Core Academic Skills Assessment Writing: Language and Conventions 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
A) I went to the store; and bought milk.
B) She finished the report; however, she forgot to email it.
C) He likes cats; dogs, and birds.
D) The car broke down; in the middle of the highway.

Accepted Answer

She finished the report; however, she forgot to email it.

Answer

A semicolon can join two independent clauses, especially before conjunctive adverbs like 'however.'

Question 2

Identify the sentence with a dangling modifier:
A) Running through the park, the dog chased the squirrel.
B) Having studied all night, the exam seemed easy.
C) Tired from the hike, Maria sat down to rest.
D) After reading the memo, the staff updated their schedules.

Accepted Answer

Having studied all night, the exam seemed easy.

Answer

'Having studied all night' dangles because the exam, not the student, is the subject of the main clause.

Question 3

Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The committee will _____ its decision by Friday.'
A) altar
B) alter
C) altered
D) alteration

Accepted Answer

alter

Answer

'Alter' (to change) is the correct verb; 'altar' is a noun referring to a raised platform.

Question 4

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
A) Neither the manager nor the employees was informed.
B) The team of researchers are presenting today.
C) Either the cats or the dog is responsible.
D) Everyone in the classes were late.

Accepted Answer

Either the cats or the dog is responsible.

Answer

With 'either/or,' the verb agrees with the closer subject; 'dog' is singular, so 'is' is correct.

Question 5

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence:
A) Its a beautiful day, isnt it.
B) It's a beautiful day, isn't it?
C) Its' a beautiful day, isn't it?
D) It's a beautiful day isn't it?

Accepted Answer

It's a beautiful day, isn't it?

Answer

'It's' is the contraction for 'it is,' and a comma separates the tag question 'isn't it?'.

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Writing: Language and Conventions 2