Download Test 1 (19) Writing Answ

Test 19: Explanations to Writing
Section 6
1. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. It avoids the comma-splice error
of the original by replacing the main verb “fall” with a
phrase (“by falling...”) that modifies the verb “caused.”
Choice (A) involves a comma splice. Two independent
clauses (“A recent report indicates . . . year” and “they
fall asleep at the wheel”) are joined by only a comma.
Choice (B) results in improper subordination. The first
clause (“sleep-deprived drivers caused more than
100,000 accidents last year”) is the result of the second
clause (“they fall asleep at the wheel”). The conjunction
“and” does not adequately show this cause-and-effect
relationship.
Choice (D) results in improper coordination. The
coordinating conjunction “and” should be replaced with
the preposition “by” to indicate a cause-and-effect
relationship.
Choice (E) results in a comma splice. Two independent
clauses (“A recent report indicates...year” and “they
were falling asleep at the wheel”) are joined by only a
comma.
2. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. It avoids the awkwardness and
redundancy of the original by eliminating the
unnecessary verb “being.”
Choice (A) involves awkwardness and redundancy. The
verb form “being” is awkward and unnecessary and
should be deleted.
Choice (B) results in improper subordination. It is not
clear what the adverb “mainly” is meant to modify. The
relative pronoun “which” is needed instead, to indicate
why the depths of the Arctic Ocean are hard to study
(“... as a result of the icy surface, which is difficult to
penetrate using current techniques”).
Choice (D) results in awkward, unidiomatic phrasing.
The phrase “are hard studying” is awkward and
unidiomatic. The sentence requires the infinitive form of
the verb, “to study,” instead. In addition, the word “from”
is not idiomatic in this context. The word “because”
should be used instead, to indicate a cause-effect
relationship (“because the icy surface is difficult to
penetrate”).
Choice (E) results in an error in verb form. The
sentence requires the infinitive form of the verb, “to
study.” In addition, the gerund “being” requires that the
noun “surface” be in the possessive form (“the icy
surfaceʼs being difficult to penetrate”).
3. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. It avoids the sentence-fragment
error of the original by providing a past-tense plural
verb phrase (“were caused”) as the action of the
subject “fires.”
Choice (A) involves a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the subject “fires,”
only the subordinate clause “that occurred last summer”
and the awkward modifying phrase “which were
because people are careless.”
Choice (C) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the subject “fires,”
only the subordinate clause “that occurred last summer”
and the dependent clause that begins with “because.”
Choice (D) results in a verb-tense error. The phrase
“last summer” indicates an action that occurred in the
past, so the present-tense verb “are” is inappropriate.
Choice (E) results in vague, awkward phrasing. The
verb phrase “happened from” does not clearly indicate
a cause-and-effect relationship between forest fires and
peopleʼs carelessness. In addition, the phrase “that
occurred last summer” followed by “happened” is
repetitive.
4. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. It avoids the verb-tense error of
the original by using the simple past-tense verb
“disproved” (as indicated by the past-tense verb
“showed”).
Choice (A) involves inappropriate verb tense. The past
perfect tense (“has disproved”) is used to indicate an
action that is ongoing; however, the clause that begins
with “when” indicates an action completed in the past
(“when she showed...”). The past-tense verb
“disproved” should be used instead.
Choice (B) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the participial phrase “having disproved.”
Choice (D) involves inconsistent verb tense that results
in an illogical statement. The action of the sentence
takes place in the past (“when she showed . . .”), so the
main verb in the sentence should be in the past tense
(“disproved”).
Choice (E) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the participle “disproving.”
5. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the coordination error of
the other options by providing an appropriate
conjunction (“however”) to indicate a contrast between
the first and second independent clauses.
Choice (A) involves improper coordination. There is a
contrast between the clause “We generally think of
Canada as the northern neighbor of the United States”
and the clause “more than half of the states extend
farther north...” The conjunction “and” does not
establish this contrast and should be replaced with a
conjunction such as “however,” which shows contrast
and correctly joins the two independent clauses.
Choice (B) results in improper coordination and
wordiness. The conjunction “and” does not adequately
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
establish contrast between the first and second
clauses. In addition, “it is the case that” is unnecessary
and should be deleted.
Choice (C) results in faulty sentence structure. There is
no main verb to carry out the action of the second
independent clause, only the participle “extending.”
Choice (D) results in an illogical phrase. It does not
make sense to say that the states “are extending” as if
the extending is a continuing action or the states are in
the process of extending. It is more appropriate to say
that the states “extend.”
can logically refer.
Choice (C) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the participle “being.”
Choice (D) results in illogical modification. It does not
make sense to describe scientists as “A cure for some
kinds of cancer.”
Choice (E) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the modifying phrase “which, some scientists believe,
may be found...”
6. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
9. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (A) is correct. It avoids the errors of the other
options by providing the present-tense plural verbs
“begin” and “culminate,” which are actions completed
by the plural subject (“volumes”).
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the errors of the original
by providing a phrase (“elegant because of its
melodious final movement”) that is parallel with the
phrase that precedes it (“confusing because of its
unusual structure”) and is coordinated with the phrase
“called it,” and a conjunction (“but”) that logically
contrasts the two opposing ideas.
Choice (B) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the relative clause that begins with “that.”
Choice (C) results in a lack of parallelism and an error
in sentence structure. The two verb forms (“have
begun” and “culminating”) are not parallel, and the
participle “culminating” cannot serve as a main verb.
Choice (D) results in a sentence fragment. The
participles “beginning” and culminating” modify the
subject “volumes,” but neither is a main verb that can
serve to carry out the action of the sentence.
Choice (E) involves unidiomatic, confusing phrasing.
The verb phrase “are begun” is not idiomatic. In
addition, it does not make sense to say that the
memoirs “are begun as a child.”
7. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. It avoids the modification error of
the original by changing the modifying phrase
(“Dressed in a crisp, clean uniform”), which cannot
logically modify the subject “it,” to the subject of the
sentence (“The crisp, clean uniform”).
Choice (A) involves illogical modification. It does not
make sense to say that “it” would be “Dressed in a
crisp, clean uniform.”
Choice (B) results in illogical modification. It does not
make sense to say that “the efficient manner of the tour
guide” was “Dressed in a crisp, clean uniform.”
Choice (C) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
subject to carry out the action of the sentence.
Choice (E) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence.
8. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. It avoids the errors of the other
options by providing logical modification, specific
language, and a main verb to make a complete
sentence.
Choice (B) results in illogical pronoun reference. There
is nothing in this sentence to which the pronoun “they”
Choice (A) involves errors in parallelism and
coordination. In this sentence, the phrase “called it”
requires parallel phrases joined by a logical
conjunction. The phrase “its melodious final movement
makes it elegant” is not parallel with “confusing
because of its unusual structure” and does not
coordinate with the phrase “called it” (“called it . . . its
melodious final movement makes it”).
Choice (B) results in a lack of parallelism. The phrase
“by having its melodious final movement” is not parallel
with the phrase that precedes it (“because of its
unusual structure”) and results in an awkward
sentence.
Choice (C) results in errors in parallelism and
coordination. In this sentence, the phrase “called it”
requires parallel phrases joined by a logical
conjunction. The phrase “it is elegant with its melodious
final movement” is not parallel with “confusing because
of its unusual structure” and does not coordinate with
the phrase “called it” (“called it . . . it is elegant”).
Choice (D) results in errors in parallelism and
coordination. In this sentence, the phrase “called it”
requires parallel phrases joined by a logical
conjunction. The phrase “while having a melodious final
movement” is not parallel with “confusing because of its
unusual structure” and does not coordinate with the
phrase “called it” (“called it . . . while having”).
10. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. It avoids the errors of the original
by replacing the modifying phrase "By building new
windmill farms,” which cannot logically modify the
subject of the sentence ("consumption” and "tons”),
with the gerund "Building," which functions as the
singular subject of the sentence and agrees with the
singular verbs "reduces” and "keeps.”
Choice (A) involves improper modification, which
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
results in confusing phrasing, and subject-verb
disagreement. Because the modifying phrase "By
building new windmill farms” does not contain a subject,
it is not clear who or what is doing the building. In
addition, the singular subject "consumption” does not
agree with the plural verb phrase "are reduced.”
Choice (B) results in confusing phrasing and vague
pronoun reference. Because the modifying phrase "By
building new windmill farms” does not contain a subject,
it is not clear who or what is doing the building. In
addition, there is no clear antecedent to which "it” ("it
reduces”) can refer.
“studying” serves as the object of the preposition.
There is no error at (B). The infinitive phrase “to
become” appropriately functions as the direct object of
the verb “plan.”
There is no error at (D). The plural verb “return” agrees
with the plural subject “Larissa and Tariq,” and the
infinitive phrase “to help” appropriately functions as the
direct object of the verb “return.”
13. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
The correct choice is (E). This sentence contains no
errors.
Choice (D) results in a pronoun shift. The pronoun
"they” ("they reduce”) refers to windmills; however,
there is no clear antecedent to which "it” ("it keeps”)
can refer.
There is no error at (A). The preposition “From”
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “From
about A.D. 700 to 1600,” which modifies the verb
“created.”
Choice (E) results in lack of parallelism. The active verb
phrase "reduce fossil fuel” is not parallel with the
passive verb phrase "emissions are kept.”
There is no error at (B). The past tense of the verb
“created” properly indicates an event that happened in
the past (“From about A.D. 700 to 1600”).
11. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
There is no error at (C). The adverb “nearly”
appropriately modifies the adjective “1,000.”
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the coordination error of
the original by clearly setting the phrase “in the Scottish
Highlands” in opposition to the first part of the sentence
with the adverb "not."
There is no error at (D). The adjective “remote”
appropriately modifies the proper noun “Easter Island.”
14. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) involves improper coordination and results
in an illogical statement. The coordinating conjunction
“but” is needed in place of “and” to indicate a contrast
between the two independent clauses. In addition, it
does not make sense to say that people assume the
battle (the only noun to which the pronoun “it” might
refer) was the Scottish Highlands.
The error in this sentence occurs at (A). In the context
of this sentence, the “casserole was smelling” logically
means that the casserole was emitting odor, not
perceiving odor. To indicate this meaning, the adverb
“badly” should be replaced with the adjective “bad.” The
adverb “surprisingly” would then appropriately modify
the adjective “bad.”
Choice (B) results in improper subordination. The
coordinating conjunction “but” is needed to indicate a
contrast between the two ideas in the sentence (“but
many people...”). In addition, the participle “assuming”
should be replaced with the present-tense
“assume” (“but many people assume it was in the
Scottish Highlands”).
There is no error at (B). The pronoun “us” appropriately
functions as the indirect object of the verb “to ask,” and
the pronoun “what” functions as the direct object.
Choice (C) results in an illogical statement. It does not
make sense to say that people assume the battle (the
only noun to which the pronoun “it” might refer) to be
the Scottish Highlands.
There is no error at (C). The past perfect tense of the
verb “had put” is appropriate to indicate an action that
was completed before a certain time in the past.
There is no error at (D). The prepositional phrase “in it”
appropriately modifies the verb “had put.” The pronoun
“it” refers to the noun “casserole.”
15. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (D) results in awkward and confusing phrasing.
There is nothing in the sentence to which “what” can
refer. In addition, in this context it is not idiomatic for
“assume” to be followed by only a noun rather than an
entire clause.
The error in this sentence occurs at (C). The actions of
the subject occurred in the past, as indicated by the
past-tense verbs “referred” and “learned,” so the
present-tense verb “seeks out” should be replaced with
the past-tense verb “sought out.”
12. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
There is no error at (A). The preposition “to”
idiomatically follows the verb “referred” and
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “to art
history textbooks.”
The error in this sentence occurs at (C). The plural
subject “Larissa and Tariq” does not agree with the
complement “an entomologist.” The singular noun
should be replaced with the plural “entomologists.”
There is no error at (A). The preposition “in”
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “in
studying insects and their effects,” and the gerund
There is no error at (B). The conjunction “while” serves
to link the action of “referred to art history textbooks”
with the action of “was sculpting.” The pronoun “he”
properly refers to the subject “Jerome.”
There is no error at (D). The past perfect verb “had
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
used” appropriately indicates an action that was
completed before a certain time in the past. The
pronoun “it” is the direct object of “had used” and
appropriately refers to the noun “method.”
the plural possessive pronoun “their.”
16. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
There is no error at (B). The auxiliary verb “must”
appropriately indicates that the verb “purchase” is
imperative.
There is no error at (A). The gerund “boarding”
appropriately functions as the object of the preposition
“Before.”
The error in this sentence occurs at (D). The form of the
verb “suppressing” is inappropriate and should be
replaced with the infinitive form “to suppress.”
There is no error at (A). The adverb “eagerly”
appropriately modifies the verb “awaited.”
There is no error at (B). The preposition “for”
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “for
the job,” which modifies “interview.”
There is no error at (C). The verb “thought”
appropriately expresses an action completed by the
subject in the past, and the indefinite pronoun “it”
functions as the direct object of the verb “thought.” The
adjective “wise” appropriately modifies the pronoun “it.”
17. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
The error in this sentence occurs at (C). An adverb is
required to modify the verb phrase “has risen,” so the
adjective “noticeable” should be replaced with the
adverb “noticeably."
There is no error at (A). The complex preposition
“According to” appropriately introduces the
prepositional phrase “According to educational
statistics.”
There is no error at (D). The conjunction “because”
appropriately functions as the link between the effect
“passengers must purchase . . . tickets in the main
concourse” and the cause “tickets are not sold on the
bus.”
20. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
The correct choice is (E). This sentence contains no
errors.
There is no error at (A). The complex preposition
“According to” appropriately introduces the
prepositional phrase “According to some
demographers,” which modifies the verb “is.”
There is no error at (B). The conjunction “or”
appropriately links the adjective “65” and the adjective
“older.”
There is no error at (C). The singular verb “is” agrees
with the singular subject “number.”
There is no error at (D). The infinitive of the verb “to
rise” appropriately serves as the direct object of the
verb “is.”
There is no error at (B). The present perfect tense of
the verb phrase “has risen” appropriately indicates an
action that is completed in the present, and this singular
verb phrase agrees with the singular subject “age.”
There is no error at (D). The preposition “over”
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “over
the past 25 years,” which modifies the verb phrase “has
risen.”
18. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
The error in this sentence occurs at (A). It is not
idiomatic to follow the correlative conjunction “Neither”
with “or,” which should be replaced with “nor.”
There is no error at (B). The singular verb “belongs”
agrees with the singular subject “panda.” In addition,
the preposition “to” appropriately introduces the
prepositional phrase “to the bear family,” which modifies
the verb “belongs.”
There is no error at (C). The singular verb “is” agrees
with the singular subject “panda.”
There is no error at (D). The complement “related”
describes the subject “panda,” and the preposition “to”
idiomatically follows “related” and appropriately
introduces the prepositional phrase “to the raccoon.”
19. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
The error in this sentence occurs at (C). The singular
possessive pronoun phrase “his or her” refers to the
plural noun “passengers” and should be replaced with
21. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
The error in this sentence occurs at (B). There is an
illogical comparison between “Norman Rockwellʼs
paintings” and “painter Robert
Rauschenberg” (paintings to person). To create a
logical comparison, “to painter Robert Rauschenberg”
should be replaced with “to Robert Rauschenbergʼs
paintings.”
There is no error at (A). The plural past-tense verb
phrase “were asked” agrees with the plural subject
“they” and appropriately indicates an action completed
in the past.
There is no error at (C). The past-tense verb “entered”
appropriately indicates an action by the students that
takes place in the past. The preposition “into”
idiomatically follows the verb “entered” and
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “into a
prolonged discussion.”
There is no error at (D). The adjective “prolonged”
appropriately modifies the noun “discussion.”
22. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
The correct choice is (E). This sentence contains no
errors.
There is no error at (A). The complex preposition
“Contrary to” appropriately introduces the prepositional
phrase “Contrary to what many people believe,” and the
pronoun “what” serves as the object of the preposition.
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
There is no error at (B). The singular verb “is” agrees
with the singular subject “lightning.” The adverb “not”
appropriately serves to make negative the second
occurrence of the noun “lightning.”
There is no error at (C). The prepositional phrase “at
too great a distance” appropriately modifies the verb
“occurs.”
There is no error at (D). The adjective “audible”
appropriately functions as the direct object of the
infinitive verb “to be.”
become more capable.”
There is no error at (B). The plural verb “mature”
agrees with the plural subject “brains,” and the adverb
“neurologically” appropriately modifies the verb
“mature.”
There is no error at (D). The prepositional phrase
“around them” appropriately modifies the noun
“objects.”
26. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
23. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
The error in this sentence occurs at (C). The singular
verb phrase “is released” does not agree with the plural
subject “spears” and should be replaced with the plural
verb phrase “are released.”
The error in this sentence occurs at (D). The plural
possessive pronoun “their” does not agree with the
singular noun “Hershey, Pennsylvania” and should be
replaced with the singular possessive pronoun “its.”
There is no error at (A). The singular pronoun “each”
appropriately refers to a single spear that is “trailed by a
poison thread.”
There is no error at (A). The noun “Home” functions as
an appositive to rename the proper noun “Hershey,
Pennsylvania.” The preposition “of” appropriately
introduces the prepositional phrase “of the worldʼs
largest chocolate-manufacturing plant.”
There is no error at (B). The past participle “trailed”
appropriately modifies the pronoun “each,” and the
preposition “by” idiomatically follows the part participle
“trailed” and introduces the prepositional phrase “by a
poison thread.”
There is no error at (B). The adverb “originally”
appropriately modifies the adjective “known.” The
preposition “as” idiomatically follows the adjective
“known” and introduces the prepositional phrase “as
Derry Church.”
There is no error at (D). The adverb “when”
appropriately modifies the verb “released.”
There is no error at (C). The preposition “to”
appropriately serves to introduce the infinitive form “to
honor,” which modifies the verb phrase “was changed.”
24. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
The correct choice is (E). This sentence contains no
errors.
There is no error at (A). The complex preposition
“across from” appropriately introduces the prepositional
phrase “across from the warehouses,” which modifies
the noun “house.”
There is no error at (B). The adverb “more”
appropriately modifies the adjective “decrepit,” and the
adverb “even” modifies “more.”
There is no error at (C). The adverb “just” appropriately
modifies the implied verb “is” (“the . . . one [that is] just
beside them”). The preposition “beside” introduces the
prepositional phrase “beside them,” which modifies the
pronoun “one.”
There is no error at (D). The present perfect tense
“have been placed” appropriately indicates an action
that is completed in the present (i.e., the houses are on
the list now, in the present).
25. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
The error in this sentence occurs at (C). The
preposition “to” does not idiomatically follow the
adjective “capable” and should be replaced with “of.”
The form of the verb “distinguish” should then be
replaced with “distinguishing” to appropriately follow the
preposition “of.”
There is no error at (A). The conjunction “as”
appropriately functions as a link between the concept
“their [infantsʼ] brains mature” and the concept “infants
27. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
The correct choice is (E). This sentence contains no
errors.
There is no error at (A). The preposition “in”
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “in
this display,” which modifies the noun “instruments.”
There is no error at (B). The plural pronoun “all”
appropriately refers to the plural noun “instruments.”
The adverb “more,” linked by the conjunction “than,”
modifies the adjective “300.”
There is no error at (C). The preposition “by”
appropriately introduces the prepositional phrase “by
artisans famous,” which modifies the verb “crafted.”
There is no error at (D). The adverbs “long” and “since”
appropriately modify the adjective “forgotten.”
28. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
The error in this sentence occurs at (D). The singular
verb “requires” does not agree with the plural subject
“grades” and should be replaced with the singular verb
“require.”
There is no error at (A). The adjective “scheduled”
appropriately modifies the noun “conference,” and the
adverb “regularly” modifies the adjective “scheduled.”
There is no error at (B). The objective case of the
pronoun is appropriate because “my tutor” and “me” are
the objects of the preposition “between.”
There is no error at (C). The singular verb “is” agrees
with the singular subject “conference.”
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
29. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
The error in this sentence occurs at (D). The sentence
illogically compares “story” to “Hank Aaron.” To create a
logical comparison, the phrase “that of” should be
inserted after “than” so that the sentence logically
compares “no story” to “that [the story] of . . . Hank
Aaron.”
There is no error at (A). The pronoun “There”
appropriately introduces the sentence. The singular
verb “is” agrees with the singular subject “story.”
There is no error at (B). The adverb “probably”
appropriately modifies the verb “is,” and the adjective
“no” modifies the noun “story.”
There is no error at (C). The adverb “more”
appropriately modifies the adjective “dramatic,” which
modifies the noun “story.”
30. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. The first sentence of the first
paragraph states, “A castle is not the same thing as a
palace.” Though the paragraph explains in some detail
what a castle is, it does not explain what a palace is.
Giving more information about palaces would improve
the first paragraph.
Choice (A) is unsatisfactory. Although castles were built
in the Middle Ages, “a brief summary of medieval
history” would not illustrate the contrast between
castles and palaces, the focus of the topic sentence,
and so the summary would not improve the first
paragraph.
Choice (B) is unsatisfactory. The focus of the first
paragraph, as indicated by the topic sentence, is the
contrast between castles and palaces. A discussion of
the “origin of the word ʻcastleʼ” would not contribute to
the topic of the first paragraph and so would not be an
improvement.
Choice (D) is unsatisfactory. Placing sentence 7
immediately after sentence 1 would create the following
statement: “A castle is not the same thing as a palace,
though some people use the terms ʻcastleʼ and ʻpalaceʼ
interchangeably. These had dark dungeons and damp,
drafty living quarters instead.” In this statement, it is not
clear which structure (castles or palaces) had
dungeons and unpleasant living quarters. Creating this
confusing statement would not improve the first
paragraph.
Choice (E) is unsatisfactory. The focus of the first
paragraph is to show how castles and palaces are
different. In sentence 2, castles are referred to as
“fortified dwellings” as a way to highlight this difference.
Sentence 3 explains in detail how castles were fortified
and the characteristics a castle has that a palace does
not. Deleting sentence 3 would make the differences
between castles and palaces less apparent and would
not improve the first paragraph.
31. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
The correct choice is (C). Sentence 3 describes
features of a castle such as moats, drawbridges, and
walls, which were designed to keep attackers far away
from the castle grounds. Sentence 4 describes the
defensive methods soldiers used if attackers were able
to get closer to the castle. A sentence such as “Those
who defied such obstacles did so at their peril” links the
ideas of sentence 3 with those of sentence 4.
Choice (A) is unsatisfactory. While sentence 3 mentions
the stone walls of a castle, the walls are only one of a
number of features described in the sentence. In
addition, there is no clear reason to introduce the idea
of serfs when sentence 4 continues the idea of castle
defenses. A sentence focusing specifically on the walls
and the serfs who built them would not be an effective
link between sentences 3 and 4.
Choice (B) is unsatisfactory. While sentence 3 mentions
drawbridges, they are only one of a number of castle
features described in the sentence. Sentence 4
elaborates on the idea of castle defenses by describing
the maneuvers taken from inside the castle, so a
sentence that just describes drawbridges in more detail
would not be an effective link between sentences 3 and
4.
Choice (D) is unsatisfactory. Sentence 3 describes the
defensive features of a castleʼs exterior, and sentence 4
describes the methods of defense taken from within the
castle. A sentence about land ownership would not
effectively link sentences 3 and 4.
Choice (E) is unsatisfactory. Sentence 3 describes the
defensive features of a castleʼs exterior, and sentence 4
describes the methods of defense taken from within the
castle against hostile visitors. A sentence mentioning
visitors without hostile intentions would not be an
effective link between sentences 3 and 4.
32. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
The correct choice is (E). This sentence continues the
discussion of the uninviting features of castles, leading
to a logical comparison of castles, with their “dark
dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters,” with the
more comfortable royal palaces.
Choice (A) is unsatisfactory. This way of combining
sentences 6 and 7 implies that royal palaces offered
more comforts as a result of medieval castlesʼ having
“dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters.”
Sentences 6 and 7 should be combined in a way that
shows palaces were more comfortable than castles
because of the different features of each, not one as a
result of the other.
Choice (B) is unsatisfactory. This way of combining
sentences 6 and 7 awkwardly introduces the first
discussion of the features of palaces as a modifying
clause, interrupting the natural flow of the paragraph.
Also, the use of “instead” implies that medieval castles
“offered dark dungeons and damp, drafty living
quarters” as an alternative to the comforts of palaces,
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
an illogical statement.
Choice (C) is unsatisfactory. This method of combining
sentences 6 and 7, with the use of “only,” implies that
“dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters” were
the only features offered by castles to welcomed
guests, an illogical idea not present in the original
sentences.
Choice (D) is unsatisfactory. Combining sentences 6
and 7 in this way is awkward and illogical. For one
thing, the new sentence refers to “dark dungeons and
damp, drafty living quarters” without directly stating
these are features of castles. For another, this sentence
compares palaces as a whole with the dungeons and
living quarters inside castles instead of comparing
palaces with castles.
33. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
The correct choice is (C). The intended result of
building castles was to keep people away; the actual
result is that the castles now attract many tourists. This
opposition between the intended result and the actual
result can be described as ironic, so “Ironically” is an
appropriate way to begin sentence 9.
Choice (A) is unsatisfactory. Beginning a sentence with
the adverb “Actually” implies that the sentence
preceding is a misunderstanding or a mistaken idea.
Sentence 9 is not a restatement or a correction of
sentence 8; therefore, inserting “Actually” at the
beginning of sentence 9 would not be appropriate.
Choice (B) is unsatisfactory. Beginning a sentence with
the adverb “Basically” implies that the sentence is a
more basic or concise phrasing of a previously stated
idea. Sentence 8 is about the fact that many castles
have survived to the present day. Describing the
relationship between the intended and actual results of
building castles (as in sentence 9) is not a more
concise phrasing of the idea in sentence 8, so inserting
“Basically” at the beginning of sentence 9 would not be
appropriate.
Choice (D) is unsatisfactory. Beginning sentence 9 with
the phrase “By contrast” implies that the sentence
contrasts with or is in opposition to the preceding
sentence. Both sentences 8 and 9 focus on medieval
castles and their present-day significance—there is no
contrast, so inserting “By contrast” at the beginning of
sentence 9 would not be appropriate.
Choice (E) is unsatisfactory. Beginning a sentence with
the phrase “In retrospect” implies that the sentence
makes a statement about the past based on presentday knowledge. Sentence 9 contrasts the intentions of
the past with the results of the present, but there is no
new statement being made about the past based on
present-day knowledge. Hence inserting “In retrospect”
at the beginning of sentence 9 would not be
appropriate.
34. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
The correct choice is (D). The sentence “Others
crumble away in relative obscurity” provides a transition
between sentence 11, which describes two wellmaintained castles, and sentence 12, which describes
a castle that is reduced to decaying remnants.
Choice (A) is unsatisfactory. Inserting the sentence “But
not all castles can be considered obsolete” after
sentence 11 implies that the castles described in
sentence 11 are considered obsolete. But the castles
mentioned in sentence 11 are described as “wellmaintained tourist attractions,” so it would be
inappropriate to describe them as obsolete or no longer
in use.
Choice (B) is unsatisfactory. Inserting the sentence
“Elsewhere, the environment may be a factor” between
sentences 11 and 12 implies that the castle in sentence
12 has decayed because of the environment. But
nothing in sentence 12 indicates that the environment
played a key role in the decay of the castle in the Welsh
village.
Choice (C) is unsatisfactory. While the sentence
“However, many tourists prefer to avoid such ʻtourist
trapsʼ” continues the idea of castles as tourist sites from
sentence 11, inserting this sentence between
sentences 11 and 12 does not provide the necessary
transition between the idea of castles as “wellmaintained tourist attractions” in sentence 11 and the
idea of “the decaying remnants of a castle” in sentence
12.
Choice (E) is unsatisfactory. Inserting the sentence
“Besides, appearances are often misleading” between
sentences 11 and 12 does not provide an effective
transition between the idea of castles as “wellmaintained tourist attractions” in sentence 11 and the
idea of “the decaying remnants of a castle” in sentence
12. The contrast introduced in sentence 12 is the
contrasting condition of a different castle, not the
difference between the appearance and actual state of
a castle.
35. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
The correct choice is (B). Sentence 12 describes the
contrast between “the decaying remnants of a castle”
and “cozy brick houses” that sit on the same street. The
phrase “medieval austerity stands in bold relief against
a background of modern comfort” appropriately
explains the contrast between the decaying remnants
and the cozy houses.
Choice (A) is unsatisfactory. The second paragraph
focuses on castles and their present-day significance.
The sentence “In the final analysis, palaces are actually
little more than luxurious castles” addresses the topic of
palaces versus castles instead and would not
effectively develop the idea of sentence 12 or any other
sentence in the paragraph.
Choice (C) is unsatisfactory. The second paragraph
focuses on castles and their present-day significance.
The sentence “The decline of the castleʼs importance
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
as an architectural form coincided with the
transformation of medieval society” addresses the new
topic of architecture and medieval society and would
not effectively develop the idea of sentence 12 or any
other sentence in the paragraph.
Choice (D) is unsatisfactory. The second paragraph
focuses on medieval castles and their present-day
significance. The sentence “In the United States,
imposing structures like Hearstʼs Castle are not really
castles in the strictest sense of the word” addresses the
new topic of castle-like structures and would not
effectively develop the idea of sentence 12 or any other
sentence in the paragraph.
Choice (E) is unsatisfactory. While Eilean Donan
Castle, a tourist attraction, is mentioned in sentence 11,
sentence 12 moves the topic forward to describe the
contrast between “the decaying remnants of a castle”
and “cozy brick houses” existing on the same street.
Referring to how Eilean Donan Castle was named does
not continue to move the topic forward and would not
be an effective way to follow sentence 12.
Section 10
1. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. It avoids the error of the original
by providing a plural verb (“are”) that agrees with the
plural noun “challenges.”
Choice (A) involves subject-verb disagreement. The
singular verb “is” does not agree with the plural noun
“challenges.” The plural verb “are” should be used
instead.
Choice (B) results in subject-verb disagreement and
awkward phrasing. The singular verb “is” does not
agree with the plural noun “challenges.” The plural verb
“are” should be used instead. In addition, the infinitive
phrase “to associate” is awkward in this context and
alters the meaning of the original sentence. The pasttense verb “associated” should be used instead.
Choice (C) involves subject-verb disagreement and
results in an illogical statement. The singular verb “is”
does not agree with the plural noun “challenges.” The
plural verb “are” should be used instead. In addition, it
does not make logical sense to say that “challenges”
are “associating with” starting oneʼs own business.
While a person or people can associate with other
people, a thing, such as challenges, cannot associate
with another thing (in this case, the gerund phrase
“starting oneʼs own business”).
Choice (E) results in an illogical statement. It does not
make logical sense to say that challenges “associate
with” starting oneʼs own business. While a person or
people can “associate with” other people, a thing, such
as challenges, cannot associate with another thing (in
this case, the gerund phrase “starting oneʼs own
business”).
2. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. It avoids the errors of the original
by eliminating the vague pronoun “it” and by providing
an idiomatic and logical preposition to introduce the
prepositional phrase that modifies “display” (“on display
at the museum”).
Choice (A) involves a vague pronoun and unidiomatic
phrasing. There is no antecedent to which the pronoun
“it” can refer. In addition, it is not idiomatic and logical to
say that the watercolors are on display “by the
museum.” The preposition “at” should be used instead
Choice (B) results in wordiness and subject-verb
disagreement. The phrase “that it, the museum, is
displaying” is unnecessarily wordy and should be
replaced with “that the museum is displaying.” In
addition, the singular verb “represents” does not agree
with the plural subject “watercolors.”
Choice (D) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the participle “representing.”
Choice (E) results in subject-verb disagreement and an
unidiomatic conjunction. The singular verb “represents”
does not agree with the plural subject “watercolors.” In
addition, the conjunction “while” is not idiomatic in this
context and should be replaced with “when.”
3. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. It avoids the error of the original
by providing a plural noun (“the presidencies”) that can
be logically modified by the prepositional phrase “of
Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and
Woodrow Wilson.” Because the sentence is talking
about three presidents, the plural “presidencies” must
be used in place of the singular “presidency.”
Choice (A) involves noun-noun disagreement in
number. Because the sentence is talking about three
presidents, the plural “presidencies” must be used in
place of the singular “presidency.”
Choice (C) results in unidiomatic phrasing and nounnoun disagreement in number. It is not idiomatic to say
that the origins of something “happened.” In this case,
the verb phrase “can be traced” should be used
instead. In addition, because the sentence is talking
about three presidents, the plural “presidencies” must
be used in place of the singular “presidency.”
Choice (D) involves unidiomatic phrasing and results in
a sentence fragment. The participle “happening” is
unidiomatic in this context. In addition, there is no main
verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only the
participle “happening.”
Choice (E) involves unidiomatic phrasing, results in a
sentence fragment, and produces noun-noun
disagreement in number. It is not idiomatic to say that
the origins of something “happened.” In this case, the
verb phrase “can be traced” should be used instead. In
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
addition, there is no main verb, only the phrase “that
happened . . .” Further, because the sentence is talking
about three presidents, the plural “presidencies” must
be used in place of the singular “presidency.”
4. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the pronoun-reference
error of the original by clearly stating who “noticed that
the menu had changed.”
Choice (A) involves an unclear pronoun reference. It is
not clear to whom the pronoun “she” is meant to refer.
Choice (B) results in unclear pronoun reference and
inappropriate shifts in verb tense. It is not clear to
whom the pronoun “she” is meant to refer. In addition,
the present-tense verb “notices” is not parallel with
past-tense verb that precedes it (“visited”), and the past
perfect “has changed” is not appropriate when
describing an action that took place in the past (“When
Sheila and Lucy visited the restaurant”).
Choice (C) results in an inappropriate shift in verb
tense. While the past perfect “has noticed” would be
appropriate to describe an action that is ongoing, the
past-tense “noticed” is needed instead to indicate an
action that took place in the past (“When Sheila and
Lucy visited the restaurant”).
Choice (D) results in an illogical statement. It does not
make sense to say that while at the restaurant, Sheila
“had noticed the menu changing.”
5. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. It avoids the modification error of
the original by providing a noun (“dust”) that can
logically be modified by the sentenceʼs introductory
phrase, “Carried by the strong, dry winds of the
stratosphere.”
Choice (A) involves illogical modification. It does not
make sense to say that “the 1980 eruption of Mount
Saint Helens” was “Carried by the strong, dry winds of
the stratosphere.”
Choice (B) results in illogical modification. It does not
make sense to say that “Mount Saint Helensʼ eruption”
was “Carried by the strong, dry winds of the
stratosphere.”
Choice (D) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the participle “Carried” and a relative clause beginning
with “that.”
Choice (E) results in flawed sentence structure. The
introductory phrase “Carried by the strong, dry winds of
the stratosphere” cannot logically modify the word
“there.”
6. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the error of the original
by providing an appropriate comparative structure
(“so . . . that”) to establish the cause-and-effect
relationship between complicating “the process of
formulating a school budget” and the fact that “no one
on the Board of Education is eager to undertake the
task.”
Choice (A) involves faulty sentence structure. For the
sentence to indicate the result of the new regulationsʼ
being so complicated, it must provide the word “that” to
complete the “so . . . that” comparative structure. It is
unidiomatic to follow the phrase beginning with “so
complicated . . .” with “to where.”
Choice (B) results in faulty sentence structure. For the
sentence to indicate the result of the new regulationsʼ
being so complicated, it must provide the word “that” to
complete the “so . . . that” comparative structure. It is
unidiomatic to follow the phrase beginning with “so
complicated . . .” with “therefore.”
Choice (C) results in faulty sentence structure. For the
sentence to indicate the result of the new regulationsʼ
being so complicated, it must provide the word “that” to
complete the “so . . . that” comparative structure. It is
unidiomatic to follow the phrase beginning with “so
complicated . . .” with “even.”
Choice (D) results in faulty sentence structure. For the
sentence to indicate the result of the new regulationsʼ
being so complicated, it must provide the word “that” to
complete the “so . . . that” comparative structure. It is
unidiomatic to follow the phrase beginning with “so
complicated . . .” with “as.”
7. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. It avoids the unidiomatic phrasing
of the original by providing the verb phrase “is
occurring” to follow the noun “shift.”
Choice (A) involves awkward phrasing. It is awkward to
say “The shift . . . is because.” In this context, “shift” is a
noun and cannot be the result of other actions. A verb
phrase such as “is occurring” should be used to
describe the action of “shift.”
Choice (B) results in awkward phrasing. It is awkward
to say “The shift . . . is because.” In this context, “shift”
is a noun and cannot be the result of other actions. A
verb phrase such as “is occurring” should be used to
describe the action of “shift.”
Choice (C) results in unidiomatic phrasing and a lack of
parallelism. It is unidiomatic to say “is caused from.” It
would be more idiomatic to replace the preposition
“from” with “by.” In addition, the verb phrase “become
more vain” is not parallel with the preceding verb
phrase (“getting fewer cavities”).
Choice (E) results in an illogical statement and a lack of
parallelism. To say “The shift from traditional to
cosmetic dentistry occurs” implies that this shift
happens more than once, which is illogical. In addition,
the verb phrase “become more vain” is not parallel with
the preceding verb phrase (“getting fewer cavities”).
8. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the error of the original
by providing a subject ("many people") that can be
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
logically modified by the sentenceʼs opening phrase, "If
asked to name a musical group with broad and lasting
appeal."
Choice (A) involves illogical modification. It does not
make sense to say that "the Beatles," a famous musical
group, would be asked to "name a musical group with
broad and lasting appeal" and would also be "the
choice for many."
Choice (B) results in illogical modification. It does not
make sense to say that "the Beatles," a famous musical
group, would be asked to "name a musical group with
broad and lasting appeal" and would also be "chosen
by many people."
Choice (C) results in illogical modification. It does not
make sense to say that "the choice" would be asked to
"name a musical group with broad and lasting appeal."
Choice (D) results in an inappropriate verb form. The ifclause that starts the sentence ("If asked to name a
musical group with broad and lasting appeal") demands
a verb in the conditional tense ("would choose"), but the
sentence provides a present-tense verb ("choose").
9. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the errors of the original
by providing a subject ("the United States and
Canada") that can logically be modified by the phrase
"to reduce pollution in the Great Lakes" and a main
verb ("set") to carry out the action of the sentence.
Choice (A) involves illogical modification and results in
a sentence fragment. It does not make sense to say
that "limits" purposefully did something "to reduce
pollution in the Great Lakes." In addition, there is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the participial phrase "having been."
Choice (B) involves illogical modification and results in
a sentence fragment. It does not make sense to say
that "limits" purposefully did something "to reduce
pollution in the Great Lakes." In addition, here "set"
functions as an adjective, and so there is no main verb
to carry out the action of the sentence.
Choice (C) results in illogical modification and an
inappropriate verb form. It does not make sense to say
that "limits" purposefully did something "to reduce
pollution in the Great Lakes." In addition, the past
perfect "have been set" would be appropriate to
describe an action that is ongoing; however, the action
of the sentence takes place in the past ("In 1972").
Choice (D) results in an inappropriate verb form. The
past perfect "have set" would be appropriate to
describe an action that is ongoing; however, the action
of the sentence takes place in the past ("In 1972").
unidiomatic phrasing. The phrase “already being a
certified lawyer” is not parallel with the main past-tense
verb phrase “supported himself.” In addition, it is not
idiomatic to say “already being a certified lawyer.” The
verb “being” is unnecessary in this context and should
be deleted.
Choice (C) results in illogical phrasing. It does not make
sense to say that Ruben Blades was “certified for being
a lawyer.” One must be certified in order to be a lawyer;
one does not become certified because they are
already a lawyer.
Choice (D) results in faulty sentence structure. At the
very least, the sentence would need the coordinating
conjunction “and” to join the independent clause
“Ruben Blades was . . . Panama” with another
independent clause (“[he] supported himself by
singing . . .”).
Choice (E) involves an inappropriate verb tense and
results in faulty sentence structure. The word “already”
indicates an action that took place in the past, so the
past-tense verb “was” is needed in place of the presenttense verb “is.” In addition, the sentence would, at the
very least, need the coordinating conjunction “and” to
join the independent clause “Ruben Blades was . . .
Panama” with another independent clause (“[he]
supported himself by singing . . .”).
11. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. It avoids the error of the original
by replacing the awkward and somewhat vague “being
that” with the more precise “because” to indicate the
cause-effect relationship between the ideas in the
sentence (“The newspaper business in the United
States faces a challenge because it must . . .”).
Choice (A) involves awkward and imprecise phrasing.
The awkward and somewhat vague “being that” should
be replaced by “because” to indicate the cause-effect
relationship between the ideas in the sentence (“The
newspaper business in the United States faces a
challenge because it must . . .”).
Choice (B) results in awkward and imprecise phrasing.
The awkward “of it reconciling” should be replaced by
the precise “because it must reconcile” to indicate the
cause-effect relationship between the ideas in the
sentence. In addition, because the phrasing in this
option defines rather than describes the challenge the
newspaper business faces, the phrase “faces the
challenge of . . .” is more precise than “faces a
challenge of . . .”
Choice (A) is correct. It avoids the errors of the options
by providing an idiomatic modifying phrase that is
parallel with the main verb phrase “supported himself.”
Choice (C) results in an illogical statement. The word
“such” in the phrase “as such” is meant to stand in for a
noun that precedes it; in this case, “The newspaper
business” is the only seemingly plausible choice as the
referent of “such.” However, it does not make sense to
say that as the newspaper business, “it [the newspaper
business] must reconcile . . .”
Choice (B) results in a lack of parallelism and involves
Choice (E) results in awkward, confusing phrasing. It is
10. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
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Test 19: Explanations to Writing
not clear what is meant by “it has the high-minded
goal . . . with the commercial one” or what the phrase
“being reconciled” is meant to modify.
12. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. It avoids the error of the original
by providing three parallel clauses to indicate why “All
species of sea turtles are endangered.”
Choice (A) involves a lack of parallelism. The verb
phrase “their eggs being disturbed” and the noun
phrase “destruction of nesting habitats” are not parallel
with the gerund phrase that precedes them
(“overharvesting of adults”).
Choice (B) results in a lack of parallelism. In the first
two phrases (“the adults being overharvested” and
“their eggs disturbed”), the sea turtles are the subject.
In the third phrase (“destroying nesting habitats”), the
sea turtles cannot logically be the subject. In addition,
the third phrase begins with a present-tense verb while
the first and second phrases begin with a noun and
pronoun, respectively.
Choice (C) results in faulty sentence structure. The
phrase “because the overharvesting of adults” is not
proper English syntax. The preposition “of” should be
inserted after “because” to make the phrase structurally
complete.
Choice (E) results in faulty sentence structure and a
lack of parallelism. The phrase “because being
overharvested” is not proper English syntax. The
preposition “of” should be inserted after “because” to
make the phrase structurally complete. In addition, the
phrases “being overharvested as adults,” “their eggs
being disturbed,” and “destruction of nesting habits” are
not parallel.
by providing a phrase (“delightful because of his
imagination”) that is parallel with the phrase that
precedes it (“annoying because of his unpredictability”)
and coordinates with the adverbial phrase “at once” (“at
once annoying . . . and delightful”).
Choice (A) involves a lack of parallelism and improper
coordination. The phrase “but his imagination is still a
delight” is not parallel with the phrase that precedes it
(“annoying because of his unpredictability”) and does
not coordinate with the adverbial phrase “at once” (“at
once annoying . . . but his imagination”).
Choice (B) results in a lack of parallelism and improper
coordination. The phrase “although he is delightfully
imaginative” is not parallel with the phrase that
precedes it (“annoying because of his unpredictability”)
and does not coordinate with the adverbial phrase “at
once” (“at once annoying . . . although he is”).
Choice (C) results in a lack of parallelism and improper
coordination. The phrase “and he is delightful in his
imagination too” is not parallel with the phrase that
precedes it (“annoying because of his unpredictability”)
and does not coordinate with the adverbial phrase “at
once” (“at once annoying . . . and he is”).
Choice (D) results in awkward phrasing, a lack of
parallelism, and improper coordination. The awkward
phrase “while being imaginative and they are delighted”
is not parallel with the phrase that precedes it
(“annoying because of his unpredictability”) and does
not coordinate with the adverbial phrase “at once” (“at
once annoying . . . while being imaginative”).
13. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. It avoids the subject-verb
disagreement of the original by providing a plural verb
(“contribute”) that agrees with the plural compound
subject (“improper diet and lack of exercise”).
Choice (A) involves subject-verb disagreement. The
singular verb “contributes” does not agree with the
plural compound subject (“improper diet and lack of
exercise”).
Choice (B) results in flawed sentence structure. The
plural pronoun “they” is unnecessary here and intrudes
between the plural compound subject (“improper diet
and lack of exercise”) and its main verb (“contribute”).
Choice (D) results in a sentence fragment. There is no
main verb to carry out the action of the sentence, only
the participle “contributing.”
Choice (E) results in subject-verb disagreement. The
singular verb “has” does not agree with the plural
compound subject (“improper diet and lack of
exercise”).
14. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. It avoids the error of the original
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