FREE PSSA English Questions and Answers

Question 1

Compared to many other trees, Coast redwoods have an advantage because they are bathed in fog on summer mornings.

What does the sentence's figurative language suggest?

Accepted Answer

The redwood trees are covered in fog.

Answer

The redwood trees are cleaned by the fog.

Answer

The redwood trees are cleaned by the fog.

Answer

Climbing the redwood trees is made more bearable for researchers by the fog.

Question 2

(1) Recently in science class, our teacher demonstrated an interesting phenomenon related to light. (2) We were studying ultraviolet light, and she wanted us to observe the effects of this type of light on some classroom objects. (3) She put ink from a highlighter pen in a bowl, turned off the classroom lights, and turned on a black light, which produces ultraviolet light. (4) Glowing in the bowl, we were amazed at how the ink from the highlighter pen was clearly visible.

Which sentence has to be changed to correct the misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 4

Answer

Sentence 1

Answer

Sentence 2

Answer

Sentence 3

Question 3

Big Ben is one of the most famous clock towers in the world, and it is also one of the largest. (2) In fact, it is the third largest clock tower in the world. (3) The name “Big Ben” refers to the bell, which was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who ordered it. (4) As for the bell itself, it weighs an astonishing thirteen tons.

Which sentence should end with an exclamation point to most effectively show excitement?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 4

Answer

Sentence 1

Answer

Sentence 2

Answer

Sentence 3

Question 4

In a letter to a friend, John wrote, “The meeting will start at 7:00 Saturday morning. (2) This means that you and I will have to arrive around 6:45 if we want I am forgetting that we do not have to attend the first part of the meeting. (3) Let’s arrange to arrive at 7:15.

To show a sudden break in thought, where do we insert ellipsis points?

Accepted Answer

In sentence 2, after “want”

Answer

In sentence 3, after “arrive”

Answer

In sentence 1, after “7:00”

Answer

In sentence 2, after “6:45”

Question 5

Many people love calico cats for their patches of white, orange, and black fur. (2) It may be surprising to find out that the word calico refers to the color pattern, not to the breed, size, or personality of the cat. (3) Almost any breed of cat—including the American shorthair the American wirehair, and the Japanese bobtail— can have the calico color pattern. (4) It is interesting that calico cats are considered a sign of good luck, are viewed as peaceful, and are nearly always female.

Which sentence needs a comma?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 3

Answer

Sentence 1

Answer

Sentence 2

Answer

Sentence 4

Question 6

To indicate to readers they are nearing the end of a written piece, what transition would you use?

Accepted Answer

To summarize

Answer

Furthermore

Answer

On the other hand

Answer

Likewise

Question 7

In what way could the sentence below be made clearer?

Without help I would not finish this assignment.

Accepted Answer

Add a comma after 'help.'

Answer

Add a comma after 'not.'

Answer

Add a comma after 'finish.'

Answer

Add commas before and after 'I would not.'

Question 8

The following are introductory words, except_______.

Accepted Answer

That

Answer

Since

Answer

Although

Answer

However

Question 9

In the sentence below, identify the auxiliary/helping verb(s):

After my trip, I will have been to five different countries.

Accepted Answer

will have

Answer

will

Answer

have

Answer

been

Question 10

What can be used in an evaluative essay when presenting a controversial viewpoint?

Accepted Answer

By presenting counterarguments.

Answer

By using jargons.

Answer

By presenting only your arguments.

Answer

Justifying your own opinion's validity