Rise Placement Test Language & Writing Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
- She studied hard; and passed the exam.
- He was tired; however, he kept working. (Correct answer)
- I like cats; dogs are okay too.
- They arrived late; because of traffic.
Correct answer: He was tired; however, he kept working.
A semicolon can join two independent clauses when paired with a conjunctive adverb like 'however.'
Question 2: Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The committee reached _____ decision after a long debate.'?
- their
- its (Correct answer)
- they're
- there
Correct answer: its
'Committee' is a singular collective noun, so the singular possessive pronoun 'its' is correct.
Question 3: Identify the misplaced modifier: 'Running down the street, the rain soaked Marcus.'
- 'Running down the street' correctly modifies 'rain'.
- 'Running down the street' should modify 'Marcus,' not 'rain.' (Correct answer)
- There is no modifier error in this sentence.
- The word 'soaked' is misplaced.
Correct answer: 'Running down the street' should modify 'Marcus,' not 'rain.'
The participial phrase 'Running down the street' is misplaced because the rain cannot run; Marcus is the runner.
Question 4: Which revision makes this sentence more concise? 'Due to the fact that it was raining, we canceled the picnic.'
- Due to it raining, the picnic was canceled by us.
- Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic. (Correct answer)
- The reason we canceled the picnic is because it was raining.
- We canceled the picnic on account of the rain falling.
Correct answer: Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
'Because' is a single word that replaces the wordy phrase 'due to the fact that.'
Question 5: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
- After finishing the report, Sarah submitted it immediately.
- Exhausted from the hike, the tent was set up quickly. (Correct answer)
- Having studied all night, Jordan felt confident.
- While cooking dinner, Maria listened to music.
Correct answer: Exhausted from the hike, the tent was set up quickly.
The tent cannot be exhausted; the modifier 'Exhausted from the hike' dangles without a proper subject to describe.
Question 6: Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement:
- Each of the students have submitted their forms.
- Neither the manager nor the employees was informed.
- The number of complaints has increased this month. (Correct answer)
- A pair of shoes were left on the porch.
Correct answer: The number of complaints has increased this month.
'The number' is a singular subject and correctly pairs with 'has increased.'
Question 7: Which transitional phrase best signals contrast between ideas?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- Nevertheless (Correct answer)
- As a result
Correct answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals that the following idea contrasts with or qualifies what was just stated.
Rise Placement Test Language & Writing Skills 2
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?