NYSTCE ATAS Writing and Grammar Conventions 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Accepted Answer

She studied hard; she passed the test.

Answer

A semicolon connects two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 2

Which word is spelled correctly?

Accepted Answer

accommodate

Answer

'Accommodate' has double c and double m.

Question 3

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

Accepted Answer

The data shows a clear trend.

Answer

'Data' as a collective noun in American English commonly takes a singular verb.

Question 4

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Having finished the test, the papers were collected.

Answer

The papers did not finish the test — the modifier 'having finished the test' dangles because no logical subject follows.

Question 5

A teaching assistant writes: 'The students brung their permission slips.' What is the error?

Accepted Answer

Non-standard past tense of 'bring'

Answer

The standard past tense of 'bring' is 'brought,' not 'brung.'

NYSTCE ATAS - NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills Practice Test