PARCC Sentence Correction Practice Questions

Question 1

1. If the books have been cataloged last week, why haven't they been placed on the shelf?

Accepted Answer

were cataloged

Answer

The phrase 'last week' indicates a specific point in the past, requiring the simple past tense. 'Were cataloged' is the correct simple past passive form, which accurately reflects an action completed at a definite time in the past.

Question 2

2. Jessica Mitford wrote The American Way of Death, a best-selling book that led eventually to an official investigation of the funeral industry.

Accepted Answer

that eventually led

Answer

Adverbs of manner or time, such as 'eventually,' typically precede the main verb they modify for better flow and clarity. Placing 'eventually' before 'led' creates a more natural and grammatically smooth sentence, emphasizing the gradual nature of the leading action.

Question 3

3. Sabotage came from the French saboter, which means "to clatter with wooden shoes (sabots)."

Accepted Answer

which means "to

Answer

The word 'which' correctly introduces a non-restrictive clause that provides additional, non-essential information about 'saboter.' No comma is needed directly after 'means' and before the opening quotation mark when the quoted phrase directly follows the verb, making the phrasing concise and correct.

Question 4

4. When studying an assignment, it is wise to read it over quickly at first, than see the major points, and finally outline the material.

Accepted Answer

first, then

Answer

This question tests the correct usage of 'than' versus 'then.' 'Than' is used for comparisons, while 'then' indicates a sequence of events or time. In this sentence, a sequence of steps is being described ('first, then, and finally'), so 'then' is the grammatically correct word to use.

Question 5

5. To judge the Tidy City contest, we picked an uninterested party.

Accepted Answer

picked a disinterested party.

Answer

'Uninterested' means not interested or bored, whereas 'disinterested' means impartial or unbiased. For judging a contest, an impartial party is required to ensure fairness. Therefore, 'disinterested' is the correct word to convey the need for an unbiased judge.

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Sentence Correction Practice Questions