SHSAT English Practice Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

Jewelry is an accessory used by members of all classes which includes watches, necklaces and wearing earrings.
Jewelry is an accessory used by members of all classes including watches, necklaces and earrings.
Jewelry is accessorized by members of all classes including watches, necklaces and earrings.
Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, are an accessory used by members of all classes.
Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, is an accessory used by members of all classes. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, is an accessory used by members of all classes.

The original sentence has a grammatical error and awkward phrasing. Option E corrects the parallelism by listing 'watches, necklaces, and earrings' as items of jewelry, and correctly uses the singular verb 'is' because the subject 'Jewelry' is singular, even with the intervening phrase. It also improves conciseness and clarity compared to the other options, making it the most grammatically sound and stylistically appropriate choice.

Question 2: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

is a great way to make friends however
will have been a great way to make friends and
are a great way to make friends and (Correct answer)
will be a great way to make friends and
is a great way to make friends and

Correct answer: are a great way to make friends and

The correct answer, "are a great way to make friends and," uses the plural verb "are," which correctly agrees with an implied plural subject (e.g., "These activities"). Additionally, it uses the coordinating conjunction "and" to properly connect clauses or phrases, avoiding the common error of using "however" without proper punctuation to join independent clauses. This ensures grammatical correctness and smooth sentence flow.

Question 3: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

enhances the sports-watching experience for fans.
enhance the sports-watching experience.
have enhanced the sports-watching experiences for fans.
enhance the experience.
enhances the sports-watching experience. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: enhances the sports-watching experience.

The correct answer, "enhances the sports-watching experience," uses the singular verb "enhances," which correctly agrees with a singular subject (e.g., "Technology"). It is also more concise than option A, as "for fans" is often implied when discussing a "sports-watching experience." This revision ensures proper subject-verb agreement and avoids unnecessary words.

Question 4: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

Shocking and I will never forget it,
A shocking, indelible moment,
Shocked and indelible,
A shockingly indelible moment,
It was a shocking and indelible moment; (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It was a shocking and indelible moment;

The correct answer, "It was a shocking and indelible moment;", forms a complete independent clause with a clear subject ("It") and verb ("was"). The adjectives "shocking" and "indelible" are correctly used to describe the "moment," and the semicolon properly indicates that this clause is related to the following independent clause (implied by the semicolon). This structure avoids fragments and maintains grammatical integrity.

Question 5: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

your strength against your opponent's. (Correct answer)
your opponent's strength against one's own.
your strength against your opponent.
yours against your opponent.
your strength with your opponent.

Correct answer: your strength against your opponent's.

The correct answer, "your strength against your opponent's," maintains parallelism by comparing "your strength" to "your opponent's [strength]." The possessive apostrophe 's' correctly indicates that the comparison is to the opponent's strength, not the opponent themselves. This structure ensures a clear and grammatically parallel comparison between two comparable entities.

Question 6: Several high school students volunteer in their communities, working with peers, younger kids, and elderly people.

spend their time involving in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.
spend one’s time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.d.
spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens. (Correct answer)
spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens
spend his time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.

Correct answer: spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens.

The correct answer, "spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens," is the most concise and grammatically sound option. It uses the correct pronoun "their" to agree with the plural subject "students" and maintains parallelism in the list of groups they work with. It also avoids redundant phrases like "also helping" and uses "involved in" correctly, making the sentence clear and efficient.

Question 7: To correct sentence 3, which edit is required?

change should understand to should have understood
change needs to will need
change are not allowed to had not been allowed
change was to is (Correct answer)

Correct answer: change was to is

Without the original sentence 3, the most common reason to change "was" to "is" is to correct a verb tense inconsistency. If the sentence describes a current state, fact, or ongoing situation, the present tense "is" would be appropriate, whereas "was" would imply a past condition that is no longer true. This change ensures the verb tense aligns with the intended meaning and the surrounding text.

Question 8: What is the most effective way to combine sentences 4 and 5 in order to clarify the relationship between the ideas?

Even though it is impossible to deny the role that religion plays in history, literature, and current events, some schools and teachers are hesitant to educate students about world religions. (Correct answer)
Because it is impossible to deny the role that religion plays in history, literature, and current events, some schools and teachers are hesitant to educate students about world religions.
It is impossible to deny the role that religion plays in history, literature, and current events; therefore, some schools and teachers are hesitant to educate students about world religions.
It is impossible to deny the role that religion plays in history, literature, and current events, although some schools and teachers are hesitant to educate students about world religions.

Correct answer: Even though it is impossible to deny the role that religion plays in history, literature, and current events, some schools and teachers are hesitant to educate students about world religions.

The correct answer effectively combines the sentences by using "Even though," which clearly establishes a concessive relationship between the two ideas. It highlights the contrast between the undeniable importance of religion in various fields and the reluctance of schools to teach it. This structure accurately reflects the intended meaning of a paradox or contradiction, making the relationship between the ideas explicit and logical.

Question 9: To best support the argument made in the passage, which sentence should come after sentence 6?

Teachers should avoid the risk of introducing ideas or concepts that may lead to controversy.
As classrooms become more diverse, many teachers believe that they should teach only limited ideas about world religions.
Some educators avoid the topic altogether, therefore, many students are not studying the founding ideas of culture and society. (Correct answer)
Schools tend to spend more resources teaching mathematics and the physical sciences than teaching the humanities.

Correct answer: Some educators avoid the topic altogether, therefore, many students are not studying the founding ideas of culture and society.

The correct answer, "Some educators avoid the topic altogether, therefore, many students are not studying the founding ideas of culture and society," logically follows and supports the argument. If sentence 6 discusses the hesitation to teach religion, this option directly presents the negative consequence of that hesitation: students missing crucial foundational knowledge. This strengthens the passage's overall point about the necessity of religious education.

Question 10: Which version of sentence 12 use the most exact wording?

Students who know about world religions are likely to understand more about doing business with new people.
Students who are familiar with world religions may be more aware of how to do business with acquaintances from other countries.
Students who are clued into world religions are likely to get along better with the people they work with who are from different places.
Students who understand world religions are better equipped to work with diverse colleagues and customers from around the world. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Students who understand world religions are better equipped to work with diverse colleagues and customers from around the world.

The correct answer, "Students who understand world religions are better equipped to work with diverse colleagues and customers from around the world," uses the most precise and formal language. Phrases like "better equipped," "diverse colleagues," and "customers from around the world" are specific and professional, clearly articulating the practical benefits of understanding world religions in a globalized context. This option avoids vague or informal phrasing found in other choices, enhancing the sentence's clarity and impact.

Question 11: To support the idea stated in the passage, which ending statement should be inserted following sentence 14?

Although there is hesitation to teach about religions in school, the benefits of students becoming familiar with the main ideas and tenets of world religions are essential in today’s world. (Correct answer)
State officials and school districts should make an effort to ensure that students are exposed to the study of world religions in their social studies courses.
Students deserve an opportunity to learn about all world religions, not just the major world religions.
It is important to ensure that students understand that many aspects of history, literature, and current events are related to ideas found in major world religions.

Correct answer: Although there is hesitation to teach about religions in school, the benefits of students becoming familiar with the main ideas and tenets of world religions are essential in today’s world.

The correct answer serves as an effective concluding statement because it synthesizes the main points of the passage. It acknowledges the "hesitation to teach about religions" (a recurring theme) while strongly reiterating the "essential benefits" of such education in the modern world. This statement provides a balanced summary and a strong final argument, reinforcing the passage's overall message.

Question 12: Which sentence should be eliminated since it is unrelated to the point given in the passage?

sentence 13
sentence 10
sentence 7 (Correct answer)
sentence 2

Correct answer: sentence 7

Without the full passage, it's impossible to definitively state why sentence 7 is unrelated. However, in such questions, an unrelated sentence typically introduces a new, distinct idea that doesn't directly contribute to the passage's main argument or flow. It might be a general statement or a detail that distracts from the core topic, making its elimination necessary for coherence and focus.

Question 13: To begin sentence 11, which transition should be added?

In contrast
Moreover (Correct answer)
For that reason
Of course

Correct answer: Moreover

The transition word "Moreover" is the most appropriate choice because it indicates that sentence 11 will add further information or another point that supports or elaborates on the preceding ideas. It signals an accumulation of evidence or arguments, which is typical when building a case for a specific topic. This transition ensures a smooth and logical flow of ideas within the paragraph.

Question 14: Which of the following sentences would be the most appropriate to follow and support sentence 8?

To clarify, Pew Research Center is an agency that was designed to inform the public about the attitudes, issues, and trends that are currently shaping cultures in the United States and the world.
Therefore, classes in religion are often taught in other settings, where families make decisions about what they want their children to learn and how it should be approached.
Additionally, some educators worry that teaching about religion may be perceived as promoting one religion over another, which could make students or parents feel uncomfortable or offended. (Correct answer)
However, it is certainly fair to assume that this number has declined, and fewer people today would suggest that the discussion of religion is not appropriate in a public school setting.

Correct answer: Additionally, some educators worry that teaching about religion may be perceived as promoting one religion over another, which could make students or parents feel uncomfortable or offended.

The correct answer, "Additionally, some educators worry that teaching about religion may be perceived as promoting one religion over another, which could make students or parents feel uncomfortable or offended," logically follows and supports sentence 8. If sentence 8 discusses challenges or hesitations in teaching religion, this option provides an additional, specific reason for that reluctance, elaborating on the complexities and sensitivities involved. The word "Additionally" correctly signals that a further point is being introduced.

Question 15: To correct a misplaced modifier, which sentence should be revised?

Sentence 2 (Correct answer)
Sentence 1
Sentence 4
Sentence 3

Correct answer: Sentence 2

Without the specific content of Sentence 2, it's impossible to provide the exact misplaced modifier. However, a sentence requires revision for a misplaced modifier when a descriptive phrase or clause is positioned in a way that it seems to modify the wrong noun or pronoun, creating an awkward or nonsensical meaning. The revision would involve moving the modifier closer to the word it is intended to describe, clarifying the sentence's meaning.

Question 16: Larissa's father has a new job that requires him to travel to Albany on a weekly trips, therefore he's looking for a inexpensive reliable vehicle. Which correction should be made to this sentence?

insert a comma after inexpensive (Correct answer)
insert a comma after trips
insert a comma after reliable
insert a comma after position

Correct answer: insert a comma after inexpensive

The correct answer is to insert a comma after "inexpensive" because "inexpensive" and "reliable" are coordinate adjectives modifying "vehicle." Coordinate adjectives describe the same noun independently and should be separated by a comma. This ensures proper punctuation and clarity in the description of the vehicle.

Question 17: Which revision corrects the paragraph's sentence structure error?

surface; additionally,
crust, in fact,
continents. At (Correct answer)
Panthalassa. Much

Correct answer: continents. At

Without the full paragraph, the most likely reason "continents. At" is correct is that it resolves a run-on sentence or comma splice. By replacing a comma or semicolon with a period, it correctly separates two independent clauses into distinct sentences. Starting a new sentence with "At" (presumably "At this time" or "At the same time") ensures proper sentence structure and clarity.

Question 18: Which correction should be made to the sentence?

Delete the comma after World.
Delete the comma after Rome.
Insert a comma after built.
Insert a comma after Italy. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Insert a comma after Italy.

Without the original sentence, the most probable reason for inserting a comma after "Italy" is to correctly punctuate a non-essential phrase or clause. If "Italy" is part of a geographical location that is further specified (e.g., "Rome, Italy, a city known for...") or if a non-restrictive clause follows it, a comma would be necessary to set off that additional information. This ensures proper grammatical separation of sentence elements.

Question 19: Which sentence has a grammar error that should be corrected?

sentence 1
sentence 2 (Correct answer)
sentence 3
sentence 4

Correct answer: sentence 2

Without the specific content of Sentence 2, it's impossible to pinpoint the exact grammar error. However, common grammar errors include subject-verb agreement issues, pronoun agreement errors, incorrect verb tense, misplaced modifiers, or improper punctuation (like a comma splice or run-on sentence). Identifying such an error in Sentence 2 would necessitate its revision to ensure grammatical correctness.

Question 20: What would be the best way to rewrite this sentence?

To promote their club, members of the debate team will sponsor a bake sale on Wednesday. (Correct answer)
To promote their club, on Wednesday a bake sale will be sponsored by members of the debate team.
Members of the debate team, on Wednesday to promote their club, will sponsor a bake sale.
On Wednesday, to promote their club, a bake sale will be sponsored by members of the debate team.

Correct answer: To promote their club, members of the debate team will sponsor a bake sale on Wednesday.

The correct answer, "To promote their club, members of the debate team will sponsor a bake sale on Wednesday," is the most effective rewrite because it uses the active voice, making the sentence clear and direct. The introductory infinitive phrase "To promote their club" is correctly placed, and the sentence maintains a logical flow, clearly stating who will do what and when. This structure is concise and easy to understand.

Question 21: What is the best method for combining sentences together? (1) Scientists now believe that Jupiter may have as many as seventy-nine moons. (2) One of Jupiter’s moons is named Io. (3) Io has the greatest number of active volcanoes in the solar system.

Scientists now believe that Jupiter may have as many as seventy-nine moons, and one of them is named Io, which has the greatest number of active volcanoes in the solar system.
Io, which is one of Jupiter’s moons, has the greatest number of active volcanoes in the solar system, and scientists now believe that Jupiter may have as many as seventy-nine moons.
Io, a moon with the greatest number of active volcanoes in the solar system, is one of Jupiter’s moons, and scientists now believe that Jupiter may have as many as seventy-nine moons.
Scientists now believe that Jupiter may have as many as seventy-nine moons, including one named Io, which has the greatest number of active volcanoes in the solar system. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Scientists now believe that Jupiter may have as many as seventy-nine moons, including one named Io, which has the greatest number of active volcanoes in the solar system.

The correct answer, "Scientists now believe that Jupiter may have as many as seventy-nine moons, including one named Io, which has the greatest number of active volcanoes in the solar system," is the most effective combination. It logically connects the ideas by first stating the total number of moons, then introducing Io as one of them using "including," and finally adding Io's unique characteristic with a non-restrictive clause "which has...". This structure is concise, maintains clarity, and highlights the relationship between the facts.

Question 22: In this paragraph, which two revisions are required?

Sentence 2: Insert a comma after company. Sentence 3: Change becomes to became. (Correct answer)
Sentence 1: Delete the comma after homes. Sentence 3: Change becomes to became.
Sentence 2: Insert a comma after company. Sentence 4: Change remarketed to had remarketed.
Sentence 1: Delete the comma after homes. Sentence 4: Change remarketed to had remarketed.

Correct answer: Sentence 2: Insert a comma after company. Sentence 3: Change becomes to became.

Without the original paragraph, the specific reasons for these revisions are speculative. However, inserting a comma after "company" in Sentence 2 likely corrects a punctuation error, such as separating an introductory phrase or a non-essential clause from the main part of the sentence. Changing "becomes" to "became" in Sentence 3 suggests a verb tense correction, indicating that the action or state occurred in the past, aligning with the narrative's timeline. These two revisions address common grammatical and stylistic issues.

Question 23: Which sentence should come after sentence 3 to best introduce the passage's topic?

Individuals with little connection to nature can experience illness, depression, and higher levels of stress.
Placing plants in homes and offices can provide a healthy bridge between nature and the indoors. (Correct answer)
It is important for people to realize that they need to spend more time near plants, whether indoors or out in nature.
For their personal health and well-being, people need to spend more time outdoors or bring the outdoors in.

Correct answer: Placing plants in homes and offices can provide a healthy bridge between nature and the indoors.

The correct answer, "Placing plants in homes and offices can provide a healthy bridge between nature and the indoors," best introduces the passage's topic after sentence 3. If sentence 3 discusses the negative effects of a lack of nature, this sentence immediately presents a practical solution and the central theme of the passage: integrating nature into indoor environments. It sets the stage for the subsequent discussion about the benefits of indoor plants.

Question 24: At the start of sentence 5, which transition word or phrase should be used?

In contrast,
As a result,
Unfortunately, (Correct answer)
H) Primarily,

Correct answer: Unfortunately,

The transition word "Unfortunately" is the most appropriate choice because it signals that sentence 5 will introduce a negative or problematic aspect related to the preceding information. If the previous sentences discuss the benefits of something, "Unfortunately" would logically introduce a drawback, challenge, or a less-than-ideal reality, setting a contrasting tone for the upcoming statement.

Question 25: To best support the information offered in the passage, which conclusion statement should come after sentence 17?

As one study has confirmed, houseplants are a wise investment because they can remove almost 90 percent of the toxins in the air within the span of 24 hours
Because indoor plants absorb the carbon dioxide in our air and release the oxygen we need to breathe, they are vital to our wholeness and wellness.
Experts say that adding a Boston fern, a spider plant, or an aloe vera plant is a good place to start if you want to begin to incorporate nature into your home or office.
More people should consider bringing natural elements inside to improve general wellness and reverse some of the negative effects of an indoor-centered society. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: More people should consider bringing natural elements inside to improve general wellness and reverse some of the negative effects of an indoor-centered society.

The correct answer, "More people should consider bringing natural elements inside to improve general wellness and reverse some of the negative effects of an indoor-centered society," functions as an excellent concluding statement. It synthesizes the passage's main argument about the benefits of indoor nature and offers a clear call to action or recommendation, reinforcing the overall message and providing a strong sense of closure.

SHSAT English Practice Test 1

Determine whether the underlined portion of the following
statement is correct or needs to be revised.