CAHSEE English-Language 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
- She ran, and she jumped. (Correct answer)
- She, ran and she jumped.
- She ran and, she jumped.
- She ran and she, jumped.
Correct answer: She ran, and she jumped.
A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or) that joins two independent clauses.
Question 2: Read this sentence: 'The concert was cancelled due to rain, however, many fans waited outside.' What is the error?
- 'however' should not be used here
- A semicolon should replace the first comma (Correct answer)
- The word 'due' is incorrect
- There is no error
Correct answer: A semicolon should replace the first comma
A semicolon should precede a conjunctive adverb like 'however' when joining two independent clauses.
Question 3: What does the word 'benevolent' most nearly mean?
- Strict and demanding
- Kind and generous (Correct answer)
- Clever and witty
- Cautious and careful
Correct answer: Kind and generous
'Benevolent' comes from Latin roots meaning 'well-wishing,' indicating kindness and goodwill.
Question 4: Which sentence is written in the passive voice?
- The dog chased the cat.
- The principal announced the results.
- The trophy was awarded to the team. (Correct answer)
- She finished her homework early.
Correct answer: The trophy was awarded to the team.
In passive voice, the subject receives the action; here 'the trophy' receives the action of being awarded.
Question 5: A student writes: 'Everyone should bring their own lunch.' A classmate says 'their' is wrong because 'everyone' is singular. What is the best response?
- The classmate is correct; it should be 'his or her'
- The classmate is correct; it should be 'its'
- Using 'their' with 'everyone' is widely accepted today (Correct answer)
- The sentence should be completely rewritten
Correct answer: Using 'their' with 'everyone' is widely accepted today
While 'everyone' is grammatically singular, 'their' as a singular pronoun is widely accepted in modern English usage.
Question 6: In a persuasive essay, the PRIMARY purpose of a counterargument is to:
- Weaken the writer's own position
- Show the writer has considered other viewpoints and can address them (Correct answer)
- Replace the thesis statement
- Provide additional evidence for the opposing side
Correct answer: Show the writer has considered other viewpoints and can address them
Addressing counterarguments strengthens a persuasive essay by demonstrating awareness of opposing views and rebutting them.
Question 7: Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The twins look alike, but their personalities are very ___.'
- different (Correct answer)
- differently
- difference
- differencing
Correct answer: different
'Different' is an adjective modifying 'personalities,' so the adjective form is correct.
CAHSEE English-Language 2
Which sentence uses a comma correctly?