Recognizing Sentences That Contain No Errors - PSAT Writing
Card 1 of 36
The magician, known as the Magnificent Interrupter, was notable for stopping his tricks to explain them to the audience.
The magician, known as the Magnificent Interrupter, was notable for stopping his tricks to explain them to the audience.
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The phrase "known as the Magnificent Interrupter" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that provides information, but is not necessary to the structure of the sentence. Such clauses need to be set apart from the sentence by commas, so the correct answer is to leave the sentence as it is written.
The phrase "known as the Magnificent Interrupter" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that provides information, but is not necessary to the structure of the sentence. Such clauses need to be set apart from the sentence by commas, so the correct answer is to leave the sentence as it is written.
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For myself, I have no further reason to disbelieve what the committee says.
For myself, I have no further reason to disbelieve what the committee says.
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The underlined phrase perfectly fits the sentence. The preposition "for" refers appropriately to the condition of the sentence. The use of the reflexive pronoun "myself" is also correct as the subject of the sentence is the first person pronoun "I," and "myself" can refer to the subject of the sentence when used in an introductory phrase.
The underlined phrase perfectly fits the sentence. The preposition "for" refers appropriately to the condition of the sentence. The use of the reflexive pronoun "myself" is also correct as the subject of the sentence is the first person pronoun "I," and "myself" can refer to the subject of the sentence when used in an introductory phrase.
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Among other critiques, Martin Luther attacked the Catholic Church for the sale of indulgences, the practice of allowing congregants to purchase expiation for their sins.
Among other critiques, Martin Luther attacked the Catholic Church for the sale of indulgences, the practice of allowing congregants to purchase expiation for their sins.
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The original sentence, which contains an appositive noun phrase, is best. The other options lead to illogical statements or sentence fragments.
The original sentence, which contains an appositive noun phrase, is best. The other options lead to illogical statements or sentence fragments.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Joe’s mother ran out the door with the special bag lunch she prepared, but it was a vain attempt; the school bus had just left.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Joe’s mother ran out the door with the special bag lunch she prepared, but it was a vain attempt; the school bus had just left.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence contains no error. A semicolon is the most appropriate punctuation in this case. The semicolon separates two independent clauses that are closely related.
This sentence contains no error. A semicolon is the most appropriate punctuation in this case. The semicolon separates two independent clauses that are closely related.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Paella is a seafood dish from Spain that contains several delicious ingredients: pasta, shrimp, calamari, and the spice known as saffron.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Paella is a seafood dish from Spain that contains several delicious ingredients: pasta, shrimp, calamari, and the spice known as saffron.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence contains no error. The colon is the best punctuation for denoting a list of things that do not form a complete sentence.
This sentence contains no error. The colon is the best punctuation for denoting a list of things that do not form a complete sentence.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Alexei had to run to catch the bus this morning, but luckily it stopped and he arrived at his interview on time.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Alexei had to run to catch the bus this morning, but luckily it stopped and he arrived at his interview on time.
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The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices say the same thing but with more words. The most concise version (the original) is the best.
The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices say the same thing but with more words. The most concise version (the original) is the best.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
As the night turned into dawn, her motivation faded; she put away the heavy books and crawled into bed.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
As the night turned into dawn, her motivation faded; she put away the heavy books and crawled into bed.
Tap to reveal answer
The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices complicate the sentence by switching the first half to present tense, making the first half into a fragment, or unnecessarily switching the word order.
The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices complicate the sentence by switching the first half to present tense, making the first half into a fragment, or unnecessarily switching the word order.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
During her interview, the author claimed she had never felt as inspired as she did when she lived in New York City.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
During her interview, the author claimed she had never felt as inspired as she did when she lived in New York City.
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The gerund ("-ing" verb acting as a noun) has no place here because all of the actions in this sentence are completed and definite. The gerund is reserved for ongoing actions or actions that are viewed as a process.
The gerund ("-ing" verb acting as a noun) has no place here because all of the actions in this sentence are completed and definite. The gerund is reserved for ongoing actions or actions that are viewed as a process.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options.
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The original text is fine. It correctly uses the singular predicate "offers" with the singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, have offered several different membership options" is incorrect becuase it contains a plural verb "have offered" with a singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection to contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it says "collection to" instead of "collection of"—an error in preposition usage.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, it offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it incorrectly combines two independent clauses with a comma, creating a comma splice.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art; they offer several different membership options. " is incorrect becuase "they" is a vague pronoun—we don't know who the antecedent is.
The original text is fine. It correctly uses the singular predicate "offers" with the singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, have offered several different membership options" is incorrect becuase it contains a plural verb "have offered" with a singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection to contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it says "collection to" instead of "collection of"—an error in preposition usage.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, it offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it incorrectly combines two independent clauses with a comma, creating a comma splice.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art; they offer several different membership options. " is incorrect becuase "they" is a vague pronoun—we don't know who the antecedent is.
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The magician, known as the Magnificent Interrupter, was notable for stopping his tricks to explain them to the audience.
The magician, known as the Magnificent Interrupter, was notable for stopping his tricks to explain them to the audience.
Tap to reveal answer
The phrase "known as the Magnificent Interrupter" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that provides information, but is not necessary to the structure of the sentence. Such clauses need to be set apart from the sentence by commas, so the correct answer is to leave the sentence as it is written.
The phrase "known as the Magnificent Interrupter" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that provides information, but is not necessary to the structure of the sentence. Such clauses need to be set apart from the sentence by commas, so the correct answer is to leave the sentence as it is written.
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For myself, I have no further reason to disbelieve what the committee says.
For myself, I have no further reason to disbelieve what the committee says.
Tap to reveal answer
The underlined phrase perfectly fits the sentence. The preposition "for" refers appropriately to the condition of the sentence. The use of the reflexive pronoun "myself" is also correct as the subject of the sentence is the first person pronoun "I," and "myself" can refer to the subject of the sentence when used in an introductory phrase.
The underlined phrase perfectly fits the sentence. The preposition "for" refers appropriately to the condition of the sentence. The use of the reflexive pronoun "myself" is also correct as the subject of the sentence is the first person pronoun "I," and "myself" can refer to the subject of the sentence when used in an introductory phrase.
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Among other critiques, Martin Luther attacked the Catholic Church for the sale of indulgences, the practice of allowing congregants to purchase expiation for their sins.
Among other critiques, Martin Luther attacked the Catholic Church for the sale of indulgences, the practice of allowing congregants to purchase expiation for their sins.
Tap to reveal answer
The original sentence, which contains an appositive noun phrase, is best. The other options lead to illogical statements or sentence fragments.
The original sentence, which contains an appositive noun phrase, is best. The other options lead to illogical statements or sentence fragments.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Joe’s mother ran out the door with the special bag lunch she prepared, but it was a vain attempt; the school bus had just left.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Joe’s mother ran out the door with the special bag lunch she prepared, but it was a vain attempt; the school bus had just left.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence contains no error. A semicolon is the most appropriate punctuation in this case. The semicolon separates two independent clauses that are closely related.
This sentence contains no error. A semicolon is the most appropriate punctuation in this case. The semicolon separates two independent clauses that are closely related.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Paella is a seafood dish from Spain that contains several delicious ingredients: pasta, shrimp, calamari, and the spice known as saffron.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Paella is a seafood dish from Spain that contains several delicious ingredients: pasta, shrimp, calamari, and the spice known as saffron.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence contains no error. The colon is the best punctuation for denoting a list of things that do not form a complete sentence.
This sentence contains no error. The colon is the best punctuation for denoting a list of things that do not form a complete sentence.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Alexei had to run to catch the bus this morning, but luckily it stopped and he arrived at his interview on time.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Alexei had to run to catch the bus this morning, but luckily it stopped and he arrived at his interview on time.
Tap to reveal answer
The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices say the same thing but with more words. The most concise version (the original) is the best.
The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices say the same thing but with more words. The most concise version (the original) is the best.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
As the night turned into dawn, her motivation faded; she put away the heavy books and crawled into bed.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
As the night turned into dawn, her motivation faded; she put away the heavy books and crawled into bed.
Tap to reveal answer
The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices complicate the sentence by switching the first half to present tense, making the first half into a fragment, or unnecessarily switching the word order.
The original sentence is grammatically correct and reads well. The other choices complicate the sentence by switching the first half to present tense, making the first half into a fragment, or unnecessarily switching the word order.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
During her interview, the author claimed she had never felt as inspired as she did when she lived in New York City.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
During her interview, the author claimed she had never felt as inspired as she did when she lived in New York City.
Tap to reveal answer
The gerund ("-ing" verb acting as a noun) has no place here because all of the actions in this sentence are completed and definite. The gerund is reserved for ongoing actions or actions that are viewed as a process.
The gerund ("-ing" verb acting as a noun) has no place here because all of the actions in this sentence are completed and definite. The gerund is reserved for ongoing actions or actions that are viewed as a process.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options.
Tap to reveal answer
The original text is fine. It correctly uses the singular predicate "offers" with the singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, have offered several different membership options" is incorrect becuase it contains a plural verb "have offered" with a singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection to contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it says "collection to" instead of "collection of"—an error in preposition usage.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, it offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it incorrectly combines two independent clauses with a comma, creating a comma splice.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art; they offer several different membership options. " is incorrect becuase "they" is a vague pronoun—we don't know who the antecedent is.
The original text is fine. It correctly uses the singular predicate "offers" with the singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, have offered several different membership options" is incorrect becuase it contains a plural verb "have offered" with a singular subject "The museum."
"The museum, which has a sizeable collection to contemporary works of art, offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it says "collection to" instead of "collection of"—an error in preposition usage.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art, it offers several different membership options." is incorrect becuase it incorrectly combines two independent clauses with a comma, creating a comma splice.
"The museum has a sizeable collection of contemporary works of art; they offer several different membership options. " is incorrect becuase "they" is a vague pronoun—we don't know who the antecedent is.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The magician, known as the Magnificent Interrupter, was notable for stopping his tricks to explain them to the audience.
The magician, known as the Magnificent Interrupter, was notable for stopping his tricks to explain them to the audience.
Tap to reveal answer
The phrase "known as the Magnificent Interrupter" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that provides information, but is not necessary to the structure of the sentence. Such clauses need to be set apart from the sentence by commas, so the correct answer is to leave the sentence as it is written.
The phrase "known as the Magnificent Interrupter" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that provides information, but is not necessary to the structure of the sentence. Such clauses need to be set apart from the sentence by commas, so the correct answer is to leave the sentence as it is written.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
For myself, I have no further reason to disbelieve what the committee says.
For myself, I have no further reason to disbelieve what the committee says.
Tap to reveal answer
The underlined phrase perfectly fits the sentence. The preposition "for" refers appropriately to the condition of the sentence. The use of the reflexive pronoun "myself" is also correct as the subject of the sentence is the first person pronoun "I," and "myself" can refer to the subject of the sentence when used in an introductory phrase.
The underlined phrase perfectly fits the sentence. The preposition "for" refers appropriately to the condition of the sentence. The use of the reflexive pronoun "myself" is also correct as the subject of the sentence is the first person pronoun "I," and "myself" can refer to the subject of the sentence when used in an introductory phrase.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →