West B Test Writing: Revision and Editing Skills 2

Question 1

Which revision best improves the clarity of this sentence? 'The report was written by the team and it was submitted yesterday.'

Accepted Answer

The team wrote and submitted the report yesterday.

Answer

Combining the two actions into one active-voice sentence eliminates wordiness and improves clarity.

Question 2

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Exhausted from the hike, the tent was set up quickly.

Answer

The phrase 'Exhausted from the hike' modifies 'tent,' which cannot be exhausted — the subject performing the action is missing.

Question 3

A student writes: 'There are many reasons why students fail. One reason is absences. Another reason is poor study habits.' Which revision best improves sentence variety?

Accepted Answer

Students fail for many reasons, including frequent absences and poor study habits.

Answer

Combining the three choppy sentences into one improves flow and eliminates repetitive structure.

Question 4

Which edit correctly fixes the comma splice in this sentence? 'The conference was canceled, the keynote speaker was ill.'

Accepted Answer

All of the above are correct fixes.

Answer

A comma splice can be fixed with a semicolon, a coordinating conjunction, or a subordinating conjunction — all three options are valid corrections.

Question 5

Which word choice best replaces 'got' to make the following sentence more formal? 'She got the highest score in the class.'

Accepted Answer

earned

Answer

'Earned' conveys active achievement and is the most precise and formal replacement for 'got' in this context.

West B Test Practice Test

West B Test Practice Test

West B Test Writing: Revision and Editing Skills 2