HAST Written Expression

Question 1

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Accepted Answer

Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared.

Answer

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'teacher' is singular, so 'was' is correct.

Question 2

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?

Accepted Answer

The dog's collar is red.

Answer

To show singular possession, add an apostrophe + s after the noun; 'dog's' correctly shows the collar belongs to one dog.

Question 3

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The results of the experiment ___ encouraging'?

Accepted Answer

were

Answer

The subject 'results' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is correct.

Question 4

Which sentence best avoids a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Running through the park, she spotted a deer.

Answer

The participial phrase 'Running through the park' must logically modify the subject that immediately follows; 'she' correctly does the running.

Question 5

Which transition word best connects: 'She studied hard. ___, she passed the exam with top marks.'?

Accepted Answer

Consequently

Answer

Consequently signals that the second statement is a logical result of the first, fitting the cause-effect relationship here.

HAST - Higher Ability Selection Test Practice Test