TOEFL Grammar and Sentence Structure 3

Question 1

Which of the following is a COMPLEX sentence?

Accepted Answer

Although she ran fast, she missed the bus.

Answer

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause; Option B has 'Although she ran fast' (dependent) + 'she missed the bus' (independent).

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses a GERUND as a subject?

Accepted Answer

Swimming is excellent exercise.

Answer

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun; in Option B, 'Swimming' is a gerund functioning as the subject of the sentence.

Question 3

Which sentence is an example of PARALLEL STRUCTURE?

Accepted Answer

She likes running, swimming, and cycling.

Answer

Parallel structure requires that items in a series use the same grammatical form; Option B consistently uses gerunds (running, swimming, cycling).

Question 4

Which of the following correctly uses an APPOSITIVE phrase?

Accepted Answer

Albert Einstein, a renowned physicist, developed the theory of relativity.

Answer

An appositive is a noun phrase that renames or elaborates on a nearby noun; 'a renowned physicist' correctly identifies and elaborates on 'Albert Einstein,' set off by commas.

Question 5

Identify the sentence with a MISPLACED MODIFIER:

Accepted Answer

Graded quickly, the students received their papers within a day.

Answer

In Option B, 'Graded quickly' is a participial phrase that modifies 'the students,' but it was the papers that were graded — this is a misplaced modifier.

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Grammar and Sentence Structure 3