SAT Suite Question Bank - Results
SAT Suite Question Bank - Results
ID: 960dec02
A recent study tracked the number of bee species present in twenty-seven New York apple orchards over a ten-year
period. ______ found that when wild growth near an orchard was cleared, the number of different bee species visiting the
orchard decreased.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a name and title and between a
subject and a verb. No punctuation is needed between the proper noun “Heather Grab” and “entomologist,” the title that
describes Grab. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between the sentence’s subject (“Entomologist Heather Grab”)
and the main verb (“found”) that indicates what Grab did.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect because
no punctuation is needed. Setting the entomologist’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without
affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed
between the subject and the verb.
ID: 37e5c794
Despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce, ______ they are made from nonrenewable petroleum, and most do
not biodegrade in landfills.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures that the
modifying phrase “despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce” appears immediately before the noun it modifies,
“commercial plastics,” clearly establishing that the commercial plastics—and not another noun in the sentence—are being
described as cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word “there” immediately
after the modifying phrase illogically and confusingly suggests that “there” is cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun “two problems” immediately
after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the “problems” are cheap, versatile, and easy to produce. Choice C is
incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “commercial plastics’ two
associated problems” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the “problems” are cheap,
versatile, and easy to produce.
ID: adf210e7
The haiku-like poems of Tomas Tranströmer, which present nature- and dream-influenced images in crisp, spare
language, have earned the Swedish poet praise from leading contemporary ______ them Nigerian American essayist and
novelist Teju Cole, who has written that Tranströmer’s works “contain a luminous simplicity.”
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. writers. Among
B. writers among
C. writers; among
D. writers, among
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“The haiku-
like…writers”) and the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”) that specifies a contemporary writer who has praised
Tomas Tranströmer’s haiku-like poems.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “among.” Choice
B is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause and the supplementary phrase with
appropriate punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause
(“The haiku-like…writers”) and the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”).
ID: aaa1907f
To serve local families during the Great Depression, innovative New York City librarian Pura Belpré offered storytelling in
both English and Spanish, an uncommon ______ celebrated el Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, an important community
holiday; and put on puppet shows dramatizing Puerto Rican folktales.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of elements in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice, the
semicolon after "time" is conventionally used to separate the first item ("offered…time") and the second ("celebrated…
holiday") in the series of activities that librarian Pura Belpré offered. Moreover, the semicolon after "time" matches the
semicolon used later to separate the second item ("celebrated...holiday") and the third ("and...folktales") in the series.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the first item and the second item in the
complex series. Furthermore, a comma isn’t needed between the noun "practice" and the prepositional phrase "at the
time" because the prepositional phrase is essential to the full meaning of the phrase "an uncommon practice at the time."
Choice C is incorrect because a comma after "time" doesn’t match the semicolon used later to separate the second
("celebrated...holiday") and third ("and...folktales") items in the series. Furthermore, a comma isn’t needed between the
noun "practice" and the prepositional phrase "at the time" because the prepositional phrase is essential to the full
meaning of the phrase "an uncommon practice at the time." Choice D is incorrect because a comma after "time" doesn’t
match the semicolon used later to separate the second ("celebrated...holiday") and third ("and...folktales") items in the
series.
ID: f0864217
Rabinal Achí is a precolonial Maya dance drama performed annually in Rabinal, a town in the Guatemalan highlands.
Based on events that occurred when Rabinal was a city-state ruled by a king, ______ had once been an ally of the king but
was later captured while leading an invading force against him.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Rabinal Achí tells the story of K’iche’ Achí, a military leader who
C. the military leader whose story is told in Rabinal Achí, K’iche’ Achí,
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers
need to be next to the subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma.
Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The
modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be next to the subjects
they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t complete
the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is
describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to
be the first word after the comma. Choice D is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the
conventions of Standard English. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.”
Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma.
ID: c91ef0f0
During the American Civil War, Thomas Morris Chester braved the front lines as a war correspondent for the Philadelphia
Press. Amplifying the voices and experiences of Black soldiers ______ of particular importance to Chester, who later
became an activist and lawyer during the postwar Reconstruction period.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. were
B. have been
C. are
D. was
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "was" agrees in
number with the singular subject "amplifying." Gerunds such as "amplifying" are always singular.
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "amplifying."
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "amplifying."
Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "amplifying."
ID: ea0aa676
In the 1970s, Janaki Ammal, a prominent botanist, emerged as a powerful voice in India’s environmental conservation
movement. Her exhaustive chromosomal survey of plants in Silent Valley, a pristine tropical forest in Kerala, India, that is
home to nearly 1,000 species of native flora (many of which are endangered), ______ instrumental in the government’s
decision to preserve the forest.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. are
B. were
C. have been
D. was
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject "survey" is singular, and so is the verb "was."
Choice A is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular, but the verb "are" is plural. Choice B is incorrect. The subject
"survey" is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular, but the verb "have
been" is plural.
ID: 83898524
In addition to advocating for South America’s independence in two political treatises, the Cartagena Manifesto and the
Letter from Jamaica, Simón Bolívar personally led armies against the Spanish, liberating three South American territories
—New Granada (present-day Colombia and Panama), Venezuela, and Quito (present-day ______ from colonial rule.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Ecuador,)
B. Ecuador)
C. Ecuador),
D. Ecuador)—
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The dash after “Ecuador” and the closing parenthesis pairs with the dash after “territories” to separate the
supplementary element (“New…Ecuador”) from the rest of the sentence. The supplementary element specifies the three
South American territories that Simón Bolívar liberated, and the pair of dashes indicates that this element could be
removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from the rest
of the sentence. Furthermore, punctuation isn’t needed between “Ecuador” and the closing parenthesis. Choice B is
incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the
sentence. Choice C is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash to separate the supplementary element
from the rest of the sentence.
ID: fba5d8d1
In a 2016 study, Eastern Washington University psychologist Amani El-Alayli found that, among the study participants
who experienced frisson (a physiological response akin to goosebumps or getting the chills) while listening to music,
there was one personality trait that they scored particularly ______ openness to experience.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. high. On
B. high on;
C. high on
D. high on:
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause
("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to experience") and to introduce the information that identifies
which personality trait participants scored especially high on.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with "on" and
separates a necessary preposition from the clause beginning with "there." Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon
can’t be used in this way to join the main clause ("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to experience").
A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally used to introduce an
element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause, making the colon the better choice in this
context. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause ("there...on") and the
supplementary phrase ("openness to experience").
ID: dc645172
The artistic talents of Barbara Chase-Riboud, most known for her 1979 historical novel Sally Hemings and the
conversation it inspired, ______ limited to the realm of prose: she first excelled in sculpture, where her affinity for bronze—
a material she described as “timeless” due to its use across eras and cultures—became part of her artistic identity.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. hasn’t been
B. wasn’t
C. isn’t
D. aren’t
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject "talents" is plural, and so is the verb "aren’t": "the artistic talents…aren’t limited."
Choice A is incorrect. The subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "hasn’t been" is singular. Choice B is incorrect. The
subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "wasn’t" is singular. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "talents" is plural, but the
verb "isn’t" is singular.
ID: 886dc9f9
On July 23, 1854, a clipper ship called the Flying Cloud entered San Francisco ______ left New York Harbor under the
guidance of Captain Josiah Perkins Creesy and his wife, navigator Eleanor Creesy, a mere 89 days and 8 hours earlier, the
celebrated ship set a record that would stand for 135 years.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
B. Bay. Having
C. Bay, having
D. Bay having
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “Bay” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“On…Bay”) and another sentence that
begins with a supplementary phrase (“Having…years”). Here, the supplementary phrase beginning with “having” modifies
the subject of the second sentence, “the celebrated ship.”
Choice A is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join sentences.
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two sentences.
Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“On…Bay” and “having…years”) are fused
without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: 59a246dc
When external forces are applied to common glass made from silicates, energy builds up around minuscule defects in
the material, resulting in fractures. Recently, engineer Erkka Frankberg of Tampere University in Finland used the
chemical ______ to make a glassy solid that can withstand higher strain than silicate glass can before fracturing.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation around noun phrases. No punctuation
is needed because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive, meaning that it provides essential
identifying information about the noun phrase before it, “the chemical compound,” and thus doesn’t require punctuation
around it.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice
C is incorrect because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive. Setting the phrase off with
punctuation suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case.
ID: 6ea8c23f
In 2018, a team of researchers led by Dr. Caitlin Whalen compiled every available measurement of ocean mixing rates
from the past two decades. With this novel data set, the team was able to determine how current-driven mixing varies
across ______ and what impact it has on the distribution of heat and nutrients in the ocean.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. regions,
B. regions:
C. regions;
D. regions
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between coordinates in a sentence. The two
elements "how…regions" and "what…ocean" work together as coordinates to complete the description of what the team
was able to determine. Because there are only two coordinates in this case (as opposed to a series of three or more), no
punctuation is needed between them.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
ID: aab74a3b
Researcher Lin Zhi developed a process for increasing the tensile strength—measured in gigapascals, or GPa—of
silkworm ______ dissolving and reweaving the silk in a solution of iron metal ions, zinc, and sugar, Zhi increased the
amount of force required to stretch it from approximately 0.5 GPa to 2 GPa.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. silk, by
B. silk by
C. silk and by
D. silk. By
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The independent clauses "researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" can be
grammatically separated by a period. They can stand alone as sentences, and this is the only choice that lets them do
that.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by
dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with punctuation like a period or a
semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and." A comma alone isn’t
enough. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk"
and "by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with punctuation like a period
or a semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and." Choice C is
incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2
GPa" are both independent clauses. The coordinating conjunction "and" isn’t enough to link them by itself. We need a
comma, too.
ID: 512f0ac9
Working from an earlier discovery of Charpentier’s, chemists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna—winners of
the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—re-created and then reprogrammed the so-called “genetic scissors” of a species of
DNA-cleaving bacteria ______ a tool that is revolutionizing the field of gene technology.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. to forge
B. forging
C. forged
D. and forging
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence.
The nonfinite to-infinitive “to forge” is correctly used to form a nonfinite (infinitive) clause that explains why the chemists
re-created and reprogrammed the DNA-cleaving bacteria.
Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma separating the main clause (“chemists...bacteria”) from the participle “forging,”
this choice illogically suggests that the bacteria are forging a tool, which doesn’t make sense. Choice C is incorrect.
Without a coordinating conjunction such as “and” placed before it, the finite past tense verb “forged” can’t be used in this
way to describe the chemists’ actions. Choice D is incorrect. If read as a finite verb, the present progressive verb “forging”
isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used in this sentence to describe the actions of the chemists. If read as a
nonfinite verb, the participle “forging” can’t be used in this way because there is no following main clause for it to
modify.
ID: a9e5b788
In discussing Mary Shelley’s 1818 epistolary novel Frankenstein, literary theorist Gayatri Spivak directs the reader’s
attention to the character of Margaret Saville. As Spivak points out, Saville is not the protagonist of Shelley’s ______ as the
recipient of the letters that frame the book’s narrative, she’s the “occasion” of it.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. novel
B. novel,
C. novel; rather,
D. novel, rather,
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. This
choice correctly uses a semicolon to join a main clause (“Saville...novel”) and a second main clause (“she’s...it”) preceded
by supplementary elements (“rather...narrative”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or
a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma
can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a
conjunction following it, the comma after “novel” can’t be used in this way to join the two main clauses.
ID: d2b81427
In assessing the films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, ______ have missed his equally deep engagement with
Japanese artistic traditions such as Noh theater.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. many critics have focused on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources but
B. Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources has been the focus of many critics, who
C. there are many critics who have focused on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources, but they
D. the focus of many critics has been on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources; they
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the noun
phrase “many critics” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase “in assessing…
Kurosawa.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that it is the critics—and not another noun in the sentence—who
assess Kurosawa’s films.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Kurosawa’s…sources”
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that his use of Western literary sources is what assesses
Kurosawa’s films. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word
“there” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “there” is what assesses Kurosawa’s films.
Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the focus…critics”
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the critics’ focus is what assesses Kurosawa’s films.
ID: e76e74e8
Over twenty years ago, in a landmark experiment in the psychology of choice, professor Sheena Iyengar set up a jam-
tasting booth at a grocery store. The number of jams available for tasting ______ some shoppers had twenty-four
different options, others only six. Interestingly, the shoppers with fewer jams to choose from purchased more jam.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. varied:
B. varied,
C. varied, while
D. varied while
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of a colon within a sentence. In this choice, the colon
is used in a conventional way to introduce the following description of how the number of jams available varied.
Choice B is incorrect because it creates a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses
(“the number…varied” and “some…six”). Choice C is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing sentence.
Using the conjunction “while” to join the main clause (“the number…varied”) with the following clause’s description of the
number of jams available suggests that the variation in the number of jams is in contrast to some shoppers having
twenty-four options. Choice D is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing sentence. Using “while” in this
way suggests that the number of jams available varied during the time in which some shoppers had twenty-four options
and others had six. The sentence makes clear, however, that what follows “varied” is a description of the variation, not a
separate, simultaneous occurrence.
ID: 73a6603c
On sunny days, dark rooftops absorb solar energy and convert it to unwanted heat, raising the surrounding air ______ a
light-colored covering to an existing dark roof, either by attaching prefabricated reflective sheets or spraying on a paint-
like coating, helps combat this effect.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. temperature; by adding
B. temperature, adding
C. temperature. Adding
D. temperature by adding
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“On…temperature”) and the second sentence
(“Adding…effect”). The gerund phrase beginning with “adding” is the subject of the second sentence, and the verb phrase
“helps combat this effect” describes what adding a light-colored covering can do.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the sentence “On...temperature” and the
supplementary phrases that follow. Doing so leaves the verb phrase “helps combat” without a subject and thus results in
a grammatically unconventional sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be
used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a confusing and
illogical sentence that suggests that adding a light-colored covering to an existing dark roof raises the temperature of the
surrounding air. Furthermore, it creates ambiguity by leaving the verb phrase “helps combat” without a subject (so it isn’t
clear what helps combat the effect).
ID: 3bceeb93
When they were first discovered in Australia in 1798, duck-billed, beaver-tailed platypuses so defied categorization that
one scientist assigned them the name Ornithorhynchus paradoxus: “paradoxical bird-snout.” The animal, which lays eggs
but also nurses ______ young with milk, has since been classified as belonging to the monotremes group.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. they’re
B. their
C. its
D. it’s
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The singular possessive pronoun "its" agrees with the singular antecedent "the animal" and
indicates that the "young" belong to it.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "They’re" is a contraction of "they are," a
plural pronoun and verb, but the antecedent "the animal" is singular. Also, we don’t need the extra verb "are" — we already
have a main verb in this clause, so adding "are" would be confusing and ungrammatical. Choice B is incorrect. This
choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "Their" is a plural pronoun, but the subject of the sentence is "the
animal," a singular noun. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a confusing and ungrammatical sentence. "It’s" is a
contraction for "it is." We already have the verb "nurses" in this clause, so we shouldn’t add the verb "is."
ID: dab8b8ee
Known as Earth’s “living skin,” biocrusts are thin layers of soil held together by surface-dwelling microorganisms such as
fungi, lichens, and cyanobacteria. Fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion, ______
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. a recent study’s estimate is that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.
B. an estimated 60 percent reduction in global dust emissions each year is due to these crusts, according to a recent
study.
C. these crusts reduce global dust emissions by an estimated 60 percent each year, according to a recent study.
D. a recent study has estimated that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts."
Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each other, so "biocrusts" or some variant
meaning "biocrusts" (in this case, "these crusts") must begin the missing clause.
Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil
in arid ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent study’s estimate." Choice B is incorrect. Modifiers and
their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion"
is "biocrusts," not "an estimated 60 percent reduction." Choice D is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to
each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent
study."
ID: c06af4d8
Sociologist Alton Okinaka sits on the review board tasked with adding new sites to the Hawai‘i Register of Historic
Places, which includes Pi‘ilanihale Heiau and the ‘Ōpaeka‘a Road Bridge. Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions ______ all
historical designations must be approved by a group of nine other experts from the fields of architecture, archaeology,
history, and Hawaiian culture.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. single-handedly, however;
B. single-handedly; however,
C. single-handedly, however,
D. single-handedly however
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary word or phrase between
two main clauses. This choice correctly uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb “however” from the
preceding main clause (“Okinaka doesn’t…single-handedly”) and a semicolon to join the next main clause (“all…culture”)
to the rest of the sentence. Further, placing the semicolon after “however” correctly indicates that the information in the
preceding main clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions single-handedly) is contrary to what might be assumed
from the information in the previous sentence (Okinaka sits on the review board that adds new sites to the Hawaii
Register of Historic Places).
Choice B is incorrect because placing the semicolon after “single-handedly” and the comma after “however” illogically
indicates that the information in the next main clause (all historical designations must be approved by a group of
experts) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions single-
handedly). Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Commas can’t be used in this way to punctuate a
supplementary word or phrase between two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence.
The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: 0fe5ce68
Ten of William Shakespeare’s plays are classified as histories. Although each one of these plays, which include Henry V
and Richard III, ______ on a single historical figure (specifically, an English king), some, such as Henry VI Part One and
Henry VI Part Two, feature different episodes from the same monarch’s life.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. focuses
B. focus
C. are focused
D. were focused
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "focuses" agrees
in number with the singular subject "each one of these plays," which refers to each play individually.
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "focus" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "each one of these
plays." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are focused" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "each
one of these plays." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "were focused" doesn’t agree in number with the
singular subject "each one of these plays."
ID: 790fc366
Using satellite remote sensing, Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, director of NASA’s Harvest Africa initiative, gathers important
data on crop health. Nakalembe doesn’t just compile the ______ she also shares her findings with African farmers,
enabling them to make data-driven decisions about managing critical food crops.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. information, though;
B. information, though,
C. information; though
D. information though,
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses ("Nakalembe doesn’t just…
though" and "she also shares..."). This choice also appropriately includes "though" in the first clause, where it logically
belongs.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly joins two independent
clauses with only a comma instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but." "Though" is a transition
word, but it’s not a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error. A semicolon
can only be used to link two independent clauses. However, if "though" is included in the second clause, it turns the
second clause into a dependent clause, so a semicolon can’t be used after "information." Choice D is incorrect. This
choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma
instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but."
ID: 62120607
From afar, African American fiber artist Bisa Butler’s portraits look like paintings, their depictions of human faces, bodies,
and clothing so intricate that it seems only a fine brush could have rendered them. When viewed up close, however, the
portraits reveal themselves to be ______ stitching barely visible among the thousands of pieces of printed, microcut
fabric.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
B. quilts, the
C. quilts; the
D. quilts. The
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“the
portraits...quilts”) and the supplementary noun phrase (“the stitching...fabric”) that provides a further description of how
the portraits can be identified as quilts.
Choice A is incorrect. A comma and the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a
supplementary noun phrase. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join a main clause
and a supplementary noun phrase. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence
fragment beginning with “the stitching.”
ID: 2bb7416a
In paleontology, the term “Elvis taxon” gets applied to a newly identified living species that was once presumed to be
extinct. Like an Elvis impersonator who might bear a striking resemblance to the late musical icon Elvis Presley himself,
an Elvis taxon is not the real thing, ______ is a misidentified look-alike.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. however but it
B. however it
C. however, it
D. however. It
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both
independent clauses, so making them into two separate sentences is grammatically correct.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and
the clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with at least a comma + a
coordinating conjunction. This choice provides the coordinating conjunction “but,” but it’s missing a comma. Choice B is
incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause
“it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with a semicolon, a colon, a dash, a period,
or a comma + a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause
“Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be
separated with at least a comma + a coordinating conjunction. This choice provides a comma, but it’s missing a
coordinating conjunction.
ID: db24ecc9
The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Norway and the Jardim Botânico of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil are two of many
botanical gardens around the world dedicated to growing diverse plant ______ fostering scientific research; and educating
the public about plant conservation.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series
including internal punctuation). The semicolon after “nonnative” is correctly used to separate the first item (“growing
diverse plant species, both native and nonnative”) and the second item (“fostering scientific research”) in the series of
things that botanical gardens are dedicated to. Further, the comma after “species” is correctly used to separate the noun
phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma (specifically, the comma after “nonnative”) can’t be used in this way to separate
items in a complex series. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to separate the noun
phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it. Further, a
comma can’t be used in this way to separate items in a complex series. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use
appropriate punctuation to separate the noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native
and nonnative” that modifies it. Further, a comma can’t be used in this way to separate items in a complex series.
ID: 0fa289a7
In 1955, Indian Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray released his first movie, Pather ______ quiet black-and-white drama about a
family in rural India, Ray’s film was quite different from the loud, colorful action-romance movies that were popular at the
time.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Panchali a
C. Panchali, a
D. Panchali. A
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("In…Panchali") and another ("A quiet…time"). The
phrase beginning with "a quiet" modifies the subject of the next sentence, "Ray’s film."
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this
way to mark the boundary between sentences.
ID: f30a478e
A study published by Rice University geoscientist Ming Tang in 2019 offers a new explanation for the origin of Earth’s
______ structures called arcs, towering ridges that form when a dense oceanic plate subducts under a less dense
continental plate, melts in the mantle below, and then rises and bursts through the continental crust above.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. continents geological
B. continents: geological
C. continents; geological
D. continents. Geological
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A study…
continents”) and the supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) and to introduce the following explanation of the origin
of Earth’s continents.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the
supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) with appropriate punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon
can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the supplementary phrase (“geological…
above”). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally used to
introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause, making it the better choice in this
context. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with
“geological.”
ID: 5b8f9cf2
In the canon of North African literature, Moroccan author Driss Chraïbi’s 1954 novel The Simple Past (Le Passé simple)
looms large. A coming-of-age story, a social meditation, and a sober gaze into the dark maw of French colonialism,
______ interrogates systemic power with memorable intensity.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Morocco gained its independence two years before the publication of Chraïbi’s debut novel, which
B. Chraïbi’s debut novel, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,
C. Chraïbi wrote a debut novel that, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,
D. published two years before Morocco gained its independence, Chraïbi wrote a debut novel that
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each other. The
subject of the modifier "a coming-of-age story…colonialism" is Chraïbi’s novel The Simple Past, so the subject "Chraïbi’s
debut novel" fits perfectly after this introductory modifying phrase.
Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The introductory modifier "a coming-of-age
story…colonialism" is describing Chraïbi’s novel, not Morocco. However, this choice places Morocco directly next to that
modifier. Choice C is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The introductory modifier "a
coming-of-age story…colonialism" all describes Chraïbi’s novel, not Chraïbi himself. However, this choice places Chraïbi
directly next to that modifier. Choice D is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The modifier
"a coming-of-age story…" is describing Chraïbi’s novel, so that needs to be the subject immediately after the modifier. This
choice adds another modifier that describes Chraïbi’s novel, but then puts "Chraïbi" himself—not the novel—right after
that modifier, which doesn’t make sense. Chraïbi wasn’t "published two years before" Moroccan independence; his novel
The Simple Past was.
ID: de3dd17d
Planetary scientist Briony Horgan and her colleagues have determined that as much as 25 percent of the sand on Mars is
composed of impact spherules. These spherical bits of glass form when asteroids collide with the planet, ejecting bits of
molten rock into the atmosphere that, after cooling and solidifying into glass, ______ back onto Mars’s surface.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. to rain
B. raining
C. having rained
D. rain
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. "That…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface" is a relative clause that describes the "bits of molten
rock." Forming the clause requires a conjugated, finite verb, and this is the only choice that provides that.
Choice A is incorrect. "To rain" is an infinitive and can’t serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is needed
here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface," which describes the "bits of
molten rock." Choice B is incorrect. "Raining" is a present participle and, on its own, can’t serve as the main verb of a
clause. A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that…[rain] back onto Mars’s
surface," which describes the "bits of molten rock." Choice C is incorrect. "Having rained" is a perfect participle and can’t
serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that…
[rain] back onto Mars’s surface," which describes the "bits of molten rock."
ID: 2dd1b8bf
Compared to that of alumina glass, ______ silica glass atoms are so far apart that they are unable to re-form bonds after
being separated.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. silica glass is at a significant disadvantage due to its more dispersed atomic arrangement:
B. silica glass has a more dispersed atomic arrangement, resulting in a significant disadvantage:
C. a significant disadvantage of silica glass is that its atomic arrangement is more dispersed:
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes “silica
glass’s atomic arrangement” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase “compared
to that of alumina glass.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that silica glass’s atomic arrangement—and not
another noun in the sentence—is being compared to the atomic arrangement (“that”) of alumina glass.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “silica glass”
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that silica glass itself (rather than its atomic arrangement) is
being compared to alumina glass’s atomic arrangement. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier.
The placement of the noun phrase “silica glass” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that silica
glass itself (rather than its atomic arrangement) is being compared to alumina glass’s atomic arrangement. Choice C is
incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “a significant disadvantage”
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “a significant disadvantage” is being compared to
alumina glass’s atomic arrangement.
ID: 59094d87
The Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville, Connecticut, was founded in 1931 with the goal of showcasing the culture and
history of the Mohegan ______ today, nearly a century later, it is the oldest Native-owned and -operated museum in the
country.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Tribe, and
B. Tribe
C. Tribe and
D. Tribe,
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction (“and”) to join two independent
clauses (“The Tantaquidgeon…Tribe” and “Today…country”).
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error known as a run-on sentence. The clauses before and after
“Tribe” are both independent, so they need to be separated with some sort of punctuation. Choice C is incorrect. This
choice results in a grammar error known as a run-on sentence. The clauses before and after “and” are both independent,
so they can’t be linked with just a conjunction. A comma would also be required. Choice D is incorrect. This choice
results in a grammar error called a comma splice. The clauses before and after “Tribe” are both independent, so they
can’t be linked with just a comma. A coordinating conjunction like “and” or “but” would also be required.
ID: ba8ebf49
The poem Beowulf begins with the word “hwæt,” which is an Old English ______ as “hark!” or “listen!” in some versions, the
word was playfully rendered as “bro!” by Maria Dahvana Headley in her 2020 translation of the poem.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. exclamation, translated
C. exclamation translated
D. exclamation. Translated
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("The poem…exclamation") and another sentence
that begins with a supplementary element ("Translated…poem"). The supplementary element "translated as ‘hark!’ or
‘listen!’ in some versions" modifies the subject of the second sentence, "the word" (referring to hwæt).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after "exclamation." A comma can’t be used in this way to
mark the boundary between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction "and" can’t
be used in this way to join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after "versions." A
comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.
ID: 188f7e3c
In 2016, engineer Vanessa Galvez oversaw the installation of 164 bioswales, vegetated channels designed to absorb and
divert stormwater, along the streets of Queens, New York. By reducing the runoff flowing into city sewers, ______
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. the mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved by
bioswales.
B. the bioswales have mitigated both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways.
C. the bioswales’ mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved.
D. both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways have been mitigated by bioswales.
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the noun
phrase “the bioswales” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase “By reducing…
sewers.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that the bioswales—and not another noun in the sentence—are
reducing runoff flowing into city sewers.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the mitigation…
waterways” immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear modification. The resulting sentence makes it hard
to determine what is responsible for “reducing the runoff”: the bioswales or some other noun in the sentence. Choice C is
incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the bioswales’ mitigation…
waterways” immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear modification. The resulting sentence makes it hard
to determine what is responsible for “reducing the runoff”: the bioswales or some other noun in the sentence. Choice D is
incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “street flooding and the resulting
pollution” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the “flooding and pollution” are reducing runoff
flowing into city sewers.
ID: a8fa749a
Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta’s celebrated literary oeuvre includes The Joys of Motherhood, a novel about the
changing roles of women in 1950s ______ a television play about the private struggles of a newlywed couple in Nigeria;
and Head Above Water, her autobiography.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series
including internal punctuation). In this choice, the semicolon after “Lagos” is conventionally used to separate the first
item (“The Joys…Lagos”) and the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) in the series. Further, the comma after “Marriage”
correctly separates the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it.
Choice A is incorrect because the comma after “Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to separate
the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) from the third item (“and…autobiography”). Choice C is incorrect because the comma
after “Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to separate the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) from
the third item (“and…autobiography”). Additionally, a colon can’t be used in this way to separate the title “A Kind of
Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it. Choice D is incorrect because it fails
to use appropriate punctuation to separate the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…
Nigeria”) that describes it.
ID: 84658166
In 1943, in the midst of World War II, mathematics professor Grace Hopper was recruited by the US military to help the
war effort by solving complex equations. Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just ______ as a
pioneering computer programmer, Hopper would help usher in the digital age.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. equations, though:
B. equations, though,
C. equations. Though,
D. equations though
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation to mark boundaries between
supplements and clauses. The comma after “equations” is used to separate the independent clause (“Hopper’s…
equation”) from the supplementary adverb phrase “though.” The colon after “though” is used to mark the boundary
between the clause ending with “though” and the following clause (“as…age”). A colon used in this way introduces
information that illustrates or explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon after “though”
introduces the following explanation of how Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just solving equations:
she would become a pioneering computer programmer.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two independent
clauses (“Hopper’s…though” and “as…age”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results in an illogical
sequence of sentences. Placing the period after “equations” and beginning the next sentence with “Though” illogically
suggests that the following information (that Hopper would help usher in the digital age) is contrary to the information in
the previous sentence (Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just solving equations). Instead, the
information that follows supports the information from the previous sentence by explaining how her work and influence
extended beyond solely solving equations. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two
independent clauses (“Hopper’s…though” and “as…age”) are fused without punctuation.
ID: 61160f0a
Author Madeline L’Engle, ______ to create a suspenseful tone that draws the reader in, begins her novel A Wrinkle in Time
with descriptions of “wraithlike shadows” and “the frenzied lashing of the wind.”
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. looked
B. looks
C. is looking
D. looking
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. The nonfinite
present participle verb “looking” is correctly used to form a subordinate clause that describes the intent behind how
L’Engle begins her novel.
Choice A is incorrect because the finite past tense verb “looked” can’t be used in this way to form a subordinate clause.
Choice B is incorrect because the finite present tense verb “looks” can’t be used in this way to form a subordinate clause.
Choice C is incorrect because the finite present progressive tense verb “is looking” can’t be used in this way to form a
subordinate clause.
ID: 1b97cce9
Hegra is an archaeological site in present-day Saudi Arabia and was the second largest city of the Nabataean Kingdom
(fourth century BCE to first century CE). Archaeologist Laila Nehmé recently traveled to Hegra to study its ancient ______
into the rocky outcrops of a vast desert, these burial chambers seem to blend seamlessly with nature.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. tombs. Built
B. tombs, built
D. tombs built
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “tombs” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“Archaeologist...tombs”) and another
(“Built...nature”).
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between sentences. Choice C is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way
to join the two sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences
(“Archaeologist...tombs” and “Built...nature”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: b15724fc
American writer Edwidge Danticat, who emigrated from Haiti in 1981, has won acclaim for her powerful short stories,
novels, and ______ her lyrical yet unflinching depictions of her native country’s turbulent history, writer Robert Antoni has
compared Danticat to Nobel Prize–winning novelist Toni Morrison.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. essays, praising
C. essays praising
D. essays. Praising
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “essays” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“American…essays”) and another
(“praising…Morrison”). The participial phrase beginning with “Praising” modifies the subject of the second sentence,
“writer Robert Antoni.”
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way
to join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“American…essays” and
“Praising…Morrison”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: 594b4a94
The field of geological oceanography owes much to American ______ Marie Tharp, a pioneering oceanographic
cartographer whose detailed topographical maps of the ocean floor and its multiple rift valleys helped garner acceptance
for the theories of plate tectonics and continental drift.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. geologist,
B. geologist
C. geologist;
D. geologist:
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. “Marie tharp” is essential information that completes the first clause — the first clause
doesn’t function without it. So we don’t want to separate it with punctuation.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to
American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means
it’s essential information and should not be separated by a comma. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a
punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to American geologist” is unclear: which geologist
are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s essential information and should not be
separated by a semicolon. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field of geological
oceanography owes much to American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie
Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s essential information and should not be separated by a colon.
ID: 2fd05c15
In crafting her fantasy fiction, Nigerian-born British author Helen Oyeyemi has drawn inspiration from the classic
nineteenth-century fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Her 2014 novel Boy, Snow, Bird, for instance, is a complex retelling
of the story of Snow White, while her 2019 novel ______ offers a delicious twist on the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Gingerbread—
B. Gingerbread,
C. Gingerbread
D. Gingerbread:
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as in this
case, a subject (“her 2019 novel Gingerbread”) is immediately followed by a verb (“offers”), no punctuation is needed.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect because
no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed
between the subject and the verb.
ID: fdb16e20
Quantum particles of light—photons—provide an unhackable means of transmitting encryption keys over networks, as
attempts to observe particles in quantum states will invariably alter the particles ______ dismantle any information they
transmit.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. This choice uses paired punctuation in the form of two commas to set off the nonessential
phrase "in the process."
Choice A is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired
punctuation. We need a comma after "and" to match the one after "process." Choice C is incorrect. The phrase "in the
process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired punctuation, so we would need a dash after "and"
to match the one following "process." Choice D is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential element and
needs to be set off with paired punctuation. We would need a comma after "process" to match the one following "and."
ID: d46ac7e7
A second-generation Japanese American, Wataru Misaka ______ in World War II (1941-45) and won two amateur national
basketball championships at the University of Utah when he joined the New York Knicks for the 1947-48 season,
becoming the first non-white basketball player in the US’s top professional league.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. already served
C. already serves
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the New York Knicks in 1947. To show that a
past occurrence took place before another past occurrence, we need to use “had” + the past tense form of the verb. This
is called the past perfect tense.
Choice A is incorrect. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but his
service in World War II happened earlier, so we need a verb that makes it clear that his service (and the two national
championships) had ended by the time he joined the Knicks. Choice B is incorrect. “Was already serving” forms the
continuous past tense, which we use when we’re showing a past action that was ongoing. Misaka served in World War II
before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but they’re not happening at the same time, so we shouldn’t use
the continuous past tense here. Choice C is incorrect. Misaka served in World War II in the past, so we shouldn’t use the
present tense “serves.”
ID: 1ee4485c
Journalists have dubbed Gil Scott-Heron the “godfather of rap,” a title that has appeared in hundreds of articles about him
since the 1990s. Scott-Heron himself resisted the godfather ______ feeling that it didn’t encapsulate his devotion to the
broader African American blues music tradition as well as “bluesologist,” the moniker he preferred.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. nickname, however
B. nickname, however;
C. nickname, however,
D. nickname; however,
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and two
supplementary elements. In this choice, the commas after “nickname” and “however” are correctly used to separate the
supplementary adverb “however” from the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”) on one side and the supplementary
participial phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”) on the other.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary adverb “however” and the
supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to
join the supplementary adverb “however” and the supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice D is incorrect
because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”) and the supplementary
word and phrase (“however” and “feeling…bluesologist”). Moreover, placing the semicolon after “nickname” illogically
signals that the following information (Scott-Heron’s feeling that the nickname didn’t encapsulate his devotion to the
blues tradition) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (Scott-Heron’s resistance to the nickname).
ID: be37d4ae
During the English neoclassical period (1660–1789), many writers imitated the epic poetry and satires of ancient Greece
and Rome. They were not the first in England to adopt the literary modes of classical ______ some of the most prominent
figures of the earlier Renaissance period were also influenced by ancient Greek and Roman literature.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. antiquity, however
B. antiquity, however,
C. antiquity, however;
D. antiquity; however,
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary phrase following a
clause. This choice uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb phrase “however” from the independent clause
it modifies (“They …antiquity”) and uses a semicolon to join the first independent clause (“They …antiquity”) and the
second independent clause (“some…literature”). Further, placing the semicolon after “however” indicates that the
information in the clause that this part of (that neoclassical writers were not the first to adopt classical literary modes) is
contrary to what might be assumed from the information in the previous sentence (that the neoclassical writers were
unique in imitating classical epic poetry and satires).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary after “however” between the two independent clauses with
appropriate punctuation. Choice B is incorrect because the comma after “however” can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between the two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because placing the semicolon after “antiquity”
illogically indicates that the information in the clause that this part of (that prominent Renaissance figures were also
influenced by classical literature) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (that neoclassical writers were not
the first to adopt classical literary modes).
ID: 5aae2475
Stomata, tiny pore structures in a leaf that absorb gases needed for plant growth, open when guard cells surrounding
each pore swell with water. In a pivotal 2007 article, plant cell ______ showed that lipid molecules called
phosphatidylinositol phosphates are responsible for signaling guard cells to open stomata.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns. No
punctuation is needed to offset the proper noun “Yuree Lee” form the title “plant cell biologist” that describes Lee.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice
D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed around the proper noun “Yuree Lee.” Setting the phrase off with
punctuation suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case.
ID: 329255db
Bengali author Toru Dutt’s A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields (1876), a volume of English translations of French poems,
______ scholars’ understanding of the transnational and multilingual contexts in which Dutt lived and worked.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. has enhanced
B. are enhancing
C. have enhanced
D. enhance
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “has enhanced”
agrees in number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields,” which is the title of a book of poems.
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “are enhancing” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “A Sheaf
Gleaned in French Fields.” Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “have enhanced” doesn’t agree in number with
the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “enhance” doesn’t
agree in number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.”
ID: 7ce4ee13
After immigrating from Mexico and obtaining U.S. citizenship, Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo entered politics, earning a
reputation for being a fervent defender of Hispanic civil rights. In 1919 Larrazolo was elected governor of ______ in 1928
he became the nation’s first Hispanic U.S. Senator.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
B. New Mexico,
D. New Mexico
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. This
choice correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction "and" to join the first main clause ("In 1919 Larrazolo
was elected governor of New Mexico") and the second main clause ("in 1928 he became the nation’s first Hispanic US
Senator").
Choice A is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use a
comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a
conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it
results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: 0a114526
In 1937, Chinese American screen actor Anna May Wong, who had portrayed numerous villains and secondary characters
but never a heroine, finally got a starring role in Paramount Pictures’ Daughter of Shanghai, a film that ______ “expanded
the range of possibilities for Asian images on screen.”
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The conventions being tested are punctuation use between titles and proper nouns and
between verbs and integrated quotations. No punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun “Stina Chyn” from the title
that describes Chyn, “critic.” Because “Stina Chyn” is essential information identifying the “critic,” no punctuation is
necessary. Further, no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and the following quotation because the
quotation is integrated into the structure of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun “Stina Chyn.” Setting the critic’s
name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t
the case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun “Stina Chyn.” Setting
the critic’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence,
which isn’t the case. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between “claims” and the integrated quotation. Choice D is
incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and its subject, “critic Stina Chyn.” Additionally, no
punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and the integrated quotation.
ID: 50801257
In 1994, almost 200 years after the death of Wang Zhenyi, the International Astronomical ______ the contributions of the
barrier-breaking 18th-century astronomer and author of “Dispute of the Procession of the Equinoxes,” naming a crater on
Venus after her.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. It’s the only choice that offers a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject
“International Astronomical Union” to make a complete sentence. This might seem like an odd use of “would,” but when
speaking from a point of view in the past, we can actually use “would” to express something that happened later. That’s
the case here: 200 years after Wang Zhenyi’s death, the IAU would finally acknowledge her contributions.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There’s no main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so we
need a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject “the International Astronomical Union” and serve as
that main verb. “To acknowledge” can’t do that. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There’s
no main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so we need a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject “the
International Astronomical Union” and serve as that main verb. “Having acknowledged” can’t do that. Choice D is
incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There’s no main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so we need a form
of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject “the International Astronomical Union” and serve as that main
verb. The “-ing” form can’t do that.
ID: a14eef71
In 2015, a team led by materials scientists Anirudha Sumant and Diana Berman succeeded in reducing the coefficient of
friction (COF) between two surfaces to the lowest possible level—superlubricity. A nearly frictionless (and, as its name
suggests, extremely slippery) state, ______
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. when their COF drops below 0.01, two surfaces reach superlubricity.
B. two surfaces, when their COF drops below 0.01, reach superlubricity.
C. reaching superlubricity occurs when two surfaces’ COF drops below 0.01.
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-modifier
placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the first word in the
missing clause.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier “a nearly
frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one
another, so “superlubricity” must be the first word in the missing clause. Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a
subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-
modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the first word
in the missing clause. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the
modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to
be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the first word in the missing clause.
ID: f868d438
In 2018, the innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek ______ were featured in City Dreams, a solo
exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Kingelez;
B. Kingelez,
C. Kingelez
D. Kingelez:
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. No punctuation is
needed when the subject of a sentence is immediately followed by a main verb. In this case, the sentence’s subject (“the
innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek Kingelez”) is followed by the main verb “were featured,”
and no punctuation should come between them.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect because
no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed
between the subject and the verb.
ID: 6d4b2e1e
The 1977 play And the Soul Shall Dance depicts two Japanese American farming families in Depression-era Southern
California. Critics have noted the way pioneering ______ compares the experiences ofissei
(Japanese nationals who
emigrated to America) and nisei (their American-born children).
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns. No
punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi" from the title that describes Yamauchi, "pioneering
playwright." Because "Wakako Yamauchi" is essential information identifying the "pioneering playwright," no punctuation
is necessary.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi." Setting the
playwright’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence,
which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the title "pioneering playwright"
and the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi." Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the proper
noun "Wakako Yamauchi" and the verb "compares."
ID: 109d5bbb
With some 16,000 in attendance, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and ______ or FESTAC ‘77, as the
event was more commonly known—became the largest pan-African event on record. FESTAC drew people from around
the world to Lagos, Nigeria, for a monthlong celebration of Black and African art, scholarship, and activism.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Culture:
B. Culture—
C. Culture,
D. Culture
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The text uses a dash to introduce a nonessential element that explains the acronym
FESTAC. The dash matches the dash that comes after “known,” ending the descriptive aside.
Choice A is incorrect. A colon can only come after an independent clause, which isn’t the case here. Choice C is incorrect.
While punctuation is required to set off “or FESTAC…known” from the rest of the sentence, nonessential elements must
be separated from the sentence with matching punctuation. Since a dash appears on the other side of the element, we
can’t use a comma here. Choice D is incorrect. The descriptive aside “or FESTAC…known” is a nonessential element that
must be separated with punctuation from the rest of the sentence. This choice fails to add the necessary punctuation
before the nonessential element.
ID: c468db1c
A group of ecologists led by Axel Mithöfer at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Germany examined the
defensive responses of two varieties of the sweet potato ______ TN57, which is known for its insect resistance, and TN66,
which is much more susceptible to pests.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. plant.
B. plant;
C. plant
D. plant:
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A group…
plant”) and the supplementary element (“TN57…pests”) and to introduce the following elaboration on the specific
varieties of sweet potato plants that were examined.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “TN57.” Choice
B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“A group…plant”) and the
supplementary element (“TN57…pests”). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is
conventionally used to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause. Choice C
is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A group...plant”) and the supplementary
element (“TN57...pests”) with appropriate punctuation.
ID: 8a9d2f4e
Researchers studying the “terra-cotta army,” the thousands of life-size statues of warriors found interred near the tomb of
Emperor Qin Shi Huang of China, were shocked to realize that the shape of each statue’s ears, like the shape of each
person’s ears, ______ unique.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. are
B. is
C. were
D. have been
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject–verb agreement. because the singular verb “is”
agrees in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “are” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the shape.” Choice
C is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the shape.” Choice D is
incorrect because the plural verb “have been” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
ID: dfbf5d33
In 1453, English King Henry VI became unfit to rule after falling gravely ill. As a result, Parliament appointed Richard, Third
Duke of York, who had a strong claim to the English throne, to rule as Lord Protector. Upon recovering two years later,
______ forcing an angered Richard from the royal court and precipitating a series of battles later known as the Wars of the
Roses.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures that the
introductory phrase “upon recovering two years later” appears immediately before the noun it modifies (“Henry”), clearly
establishing that Henry recovered two years later.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the reign of Henry”
immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that the reign of Henry recovered two years later. Choice C
is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Henry’s reign” immediately after
the introductory phrase illogically suggests that Henry’s reign recovered two years later. Choice D is incorrect because it
results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word “it” immediately after the introductory phrase illogically
suggests that “it” recovered two years later.
ID: 3daf126e
A model created by biologist Luis Valente predicts that the rate of speciation—the rate at which new species form—on an
isolated island located approximately 5,000 kilometers from the nearest mainland ______ triple the rate of speciation on
an island only 500 kilometers from the mainland.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. being
B. to be
C. to have been
D. will be
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence. Relative
clauses, such as the one beginning with “that,” require a finite verb, a verb that can function as the main verb of a clause.
This choice correctly supplies the clause with the finite future tense verb “will be.”
Choice A is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “being” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice B is
incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to be” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice C is incorrect
because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to have been” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb.
ID: 2c4cd76d
Researchers studying magnetosensation have determined why some soil-dwelling roundworms in the Southern
Hemisphere move in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field when searching for ______ in the Northern
Hemisphere, the magnetic field points down, into the ground, but in the Southern Hemisphere, it points up, toward the
surface and away from worms’ food sources.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. food:
B. food,
C. food while
D. food
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is colon use within a sentence. A colon used in this way
introduces information that illustrates or explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon introduces
the following explanation of why some roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere move in the opposite direction of Earth’s
magnetic field.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two long
independent clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a
run-on sentence. The two clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without punctuation. Furthermore,
the conjunction “while” fails to indicate that what follows is an explanation of why some roundworms in the Southern
Hemisphere move in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on
sentence. The two clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
ID: 78b88c04
Joshua Hinson, director of the language revitalization program of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, helped produce the
world’s first Indigenous-language instructional app, Chickasaw ______ Chickasaw TV, in 2010; and a Rosetta Stone
language course in Chickasaw, in 2015.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice, the
semicolon after “2009” is conventionally used to separate the first item (“the world’s…2009”) and the second item (“an
online…2010”) in the series of things that Hinson helped create. Further, the comma after “Basic” correctly pairs with the
comma after “app,” and the comma after “network” correctly pairs with the comma after “TV” to set off the supplemental
elements (“Chickasaw Basic” and “Chickasaw TV”) that provide the names of the app and the TV network, respectively.
Altogether, the punctuation in this choice results in a sentence that clearly indicates that Hinson helped make a language
app in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped make
a language app in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice B is incorrect because it
fails to punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped make a language app in 2009, an
online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice D is incorrect because the comma after “2009” doesn’t
match the semicolon used to separate the second and third items in the complex series.