EmSAT English Language 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the passive voice correctly?
- The cake was baked by my grandmother. (Correct answer)
- The cake baked by my grandmother.
- My grandmother the cake was baked.
- Was baked the cake by my grandmother.
Correct answer: The cake was baked by my grandmother.
The passive voice follows the pattern: subject + form of 'be' + past participle (+ by agent). 'The cake was baked by my grandmother' correctly applies this structure.
Question 2: What is the function of a subordinate (dependent) clause?
- It can stand alone as a complete sentence
- It provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence (Correct answer)
- It always begins with a coordinating conjunction
- It contains no subject or verb
Correct answer: It provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence
A subordinate clause contains a subject and verb but begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, when) and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Question 3: Which word is an example of a homophone for 'their'?
- There (Correct answer)
- The
- That
- These
Correct answer: There
'There' sounds the same as 'their' but has different spelling and meaning (location vs. possession). Homophones are words that sound alike but differ in meaning and spelling.
Question 4: In reading comprehension, what does 'making an inference' mean?
- Copying information directly from the text
- Drawing a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning from the text (Correct answer)
- Summarizing the main idea
- Identifying the author's name
Correct answer: Drawing a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning from the text
Making an inference involves combining textual evidence with prior knowledge and reasoning to draw conclusions that are not explicitly stated in the text.
Question 5: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the semicolon?
- I like pizza; and pasta.
- She studied hard; she passed the exam. (Correct answer)
- The dog; barked loudly.
- He went to; the store.
Correct answer: She studied hard; she passed the exam.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses that are closely related: 'She studied hard' and 'she passed the exam' are both complete sentences with a logical connection.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a counterargument in persuasive writing?
- To weaken the writer's own position
- To acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints, strengthening the writer's argument (Correct answer)
- To change the topic of the essay
- To provide personal anecdotes
Correct answer: To acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints, strengthening the writer's argument
A counterargument acknowledges an opposing viewpoint and then refutes it with evidence, demonstrating that the writer has considered other perspectives and can still defend their position.
EmSAT English Language 2
Which sentence uses the passive voice correctly?