PARCC Usage Practice Questions

Question 1

1. Bill Cosby is a well respected actor and comedian. No error.

Accepted Answer

B

Answer

The error is in option B, 'well respected.' When an adverb-participle combination like 'well respected' functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun (like 'actor'), it should be hyphenated. Therefore, it should be written as 'well-respected' to correctly modify 'actor'.

Question 2

2. Known as Johnny Appleseed, John Chapman distributed apple seeds and saplings to families bound for the west. No error.

Accepted Answer

D

Answer

The error is in option D, 'west.' When referring to a specific geographical region, such as the American West, compass directions should be capitalized. Therefore, it should be written as 'West' to denote a proper noun.

Question 3

3. Dancing to unanimous acclaim in The United States and Europe, she was known for her interpretation of Stravinsky's Firebird. No error.

Accepted Answer

B

Answer

The error is in option B, 'The United States.' While 'United States' is a proper noun, the article 'the' that precedes it is generally not capitalized unless it is the first word of a sentence or part of a specific title where all major words are capitalized. In this context, it should be 'the United States'.

Question 4

4. Needing a sustained wind for flight, the albatross rarely crosses the equator. No error.

Accepted Answer

D

Answer

The error is in option D, 'equator.' 'Equator' refers to a specific, unique geographical line and is therefore a proper noun. As a proper noun, it should be capitalized, so the correct form is 'Equator'.

Question 5

5. Sparta and Athens, putting aside there own rivalry, fought off the Persians. No error.

Accepted Answer

A

Answer

The error is in option A, 'there.' The sentence requires a possessive adjective to show that the rivalry belongs to Sparta and Athens. The correct word is 'their,' which indicates possession, rather than 'there,' which indicates a place.

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Usage Practice Questions