TSIA2 Writing Conventions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
- The dog that was barking loudly annoyed the neighbors.
- She almost drove her kids to school every day. (Correct answer)
- She drove her kids to school almost every day.
- The loudly barking dog annoyed the neighbors.
Correct answer: She almost drove her kids to school every day.
In option A, 'almost' is misplaced — it modifies 'drove,' implying she nearly drove but didn't, rather than indicating frequency.
Question 2: Which word choice correctly completes this sentence: 'The committee will _____ its decision tomorrow.'?
- altar
- alter (Correct answer)
- altare
- altered
Correct answer: alter
'Alter' means to change, which fits the context; 'altar' is a noun referring to a raised platform used in religious ceremonies.
Question 3: Which sentence uses a comma correctly with an introductory clause?
- After the storm passed we went outside.
- After the storm passed, we went outside. (Correct answer)
- After the storm, passed we went outside.
- After, the storm passed we went outside.
Correct answer: After the storm passed, we went outside.
A comma is placed after an introductory subordinate clause before the main clause begins.
Question 4: Identify the sentence that avoids a double negative.
- She didn't want no help from anyone.
- He couldn't find nothing in the drawer.
- They hadn't seen any changes in the report. (Correct answer)
- I don't have no time for that.
Correct answer: They hadn't seen any changes in the report.
Using 'any' instead of 'no' after a negative verb avoids a double negative, which is nonstandard in formal writing.
Question 5: Which sentence is punctuated correctly with a nonrestrictive clause?
- My brother who lives in Austin is a teacher.
- My brother, who lives in Austin is a teacher.
- My brother, who lives in Austin, is a teacher. (Correct answer)
- My brother who, lives in Austin, is a teacher.
Correct answer: My brother, who lives in Austin, is a teacher.
A nonrestrictive (non-essential) clause must be set off with commas on both sides.
Question 6: Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
- She finished her homework before dinner.
- Although she finished her homework before dinner. (Correct answer)
- She finished her homework, then ate dinner.
- Finishing homework is important.
Correct answer: Although she finished her homework before dinner.
A subordinating conjunction like 'although' creates a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Question 7: Which sentence uses 'who' and 'whom' correctly?
- Who did the manager promote to the position?
- Whom won the award at the ceremony?
- The candidate who the committee selected was qualified. (Correct answer)
- The candidate whom won the award was celebrated.
Correct answer: The candidate who the committee selected was qualified.
'Who' is used as a subject; in this sentence it is correct because it is the subject of 'selected.'
TSIA2 Writing Conventions 3
Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?