West B Writing: Grammar and Sentence Structure Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student wrote the following sentences in an essay. Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier, creating ambiguity?
- Eagerly awaiting the results, the scientist checked the petri dish.
- The mechanic fixed the car for the customer with the broken axle. (Correct answer)
- After finishing his homework, Michael went to the park.
- The book that I borrowed from the library is due tomorrow.
Correct answer: The mechanic fixed the car for the customer with the broken axle.
The phrase 'with the broken axle' is a misplaced modifier. It is intended to describe the car, but its placement makes it seem like it's describing the customer. The sentence should be rewritten for clarity, such as: 'The mechanic fixed the car with the broken axle for the customer.'
Question 2: Read the sentences below. Which of the following is a run-on sentence known as a comma splice?
- The concert was sold out, we were lucky to get tickets. (Correct answer)
- Although the team played well, they lost the championship game.
- The storm raged through the night; by morning, the sky was clear.
- She wanted to go for a hike and swim in the lake.
Correct answer: The concert was sold out, we were lucky to get tickets.
This is a comma splice because two independent clauses ('The concert was sold out' and 'we were lucky to get tickets') are incorrectly joined by only a comma. They could be corrected with a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction (like 'but' or 'so').
Question 3: Choose the verb that correctly completes the following sentence to ensure proper subject-verb agreement: 'The box of old photographs, along with several dusty letters, ______ discovered in the attic.'
- are
- were
- was (Correct answer)
- have been
Correct answer: was
The subject of the sentence is 'box,' which is singular. The phrases 'of old photographs' and 'along with several dusty letters' are prepositional and parenthetical phrases that do not affect the number of the subject. Therefore, the singular verb 'was' is required to agree with the singular subject 'box.'
Question 4: Which of the following sentences is written with correct parallel structure?
- The manager's goals are to increase productivity, improving morale, and the reduction of waste.
- The candidate promised to lower taxes, create jobs, and that he would improve education.
- She likes swimming in the ocean, hikes in the forest, and to ride her bicycle on weekends.
- For a healthy lifestyle, one should exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: For a healthy lifestyle, one should exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.
This sentence uses a parallel structure where each item in the series is a verb phrase in the same form: 'exercise regularly,' 'eat a balanced diet,' and 'get enough sleep.' The other options mix grammatical forms (e.g., mixing infinitives, gerunds, and nouns).
Question 5: A student is writing an email to a teacher. Which sentence uses the correct pronoun case?
- Just between you and I, the test was more difficult than I expected.
- My friend and me are going to study together for the final exam.
- The librarian gave the books to my sister and me. (Correct answer)
- Us students appreciate the extra help you provided.
Correct answer: The librarian gave the books to my sister and me.
'My sister and me' are the objects of the preposition 'to.' Therefore, the objective case pronoun 'me' is correct. In option A, it should be 'me' (object of preposition 'between'). In option B, 'My friend and I' is the subject. In option D, 'We students' is the subject.
Question 6: Which of the following sentences uses the words 'affect' and 'effect' correctly?
- The loud music will have a negative affect on my ability to study; the main affect is a lack of concentration.
- The impending storm will likely effect the travel plans, and the main affect will be widespread delays.
- Lack of sleep can seriously affect your performance, and a common effect is reduced alertness. (Correct answer)
- The goal is to affect positive change, and the primary affect should be improved community relations.
Correct answer: Lack of sleep can seriously affect your performance, and a common effect is reduced alertness.
This sentence correctly uses 'affect' as a verb meaning 'to influence' or 'to impact' (Lack of sleep can... affect your performance). It also correctly uses 'effect' as a noun meaning 'a result' or 'a consequence' (a common effect is...).
West B Writing: Grammar and Sentence Structure Questions and Answers
A student wrote the following sentences in an essay.
Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier, creating ambiguity?