PELLET B Writing Error Identification 3

Question 1

Identify the error: 'The officer, along with her partner, were dispatched to the scene of the accident on Fifth Street.'

Accepted Answer

'were' should be 'was'

Answer

The subject is 'the officer' (singular). 'Along with her partner' is parenthetical and does not change the subject.

Question 2

Which sentence contains an apostrophe error?

Accepted Answer

The departments' policy requires body cameras for all officers.

Answer

'Departments'' implies multiple departments. Context suggests one department: 'department's.'

Question 3

Find the error: 'The evidence was laying on the ground when the first officer arrived.'

Accepted Answer

'laying' should be 'lying'

Answer

'Laying' requires a direct object. 'Lying' means resting in a position. The evidence was lying on the ground.

Question 4

Identify the error: 'Neither the fingerprint analysis nor the DNA results was conclusive enough to identify the perpetrator.'

Accepted Answer

'was' should be 'were'

Answer

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject. 'Results' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Question 5

Which sentence has a pronoun reference error?

Accepted Answer

The sergeant told the officer that his report needed revision, but he wasn't sure which report.

Answer

In option D, 'he' and 'his' could refer to either the sergeant or the officer.

PELLET B Test Practice Test