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.