Section 1

“Capitalization and
Punctuation”
Capitalization Checklist
✓ The first word of every sentence
Example: Yes, we do carry the matching bed skirt.
✓ The first word of a quoted sentence (not just a quoted phrase)
Example: And with great flourish, he sang, “O beautiful for gracious skies, for amber waves of grain!”
✓ The specific name of a person (and his or her title), a place, or a thing (otherwise known as proper nouns). Proper nouns
include specific locations and geographic regions; political, social, and athletic organizations and agencies; historical events;
documents and periodicals; nationalities and their language; religions, their members and their deities; brand or trade names;
and holidays.
✓ The abbreviation for proper nouns. Government agencies are probably the most frequently abbreviated. Remember to
capitalize each letter.
Example: The CIA makes me feel very secure.
✓ Adjectives (descriptive words) derived from proper nouns.
Ex: America (proper noun) the American (adjective) flag
✓ The pronoun I.
✓ The most important words in a title
Example: Last March, I endured a twenty-hour public reading of A Tale of Two Cities.
Punctuation Checklist

Periods
✓ At the end of a declarative sentence (sentence that makes a statement)
Example: Today, I took a walk to nowhere.
✓ At the end of a command or request
Example: Here’s a cloth. Now gently burp the baby on your shoulder.
✓ At the end of an indirect question
Example: Jane asked if I knew where she had left her keys.
✓ Before a decimal number
Example: Statisticians claim that the average family raises 2.5 children.
✓ Between dollars and cents
Example: I remember when $1.50 could buy the coolest stuff.
✓ After an initial in a person’s name
Example: You are Sir James W. Dewault, are you not?
✓ After an abbreviation
Example: On Jan.12,I leave for Africa.

Question Marks
✓ At the end of a question
Example: Why do you look so sad?
✓ Inside a quotation mark when the quote is a question
Example: She asked, “Why do you look so sad?”
Exclamation Points

✓ At the end of a word, phrase, or sentence filled with emotion

Example: Hurry up! I cannot be late for the meeting!

✓ Inside a quotation mark when the quote is an exclamation

Example: The woman yelled, “Hurry up! I cannot be late for the meeting!”

Quotation Marks

✓ When directly quoting dialogue, not when paraphrasing

Example: Hamlet says, “To be, or not to be. That is the question.”

✓ For titles of chapters, articles, short stories, poems, songs, or periodicals

Example: My favorite poem is “The Road Not Taken.”

Semicolons

✓ Between two independent clauses (an independent clause is a complete thought. It has a subject and a predicate.)

Example: Edward joined the basketball team; remarkably, the 5´4˝ young man excelled at the sport.

✓ Between elements in a series that uses commas

Example: The possible dates for the potluck dinner are Thursday, June 5; Saturday, June 7; or Monday, June 9.

Apostrophes

✓ Where letters or numbers have been deleted—as in a contraction

Example: I looked at my father and whispered, “It’s (It is) okay to cry every so often.”
Colons

✓ Between two complete ideas when the second idea explains the first.

Example: Keri pushed her dinner away: She had eaten on the car ride home.

✓ Before a list

Example: Grandma brought Chloe’s favorite three sweets: chocolate kisses, Tootsie Rolls, and a Snickers bar.

✓ Between titles and subtitles

Example: Finding Your Dream Home: A Buyer’s Guide.

✓ Between volumes and page numbers

Example: Marvel Comics 21:24

✓ Between chapters and verse

Example: Job 4:12

✓ Between hours and minutes

Example: It’s 2:00 a.m.—time to sleep.

Commas

✓ Between items in dates and addresses

Example: Michael arrived at Ellis Island, New York, on February 14, 1924.

✓ Between words in a list

Example: The university hired a woman to direct the Bursar’s, Financial Aid, and Registrar’s offices.

✓ Between equally important adjectives (be careful not to separate adjectives that describe each other)

Example: The reporter spoke with several intense, talented high school athletes.

✓ After a tag that precedes a direct quote

Example: David whined, “I am famished.”

✓ In a quote that precedes a tag and is not a question or an exclamation

✓ Around nonessential clauses, parenthetical phrases, and appositives (A nonessential or nonrestrictive clause is a word or
group of words that are not necessary for the sentence’s completion; a parenthetical phrase interrupts the flow of a sentence;
and an appositive is a word or group of words that rename the noun preceding them)
Example: Matt’s mother, Janie (appositive),who has trouble with directions (nonessential clause), had to ask for help.
✓ After introductory words, phrases, and clauses
Example: Hoping for the best, we checked our luggage.
✓ Before conjunctions (Conjunctions are words that link two independent clauses together)
Example: Drew wanted to experience ballroom dancing before his wedding, so he signed up for lessons at a local hall.
1. My physician, / dr. Holly Watts, told me that / I was healthy enough / to run in the Boston marathon. / None
a b c d e
Answer: b. “Dr.” – a title needs to be capital
2. At the party, / I made myself / by eating glazed doughnuts / and english toffee. / None
a b c d e
Answer: d. “English” – Nationalities and languages needs capital
3. Alan Farnham, jr., was so lazy / that no one wanted to / be on committee / with him. / None
a b c d e
Answer: a. “Jr.” – a title needs to be capital
4. Doug shouted angrily, / “why am I the one / who always has to / do the dishes?” / None
a b c d e
Answer: b. “Why” – the first letter of a direct quotation needs to be capital
5. The Constitution of / the University States certainly / cannot be considered / an ordinary constitution. / None
a b c d e
Answer: e. Capitalization is correct
6. Tommy’s Bar and grill was / conveniently located on / one of the main streets/ in downtown Waynesberg. / None
a b c d e
Answer: a. “Grill” – Proper Noun needs to be capital letter
7. My peach-colored dog, / whose name is yip, / is a fine example of / an intelligent, brave, and loyal toy poodle. / None
a b c d e
Answer: b. “Yip” – Proper noun like name needs to be capital
8. Her name used to be Heather, / but she changed it / after the movie heathers / came out a few year ago. / None
a b c d e
Answer: c. “Heather” – Proper noun like Title of a movie needs to be capital
9.
10.
1. “I can’t believe it!” shouted Karen. My blue socks have holes in them!”
a. . b. , c. ! d. “ e. none
Answer: d. “I can’t believe it!” shouted Karen. “My blue socks have holes in them!”
There should be quotation marks before the word My to set off the dialogue.
2. My three cats, Bubba, Dave, and Roy like liver flavored kitty treats best.
a. ; b. - c. ! d. , e. none
Answer: d. My three cats, Bubba, Dave, and Roy, like liver flavored kitty treats best.
Commas set off nonrestrictive appositives, phrases that say the same thing as the previous phrase in different words
3. The following are my favorite foods biscuits, gravy, mashed potatoes, and Fresh-cut green beans.
a. : b. , c. . d. ; e. none
Answer: a. The following are my favorite foods: biscuits, gravy, mashed potatoes, and Fresh-cut green beans.
A colon can go before a list
4. Max was so angry he stalked out fifteen minutes later he came back.
a. ; b. , c. ? d.: e. none
Answer: a. Max was so angry; he stalked out fifteen minutes later he came back.
A semicolon can be used to separate two main clauses, which could each stand alone as complete sentences.
5. We were all surprised when Bonita – a petite, conservatively dressed woman heaved a chair through the plate glass window.
a. ; b. , c. — d. : e. none
Answer: c. We were all surprised when Bonita – a petite, conservatively dressed woman - heaved a chair through the plate glass window.
6. Jacks hair, usually so neatly combed, is a mess today, as if he slept on it strangely.
a. ‘ b. , c. ; d. . e. none
Answer: a. Jack’s hair, usually so neatly combed, is a mess today, as if he slept on it strangely.
The possessive Jack's takes an apostrophe.
7. After his vacation in the Rockies, Ramon decided to give up mountain-climbing for good.
a. , b. ; c. — d. . e. none
Answer: e. This sentence is punctuated correctly.
8. "I wonder" Syad mused, "if he knew what he did was wrong.“
a. ? b. , c. : d. ; e. none
Answer: b. "I wonder," Syad mused, "if he knew what he did was wrong.“
Commas set off parenthetical elements and always go inside the quotation marks in a line of dialogue
9. Big Bob Bailey our basketball coach, is the toughest man alive.
a. : b. ; c. — d. , e. none
Answer: d. Big Bob Bailey, our basketball coach, is the toughest man alive.
Commas set off a word or phrase that describes the subject but does not alter the meaning of the entire sentence
10. My favorite books are ones about skeet shooting it's my favorite sport.
a. , b. ? c. ; d. ! e. none
Answer: c. My favorite books are ones about skeet shooting; it's my favorite sport.
Choose the answer that shows the best punctuation for the underlined part of the sentence. If the sentence is correct as is, choose e.
19. Cats make wonderful pets even though they seem closer to being wild than dogs are.
a. pets, even though, they c. pets. Even though they
b. pets, even though they d. pets; even though they e. correct as is
20. Many people believe in UFO's however I've never seen one.
a. UFO's however: I’ve c. UFO's however, I've
b. UFO's, however, I’ve d. UFO's; however, I’ve e. correct as it is
21. "Am I crazy," asked Samantha, "Am I the only one who thinks volleyball is a waste of time?“
a. crazy?" asked Samatha. "Am c. crazy," asked Samatha? "Am
b. crazy?'' asked Samatha, "Am d. crazy?'' asked Samatha, "Am e. correct as it is
22. Some scientists maintain that we are born with a fear of snakes.
a. maintain, that we c. maintain: that we
b. maintain that, we d. maintain—that we e. correct as it is
23. After the dog frightened the mail carrier, the dogs owner apologized over and over.
a. carrier the dogs c. carrier, the dogs'
b. carrier, the dog’s d. carrier the dogs’ e. correct as is
24. The people who are at the back of the line should move to the front.
a. people, who are at the back of the line c. people, who are at the back of the line,
b. people who are at the back of the line, d. people who, are at the back of the line, e. correct as is
25. The students asked whether I thought there would be a woman president within the next decade?
a. president within the next decade! c. president within the next decade.
b. president, within the next decade. d. president, within the next decade? e. correct as is
26. This is the first time you have ever been to a major league baseball game, isn't it?
a. game isn't it? c. game, isn't it.
b. game, is'nt it? d. game isn't it. e. correct as is
27. Chicken pox a virus is very contagious.
a. pox, a virus, c. pox, a virus—
b. pox, a virus d. pox a virus, e. correct as is
28. I was born on May 17,1962 in Corvallis, Oregon.
a. May 17 1962 in Corvallis, Oregon. c. May 17,1962 in Corvallis, Oregon.
b. May 17 1962, in Corvallis Oregon. d. May 17,1962, in Corvallis, Oregon. e. correct as is
SET 4 (Answers begin on page 124.)
For each question, find the sentence that has a mistake in capitalization or punctuation. If you find no mistakes, mark choice d.

29. a. My favorite season is Spring. c. We elected Ben as treasurer of the freshman class.
b. Last Monday, Aunt Ruth took me shopping. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
30. a. My best friend is moving to another city. c. The boys' wore identical sweaters.
b. "What time does the movie begin?" he asked. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
31. a. She asked me, to show her how to make an apple pie. c. Occasionally, someone will stop and ask for directions.
b. He shouted from the window, but we couldn't hear him. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
32. a. Science and math are my two best subjects. c. Did you see the movie Babe?
b. We met senator Moynihan at a conference last June. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
33. a. When you come to the end of Newton Road, turn left onto Wilson Blvd. c. We learned that cape Cod was formed 20,000 years ago.
b. A small river runs alongside the highway. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
34. a. The tour guide asked us if we had any questions?. c. We asked if he could give us change for a dollar.
b. Lauren's father is an auto mechanic d. No mistakes.
Answer:
35. a. Did you read that article in Newsweek? c. Christina has a Persian cat named Snow ball.
b. My Uncle took us to Yankee Stadium. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
36. a. "I'll come and stay with you, grandma," I said. c. "Why won't you play with us?"he asked.
b. "Don't ever tell a lie, he warned. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
37. a. I always have a hard time getting up in the morning. c. The fog was as thick as potato soup.
b. We took: a tent, a cooler, and a sleeping bag. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
38. a. This is someone elses coat. c. That book must be yours.
b. Which of these songs was recorded by Bruce Springsteen? d. No mistakes.
Answer:
39. a. Don't stand in my way. c. The vegetables were old rubbery and tasteless.
b. Cecilia and I fought our way through the crowd. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
40 a. Remember to walk the dog. c. It's supposed to snow today and tomorrow.
b. "Don't run"! Mr. Ellington shouted. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
41. a. Charleen's parents worried whenever she drove the car. c. Diseases like Smallpox and Polio have been eradicated.
b. Who designed the Brooklyn Bridge? d. No mistakes.
Answer:
42. a. Can you find the Indian ocean on this map? c. Lerner Avenue runs into the Thompson Parkway.
b. Which river, the Nile or the Amazon, is longer? d. No mistakes.
Answer:
43. a. He's the best dancer in the school. c. "Okay," she said, I'll go with you."
b. We were planning to go, but the meeting was canceled. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
44. a. Does Judge Parker live on your street? c. The Mayor spoke at a news conference this morning.
b. Twenty government officials met to deal with Wednesday's crisis. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
45. a. My brother Isaac is the best player on the team. c. Where's your new puppy?
b. Because of the high cost; we decided not go. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
46. a. I have learned to appreciate Mozart's music. c. Mr. Shanahan is taller than Professor Martin.
b. My cousin Veronica is studying to be a Veterinarian. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
47. a. "You look just like your mother," Ms. Jones told me. c. Tyler asked, "why do I have to go to bed so early?"
b. "Please be careful," he said. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
48. a. Do you prefer root beer over orange soda? c. I like to study the geography of the Everglades.
b. In which year did world war II end? d. No mistakes.
Answer:
49. a. Colds like many other viruses are highly contagious. c. Did you wash your hands, Michael?
b. Call me when you feel better. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
50. a. The industrial revolution began in Europe. c. General Patton was a four-star genera.
b. Is Labor Day a national holiday? d. No mistakes.
Answer:
51. a. Carmen brought bread, and butter, and strawberry jam. c. Be sure to thank Aunt Helen for the gift.
b. Let's look at the map. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
52. a. My Aunt Georgia loves to read Eighteenth-Century novels. c. Is that a German shepherd?
b. Eli's sister's cousin lives in Alaska. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
53. a. Those shoes are too expensive. c. Did you hear that Inez got a new puppy.
b. Michael's best friend is Patrick. d. No mistakes.
Answer:
SET 5
Questions 54–57 are based on the following passage. First read the passage, and then choose the answer that shows the best capitalization
and punctuation for each underlined part.
Madam Helena P. 54) Blavatsky born in Russia on May 8, 1831, claimed to have psychic powers and to be capable of performing feats of
clairvoyance and telepathy. During her 60 years, she traveled to many 55) countries—including the United States, England, India, and
Egypt, in order to study the occult. Although many considered her a 56) fake throughout her lifetime she was surrounded by faithful
believers, including such influential persons as British statesman Allen O. Hume and Swedish countess Constance Wachtmeister. To this
day, followers commemorate the date of her 57) death calling May 8 "White Lotus Day."

54. a. Blavatsky: born c. Blavatsky, born

b. Blavatsky—born d. Blavatsky. Born e. correct as it is
55. a. countries, including c. countries. Including
b. countries: including d. countries including e. correct as it is
56. a. fake, throughout c. fake: throughout
b. fake. Throughout d. fake; throughout e. correct as it is
57. a. death. Calling c. death calling
b. death, calling d. death calling e. correct as it is
Questions 58–61 are based on the following passage. First read the passage, and then choose the answer that shows the best capitalization and punctuation
for each underlined part.
January 2, 1996
Nina Pride 407 Willow Way Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Bill 58) Fork, general manager Bill's Overhead Door Opener Company 1297 Kentucky Way Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear 59) Mr. fork;
I wish to complain about the door opener you installed in my garage on December 18, 1995. On January 1, 60) 1996 at 3:00 a.m. I returned home from a
celebration at Tucker's Tavern in downtown Iowa City. When I attempted to enter my garage, the device you installed 61) malfunctioned and my car crashed
into the kitchen of my house. I hope you will make restitution without my having to take legal action.
Sincerely yours,
Nina Pride

58. a. Fork, general Manager c. Fork, General Manager

b. fork, General Manager d. Fork, General manager e. correct as is
59. a. Dear Mr. Fork. c. dear Mr. Fork:
b. Dear, Mr. fork, d. Dear Mr. Fork: e. correct as it is
60. a. 1996 at: 3:00 am, I c. 1996 at, 3:00 a.m., I
b. 1996 at 300 a.m., I d. 1996, at 3:00 am, I e. correct as it is
61. a. malfunctioned, and my c. malfunctioned? And my
b. malfunctioned: and my d. malfunctioned and, my e. correct as it is
 Section 2
“Grammar”
 Every sentence must have at least a subject and a predicate.
subject - the focus of the sentence; it is the who or the what the sentence is about
predicate - describes the subject; it explains what the subject is or what the subject is doing
The completed idea is called a clause, and it is the building block of all sentences.
clause – a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate (or a verb).

B. Independent clause: a clause that expresses a complete thought.

Example: Monica walked on the grass.

A. Dependent (subordinate) clause: a clause that does not express a complete thought.
Example: Though it was wet
A complete thought : Example: Though it was wet, Monica walked on the grass.

a. Essential clause: a dependent clause that is necessary to the basic meaning of the completed sentence.
Example: who are pregnant
Sentence: Women who are pregnant can crave salty or sweet foods.

b. Nonessential clause: a dependent clause that is not necessary to the basic meaning of the completed sentence.
Example: who growls whenever the phone rings
Sentence: Elmo, who growls whenever the phone rings, tried to attack the vacuum cleaner.
 A. Phrase: a group of words that lack either a subject or a predicate.
Example: In early spring
Sentence: In early spring, I notice a change in people’s attitudes.
a. Appositive: a phrase that makes a preceding noun or pronoun clearer or more definite by explaining or identifying it.
Example: rice pudding and fruit salad
Sentence: Candice’s grandfather brought her favorite desserts, rice pudding and fruit salad.
b. Fragment: a phrase punctuated like a sentence even though it does not express a complete thought.
Example: Timothy saw the car. And ran.

B. Coordinating Conjunction: a word that when preceded by a comma or a semicolon joins two independent and equal
clauses.(and, but, so, or, for, nor, yet)
Example: Dorothy had a beautiful rose garden, and her yard was a profusion of color every summer.

C. Subordinating Conjunction: a word that makes a clause a dependent clause (after, although, as, because, before, if, once,
since, than, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, while)
Example: After the accident, mourners covered the beaches nearest to the tragedy with roses.

D. Conjunctive Adverb: a word that introduces a relationship between two independent clauses (accordingly, besides,
consequently, furthermore, hence, however, instead, moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, then, therefore,
thus)
 To construct a sentence:
✓ Always have at least one independent clause in the sentence.
✓ Join two independent clauses with a semicolon ( ; ) or a comma ( , ) and a conjunction.
Example: Chaucer was a narrator, and he was a pilgrim in his Canterbury Tales.
✓ Do not run two or more independent clauses together without punctuation; that error is appropriately called a run-on.
Wrong: Chaucer was a narrator and he was a pilgrim in his Canterbury Tales.
✓ Do not separate two independent clauses with just a comma; that error is called a comma splice.
Wrong: Chaucer was a narrator, he was a pilgrim in his Canterbury Tales.
✓ Do not use a conjunctive adverb (the words; accordingly, besides, consequently, furthermore, hence, however, instead,
moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, then, therefore, thus) like a conjunction.
Wrong: Chaucer was a narrator, moreover he was a pilgrim in his Canterbury Tales.
✓ Use a comma ( , ) after a conjunctive adverb when it follows a semicolon.
✓ Use a comma ( , ) after introductory words, phrases, and clauses.
✓ Use commas around nonessential clauses. Do not use commas around essential clauses.
✓ Use commas around appositives.
✓ Use commas around parenthetical elements (a word or group of words that interrupt a sentence’s flow).
Example: Mrs. Moses, that mean old crone, yelled at little Paula for laughing too loud!
Instruction:
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.

1. On February 27, 1995, the City Fire Department responded to a blaze that ______________ at the Icarus Publishing Co. warehouse.
a. breaks out c. had broken out
b. will break out d. is breaking out
Answer: c. had broken out - The sentence requires a verb in the past tense.

2. On November 4, suspects Gary Talerino and Jennifer O'Brien were arrested on a charge of vandalism that ______________ at the local
high school.
a. occurs c. is occurring
b. will occur d. occurred
Answer: d. occurred - The sentence requires a verb in the past tense.
3. I am trying to become more skilled at weaving before winter _________.
a. arrived c. will arrive
b. will have arrived d. arrives
Answer: d. arrives - d. The appropriate tense for this verb is the present tense.

4. We have ______________ more of these strange pods since those people moved in next door.
a. saw c. been seen
b. been seeing d. see
Answer: b. been seeing - The verbal form been seeing fits with the verb have.

5. While trying to ______________ his pet iguana from a tree, Travis Stevens fell and broke his ankle.
a. be rescuing c. rescue
b. have rescued d. rescuing
Answer: c. rescue - The infinitive form of the verb, rescue, goes with to in the sentence.

6. ______________ the gun down carefully.

a. Put c. Been putting
b. Putted d. To put
Answer: a. Put - This is a command; the subject of the sentence is understood (You put).
7. The main problem Jim had ______________ too many parking tickets.
a. will have been c. will have
b. were d. was
Answer: d. was - The verb was agrees with its subject, problem, and is in the past tense.
8. On Wednesday, Jamal and Jennifer were called to the principal's office and praised for helping a student who ______________ on the icy
sidewalk.
a. falls c. had fallen
b. would fall d. has fallen
Answer: c. had fallen - Since the action takes places in the past, the only correct choice is the past perfect had fallen.
9. The people who bought this old lamp at the auction ______________ foolish.
a. was c. is
b. were d. has been
Answer: b. were - This is the only choice that is in agreement with the plural subject people.
10. The little boy ______________ himself down on the floor and threw a tantrum.
a. flings c. flung
b. flinged d. fling
Answer: c. flung - The correct verb form is the past tense flung
Instruction:
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective, adverb, or pronoun.

1. In many popular movies today, the heroes are ______________ armed than the villains.
a. more heavily c. heavier
b. more heavy d. more heavier
Answer: a. more heavily - The missing phrase modifies the verb are armed, so you need a comparative form of the adverb heavily.
2. That fine circus elephant now belongs to my sister and ______________.
a. I c. mine
b. me d. myself
Answer: b. me - The correct form of the pronoun is me (objective case).
3. The person ______________ made these delicious candied figs has my vote.
a. that c. who
b. whom d. whose
Answer: c. who - The correct pronoun is who, because it refers to a person, and it is the subject form of who (not the object form,
whom), because who is doing something, making candied figs.
4. If you don't stop playing ______________ video games, your mind will become warped.
a. that c. them
b. those d. this
Answer: b. those - The pronoun agrees in number with the noun to which it refers.
5. George and Michael left ______________ backpacks at school.
a. his c. there
b. their d. its
Answer: b. their - The antecedent, George and Michael, is plural, so the plural pronoun their is the correct choice.
6. If you steal ______________ artichoke from Petra's garden, you'll be sorry.
a. them c. that
b. those d. these
Answer: c. that - The pronoun that agrees in number with the noun to which it refers, artichoke.
7. The cake I made last week tasted ______________ than the one I made today.
a. best c. better
b. more better d. more good
Answer: c. better - The comparison is between two things, so choice a can be ruled out. Choices b and d are incorrect forms.
8. After winning the yo-yo contest, Lydia skipped ______________ down the street.
a. happy c. more happily
b. happiest d. happily
Answer: d. happily - The sentence requires an adverb, so a and b (adjectives) can be ruled out. Because the sentence makes no
comparison.
9. We arranged the flowers and placed ______________ in the center of the table.
a. it c. them
b. this d. that
Answer: c. them - The pronoun them agrees with the plural noun flowers.
10. Of the three brothers, Andre is the ______________.
a. taller c. more tall
b. tallest d. most tallest
Answer: b. tallest - There are more than two things being compared, so choices a and c can be ruled out. Choice d is an improper form.
Instruction:
Replace the underlined portion with the word or phrase that is grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct as is, choose letter a.

1. It was either Kendra or Zoe who brought their volleyball to the picnic.
a. brought their c. brought their
b. brought her d. brang their
Answer: b. brought her - The sentence reads Kendra or Zoe, the pronoun must be singular; only one of them brought the volleyball.
2. The book had a frighteningly and unhappy ending.
a. a frighteningly and unhappy ending. c. an ending that was frightening and unhappily.
b. frighteningly and unhappily ending. d. a frightening and unhappy ending.
Answer: d. a frightening and unhappy ending. - The adjectives frightening and unhappy correctly modify the noun ending
3. Since his release from jail in 1990, Nelson Mandela has emerged as the more prominent spokesperson for South Africa's anti-apartheid
movement.
a. as the more prominent c. as the most prominently
b. as the most prominent d. as the more prominently
Answer: b. as the most prominent - The sentence makes a comparison between Mandela and all other spokespersons; therefore, the
superlative form most should be used.
4. Surprisingly, my younger sister dresses more conservatively than I do.
a. more conservatively than I do. c. more conservative than me.
b. more conservative than I do. d. more conservatively than me.
Answer: more conservatively than I do. - The word than is a conjunction used to indicate a comparison, and, used as a conjunction,
it is followed by the nominative case (I).
5. There wasn't nothing that could have been easier.
a. There wasn't nothing that could have been easier. c. Nothing could have been more easier.
b. There was nothing that could have been more easier. d. Nothing could have been easier.
Answer: d. Nothing could have been easier. - The sentence does not contain a double negative.
6. I was clearly the happiest person in the crowd.
a. I was clearly the happiest person in the crowd. c. Of all the people in the crowd, I was clearly the happier.
b. It was clear that I was the happier person in the crowd. d. In the crowd, clearly, I was the happier person.
Answer: a. I was clearly the happiest person in the crowd. - The sentence makes a comparison that requires the superlative, which
indicates a comparison among many things.
7. Our team scored less baskets today than we did last Tuesday.
a. less baskets today than we did c. fewer baskets today then on
b. today less baskets than were scored d. fewer baskets today than we did
Answer: d. fewer baskets today than we did - When a comparison is made, the word fewer is used with nouns that can be counted;
the word less is used with quantities that cannot be counted.
8. Strip mining, the cheaper method of mining, is controversial because it jeopardizes the environment.
a. cheaper c. most cheapest
b. more cheap d. cheapest
Answer: d. cheapest - This sentence makes a comparison between strip mining and all other types of mining; therefore, the superlative
cheapest is required.
9. Whose car will you take when you drive to their house?
a. Whose car will you take when you drive to their c. Who's car will you take when you drive to their
b. Whose car will you take when you drive to there d. Who's car will take when you drive to there
Answer: a. Whose car will you take when you drive to their - uses the proper form of possessive pronouns.
10. The words Equal Justice under Law is carved above the main entrance to the Supreme Court.
a. is carved c. has been carved
b. carved d. are carved
Answer: d. are carved - The verb are carved in choice d is in agreement with the plural noun words.
=
Instruction:
For the following question, choose the underlined part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error. If there are no errors, choose
answer e.

1. I think Luis must of missed the bus because he is always on time for every event. No error.
a b c d e
Answer: a. of missed - The verb is formed incorrectly.
2. After the director and assistant director both resigned, we all wondered who would be appointed to fill their position. No error.
a b c d e
Answer: e. No error. - Because there are no grammatical errors in this sentence.
3. Frightened, the little boy screamed loud as his neighbor’s eight-pound dog bounded up the sidewalk. No error.
a b c d e
Answer: b. loud - The word loud is an adjective and should modify a noun. In this sentence the adverb loudly should be used, because
it would correctly modify the verb screamed.
4. Every decade, a few popular television shows transcends mere cleverness and high ratings to reflect the social issued of our times. No error.
a b c d e

Answer: b. transcends - The subject, television shows, is plural and requires a plural verb form. In this case, the correct form is
transcend, not the singular form transcends.
5. Because their afraid of air travel, my mother and my Aunt Felicia have decided to take the train from Chicago to New Orleans. No error.
a b c d e
Answer: a. their - Their should be replaced with the contraction They're, meaning They are.
6. Even as the mainstream music industry pushes further into the digital world of solid state circuitry, there is a renewed interest in old-style
a b c
amplifiers and speakers. No error.
d e
Answer: e. No error - There are no grammatical errors in this sentence.
7. If you hate boring vacations in mundane place, travel on the Internet to such faraway locations like Madagascar, New Guinea, or the
a b c d
Himalayas. No error.
e
Answer: c. like - In this comparison the word as should be used instead of like. The use of as completes the idiom such as.
8. Each of the students have had a half-hour conference with his or her guidance counselor. No error.
a b c d e
Answer: b. have had - The subject Each is singular and requires a singular verb form in this situation, the correct form has had.
9. To find the perimeter of a polygon, add the lengths of it’s sides. No error.
a b c d e
Answer: d. it’s - The contraction it's (meaning it is) should be replaced by the possessive pronoun its.
10. Of the three girls who have recently joined the basketball team, Frieda is the taller. No error.
a b c d e
Answer: d. taller - This sentence makes a comparison between Frieda and two other girls (three people); therefore, the superlative tallest
should be used. Taller is incorrect because it is the comparative form and should be used only when there is a
comparison between two people.
SET 10 (Answers begin on page 128.)
For the following questions, choose the underlined part of the sentence that contains a
grammatical error. If there are no errors, choose answer e.
SET 11 (Answers begin on page 129.)
Find the sentence that has a mistake in grammar or usage. If you find no mistakes, mark choice d.
139. a. Help is on the way. b. The firemen used a ladder to reach the kitten. c. Don't slip on the icy sidewalk. d. No mistakes.
140. a. Yes, it's true. b. The rain fell, and the river risen. c. My mother is a physician's assistant. d. No mistakes.
141. a. Of the four of us, I am the tallest. b. Wilson's brother is a chemical engineer. c. That fine circus elephant now belongs to my sister and I. d. No mistakes.
142. a. His family has lived in this town for thirty-five years. b. You're the only one who can remember that song. c. That's the quickest way to get to Sylvia's house.
d. No mistakes.
143. a. We searched every inch of the room. b. The words in this document does not make sense. c. We always have chicken for Sunday dinner. d. No mistakes.
144. a. Kamala was the most intelligent person in the group. b. The Eiffel Tower is in Paris, France. c. Nick Carraway is a character in The Great Gatsby. d. No
mistakes.
145. a. Either Cassie nor I heard the door open. b. How many people signed the Declaration of Independence? c. Draw up a plan before you make your decision. d.
No mistakes.
146. a. ''Meet me at six o'clock,'' she said. b. Tired of running, she slowed her pace to a fast walk. c. Gabriel and me will attend the geography bee. d. No mistakes.
147. a. He wore two different shoes to class. b. Rhonda's sister bought a new Pontiac. c. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes. d. No mistakes.
148. a. The lost dog wandered sad through the streets. b. Frustrated, Boris threw his pencil across the room. c. We'll stop at their house first. d. No mistakes.
SET 12 (Answers begin on page 129.)
Find the sentence that has a mistake in grammar or usage. If you find no mistakes, mark choice d.
158. a. Have you ever read the book Little House on the Prairie? b. She urged me not to go. c. Stop, look, and listen. d. No mistakes.
159. a. I don't want to participate no longer. b. If you're not sure, look in the dictionary. c. "I will try to do better," Lauren promised. d. No mistakes.
160. a. They weren't the only ones who didn't like the movie. b. "Please come back another time," Aunt Julie begged. c. "Threes a crowd," he always says. d.
No mistakes.
161. a. Anne will head out first, and Nick will follow her. b. Maya Angelou, a famous poet, has recently directed a movie. c. The clerk asked for my address
and phone number. d. No mistakes.
162. a. We sold less cookies this year than we did last year. b. That parrot doesn't talk. c. Don't spend too much money. d. No mistakes.
163. a. She spread the frosting too thickly. b. "What is your answer?" she asked. c. We waited while he stopped to make a phone call. d. No mistakes.
164. a. Between the three of us, we should find the answer. b. Alberto laughed loudly when he saw us. c. They're looking for another apartment. d. No
mistakes.
165. a. The first house on the street is there's. b. I love the fireworks on the Fourth of July. c. My grandparents live in San Juan, Puerto Rico. d. No mistakes.
166. a. Graceland is the name of Elvis Presley's mansion. b. We set up the tent, but it soon fell over. c. Give me a break! d. No mistakes.
167. a. It has not rained since last April. b. The jurors walked solemnly into the room. c. Had we known, we would not have come. d. No mistakes.