PTA Writing and Grammar 3

Question 1

Which sentence has correct pronoun-antecedent agreement for a gender-neutral singular subject?

Accepted Answer

Both A and B are acceptable in modern usage.

Answer

Both singular 'their' and 'his or her' are accepted ways to handle gender-neutral singular pronouns in contemporary American English.

Question 2

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

After completing the evaluation, the treatment plan was written.

Answer

In sentence A, 'After completing the evaluation' dangles because a treatment plan cannot complete an evaluation — the therapist does.

Question 3

When should a semicolon be used in clinical writing?

Accepted Answer

To join two independent clauses that are closely related

Answer

A semicolon connects two related independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction.

Question 4

Which sentence uses 'who' correctly?

Accepted Answer

The therapist who treated the patient won an award.

Answer

'Who' is used as a subject pronoun; in sentence C, 'who' is correctly the subject of its clause (who treated).

Question 5

In the sentence 'The treatment had a positive affect on the patient,' what is the error?

Accepted Answer

'affect' should be 'effect'

Answer

'Effect' is used as a noun meaning result or outcome, while 'affect' is typically used as a verb meaning to influence.

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