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Sentence Improvement - 2 (SAT)

Description: Sentence Improvement, SAT, English SAT Preparation, English SAT, English Practice
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: Sentence Improvement SAT English SAT Preparation English SAT English Practice
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Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

Realizing that it was a smooth, carefully finished piece of work, he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far he could reach, under the rough back to the staircase.

  1. he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far he could reach

  2. he knelt and thrust the candle as far he could reach

  3. he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far he can reach

  4. he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far as he could reach


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence bears error of conjunction. 'As far' is always followed by 'as'. This option corrects the error of coordinating conjunction: “as far as”.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

His immediate task may be to keep the coalition in the state going unless he can think of ways to counter Mr. Hansen's mission to demolish the parent party.

  1. unless he can think of ways to counter Mr. Hansen's mission

  2. unless he can think of ways to counter mission of Mr. Hansen

  3. till he can think of the ways to counter Mr. Hansen's mission

  4. till he can think the ways to counter mission of Mr. Hansen

  5. unless he can think about the ways of countering Mr. Hansen's mission


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The sentence bears the error of subordinating conjunction. 'Unless' is a conjunction of condition while 'till' refers to 'time'. Here the sentence does not refer to any condition so use of unless is incorrect. This option corrects the error.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence – clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

We have our responsibilities towards common man and our plans should give priority for their problems.

  1. common man and our plans should give priority for their problems.

  2. common man and our plans should give priority in their problems.

  3. the common man and our plans should give priority to his problems.

  4. the common man and our plans should give priority for their problems.

  5. common man and our plans should give priority to their problem.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

There are multiple errors in the sentence. The noun which represents the whole class should be preceded by definite article ‘the’ and priority must be followed by the preposition ‘to’ and not by ‘for’. The possessive pronoun for the common man should be his. This option corrects the errors of definite article, preposition and pronoun agreement.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

He who fails to see any justification for money and time given up to the collection of postage stamps will scarcely deny that these lines of study can scarcely fail to be both fascinating and profitable.

  1. money and time given up to the collection of postage stamps will scarcely deny

  2. money spent and time given up to collecting of postage stamps will scarcely deny

  3. money spent and time given up to the collection of postage stamps will scarcely deny

  4. money and time given up to the collecting of postage stamps will scarcely deny

  5. money spent and time given up to postage stamps will scarcely deny


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Correct Answer: money spent and time given up to the collection of postage stamps will scarcely deny

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

She found the subject difficult at first, but now she is really getting off her stride.

  1. but now she is really getting off her stride.

  2. but now she really is getting off her stride.

  3. but now she is really getting into her stride.

  4. but she really is getting on her stride now.

  5. but she is really now getting at her stride.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

This part bears error of use of incorrect idiom. This option corrects idiomatic error by using 'getting into one's stride', which means 'settle into a fast, confident and steady pace'.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

The differences in the two groups of the party had reached a flashpoint where one group had to part one's way.

  1. The differences in the two groups of the party had

  2. The differences within the two groups of the party had

  3. The differences between the two groups of the party had

  4. The differences between the two groups in the party had

  5. The differences of two groups in the party had


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence bears error of incorrect usage of prepositions. Difference is 'between' groups 'in' the party. This option rectifies both the errors.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

During the Miss Universe contest, it was a difficult moment for judges to decide whether Miss India or Miss Greece is the most beautiful.

  1. to decide whether Miss India or Miss Greece is the most beautiful

  2. to decide as to whether Miss India or Miss Greece is the most beautiful

  3. to decide whether Miss India or Miss Greece is more beautiful

  4. to decide whether Miss India or Miss Greece was more beautiful

  5. to decide whether Miss India or Miss Greece were beautiful


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence bears error of comparison and tense. When comparison is drawn, comparative degree is used but in this sentence superlative degree has been used. Also, the first part of the sentence is in past tense, the latter should also be in past tense not in present tense. This option rectifies both the errors.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

Had the party dispensed of the contentious issues it would have got the majority on its own.

  1. Had the party dispensed of the contentious issues

  2. Was the party dispensed of the contentious issues

  3. Was the party dispensed without the contentious issues

  4. Had the party dispensed with the contentious issues

  5. Had the party dispensed without the contentious issues


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Correct Answer: Had the party dispensed with the contentious issues

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

This necessitated their regular keep-up and maintenance resulting in the emergence of the whole crop of crafts and mechanics.

  1. This necessitated their regular keep-up and maintenance

  2. This made necessary their regular keep-up and maintenance

  3. This necessitated their regular up-keep and maintenance

  4. This necessitated their regular keeping and maintenance

  5. This necessitated their regular keeping-up and maintenance


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The sentence has error of diction; keep-up means maintain pace. The correct usage ought to be upkeep, which means maintenance or preservation. This option corrects the error.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

Three years have passed since the author of the present work ventured to lay them before the public, not without the unusual anxiety.

  1. since the author of the present work ventured to lay them before the public

  2. since the author of the present work ventured to lay it before the public

  3. since the author of the present work laid them before the public

  4. for the author of the present work to lay it before the public

  5. for the author of the present work to venture to lay it before the public


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Error of pronoun agreement. Antecedent 'work' is singular and the pronoun following it should also be singular (it) not plural (them). The option rectifies the error.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity. Luck served to him so well that what shots were wildly aimed at him, as he dashed by, went wide of striking him.

  1. Luck served to him so well that what shots were wildly aimed at him

  2. Luck served him so well that whatever shots were wildly aimed at him

  3. Luck served him so well that what shots were wildly aimed for him

  4. Luck served him well enough that what shots were wildly aimed at him

  5. Luck served to him so well that what shots were wildly aimed for him


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This option rectifies the prepositional error by deleting 'to' before him and error of idiomatic usage by replacing 'what' by 'whatever'.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

The activities of communal organizations and persecution of minorities, which can still be seen in the country, is the proof that we have many hurdles to overcome.

  1. is the proof that we have many hurdles to overcome.

  2. is the proof that we have had many hurdles to comeover.

  3. are the proofs that we have many hurdles to comeover.

  4. are the proof that we have many hurdles to overcome.

  5. is proof that we have had many hurdles to overcome.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence bears the error of subject-verb agreement. For the plural subjects (communal organizations and persecution of minorities) singular verb (is) is used. The option rectifies the error.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

In a brief preamble, he touched upon the character of Maria, the reigning Duchess.

  1. he touched upon the character of Maria, the reigning Duchess.

  2. he touched on the character of Maria, reigning Duchess.

  3. he touched the character of Maria, the reigning Duchess.

  4. he touched at the character of Maria, the reigning Duchess.

  5. he touched at the character of Maria, who was the reigning Duchess.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The sentence is correct as given.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

One of new editions contain the result of three more years of study and experience, enlightened and aided by very many letters from readers, which served to point out flaws in the previous edition.

  1. new editions contain the result of three more years of study and experience

  2. new editions contains the results of three years of study and experience

  3. new editions contain the results for three more years of study and experience

  4. new editions contains the result of three more years of study and experience

  5. new editions contained the result of three more years of study and experience


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence bears the error of subject verb agreement. The subject is 'one' not 'editions' and it should be followed by a singular verb (contains). This option rectifies this error.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

But it hardly can ignore the long term impact of his rebellion and the message it sends to the party workers.

  1. But it hardly can ignore the long term impact of

  2. But it can hardly ignore the long term impact of

  3. But it cannot ignore the long term impact of

  4. But hardly can it ignore long term impact of

  5. But it can ignore hardly the long term impact of


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Adverb of degree comes before the word it modifies. 'Hardly' is supposed to modify 'ignore', but is placed before 'can'. This option corrects the error of placing of adverb of degree.

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