Language Proficiency Writing Skills 5

Question 1

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?

Accepted Answer

The committee has reached its decision.

Answer

In American English, collective nouns like 'committee' typically take singular verbs and pronouns.

Question 2

What does 'parallel structure' require in a list?

Accepted Answer

All items must use the same grammatical form.

Answer

Parallel structure means each element in a series uses the same grammatical form (all nouns, all gerunds, etc.).

Question 3

Which is the most appropriate tone for a formal business email?

Accepted Answer

I am writing to inform you that the project timeline has been delayed.

Answer

Formal writing avoids slang, contractions, and casual phrasing, using clear and professional language instead.

Question 4

Which sentence correctly uses 'who' vs. 'whom'?

Accepted Answer

Whom should I contact for assistance?

Answer

'Whom' is correct when it functions as the object of a verb or preposition; substituting 'him' works as a test.

Question 5

Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

The meeting ended early; everyone left by noon.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without creating a comma splice.

Language Proficiency Practice Test