frost

    Correct Answer
    C. What produces frost
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. A noun clause subject needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb produces. Answers A and B are each missing a noun clause connector, and answer D has inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 43. 

    Subduction is the process _________ the ocean floor recycles itself.

    • A.

      That

    • B.

      Which is

    • C.

      By which

    • D.

      How

    Correct Answer
    C. By which
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause Subduction is the process… and an incomplete adjective clause …the ocean floor recycles... The adjective clause needs a prepositions and a connector to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the preposition by and the connector which. Answer A is missing a preposition, answer B is missing a preposition and also has an extra verb, and answer D uses a noun clause connector rather than an adjective clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 44. 

    The abundant grain harvest of North America can be credited to Norman Borlag, a little-known scientist ___________ modern strains of high-yield wheat.

    • A.

      Which cultivated

    • B.

      Cultivated

    • C.

      Who cultivated

    • D.

      The cultivation of

    Correct Answer
    C. Who cultivated
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause …grains harvests…can be credited… and an incomplete adjective clause ...modern strains…. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject who and the verb cultivated. Answer A contains a nonpersonal subject/connector that does not agree with the personal noun scientist, answer B is missing a connector or a subject, and answer D is missing a connector or a verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 45. 

    Although seismologists know __________, they are unable to predict with accuracy when or where a tremor might occur.

    • A.

      What causes earthquakes

    • B.

      What earthquakes

    • C.

      Causes earthquakes

    • D.

      That the quaking of the Earth

    Correct Answer
    A. What causes earthquakes
    Explanation
    This sentence contains a main clause they are unable… and an incomplete adverb clause Although seismologists know..., which needs an object to be complete. A noun clause can be used as the object of know, and a noun clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb causes. Answers B and D are each missing a verb, and answer C is missing a connector and a subject, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 46. 

    Bees perform a complex dance ____________ other bees about the location of a good source of nectar.

    • A.

      Tells

    • B.

      Tell

    • C.

      It tells

    • D.

      That tells

    Correct Answer
    D. That tells
    Explanation
    This sentence has a complete main clause Bees perform… and an incomplete adjective clause …other bees. The adjective clause needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer D is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject that and the verb tells. Answers A and B are each missing a connector or subject, and answer C is missing a connector, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 47. 

    Edmund Halley, who had discovered Halley’s comet in 1682, __________ before he could again see the comet whose return he had accurately predicted.

    • A.

      Died

    • B.

      Dying

    • C.

      On his death

    • D.

      To die

    Correct Answer
    A. Died
    Explanation
    This sentence has an incomplete main clause Edmund Halley… and two adjective clauses who has discovered Halley’s comet… and whose return he had accurately predicted. The main clause needs a verb to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the verb died. Answer B contains an incomplete verb, answer C contains a prepositional phrase, and answers D contains an infinitive, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 48. 

    Some radioisotopes which ________________ as radioactive waste are now being used in experimental cancer therapies.

    • A.

      Once discarded by scientists

    • B.

      Scientists discarded

    • C.

      To discard by scientists

    • D.

      Were discarded scientists

    Correct Answer
    B. Scientists discarded
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main clause Some radioisotopes…are now being used… and an incomplete adjective clause which... The adjective clause needs a subject and a verb to be complete. Answer B is the best answer because it contains the subject scientists and the verb discarded. Answer A is missing the helping verb were, answer C contains an infinitive, and answer D is missing by after the passive verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 49. 

    ___________ floats or sinks is determined by its density rather than its weight.

    • A.

      Whether an object

    • B.

      Object if it

    • C.

      Because an object

    • D.

      An object

    Correct Answer
    A. Whether an object
    Explanation
    This sentence has an incomplete noun clause …floats or sinks as the subject of the verb is determined. The noun clause needs a connector and a subject to be complete. Answer A is the best answer because it contains the connector whether and the subject object. Answer B contains an extra subject, answer C contains an adverb clause connector instead of a noun clause connector, and answer D is missing a noun clause connector, so these answers are incorrect.

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  • 50. 

    _____________________ such a challenging science is that all theory is based on observations that cannot be replicated in a controlled environment.

    • A.

      It is astronomy

    • B.

      Astronomy is

    • C.

      What makes astronomy

    • D.

      Why is astronomy

    Correct Answer
    C. What makes astronomy
    Explanation
    This sentence has a main verb is but needs a subject. A noun clause can be the subject of the verb is. A noun clause subject needs a connector, a subject, and a verb to be complete. Answer C is the best answer because it contains the connector/subject what and the verb makes. Answers A and B are each missing a connector, and answer D has an inverted subject and verb, so these answers are incorrect.

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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.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jul 11, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    MahauadCampodoni

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