IPC Grammar & Syntax 2

Question 1

Which option uses parallel structure correctly?

Accepted Answer

She enjoys reading, swimming, and cooking.

Answer

Parallel structure requires all items in a series to have the same grammatical form; here all three are gerunds.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect tense?

Accepted Answer

They have completed the assignment already.

Answer

'Have completed' uses the correct present perfect form (have/has + past participle) with the adverb 'already.'

Question 3

Identify the sentence with the correct use of a semicolon:

Accepted Answer

She submitted the report; however, it was late.

Answer

A semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb ('however') and a comma correctly joins two independent clauses.

Question 4

Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Accepted Answer

Everyone must submit his or her application by Friday.

Answer

In formal writing, 'everyone' takes 'his or her' to maintain singular agreement with a gender-neutral antecedent.

Question 5

Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

The results were inconclusive, and further testing is needed.

Answer

Adding the coordinating conjunction 'and' after the comma correctly joins two independent clauses without a comma splice.

(IPC) International Proficiency Certification Practice Test