SHSAT SHSAT Revising and Editing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which version of the underlined portion best combines the sentences: 'The sky was dark. The stars were bright. We decided to go stargazing.'?
- The sky was dark, and the stars were bright, so we decided to go stargazing. (Correct answer)
- The sky was dark; the stars were bright: we decided to go stargazing.
- Being dark, with bright stars, we decided to go stargazing.
- The sky was dark and, the stars were bright and, we decided to go stargazing.
Correct answer: The sky was dark, and the stars were bright, so we decided to go stargazing.
Option A smoothly combines all three ideas using coordinating conjunctions while maintaining logical flow and grammatical correctness.
Question 2: Which word choice is MOST precise in this sentence: 'The scientist made an important _____ about the new species.'?
- thing
- discovery (Correct answer)
- finding-out
- conclusion-making
Correct answer: discovery
'Discovery' is the precise, standard term for a scientist's finding of something new, unlike the vague 'thing' or the non-standard other options.
Question 3: Which sentence is written in passive voice?
- The chef prepared a delicious meal.
- Students completed the assignment on time.
- The trophy was awarded to the winning team. (Correct answer)
- The coach trained the athletes every morning.
Correct answer: The trophy was awarded to the winning team.
Option C is passive because the subject ('trophy') receives the action rather than performing it; the agent ('by the committee') is implied.
Question 4: Read: 'Despite the heavy rainfall, the outdoor concert continued. The musicians played energetically. Fans cheered loudly.' What is the BEST way to combine the last two sentences?
- The musicians played energetically, and fans cheered loudly. (Correct answer)
- The musicians played energetically; but fans cheered loudly.
- The musicians playing energetically, fans cheered loudly.
- The musicians played, energetically fans cheered loudly.
Correct answer: The musicians played energetically, and fans cheered loudly.
A compound sentence joined by 'and' correctly links two parallel independent clauses describing simultaneous actions.
Question 5: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
- Exhausted from the game, the players rested on the bench.
- After finishing her homework, Sara went to the park.
- Having studied all night, the test seemed easy to Marcus. (Correct answer)
- Walking down the street, we saw an interesting mural.
Correct answer: Having studied all night, the test seemed easy to Marcus.
In option C, 'having studied all night' dangles because it modifies 'the test,' not Marcus — a test cannot study.
Question 6: A student wants to add a sentence to support this claim: 'Regular exercise improves mental health.' Which sentence is the BEST supporting evidence?
- Many people enjoy going to the gym on weekends.
- Exercise equipment can be expensive to purchase.
- Studies show that aerobic activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. (Correct answer)
- Swimming is considered one of the best full-body workouts.
Correct answer: Studies show that aerobic activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
This sentence directly supports the claim by citing scientific studies linking aerobic exercise to reduced mental health symptoms.
Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses a colon?
- She needed: milk, eggs, and bread from the store.
- The recipe requires: flour, sugar, and butter.
- He had one goal: to win the championship. (Correct answer)
- The package included: a book, a pen, and a notebook.
Correct answer: He had one goal: to win the championship.
A colon correctly follows a complete independent clause ('He had one goal') to introduce what follows; the other options place colons after verbs or prepositions, which is incorrect.
SHSAT SHSAT Revising and Editing 2
Which version of the underlined portion best combines the sentences: 'The sky was dark.
The stars were bright.
We decided to go stargazing.'?