HAST Written Expression 3

Question 1

Which sentence avoids using a double negative?

Accepted Answer

I don't have any money.

Answer

'I don't have any money' uses a single negative ('don't') paired with 'any,' which is the correct standard English form.

Question 2

Which correctly punctuates the dialogue: John said I will be there at noon?

Accepted Answer

John said, 'I will be there at noon.'

Answer

A comma follows the speech tag, the spoken words are enclosed in quotation marks, and the period falls inside the closing quotation mark.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses a comparative adjective?

Accepted Answer

This test is more difficult than the last one.

Answer

Multi-syllable adjectives form comparatives with 'more'; 'more difficult' is correct, not 'difficulter' or 'more difficultier.'

Question 4

Which best describes the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

Accepted Answer

It states the central argument the essay will support.

Answer

A thesis statement presents the writer's central claim or argument that the rest of the essay will develop and support.

Question 5

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

Accepted Answer

She likes swimming, running, and cycling.

Answer

Parallel structure requires all items in a list to use the same grammatical form; all three gerunds (swimming, running, cycling) are parallel.

HAST - Higher Ability Selection Test Practice Test