Conventions of standard english

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PSAT Reading & Writing › Conventions of standard english

Questions 1 - 10
1

At the community center's annual showcase, a local arts collective presents work from dozens of creators, but the curated list of participants ____ limited to those who can attend the opening night. The organizers explained that this approach keeps scheduling manageable and ensures that visitors encounter completed projects rather than last-minute revisions.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

are

is

have been

were being

Explanation

The singular subject 'list' requires the singular verb 'is.' The other choices use an incorrect number or tense for a general present-time statement.

2

The shipment arrived later than expected, and several components were missing. To keep the schedule from slipping further, the project manager documented the discrepancies; however the team proceeded with preliminary tests using substitute parts while the replacements were on the way. Although the setup was imperfect, the early trials helped the engineers identify which procedures needed revision before full production resumed.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

however the

however, the

however: the

however the,

Explanation

After a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb like 'however' is followed by a comma. The other choices misuse or misplace punctuation.

3

At the first planning retreat, the committee narrowed a long list of possibilities to three core priorities. To guide the next phase, they agreed to focus on the following goals: research, outreach, and equity, and they assigned small teams to each area. Clear benchmarks and timelines would help them measure progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

goals: research, outreach, and equity

goals, research, outreach, and equity

goals. Research, outreach, and equity

goals because research, outreach, and equity

Explanation

A colon correctly introduces a list after an independent clause. The other options either create a comma splice, a fragment, or an illogical connection.

4

In a recent consumer report, two models of electric scooters were tested side by side, and the braking system on the newer model was found to stop more smoothly than _____. Because the tests used identical courses and riders, the editors concluded that the updated design made the crucial difference.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

the older model

those on the older model

that of the older model

it

Explanation

We must compare one braking system to another, so 'that of the older model' provides a clear, singular reference. The other choices compare unlike things, mismatch number, or use an ambiguous pronoun.

5

After the exhibit toured the region, many donors expressed enthusiasm for future programs. The museum relied on the donors support to fund conservation work, education events, and internship stipends, all of which expanded its reach into neighboring communities. In return, the staff offered behind-the-scenes tours and public lectures that highlighted recent acquisitions and restoration techniques.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

donors support

donor's support

donors' support

donor's supports

Explanation

Because the support comes from multiple donors, the plural possessive 'donors'' is correct. The other choices are either missing the apostrophe, use singular possessive, or create faulty agreement.

6

After years in the classroom, I moved into curriculum development, joining a district team tasked with improving new-teacher support. As a former teacher, ____ designed a mentorship program that pairs novices with experienced colleagues, setting weekly goals and offering paid planning time so that participants have a realistic workload and clear feedback.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

I

the district team

it

myself

Explanation

The introductory modifier 'As a former teacher' must logically modify the subject 'I.' The other choices either make the modifier illogical or are ungrammatical as subjects (e.g., 'myself').

7

For the comparative urban policy seminar, the class will visit three capitals with distinct transit systems: Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan. Because each stop requires advance reservations, the coordinator asked students to confirm passport validity and dietary restrictions by the end of the week and to submit any special accessibility needs.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Berlin Germany and

Berlin, Germany, and

Berlin; Germany and

Berlin, Germany; and

Explanation

Items in a series that contain internal commas should be separated by semicolons. The other choices either omit necessary commas, use only commas (creating ambiguity), or place the semicolon incorrectly.

8

While compiling the year-end report, the team discovered that several invoices attached to the outreach initiative were missing, which is delaying final approval. The absence of a signed statement from the project lead, along with emails that explain the delays, ____ cited as the primary reason the board is postponing its vote.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

were

was

have been

is being

Explanation

The singular subject 'absence' takes a singular verb, and the ongoing situation calls for the present progressive 'is being cited.' The other options either use the wrong number or an inconsistent tense/aspect.

9

Ridership rose steadily last year, and the city expanded several bus routes to meet demand; however the new schedule still leaves some neighborhoods underserved. Transit planners argue that further adjustments are forthcoming, but community groups insist that the gaps should be addressed before winter. Budget constraints, they note, have made staffing and maintenance difficult.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

however; the

however: the

however. The

however, the

Explanation

After a semicolon, use the conjunctive adverb 'however' followed by a comma to introduce the next clause. A and B misplace punctuation after 'however,' and C creates the fragment 'However.'

10

Many residents attend the neighborhood meeting each month to discuss proposed park renovations, and the committee outlines several goals for improving safety and accessibility. The list of recommended changes (including new lighting, trimmed hedges, and repaired sidewalks) ____ expected to reduce blind spots and make evening walks more comfortable for pedestrians.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

are

is

have been

were

Explanation

The singular subject 'The list' takes 'is,' yielding 'is expected.' 'Are' and 'were' mismatch the singular subject, and 'have been' creates an unnecessary tense shift.

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