SHSAT English Language Arts Quiz: Pronoun Reference Clarity
20 questions · exam conditions
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Pronoun Reference ClarityQuestion 1 of 20

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an inappropriate pronoun usage?

(1) The museum's new exhibit on ancient Egypt is fascinating. (2) It features a collection of artifacts from a recently discovered tomb. (3) On the museum's website, they list the hours the exhibit is open. (4) Many visitors have praised the detailed displays and informative plaques.

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised?

sentence 1
sentence 2
sentence 4
sentence 3
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SHSAT English Language Arts Quiz

SHSAT English Language Arts Quiz: Pronoun Reference Clarity

Practice Pronoun Reference Clarity in SHSAT English Language Arts with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Pronoun Reference Clarity, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for SHSAT English Language Arts.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an inappropriate pronoun usage?

(1) The museum's new exhibit on ancient Egypt is fascinating. (2) It features a collection of artifacts from a recently discovered tomb. (3) On the museum's website, they list the hours the exhibit is open. (4) Many visitors have praised the detailed displays and informative plaques.

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised?

  1. sentence 1
  2. sentence 2
  3. sentence 4
  4. sentence 3 (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter questions about pronoun usage, you need to check whether each pronoun clearly refers to a specific noun (its antecedent) and agrees with that noun in number and gender. Sentence 3 contains the error: "On the museum's website, they list the hours the exhibit is open." The pronoun "they" is plural, but it's trying to refer back to "the museum's website," which is singular. This creates a pronoun-antecedent disagreement. The sentence should read something like "On the museum's website, it lists the hours" or "The museum lists the hours on its website." Looking at the other options: Sentence 1 (A) uses no pronouns, so there's no pronoun error to correct. Sentence 2 (B) correctly uses "It" to refer back to "exhibit" — both are singular, so the pronoun usage is appropriate. Sentence 4 (C) contains no pronouns that could create usage errors. The key trap here is that "they" sounds natural in everyday speech when referring to organizations or institutions, but in formal writing, you must maintain proper pronoun-antecedent agreement. "Museum" and "website" are both singular nouns, so they require singular pronouns. For SHSAT pronoun questions, always trace each pronoun back to its antecedent and verify they match in number (singular/plural) and gender. Pay special attention to collective nouns and institutional references, as these often create agreement errors in student writing.

Question 2

Read the sentence in the box.

The students were told by the administrators that they would need to choose their new classes by Friday.

What is the best way to revise the sentence to eliminate ambiguity?

  1. The students were told that they would need to choose their new classes by Friday by the administrators.
  2. The students, according to the administrators, would need to choose their new classes by Friday.
  3. The administrators told the students that the students would need to choose their new classes by Friday. (correct answer)
  4. The administrators told them that the students would need to choose their new classes by Friday.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about eliminating ambiguity, you need to identify which part of the sentence creates confusion and then find the revision that makes the meaning crystal clear. The original sentence contains a pronoun reference problem: "they" could refer to either the students or the administrators. This creates ambiguity about who needs to choose classes by Friday. The best revision will eliminate this confusion by making the subject and object relationships perfectly clear. Choice C correctly eliminates the ambiguity by replacing the vague pronoun "they" with the specific noun "the students." This revision makes it unmistakably clear that the students are the ones who need to choose their classes, not the administrators. The sentence structure is also clear and direct. Choice A simply moves "by the administrators" to the end, but this creates awkward phrasing and doesn't resolve the pronoun confusion with "they." Choice B uses "according to the administrators" but still contains the ambiguous "they" reference, so the core problem remains unsolved. Choice D makes the sentence even more confusing by using both "them" and "the students" to refer to the same group, creating redundancy and unclear pronoun reference. Remember that when revising for clarity, look for pronouns that could refer to multiple nouns in the sentence. The best fix is usually to replace the ambiguous pronoun with the specific noun it represents, even if this creates some repetition.

Question 3

Read the sentence in the box.

I enjoy watching historical dramas, but they often change details for the sake of storytelling.

Which revision best clarifies the meaning of the sentence?

  1. I enjoy watching them, but historical dramas often change details for the sake of storytelling.
  2. I enjoy watching historical dramas, but the filmmakers often change details for the sake of storytelling. (correct answer)
  3. Changing details for the sake of storytelling is something they often do in historical dramas.
  4. Historical dramas are enjoyable to watch, but they often change details for the sake of storytelling.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to identify and fix unclear pronoun references, a key skill for clear writing. When pronouns like "they" appear in a sentence, readers should immediately know what noun the pronoun refers to. In the original sentence, "they" creates ambiguity. While context suggests "they" refers to the people who make historical dramas (filmmakers, directors, writers), the pronoun could grammatically refer to either the dramas themselves or the people creating them. This uncertainty weakens the sentence's clarity. Choice B correctly resolves this ambiguity by replacing the unclear pronoun "they" with the specific noun "filmmakers." Now readers know exactly who is changing the historical details, eliminating any confusion about the sentence's meaning. Choice A actually makes the problem worse by moving the unclear pronoun reference to the beginning of the sentence. Now "them" is unclear in addition to "they" later in the sentence. Choice C restructures the sentence awkwardly and still contains the problematic "they" without clarifying what it refers to. The passive construction also makes the sentence less direct and harder to follow. Choice D keeps the same unclear "they" as the original sentence, so it doesn't solve the pronoun reference problem at all. When you encounter revision questions on the SHSAT, always check for unclear pronoun references. Ask yourself: "What specific noun does each pronoun refer to?" If you can't immediately identify the antecedent, or if multiple nouns could work, look for the revision that replaces the pronoun with a clear, specific noun.

Question 4

Read the sentence in the box.

My cousin is a skilled guitarist, and this is why I want to learn to play.

Which of the following is the most effective revision of the sentence?

  1. Because my cousin is a skilled guitarist, I want to learn to play the instrument. (correct answer)
  2. My cousin is a skilled guitarist, and that is the reason I want to learn to play the instrument.
  3. This is why I want to learn to play the guitar: my cousin is a skilled guitarist.
  4. I want to learn to play the guitar because of this: my cousin is a skilled guitarist.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to revise sentences for clarity and effectiveness by eliminating wordiness and vague pronoun references. The original sentence contains two major problems: the vague pronoun "this" and unnecessary wordiness in the connecting phrase "and this is why." When you see pronouns like "this," "that," or "it" in revision questions, check whether their reference is clear and specific. Choice A is correct because it eliminates the vague pronoun reference and creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship using "because." The sentence flows smoothly and specifies "the instrument" to avoid repetition while maintaining clarity. Choice B fails because it simply replaces "this is why" with "that is the reason," which doesn't solve the wordiness problem. While it adds "the instrument" for clarity, the connecting phrase remains unnecessarily verbose. Choice C reverses the sentence structure but still relies on the problematic pronoun "this." The colon structure is awkward and less direct than a simple subordinating conjunction. Choice D has the same issue as C—it uses "because of this" which maintains the vague pronoun reference. The colon creates an unnecessarily complex structure when a simple "because" clause would be more effective. When revising sentences on the SHSAT, look for two key improvements: eliminating vague pronouns (especially "this" and "that" without clear antecedents) and reducing wordiness while maintaining meaning. The most concise, clear option that preserves the original meaning is usually correct.

Question 5

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an unclear pronoun reference?

(1) The debate team competed against the state champions last weekend. (2) Both teams presented strong arguments and rebuttals. (3) The judges told the debaters that they had performed exceptionally well. (4) In the end, our team was proud of its performance.

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised?

  1. sentence 3 (correct answer)
  2. sentence 2
  3. sentence 1
  4. sentence 4
Explanation: When you encounter questions about pronoun reference, you need to identify which pronouns create confusion about what they refer to. A pronoun should clearly point to a specific noun (its antecedent) without ambiguity. Looking at sentence 3: "The judges told the debaters that they had performed exceptionally well." The pronoun "they" is unclear because it could refer to either "the judges" or "the debaters." Did the judges say that the judges themselves performed well, or that the debaters performed well? This ambiguity makes the sentence confusing and requires revision. The correct answer is A. Let's examine why the other options are incorrect. Choice B (sentence 2) uses "Both teams" clearly, with no pronoun issues. Choice C (sentence 1) contains no pronouns at all, so there's no reference problem to fix. Choice D (sentence 4) uses "our team" and "its" correctly—"its" clearly refers back to "our team" with no confusion about the antecedent. To fix sentence 3, you could revise it to: "The judges told the debaters that the debaters had performed exceptionally well" or "The judges told the debaters that they (the debaters) had performed exceptionally well." Remember this strategy: When checking pronoun reference, ask yourself "What exactly does this pronoun refer to?" If you can identify two or more possible antecedents, the pronoun reference is unclear and needs revision. This is a common issue when multiple nouns appear in the same sentence or nearby sentences.

Question 6

Which sentence in the paragraph contains an error that should be corrected?

(1) The old house stood at the end of a long, winding road. (2) Its paint was peeling, and the windows were boarded up. (3) According to local legend, it says that the house has been abandoned for over fifty years. (4) Despite its condition, the structure remained surprisingly sturdy.

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised?

  1. sentence 3 (correct answer)
  2. sentence 2
  3. sentence 1
  4. sentence 4
Explanation: When you encounter revision questions on the SHSAT, you're looking for grammatical errors, redundancy, or awkward constructions that make sentences unclear or incorrect. Sentence 3 contains a redundancy error: "According to local legend, it says that the house has been abandoned for over fifty years." The phrase "According to local legend" already establishes the source of the information, so adding "it says" creates an unnecessary and awkward repetition. The sentence should read either "According to local legend, the house has been abandoned for over fifty years" or "Local legend says that the house has been abandoned for over fifty years." Looking at the other options: Sentence 1 (B) is grammatically correct with proper use of adjectives and sentence structure. Sentence 2 (C) correctly uses compound structure with appropriate punctuation—the comma properly connects two related independent clauses. Sentence 4 (D) is also correct, using "Despite" appropriately to show contrast between the house's poor condition and its structural integrity. The correct answer is A because sentence 3 contains the redundancy error that needs correction. Study tip: Watch for redundancy in revision questions—when two phrases in the same sentence convey the same information (like "according to" and "it says"), one usually needs to be eliminated. Read each sentence aloud to catch these awkward repetitions that make writing wordy and unclear.

Question 7

Read the sentence in the box.

When the scientist showed the reporter her research, she seemed impressed.

Which of the following revisions best clarifies the sentence?

  1. The reporter seemed impressed when the scientist showed her the research. (correct answer)
  2. When she showed the reporter her research, the scientist seemed impressed.
  3. She seemed impressed when the scientist showed the reporter her research.
  4. Her research was shown to the reporter by the scientist, and she seemed impressed.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to identify and fix pronoun ambiguity, a common source of unclear writing. When pronouns like "she" or "her" appear in a sentence, readers must be able to clearly identify which noun each pronoun refers to. In the original sentence, "she seemed impressed" creates confusion because "she" could refer to either the scientist or the reporter. Both are female, so the pronoun doesn't clearly point to one specific person. This ambiguity makes readers guess who was actually impressed. Choice A resolves this problem by restructuring the sentence to put "The reporter" right before "seemed impressed," making it crystal clear that the reporter was the one who seemed impressed. The meaning becomes unambiguous without changing the original intent of the sentence. Choice B creates the opposite problem—it suggests the scientist seemed impressed, which changes the meaning entirely. Choice C keeps the same pronoun ambiguity as the original sentence, with "She" still unclear. Choice D uses passive voice ("research was shown") and still ends with the ambiguous "she seemed impressed," failing to clarify who was impressed. When you encounter sentences with multiple people of the same gender, always check that pronouns clearly refer to specific individuals. The best fix is usually to replace the ambiguous pronoun with the actual noun (like "the reporter") or restructure the sentence so the intended reference becomes obvious. Clear pronoun reference is essential for effective communication and frequently tested on standardized exams.

Question 8

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct a pronoun error?

(1) The chef prepared a delicious meal for the food critic. (2) He used only the freshest ingredients from the local market. (3) After the critic tasted the main course, he sent his compliments to the chef. (4) The critic's review praised his culinary skills extensively.

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised?

  1. sentence 1
  2. sentence 2
  3. sentence 4 (correct answer)
  4. sentence 3
Explanation: When you encounter pronoun questions on the SHSAT, you need to check whether each pronoun has a clear, unambiguous antecedent—the noun it refers to. Let's examine sentence 4: "The critic's review praised his culinary skills extensively." The pronoun "his" creates ambiguity because it could refer to either the critic or the chef. While context suggests it should refer to the chef (since reviews typically praise the subject being reviewed), the pronoun doesn't clearly point to either person, making this sentence grammatically unclear and in need of revision. Looking at the other options: Choice A (sentence 1) contains no pronouns at all, so there's no pronoun error to correct. Choice B (sentence 2) uses "He" which clearly refers back to "the chef" from the previous sentence—this is perfectly clear. Choice D (sentence 3) contains two pronouns: the first "he" refers to "the critic" and "his" also refers to "the critic," both of which are unambiguous since the critic is the subject performing the action. The correct answer is C because only sentence 4 contains a pronoun error that needs correction. Study tip: When checking pronoun clarity, ask yourself "Who exactly does this pronoun refer to?" If you can identify more than one possible antecedent, or if the reference isn't immediately clear, that's your error. On the SHSAT, ambiguous pronoun reference is a common trap—always ensure each pronoun points clearly to one specific noun.

Question 9

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an error?

(1) The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication in Europe. (2) In Johannes Gutenberg's workshop, he perfected the use of movable type. (3) This innovation allowed for the mass production of books. (4) As a result, knowledge spread more rapidly than ever before.

Which sentence in the paragraph contains an error in pronoun reference?

  1. sentence 2 (correct answer)
  2. sentence 1
  3. sentence 3
  4. sentence 4
Explanation: When you encounter questions about pronoun reference errors, you're looking for pronouns that create confusion about which noun they refer to. Clear pronoun reference means the reader can easily identify what the pronoun replaces. Sentence 2 contains a pronoun reference error: "In Johannes Gutenberg's workshop, he perfected the use of movable type." The pronoun "he" appears after a prepositional phrase beginning with "In Johannes Gutenberg's workshop." This structure makes "workshop" the subject of the sentence, so grammatically, "he" seems to refer back to "workshop" rather than "Gutenberg." While readers can figure out the intended meaning, the sentence structure creates ambiguity. A clearer version would be "Johannes Gutenberg perfected the use of movable type in his workshop." Looking at the other options: Choice B (sentence 1) contains no pronouns at all, so it cannot have a pronoun reference error. Choice C (sentence 3) uses "This innovation," where "This" clearly refers to the movable type mentioned in the previous sentence. Choice D (sentence 4) contains no pronouns that could create reference problems. The key strategy for pronoun reference questions is to locate each pronoun and trace it back to its antecedent (the noun it replaces). If you have to pause and think about what the pronoun refers to, or if multiple nouns could reasonably be the antecedent, you've likely found your error. Always check that the pronoun appears close enough to its intended antecedent to avoid confusion.

Question 10

Read the sentence in the box.

After Maria tightened the bolt on the bicycle, it was much more stable.

Which of the following revisions is the clearest?

  1. After Maria tightened the bolt on it, the bicycle was much more stable.
  2. It was much more stable after Maria tightened the bolt on the bicycle.
  3. The sentence is correct as written.
  4. The bicycle was much more stable after Maria tightened the bolt. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your ability to identify and fix pronoun ambiguity, a common clarity issue in writing. When a pronoun like "it" could refer to multiple nouns, you need to revise for clarity. In the original sentence, "it" creates confusion because it could theoretically refer to either "the bolt" or "the bicycle." While context suggests "it" means the bicycle (since bicycles become stable, not bolts), the ambiguous pronoun makes the sentence less clear than it should be. Answer choice D eliminates this ambiguity entirely by removing the pronoun "it" and stating directly that "the bicycle was much more stable." This revision is crystal clear—there's no question about what became more stable. The sentence flows naturally and maintains all the original meaning without any confusion. Choice A fails because it simply moves the pronoun "it" to a different position but creates the same ambiguity problem—now "it" in "tightened the bolt on it" is unclear. Choice B keeps the problematic pronoun "it" at the beginning, so the ambiguity remains. The reader still has to guess what "it" refers to. Choice C is incorrect because the original sentence does have a clarity issue with the ambiguous pronoun that should be fixed. When you encounter revision questions on the SHSAT, always check for pronoun clarity. If a pronoun could reasonably refer to more than one noun, look for the answer choice that eliminates the pronoun entirely or makes the reference crystal clear. Clear, direct writing is almost always better than writing with ambiguous pronouns.

Question 11

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised for clarity?

(1) My cat loves to chase the laser pointer's red dot. (2) She will follow it all around the room. (3) When the dot disappears, she looks for it behind the furniture. (4) This is very amusing to watch.

Which sentence in the paragraph contains a vague pronoun reference?

  1. sentence 1
  2. sentence 2
  3. sentence 4 (correct answer)
  4. sentence 3
Explanation: When you encounter questions about pronoun clarity, you need to identify whether each pronoun has a clear, unambiguous antecedent—the noun it refers to. Let's examine each sentence for vague pronoun references. In sentence (4), "This is very amusing to watch," the pronoun "This" creates confusion. What exactly is "this"? It could refer to the cat chasing the dot, the cat looking behind furniture, or the entire situation described in the paragraph. Since "This" doesn't point to one specific noun, it creates a vague pronoun reference that leaves readers guessing about what the writer finds amusing. Now let's check why the other options don't contain vague pronouns. Choice (A), sentence 1, has no pronouns at all—it clearly states "My cat loves to chase the laser pointer's red dot." Choice (B), sentence 2, uses "She" and "it," but both have clear antecedents: "She" refers back to "cat" from sentence 1, and "it" refers to "the red dot." Choice (D), sentence 3, also uses clear pronouns: "she" again refers to the cat, and "it" refers to the dot. The answer is (C) because sentence 4 contains the demonstrative pronoun "This" without a clear antecedent. Strategy tip: When checking for vague pronouns, always ask "What specific noun does this pronoun replace?" If you can't point to one clear answer, or if multiple nouns could work, the pronoun reference needs revision. Demonstrative pronouns like "this," "that," and "it" are common culprits for vagueness.

Question 12

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised?

(1) The programmers and the designers met to review the new app. (2) The designers showed the programmers their mockups. (3) They believed the color scheme was too bright. (4) A new set of designs will be created for the next meeting.

Which sentence contains an ambiguous pronoun reference?

  1. sentence 1
  2. sentence 3 (correct answer)
  3. sentence 2
  4. sentence 4
Explanation: When you encounter questions about pronoun reference, you need to identify whether each pronoun clearly refers to a specific noun. Ambiguous pronouns create confusion because readers can't tell what the pronoun is supposed to replace. Let's examine sentence 3: "They believed the color scheme was too bright." The pronoun "they" could refer to either "the programmers" or "the designers" mentioned in the previous sentences. Since both groups are equally plausible subjects for having an opinion about the color scheme, readers cannot determine who actually believed it was too bright. This ambiguity makes sentence 3 the one that needs revision. Looking at the other options: Choice A (sentence 1) contains no pronouns at all, so there's no ambiguous reference. Choice C (sentence 2) uses "their," which clearly refers back to "the designers" since they're the subject of that sentence. Choice D (sentence 4) contains no pronouns that could create ambiguity. The correct answer is B because sentence 3 contains the ambiguous pronoun "they." To fix sentence 3, you would need to specify which group believed the color scheme was too bright: "The programmers believed the color scheme was too bright" or "The designers believed the color scheme was too bright." Strategy tip: When you see multiple nouns of the same type (like "programmers" and "designers"), immediately check if any following pronouns could refer to either one. If you can't tell which noun the pronoun replaces, you've found your ambiguous reference.

Question 13

Read the sentence in the box.

In the book's final chapter, it reveals the story's main secret.

What is the best way to revise this sentence?

  1. In the book's final chapter, the story's main secret is revealed by it.
  2. The story's main secret is revealed, and it is in the book's final chapter.
  3. It is in the book's final chapter that the story's main secret is revealed.
  4. The book's final chapter reveals the story's main secret. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your ability to identify and fix pronoun reference errors, which occur when it's unclear what a pronoun refers to. The original sentence contains a pronoun reference problem: "In the book's final chapter, it reveals the story's main secret." The pronoun "it" is ambiguous—does it refer to "book" or "chapter"? While we can guess the meaning, good writing eliminates such confusion. Choice D corrects this error by removing the unclear pronoun entirely: "The book's final chapter reveals the story's main secret." This version is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. The subject "chapter" directly performs the action "reveals," creating a strong, unambiguous sentence. Choice A creates the same pronoun reference problem in passive voice: "the story's main secret is revealed by it." The pronoun "it" is still unclear, and the passive construction makes the sentence wordier without improving clarity. Choice B uses awkward coordination that doesn't solve the pronoun issue: "The story's main secret is revealed, and it is in the book's final chapter." The pronoun "it" now refers to the revelation, but the sentence structure is clunky and unclear about what's actually happening. Choice C uses an unnecessarily wordy construction: "It is in the book's final chapter that the story's main secret is revealed." While grammatically correct, this creates a weak sentence that buries the main action in a subordinate clause. When you encounter pronoun reference errors, look for the revision that either clarifies what the pronoun refers to or eliminates the unclear pronoun altogether. The clearest, most direct option is usually correct.

Question 14

Read the sentence in the box.

Although the car was older than the truck, it was in better condition.

Which is the best revision of this sentence for clarity?

  1. The car was in better condition, although it was older than the truck.
  2. Although older than the truck, the car was in better condition. (correct answer)
  3. It was in better condition, although the car was older than the truck.
  4. The sentence is correct as written.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about sentence clarity, you're being tested on your ability to identify and eliminate ambiguous pronoun references. The key issue here is making sure every pronoun has a clear, unambiguous antecedent. In the original sentence, the pronoun "it" creates confusion because it could refer to either "the car" or "the truck." While context suggests "it" means the car, good writing shouldn't force readers to guess. Choice B eliminates this ambiguity entirely by removing the pronoun and stating directly that "the car was in better condition." Choice A simply rearranges the clauses but keeps the problematic pronoun "it," so the ambiguity remains. Choice C actually makes the problem worse by placing "it" at the beginning of the sentence, even further from its intended antecedent "the car." Choice D is incorrect because the original sentence does contain the pronoun reference problem we've identified. Choice B also creates a more concise, elegant sentence structure. By using the phrase "Although older than the truck" as an introductory clause, it maintains the contrast while eliminating unnecessary words. The sentence flows more smoothly and delivers the same meaning with greater clarity. Study tip: When you see pronouns like "it," "this," or "they" in answer choices, always check whether their antecedents are crystal clear. If you have to think twice about what a pronoun refers to, there's likely a better revision that eliminates the pronoun altogether or places it closer to its antecedent.

Question 15

Which sentence in the paragraph contains an error that needs to be corrected?

(1) My grandmother told my mother that she should enter the pie-baking contest. (2) My mother makes the best apple pie in the family. (3) The contest is held every year at the county fair. (4) The winner receives a blue ribbon and a small cash prize.

Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an unclear pronoun reference?

  1. sentence 1 (correct answer)
  2. sentence 2
  3. sentence 3
  4. sentence 4
Explanation: When you encounter questions about pronoun reference errors, you need to identify pronouns that could refer to multiple nouns, creating confusion about meaning. Let's examine each sentence for unclear pronoun references. In sentence 1, "My grandmother told my mother that she should enter the pie-baking contest," the pronoun "she" creates ambiguity. Does "she" refer to the grandmother or the mother? Both are female nouns that could logically be the subject entering the contest, making the sentence unclear. Now let's check why the other options are incorrect. Choice B (sentence 2) contains no pronouns at all—it clearly states "My mother makes the best apple pie," so there's no pronoun reference issue. Choice C (sentence 3) uses "The contest," which is a clear noun phrase, not a pronoun that could cause confusion. Choice D (sentence 4) uses "The winner," another clear noun phrase without ambiguous pronouns. The error in sentence 1 could be corrected by replacing the pronoun with a specific noun: "My grandmother told my mother that my mother should enter the contest" or "My grandmother told my mother that she (grandmother) should enter the contest." Strategy tip: When checking for pronoun reference errors, circle every pronoun and draw an arrow to what it refers to. If you can draw arrows to multiple possible nouns, or if you're unsure where to draw the arrow, you've likely found an unclear pronoun reference that needs revision.

Question 16

Read the sentence in the box.

In Thomas Edison's laboratory, he developed hundreds of inventions.

Which revision of the sentence is most correct?

  1. Hundreds of inventions were developed by him in Thomas Edison's laboratory.
  2. He developed hundreds of inventions in Thomas Edison's laboratory.
  3. In the laboratory of Thomas Edison, he developed hundreds of inventions.
  4. Thomas Edison, in his laboratory, developed hundreds of inventions. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your ability to identify and correct dangling modifiers, a common grammar error that occurs when the subject of a sentence is unclear or misplaced. The original sentence contains a dangling modifier: "In Thomas Edison's laboratory, he developed hundreds of inventions." The prepositional phrase "In Thomas Edison's laboratory" is followed by the pronoun "he," creating ambiguity about who is being referenced. While we can infer that "he" refers to Edison, the sentence structure makes this connection unclear because Edison isn't properly established as the subject. Choice D corrects this error by clearly establishing Thomas Edison as the subject: "Thomas Edison, in his laboratory, developed hundreds of inventions." This revision eliminates ambiguity by naming Edison directly and using "his laboratory" to maintain clear pronoun reference throughout. Choice A uses passive voice unnecessarily and still maintains the unclear pronoun reference with "by him." Choice B keeps the same structural problem as the original—the prepositional phrase about Edison's laboratory followed by an ambiguous "he." Choice C simply rearranges the problematic elements without fixing the core issue of unclear pronoun reference. When you encounter sentences that begin with prepositional phrases followed by pronouns, check whether the pronoun clearly refers to a previously established noun. If not, the sentence likely contains a dangling modifier that needs revision. The clearest fix is usually to name the subject directly rather than relying on pronouns, especially at the beginning of sentences.

Question 17

Read the sentence in the box.

In the mayor's speech, he promised to increase funding for public parks and libraries.

Which revision of the sentence is most correct and clear?

  1. In the speech by the mayor, he promised an increase in funding for public parks and libraries.
  2. He promised, in the mayor's speech, to increase funding for public parks and libraries.
  3. In his speech, the mayor promised to increase funding for public parks and libraries. (correct answer)
  4. The mayor's speech included a promise from him to increase funding for public parks and libraries.
Explanation: When you encounter sentence revision questions, you're being tested on clarity, conciseness, and proper pronoun reference. The key is identifying which version communicates the intended meaning most directly while avoiding ambiguous pronoun references. The correct answer is C because it eliminates the pronoun reference problem in the original sentence. By starting with "In his speech," the pronoun "his" clearly refers back to "the mayor" who is mentioned immediately after. The sentence flows naturally: subject (the mayor) + action (promised) + object (to increase funding). This structure is both grammatically correct and easy to follow. Looking at the incorrect choices: A keeps the awkward "In the speech by the mayor, he..." construction, which creates unnecessary distance between the pronoun "he" and its antecedent "mayor." B places the prepositional phrase "in the mayor's speech" in an awkward middle position that disrupts the flow and creates confusion about what "he" refers to. D is unnecessarily wordy with "included a promise from him," turning a simple, direct statement into a convoluted phrase that weakens the impact of the mayor's commitment. Remember that on the SHSAT, the best revision is usually the one that's most direct and clear while maintaining grammatical correctness. Watch for pronoun reference issues—pronouns should clearly and immediately connect to their antecedents. When you see multiple versions of a sentence, ask yourself: "Which one would be easiest for a reader to understand on first reading?"

Question 18

Read the sentence in the box.

The car has a dent in its fender, which needs to be repaired.

Which revision best improves the clarity of the sentence?

  1. The car has a dent in its fender that needs to be repaired. (correct answer)
  2. The car's fender has a dent, and it needs to be repaired.
  3. The car has a dent in its fender, a problem which needs to be repaired.
  4. Because the car has a dent in its fender, it needs to be repaired.
Explanation: When you encounter a sentence clarity question, you're being tested on your ability to identify and fix ambiguous pronoun references. The original sentence contains a pronoun ("which") that could refer to multiple nouns, creating confusion about what exactly needs repair. The correct answer is A because it eliminates the ambiguous pronoun "which" and replaces it with "that," creating a restrictive clause that clearly modifies "dent." This construction makes it unambiguous that the dent needs to be repaired, not the fender itself. The word "that" creates a tighter, clearer connection between the dent and the need for repair. Choice B still contains the ambiguous pronoun "it" – does the dent need repair, or does the entire fender need repair? This doesn't solve the clarity problem. Choice C actually makes the sentence wordier and more awkward by adding "a problem which," creating unnecessary redundancy without eliminating the ambiguity. Choice D changes the meaning entirely by using "because," which suggests the entire car needs repair due to the dent, rather than focusing on repairing the dent itself. Watch for pronoun ambiguity questions by looking for sentences where pronouns like "which," "it," "this," or "that" could reasonably refer to more than one noun. The best revisions either eliminate the ambiguous pronoun entirely or restructure the sentence so the pronoun reference becomes crystal clear. Always ask yourself: "What exactly does this pronoun refer to?"

Question 19

Read the sentence in the box.

In Ms. Garcia's classroom, she encourages students to work collaboratively on projects.

What is the best way to revise the sentence?

  1. In her classroom, Ms. Garcia encourages students to work collaboratively on projects. (correct answer)
  2. She encourages students in Ms. Garcia's classroom to work collaboratively on projects.
  3. Ms. Garcia, in her classroom, encourages students to work collaboratively on projects.
  4. Students are encouraged by her to work collaboratively on projects in Ms. Garcia's classroom.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to identify and fix unclear pronoun reference, a common writing error that can confuse readers about who or what is being discussed. The original sentence contains an unclear pronoun reference: "In Ms. Garcia's classroom, she encourages students..." The pronoun "she" appears after the prepositional phrase "In Ms. Garcia's classroom," creating ambiguity about who "she" refers to, even though we can reasonably infer it means Ms. Garcia. Choice A correctly fixes this problem by placing "Ms. Garcia" as the clear subject right after the introductory prepositional phrase: "In her classroom, Ms. Garcia encourages students..." Now "her" clearly refers back to Ms. Garcia, and there's no confusion about who is doing the encouraging. Choice B creates an awkward construction where the subject "She" appears before we know who it refers to, maintaining the original unclear reference problem. Choice C places "Ms. Garcia" in the middle of the sentence with unnecessary commas, creating an awkward interruption in the flow while not improving clarity. Choice D uses passive voice ("Students are encouraged by her") which is wordier and still contains the unclear pronoun "her" since Ms. Garcia isn't mentioned until the end. When revising sentences with pronoun reference issues, look for ways to place the noun before its pronoun and ensure the subject is clear from the beginning. This makes your writing more direct and easier to follow.

Question 20

Read the sentence in the box.

After removing the computer from its box, Leo set it on the desk.

What is the best way to revise this sentence for clarity?

  1. The sentence is correct as written. (correct answer)
  2. Leo set the computer on the desk after he removed it from its box.
  3. Leo set it on the desk after removing the computer from its box.
  4. After removing it from its box, Leo set the computer on the desk.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to recognize when a sentence is already clear and grammatically correct, versus when revision is actually needed. The original sentence "After removing the computer from its box, Leo set it on the desk" is perfectly clear and well-constructed. The introductory phrase "After removing the computer from its box" clearly establishes the sequence of events, and the pronoun "it" unambiguously refers back to "the computer." There's no confusion about what Leo removed or what he placed on the desk. Answer A is correct because the sentence needs no revision—it's already clear, grammatically sound, and well-organized. Answer B ("Leo set the computer on the desk after he removed it from its box") creates unnecessary wordiness by adding "he" and restructuring the sentence without improving clarity. The original flows better. Answer C ("Leo set it on the desk after removing the computer from its box") creates awkward repetition by using both the pronoun "it" and the full noun "the computer" in a confusing sequence that makes the sentence less smooth. Answer D ("After removing it from its box, Leo set the computer on the desk") introduces a pronoun reference problem. The pronoun "it" appears before its antecedent "computer," which can momentarily confuse readers about what "it" refers to. Strategy tip: On clarity questions, don't assume the original sentence needs fixing. Read it carefully first—if it's already clear, grammatically correct, and flows well, "correct as written" is often the right answer. Only revise when there's an actual problem to solve.