EmSAT English Language 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?
- I wish I was taller.
- She insisted that he leaves early.
- If I were you, I would reconsider. (Correct answer)
- He behaves as if he is the boss.
Correct answer: If I were you, I would reconsider.
The subjunctive 'were' is used in hypothetical conditional clauses with 'if I were you.'
Question 2: Read the sentence: 'The report, along with its appendices, _____ been submitted.' Which verb form is correct?
- have
- has (Correct answer)
- had
- having
Correct answer: has
The subject is 'report' (singular), so the verb must be 'has'; the phrase 'along with its appendices' is parenthetical.
Question 3: Which word best completes the sentence? 'The scientist's findings were _____, challenging decades of accepted theory.'
- redundant
- trivial
- groundbreaking (Correct answer)
- ambiguous
Correct answer: groundbreaking
'Groundbreaking' means innovative and revolutionary, fitting findings that challenge established theory.
Question 4: In the sentence 'She barely had time to prepare; _____, her presentation was excellent,' which connective is most appropriate?
- therefore
- furthermore
- nevertheless (Correct answer)
- similarly
Correct answer: nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals contrast — despite limited preparation, the outcome was positive.
Question 5: Which option correctly punctuates the following sentence? 'My brother who lives in Dubai works for an airline.'
- My brother, who lives in Dubai, works for an airline. (Correct answer)
- My brother; who lives in Dubai, works for an airline.
- My brother who lives in Dubai, works for an airline.
- My brother, who lives in Dubai works for an airline.
Correct answer: My brother, who lives in Dubai, works for an airline.
A non-restrictive relative clause ('who lives in Dubai') must be set off by commas on both sides.
Question 6: What is the meaning of the idiom 'to bite the bullet'?
- To eat hastily
- To endure a painful situation stoically (Correct answer)
- To make a hasty decision
- To avoid responsibility
Correct answer: To endure a painful situation stoically
'Bite the bullet' means to endure something difficult or unpleasant with courage.
Question 7: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
- Running along the beach, she spotted a dolphin.
- After finishing the exam, the students left quietly.
- Having read the instructions, the device was assembled correctly. (Correct answer)
- Exhausted from the hike, the team rested at the camp.
Correct answer: Having read the instructions, the device was assembled correctly.
The phrase 'Having read the instructions' has no logical subject — the device cannot read instructions.
EmSAT English Language 3
Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?