NCDAP English Grammar & Writing Mechanics 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Accepted Answer

He was tired; however, he finished the project.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially with a conjunctive adverb like 'however.'

Question 2

Identify the dangling modifier in this sentence: 'Running down the street, the rain soaked my clothes.'

Accepted Answer

Running down the street

Answer

'Running down the street' dangles because it incorrectly modifies 'the rain' rather than a person.

Question 3

Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The committee made ______ decision after a long debate.'

Accepted Answer

its

Answer

'Committee' is a collective noun treated as singular, so 'its' is the correct singular possessive pronoun.

Question 4

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

She almost drove her children to school every day.

Answer

'Almost' is misplaced; the intended meaning is that she drove them nearly every day, so it should be 'drove her children to school almost every day.'

Question 5

Select the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Accepted Answer

Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.

Answer

With 'neither/nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'students' is plural, so 'are' is correct.

(NCDAP) North Carolina Diagnostic Placement Test Practice Test