West B Test Writing: Revision and Editing Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which revision corrects the subject-verb agreement error? 'Each of the students are responsible for their own supplies.'
- Each of the students is responsible for their own supplies. (Correct answer)
- Each of the students are responsible for his own supplies.
- Each of the student is responsible for their own supplies.
- Each of the students were responsible for their own supplies.
Correct answer: Each of the students is responsible for their own supplies.
'Each' is a singular indefinite pronoun and requires the singular verb 'is.'
Question 2: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
- The dog chased the cat, barking loudly. (Correct answer)
- Barking loudly, the dog chased the cat.
- The cat was chased by the loudly barking dog.
- The dog that was barking loudly chased the cat.
Correct answer: The dog chased the cat, barking loudly.
In the first option, 'barking loudly' is placed after 'cat,' making it ambiguous whether the cat or dog is barking.
Question 3: A student's draft reads: 'It is important to note that the results were significant.' Which revision best reduces wordiness?
- It is very important to note that the results were quite significant.
- The results were significant. (Correct answer)
- Notably, the results that were produced were significant.
- The significant results are important to note.
Correct answer: The results were significant.
Removing the empty phrase 'It is important to note that' delivers the key information directly.
Question 4: Which punctuation correctly sets off the nonessential clause in this sentence? 'My brother who lives in Seattle called me last night.'
- My brother, who lives in Seattle, called me last night. (Correct answer)
- My brother who lives in Seattle, called me last night.
- My brother; who lives in Seattle, called me last night.
- My brother — who lives in Seattle called me last night.
Correct answer: My brother, who lives in Seattle, called me last night.
A nonessential (nonrestrictive) clause is set off by commas on both sides.
Question 5: Which revision best improves coherence by adding a topic sentence? 'First, review your notes daily. Second, practice with sample problems. Third, form a study group.'
- There are three things to do. First, review your notes daily. Second, practice with sample problems. Third, form a study group.
- Several strategies can help you prepare effectively for the exam. First, review your notes daily. Second, practice with sample problems. Third, form a study group. (Correct answer)
- Do these things. First, review your notes daily. Second, practice with sample problems. Third, form a study group.
- To succeed, studying is important. First, review your notes daily. Second, practice with sample problems. Third, form a study group.
Correct answer: Several strategies can help you prepare effectively for the exam. First, review your notes daily. Second, practice with sample problems. Third, form a study group.
A clear topic sentence introduces the purpose of the list and gives the reader context before the details.
Question 6: In which sentence is a semicolon used correctly?
- She studied hard; but she still struggled with the material.
- The project is due Friday; however, we can request an extension. (Correct answer)
- I need to buy: milk; eggs; and bread.
- He was tired; wanting to sleep.
Correct answer: The project is due Friday; however, we can request an extension.
A semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb like 'however' correctly joins two independent clauses.
Question 7: Which sentence uses the correct form of the frequently confused words?
- The principle reason for the delay was weather.
- The principal effect of the policy was lower costs. (Correct answer)
- The affect of the medicine was immediate.
- Their going to the store later tonight.
Correct answer: The principal effect of the policy was lower costs.
'Principal' as an adjective means 'main' or 'chief,' and 'effect' as a noun means 'result' — both are used correctly here.
West B Test Writing: Revision and Editing Skills 3
Which revision corrects the subject-verb agreement error? 'Each of the students are responsible for their own supplies.'