NTS NTS - National Testing Service English Grammar and Composition 2

Question 1

Choose the correct indirect speech for: He said, "I am tired."

Accepted Answer

He said that he was tired.

Answer

When the reporting verb is past tense, the present "am" shifts to past "was" in indirect speech.

Question 2

What is the plural of "criterion"?

Accepted Answer

Criteria

Answer

"Criteria" is the standard Greek-derived plural of "criterion," following the -on to -a pattern.

Question 3

Identify the figure of speech in: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Accepted Answer

Personification

Answer

Attributing the human action of whispering to the wind is personification.

Question 4

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Walking to school, a dog was seen.

Answer

In the second sentence, "walking to school" incorrectly modifies "a dog" because no person is named as the subject.

Question 5

What is the antonym of "benevolent"?

Accepted Answer

Malevolent

Answer

"Malevolent" means wishing harm to others, which is the direct opposite of "benevolent" (wishing good).

NTS - National Testing Service Practice Test