CALP Academic Grammar and Syntax 3

Question 1

Which sentence correctly avoids a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

After analyzing the data, the researchers found surprising results.

Answer

After analyzing the data, the results were surprising.

Answer

After the data was analyzed, surprising were the results.

Answer

Analyzing the data, surprising results were found.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses a past perfect tense in an academic context?

Accepted Answer

The researchers had published their findings before the conference ended.

Answer

The researchers published their findings before the conference ended.

Answer

The researchers have published their findings before the conference ended.

Answer

The researchers were publishing their findings before the conference ended.

Question 3

Which correctly identifies the error in this sentence: 'Neither the control group nor the experimental groups was affected.'?

Accepted Answer

The verb 'was' should be 'were' to agree with the nearer subject 'experimental groups.'

Answer

The word 'neither' should be 'either.'

Answer

The word 'groups' should be 'group.'

Answer

The sentence has no error.

Question 4

Which sentence demonstrates correct academic use of a complex sentence with an adverbial clause of purpose?

Accepted Answer

The sample size was increased so that the results would be more reliable.

Answer

The sample size was increased so as the results would be more reliable.

Answer

The sample size was increased for the results to being more reliable.

Answer

The sample size was increased in order results are more reliable.

Question 5

In the sentence 'It is essential that students understand academic syntax,' what grammatical structure is 'that students understand academic syntax'?

Accepted Answer

A noun clause serving as the true subject

Answer

A relative clause modifying 'essential'

Answer

An adverbial clause of reason

Answer

A participial phrase

Question 6

Which sentence correctly uses a gerund as the subject of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing sources effectively is a core academic skill.

Answer

To synthesize sources effectively is a core academic skill.

Answer

Synthesize sources effectively is a core academic skill.

Answer

The synthesizing of sources effectively are a core academic skill.

Question 7

Which sentence correctly uses correlative conjunctions to maintain parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

The essay must both argue a clear thesis and support it with evidence.

Answer

The essay must both argue a clear thesis and to support it with evidence.

Answer

The essay must both argue a clear thesis and supporting it with evidence.

Answer

The essay must both to argue a clear thesis and support it with evidence.