English Language and Composition Exam Grammar Style and Conventions

Question 1

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

The report was thorough; it covered every major issue.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 2

In the AP Lang free-response essays, which grammatical error most significantly undermines a writer's credibility?

Accepted Answer

Comma splices that create run-on sentences throughout the essay

Answer

Frequent comma splices indicate a pattern of grammatical error that disrupts readability and undermines the writer's ethos.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly uses an appositive phrase?

Accepted Answer

Maya Angelou, a renowned poet and memoirist, advocated for civil rights.

Answer

An appositive renames or describes a noun using a noun phrase set off by commas, as correctly done in this sentence.

Question 4

Which revision best eliminates the dangling modifier in: 'Running down the street, the ice cream truck was spotted'?

Accepted Answer

Running down the street, the children spotted the ice cream truck.

Answer

The modifier 'running down the street' must be placed next to the noun performing the action — the children, not the truck.

Question 5

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

Accepted Answer

She likes hiking, swimming, and running.

Answer

Parallel structure requires all items in a series to use the same grammatical form — here, all gerunds.

English Language and Composition Exam Practice Test