PSAT/NMSQT Writing: Standard English Conventions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The teacher reminded us to proofread our essays ___ submitting them online. Which transition fits?
- before (Correct answer)
- however
- therefore
- moreover
Correct answer: before
"Before" correctly shows the time relationship between proofreading and submitting.
Question 2: Which choice correctly punctuates the nonrestrictive element? "My oldest sister___ who lives in Denver___ is a nurse."
- , , (commas) (Correct answer)
- ( ) (no marks)
- ; ; (semicolons)
- : : (colons)
Correct answer: , , (commas)
Nonessential clauses that interrupt a sentence are set off with a pair of commas.
Question 3: The data ___ that customers prefer faster delivery over lower prices. Which verb best fits formal usage?
- suggest (Correct answer)
- suggests very
- is suggesting
- suggesting
Correct answer: suggest
In formal English, "data" is treated as plural and takes "suggest."
Question 4: Choose the option that corrects the run-on: "The bell rang students rushed to class."
- The bell rang, and students rushed to class. (Correct answer)
- The bell rang students, rushed to class.
- The bell rang and, students rushed to class.
- The bell, rang students rushed to class.
Correct answer: The bell rang, and students rushed to class.
A comma plus the coordinating conjunction "and" correctly joins two independent clauses.
Question 5: The hikers were tired ___ exhilarated after reaching the summit. Which choice signals contrast?
- but (Correct answer)
- and
- so
- for
Correct answer: but
"But" contrasts being tired with being exhilarated.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses the possessive of a plural noun?
- The dogs' leashes were tangled. (Correct answer)
- The dog's leashes were tangled together by all of them.
- The dogs leashes were tangled.
- The dogs's leashes were tangled.
Correct answer: The dogs' leashes were tangled.
For a plural noun ending in -s, add only an apostrophe after the s.
Question 7: The author's tone shifts from playful ___ serious in the final chapter. Which word completes the parallel pair?
- to (Correct answer)
- and then
- into being
- for
Correct answer: to
The idiom "from...to" correctly pairs the two adjectives.
PSAT/NMSQT Writing: Standard English Conventions 3
The teacher reminded us to proofread our essays ___ submitting them online.
Which transition fits?