CAHSEE Writing Conventions 3

Question 1

Which sentence uses 'affect' and 'effect' correctly?

Accepted Answer

The effect of the storm was devastating.

Answer

'Effect' is most commonly used as a noun meaning 'result,' while 'affect' is typically the verb meaning 'to influence.'

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'their,' 'there,' or 'they're'?

Accepted Answer

They're going to the park today.

Answer

'They're' is the contraction for 'they are,' which fits the sentence 'They are going to the park today.'

Question 3

Which sentence uses the correct comparative form of 'tall'?

Accepted Answer

She is taller than her brother.

Answer

The comparative form of a one-syllable adjective like 'tall' is formed by adding '-er,' not by using 'more.'

Question 4

Which sentence correctly uses 'its' or 'it's'?

Accepted Answer

The dog wagged its tail happily.

Answer

'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun showing the tail belongs to the dog; 'it's' is only the contraction for 'it is.'

Question 5

Which sentence correctly avoids a double negative?

Accepted Answer

He didn't see anything suspicious.

Answer

'Anything' is the correct indefinite pronoun to use with a negative verb; using 'nothing' would create a double negative.

CAHSEE - California High School Exit Examination Practice Test