CHSPE Writing Skills 2

Question 1

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
A) Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by Maria.
B) Maria crossed the finish line running quickly.
C) Running quickly, Maria crossed the finish line.
D) Maria, running quickly, crossed the finish line.

Accepted Answer

Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by Maria.

Answer

The participial phrase 'Running quickly' must be next to the noun it modifies (Maria), but in option A it incorrectly modifies 'the finish line.'

Question 2

Choose the sentence that uses the semicolon correctly.

Accepted Answer

She studied hard; she passed the exam.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction; 'She studied hard' and 'she passed the exam' are both independent clauses.

Question 3

Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The committee made ______ decision after hours of debate.'

Accepted Answer

its

Answer

'Its' is the possessive pronoun for a singular collective noun like 'committee'; 'it's' means 'it is' and would be incorrect here.

Question 4

Identify the sentence with a subject-verb agreement error.

Accepted Answer

The team are playing well this season.

Answer

In American English, collective nouns like 'team' take singular verbs; the correct form is 'The team is playing well.'

Question 5

Which transitional phrase best shows a contrasting relationship between two ideas?

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

'However' signals a contrast or shift in thought, while 'furthermore' and 'in addition' add information and 'therefore' shows result.

California High School Proficiency Exam Practice Test

California High School Proficiency Exam Practice Test

CHSPE Writing Skills 2