Practice to Succeed! Sasser Educational Services, LLC 2002

Practice to Succeed!Sasser Educational Services,

LLC2002

Noun FormsNoun FormsChoose the sentence that is

written correctlyA.The returning soldiers were hailed as

heros.

B.The leaves on our oak tree are beautiful in the fall.

C.Both of Maria’s brothers have been editor-in-chiefs.

D.Gerald had three tooths extracted last Wednesday.

Choose the sentence that is written correctly

A. Three department stores’ carry the new designer jeans.

B. “See Rock City” was painted on the rooves of several barns.

C. Millions of salmons swam upstream to spawn.

D. Historically, our presidents have used vetoes sparingly.


A. The altos were featured in the choir’s last song.

B. Penalties will cause delayes in football games.

C. Several of the childrens in Mrs. Dixon’s class have chicken pox.

D. Three major crisis struck the town in only one week.

Choose the sentence that contains an error.

A. Miguel is legally blind without his glasses.

B. Dr. Chandler’s beliefs will ultimately shape her decision.

C. Blue skys really brighten my mood. D. “NFL Prime Time” offers interesting

analyses of the games.


A. Mrs. Reiss invited both her daughters-in-law to accompany her.

B. Despite many searchs, Maria could not find her lost jacket.

C. Indexes are very helpful when searching for information.

D. Three area high schools participated in the track meet.

Verb FormsVerb Forms

• If I see this play, I ____ four of Webber’s musicals.

A. SeenB. Have sawC. Will have seenD. Will see

Choose the correct word to Choose the correct word to complete the sentence. complete the sentence.


A. The lake was froze, so we decided to skate.

B. Mrs. Patterson sung a solo at the concert.

C. I done all my chores Sunday morning.D. We asked each member to pay two

dollars.

Choose the sentence in which the underlined word or words are

written correctly

A. The train’s whistle had blown before it reaches the crossing.

B. After they had read the novel, the class took a test.

C. Ramon will drive from Atlanta when he got an interview.

D. After Cynthia jogged for two miles, she had developed leg cramps.


A. The crew did the work quickly.B. Has the movie already begun?C. Jonathan thinked he knew the right

answer.D. Did the Braves win the game last night?

Choose the sentence in which the underlined word is an error.

A. There were cookies and punch in the lobby.

B. Neither Theresa nor Raphael knows when the plane arrives.

C. Samantha and Maria like to walk early in the morning.

D. Several of the boys was late for the concert.

Subject-Verb AgreementSubject-Verb Agreement

A. Some of the windows in the old house was broken.

B. Laura don’t live in Phoenix anymore.C. There was a map and a water bottle in

the backpack.D. Neither the grocery store nor the

pharmacy gives coupons.

Choose the sentence that is Choose the sentence that is written correctly. written correctly.

Choose the sentence in which the underlined word is correct.

A. Spaghetti and meatballs are my favorite Italian food.

B. After the parade and pep rally are a team meeting.

C. Haven’t our treasurer already paid this bill?

D. Each of the photographs is autographed.

Choose the correct word or words to complete the sentence.

• ___________ has gone to New York for the holidays.

A. Thomas and his familyB. CarolineC. TheyD. Two of my friends


A. Here are the answers to the riddles.B. Either the teachers or the principal

makes the decision.C. Doesn’t Dennis have the key to the

dressing room?D. The candidate, as well as his supporters,

are in the auditorium.


A. A robin’s nest with eggs is in that pecan tree.

B. Both paintings and sculpture are displayed in the museum.

C. Fifty dollars have to be collected by Friday.

D. Several of the pro teams are relocating.

Pronoun-Antecedent AgreementPronoun-Antecedent Agreement

A. The mechanic found its wrench under the car.

B. When the cat saw the stranger enter the room, it hid under a chair.

C. All the men who volunteered should bring his own tools.

D. Kendra and Selena left her books in the chemistry lab.

Choose the sentence that is Choose the sentence that is written correctlywritten correctly

Choose the sentence in which the underlined word is correct

A. Mrs. Caylor is one boss who puts their employees’ welfare first.

B. The buck led her fawn through the thick brush.

C. Each of the fathers encouraged his children to study.

D. Five sea gulls spread its wings and soared over the gulf waters.

Choose the word to complete the sentence.

• A tiny brown bird built ____ nest in our apple tree.

A. ItsB. It’sC. HerD. Their


A. Neither Mary nor Lenora remembered to bring her photo identification.

B. The big poplar tree in our front yard drops its leaves in October.

C. Every writer who entered the contest secretly thought that they would win.

D. None of the sailors lost their lives when the ship sank.


A. Jim and Matt stayed safely in their tents throughout the storm.

B. One of the ladies volunteered her time to help the victims.

C. Each of the newborn puppies opened its eyes after several days.

D. Martha McDowell or Terece Gillis will bring their laptop computer to the meeting.

Shifts in Verb TenseShifts in Verb Tense

A. If the fireman had arrived a little sooner, they will have saved the flaming building.

B. Jenny hit the softball soundly and races to first base.

C. When the cyclist reaches Montreal, he will have traveled 400 miles.

D. Carbohydrates compose a main class of foods and have included sugars and starches.

Choose the sentence that is Choose the sentence that is written correctlywritten correctly


A. Rachel stopped at the classroom door and looked for Mr. Mancini.

B. When Susan tours Italy, she will go to the Vatican.

C. Each week, Carrie drives to Montgomery and visits her elderly grandfather.

D. When Terrance finishes dinner, he drove to a nearby mall.

Read the paragraph. Find the sentence that contains an incorrect

shift in tense. A. On Tuesday, July 20, Harvey will go to

Washington, D.C. B. He will arrive at 6 p.m. and took a night tour of

the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.C. The following day, Harvey will visit Arlington

Cemetery and the Smithsonian Museum.D. After returning home, he will write a report

about his trip to our nation’s capital.


shift in tense.A. San Juan, Capistrano is located in

California.B. The city is famous for the swallows that

inhabit a mission there. C. Each year, around October 23, the

swallows leave the mission for the winter.

D. Amazingly, the birds always returned on March 19.


shift in tense.

A. Tomeka and I walked home together yesterday.

B. To save time, we took the shortcut through Dogwood Park.

C. Suddenly, a stray dog comes over the hill and starts chasing us!

D. We ran the rest of the way to the safety of my house.

Correct Pronoun CaseCorrect Pronoun Case

A. Both Tim and me will have to save to buy the video game.

B. Are Alicia and her running for the same office?

C. Thomas read Carol and I the new poem.D. The banks and they are contributing to

help buy new field lights.

Choose the sentence that is Choose the sentence that is written correctly. written correctly.

Choose the sentence in which the underlined word is correct.

A. Tom told Jenny and me that he was running away.

B. No one warned Tripp and I that the gate would be locked.

C. The last ones to leave the party were Teresa and her.

D. Somebody asked Jackie and she to answer the phone.

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

• Are those my tickets? Yes, those are ____.

A. ThemB. ItC. TheyD. Theirs


A. Jim treated himself to a sundae for making good grades.

B. Are those new gray tennis shoes his?C. The mother cat hid it’s kittens under the

house.D. We gave our graduation speaker a

standing ovation.


A. The captains of the debate team are Russell and he.

B. Lisa and them went to San Francisco on a business trip.

C. Gloria herself painted the scenery for the play.

D. Give Lucy and him twenty dollars for the movie.

Effective Use of Voice

A. After the cooking lesson, the chef will serve lunch.

B. Plans are being revised by the steering committee.

C. Millions were awed by the daredevil’s stunt.

D. Three hundred tickets to the charity concert were sold.

Choose the sentence that is written in the active voice.

A. He was eating a picnic lunch in the park.B. The children were frightened by the

severe thunderstorm.C. There were hundreds of valuable

paintings lost in the museum fire.D. The letter is being sent via next-day mail.


A. Unfortunately, chocolate candy is loaded with calories.

B. Give the admission ticket to the gentleman by the door.

C. Mother has been greatly surprised by my improved grade.

D. Prescription drug warnings must be taken seriously.


A. Levi was writing a letter to his pen pal.B. The video was apparently damaged

during shipment.C. Hang your jacket in the hall closet.D. Hoping for bread crumbs, the duck swam

close to the tourists.

Choose the sentence that is written in the passive voice.

A. Martha may be thinking about her ailing aunt.

B. Hundreds of fans waited by the dressing room door.

C. The criminal was apprehended by the sheriff’s department.

D. Did you buy that album at the local store?

Choose the sentence that is written in the passive voice.

Correct use of modifiers

A. Worried about a coming storm, the rain came before the campers could return to camp.

B. Mrs. Smith presented a seminar on endangered animals with enthusiasm.

C. Looking out the plane’s window, we saw the Grand Canyon below.

D. After celebrating for hours, Jennifer’s birthday party was finally over.

Choose the sentence that is written correctly.


A. Rushing to the car, Mary dug in her purse for her keys.

B. Sitting quietly by the aisle, the old man observed the other passengers.

C. Sarah wore a new ring on her finger that she received for her birthday.

D. Studying for his upcoming entrance tests, Carl hoped to score well.


A. Surely, a search party will come for us soon.

B. The mechanic carefully replaced the broken belt with a new one.

C. Her voice was so soft that we could barely hear her.

D. If completely the rain stops, we can finish our tennis match.

Choose the sentence in which nearly is used most appropriately.

A. We planned to return the video by eight o’clock, but we nearly forgot.

B. We nearly planned to return the video by eight o’clock, but we forgot.

C. We planned to nearly return the video by eight o’clock, but we forgot.

D. We planned to return the video nearly by eight o’clock, but we forgot.

Choose the sentence in which too is used most appropriately.

A. We couldn’t go because we were exhausted from the too hike into the mountain.

B. We couldn’t go because we were too exhausted from the hike into the mountains.

C. We couldn’t go because too we were exhausted from the hike into the mountains.

D. We couldn’t go because we were exhausted from the hike too into the mountains.

Commonly confused words

A. Their were no seats left on the shuttle to the Braves game.

B. The twins are furious because their grounded for the weekend.

C. All applying freshmen must have their transcripts sent to the admissions office.

D. Mrs. Bankston assured the ladies that she would be their in time for the program.

Choose the sentence in which there is used correctly.

Read the definition. Then choose the sentence in which the underlined word has

the meaning given in the definition.

• Definition: upright, erectA. The large boat ran around on sand as

soon as it entered the strait.B. The veterans stood straight with their

heads high during the ceremony. C. I’m going to vote for Gerald because I

think his answers are straight.D. Tristan promised to come straight home

as soon as the party ended.


A. The Pickens hoped to have a picnic outside, but it was too hot.

B. The winner smiled proudly as he stepped forward to except his trophy.

C. The pitcher performed good, but her team didn’t score enough runs.

D. Ask Mona weather she can take her car to the beach this weekend.


A. Dad says that if I lose another set of car keys, I’m grounded.

B. There’s no way that your going to be ready in time.

C. The passionate speech has a spellbinding effect on the listeners.

D. The baby was not quite sure that she was ready to stand and walk alone.

Choose the sentence in which the underlined portion is an error.

A. I will seek legal counsel before making a decision about a new business venture.

B. The movie was all together too long for a six-year-old to enjoy.

C. The book title is an allusion to a famous line from a Shakespearean play.

D. The plane was forced to land in the desert, but help came immediately.

Clear, Vivid and Precise Language

Two of the officials that were elected conducted a public meeting at the city hall.

A. Officials that were chosen.B. Elected officialsC. Officials elected by the people.D. Elected officials that were chosen.

Choose the BEST was to rewrite the underlined part of the sentence.

• The cardinals built a nest made of dry twigs in the oak tree by my window.

A. Of dry twigsB. Constructed of dry twigsC. Carefully made of twigsD. By carefully weaving dry twigs.

Choose the BEST was to rewrite the underlined part of the sentence.

Choose the BEST word or words to make the sentence clear and

precise. • The log truck skidded _____ before it

finally stopped.A. A long wayB. DangerouslyC. Forty yardsD. For a distance

Choose the sentence that expresses the idea most vividly.

A. The writer works ten weeks on the project. B. It took a long time for the author to complete

the short story.C. The anxious, young writer completed six drafts

of the short story before he finally submitted the manuscript to the publisher.

D. The writer worked and worked on the manuscript before submitting it to the publisher.

A. Remington used vivid colors to create detailed paintings of Western characters.

B. Remington’s paintings were colorful and detailed.

C. Remington is famous for paintings about the West.

D. Remington’s art was about characters in the West, and they were colorful and detailed.

Choose the sentence that expresses the idea most precisely.

A. The Mississippi River is the longest river in the United States.

B. During the 1800’s the Mississippi River became an important trade route.

C. When the Mississippi floods, it’s really bad news for the folks living near it.

D. The Mississippi originates in Minnesota and runs to the Gulf of Mexico.

Formal and Informal LanguageChoose the sentence that would be appropriate in a letter

to a friend but NOT appropriate in a formal report.

Choose the sentence that would be most appropriate in a formal paper. A. I think Orion is the coolest constellation.B. Like many other constellations, Orion

was named for a character in mythology.C. That bad red star Betelgeuse is the

brightest one in the whole deal.D. You can see Orion on a clear December

night, if you can stand the cold.

Choose the sentence that is appropriate in a research paper.

A. Each year, bunches of fish are killed by a mysterious condition called red tide.

B. I hate red tide because all those dead fish are gross and nasty.

C. Somebody needs to get busy and find a way to prevent red tide.

D. A toxin produced by a high concentration of microscopic algae causes red tide.

Read the following paragraph from a formal report, choose

the sentence in which the language is appropriate. 1. Langston Hughes is acknowledged as an outstanding

American poet.2. In his poems is heard his love of the blues and his

concern for the common man.3. Hughes’ father was a jerk and didn’t want him to

become a poet. 4. Langston Hughes was instrumental in the movement

known as the Harlem Renaissance.

A. Sentence 1

B. Sentence 2

C. Sentence 3

D. Sentence 4

Choose the sentence that would be inappropriate for a course

catalogue. A. The class is cool because you make lots

of pretty pottery.B. Students survey the works of ten

classical composers.C. Techniques in writing fiction are

presented, and students attend weekly writing labs.

D. The course will focus on American history prior to World War I.

Complete Sentences

A. Tara, one of the first girls to volunteer for the project.

B. Three hurricanes threatened the coast last year, they brought strong winds.

C. Clouds quickly ruined the sunny day.D. Several of the boys in Mrs. Kirston’s first

period class.

Choose the answer that is a correct and complete sentence.


A. Tomatoes have long been a favorite summer food and they are economical and easy to grow.

B. Easy and economical to grow, tomatoes have long been a favorite summer food.

C. Tomatoes, a favorite summer food and economical and easy to grow.

D. Tomatoes are a favorite summer food, they are economical and are easy to grow.

Choose the sentence that is written incorrectly.

A. A copy of the prize-winning photograph appeared in the paper.

B. In the paper was a copy of the prize-winning photograph.

C. Was that a copy of the prize-winning photograph?

D. The prize-winning photograph that was in the paper.

Choose the answer that is a run-on sentence.

A. Sara Brinkley, a former majorette, taught baton in the gym after school.

B. Each afternoon after school, Sara Brinkley taught baton in the gym.

C. Sara Brinkley is a former majorette, she teaches baton after school.

D. Sara Brinkley is a former majorette and teaches baton after school.

Choose the answer that is a sentence fragment.

A. O. Henry, whose real name was William S. Porter, was a master of the short story.

B. O. Henry’s short stories are considered classics.

C. The author known as O. Henry, but actually named William S. Porter.

D. A master of the short story, William Sidney Porter was better known as “O. Henry.”

Parallel Structure

A. The rowers will practice rowing, swimming, and to fish.

B. The campers will practice rowing, swimming, and fishing.

C. The campers will row, swim, and fishing.D. The campers will practice rowing,

swimming, and fishing will be included.

Choose the sentence that has parallel structure.

Choose the sentence that has correct parallel structure.

A. Tabitha liked the apartment because it was first, close to campus and second, she could rent it reasonably.

B. Tabitha first liked the apartment because it was close to campus, and second, she considered the rent reasonable.

C. Tabitha liked the apartment because first, it was close to campus, and second, it was reasonable to rent.

D. Tabitha liked the apartment first because it was close to campus, and second, that the rent was reasonable.

Choose the sentence that lacks parallel structure.

A. To make a great spaghetti sauce, you need good, ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and you’ve got to use garlic.

B. Making a great spaghetti sauce requires good, ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs and garlic.

C. You need ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs and garlic to make a great spaghetti sauce.

D. Ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs and garlic are needed for a great spaghetti sauce.

Choose the words that best illustrate parallel structure.

• Mother asked me to shop for ground beef, milk, eggs and ________.

A. Getting a head of lettuceB. She needed a head of lettuceC. A head of lettuceD. And to get a head of lettuce

Choose the correct words to complete the sentence.

• The secretary will be expected to answer the phone, greet visitors, and ______.

A. She will write lettersB. Write lettersC. To write lettersD. Writing letters

Capitalization

• The Carter reunion was held at Little River state park.

A. Little River State parkB. little river state parkC. Little River State ParkD. Correct as it is

Look at the underlined part of the sentence. Choose the

answer that shows the correct capitalization for that part.

Read the sentence. Find the word that needs a capital letter.

• Growing up in texas, the boys attended many rodeos and county fairs.

A. TexasB. RodeoC. CountyD. Fairs

Choose the sentence in which ALL capitalization is correct.

A. The tour bus passed through Virginia en route to Washington, the Nation’s Capital.

B. Oliver Stone makes a cameo appearance in most of his movies.

C. Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade is a New York City tradition.

D. At Riverview High School, the Juniors raised money for local charities.

Choose the sentence in which all capitalization is correct.

A. All Quiet On the Western Front is required reading for sophomores.

B. No one at Lynbrook elementary school wanted Mrs. Parsons to retire.

C. They are resurfacing belleville avenue in front of Dawson Public Library.

D. We were traveling through Elmore County when the accident occurred.

Choose the sentence in which all capitalization is correct.

A. When Thomas started to leave, Julian called, “Wait for me!”

B. “Why do you want to go to the mall?” Asked Thomas.

C. “Because,” replied his friend,” The video games are on sale.”

D. Thomas smiled and said, “hop in.”

Commas

A. Joseph our oldest brother decided to attend private college.

B. Joseph, our oldest brother decided to attend private college.

C. Joseph, our oldest brother, decided to attend private college.

D. Joseph our oldest brother, decided to attend private college.

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly.

Choose the sentence in which the comma is used correctly.

A. After reading The Firm, I was hooked on John Grisham novels.

B. After reading, The Firm, I was hooked on John Grisham novels.

C. After reading The Firm I was hooked on John Grisham novels.

D. After reading, The Firm I was hooked on John Grisham novels.

Identify the sentence that has an error in punctuation.

A. Karen was worried about her exam; however, she did well.

B. Dr. Terrell said, “The x-rays indicate that there are no broken bones.”

C. Yes you may borrow the truck while your car is being repaired.

D. Will you be picking us up after school, Mom?

Look at the underlined sentence part. Choose the answer

that shows the correct punctuation for that part. • The tee shirts were available in blue red

green and white. A. Blue, red green and whiteB. Blue red green, and whiteC. Blue, red, green and whiteD. Correct as it is

Look at the underlined sentence part. Choose the answer that shows the correct punctuation for that part.

• Several of the boys decided to attend the ballgame but the girls opted to go to a movie instead.

A. Ballgame; but the girls optedB. Ballgame, but the girls optedC. Ballgame but the girls, optedD. Correct as it is

Colon and Semicolon

A. Despite much practice, the Jets did not win; consequently, they were eliminated from the tournament.

B. The qualities were stressed in my ethics class: integrity, loyalty and perseverance.

C. In her French cooking class, Jill learned to make: coq au vin, eclairs, and carious sauced.

D. Authors discussed were Twain, both as essayist and novelist; Melville; and Hawthorne.

Identify the sentence with incorrect punctuation.


A. Carbon monoxide; an odorless and tasteless gas; can cause great harm.

B. Automobile designs are greatly improved; more safety features are included.

C. My brothers and I are tired of: mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and sweeping the deck.

D. None of my friends are going to camp, however; my parents insist that I go.

Look at the underlined sentence part. Choose the answer that shows the correct punctuation for that part.

• The banquet honored company presidents, both present and past: top sales representatives from each district; and retiring, senior partners.

A. Both present and past; top sales representatives

B. Both present and past, top sales representatives

C. Both present and past, top sales representatives;

D. Both present and past; top sales representatives:

Choose the sentence in which the semicolon (;) is used correctly.

A. The runner stumbled as she approached the finish line; nevertheless, she won the race.

B. We improved our lawn turf by watering; spraying for insects; and fertilizing

C. Here is the list of items you’ll need for camp; clothes, sheets, and personal toiletries.

D. Judith; my best friend; has written and published a collection of poems.

Choose the sentence in which the colon (:) is used correctly.

A. The scouts never slept late on the camping trip: in fact, they were awake by 5 a.m.

B. While in Chicago, we visited the following attractions: the Sears Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade, and Wrigley Field

C. After the hurricane passed through the city: the citizens began to assess the damage.

D. The finalists in the tennis championship were: John Meeks and Stephen Cooper.

Quotation Marks and Underlining

A. “Have you ever eaten real Mexican food?” asked Maria.

B. Sally answered “that she had eaten Tamales in New Mexico.”

C. Maria asked “whether the tamales were too hot.”

D. “They were perfect, Sally, replied.”

Choose the sentence in which the quotation marks are used correctly.

Choose the sentence in which underlining is used correctly.

A. The haunting song Colors of the Wind was featured in a Disney movie.

B. James Weldon Johnson’s most famous poem is The Creation.

C. Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is both funny and very moving.

D. I just finished an interesting article entitled Using Your Resources Wisely.

Choose the sentence what is written correctly.

A. The Cat and the Painkiller is a hilarious chapter from a Mark Twain novel.

B. Robert Frost’s poem Mending Wall is highly symbolic.

C. Tom Hanks was brilliant in the movie “Castaway.”

D. A local reporter wrote a weekly column entitled “Off Beaten Paths.”


A. “Mr. Martin, asked Tobias, have you ever been to Europe?”

B. “Mr. Martin,” asked Tobias, “have you ever been to Europe?”

C. Mr. Martin, asked Tobias, “have you ever been to Europe?”

D. “Mr. Martin,” asked Tobias, have you ever been to Europe?

Choose the sentence that contains an error in the use of quotation marks.

A. Dad likes to read the financial section of the “New York Times.”

B. “The Life of Reilly” is a funny weekly column in my favorite sports magazine.

C. The song I like best from a musical is “Consider Yourself at Home.”

D. Chapter 23, “Balancing Your Budget,” contained helpful information.

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Practice to Succeed! Sasser Educational Services, LLC 2002