Writing Proficiency Test 3 - Grammar and Sentence Revision

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

This is (A) the same (B) incident that (C) I have witnessed (E) yesterday. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

We no longer imagine that the history of our institutions (A) has less (B) relevance than our wars, (C) nor that the annals of the humbler classes are irrelevant (D) in those of the privileged orders. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

Workmen were (A) allowed into (B) prison (C) to repair (D) some damaged cells. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

Prudence requires that we (A) should meet the dangers (B) that threaten us, (C) by turning all our philosophy, science, and art, (D) into practical common sense. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

In this modern age there is a growing trend (A) of viewing a country as (B) a whole, with its people, topography, and general conditions in natural relation (C) with (D) each other. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

By letting some land (A) lay idle you can (B) get two birds with one stone: check the clogging (C) of the cities, and manage (D) the switch to organic agriculture. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) Only (B) those schemes can succeed (C) which promise to deliver (D) the goods. (E) No error

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

Although this theory was known in the East to the ancient Vedanta philosophers, Buddhists and Greeks, still it has received a new impetus and grown with new strength since the introduction of the Darwinian theory of the evolution of species.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

We believe that the mission of art is a mission of sentiment and love, and that the artist has a larger and more poetic task than suggesting certain prudential and conciliatory measures.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

Art must be the faithful expression (A) for a society, since (B) it is an undeniable witness of (C) its spirit and manners (D) for future generations. (E) No error

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

A considerable number of words and a few consecutive texts, transcribed in the magazine necessarily will have to be assessed as evidence of contemporary English pronunciation by students of the subject.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

Before considering a candidate for the post of sub-editor, he must have a degree in journalism.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

It is not easy to be sure today how accurate an observer he had been, but if we make some allowance for misprints, we find a certain consistency in his work.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

With the onset of summer, the hot air began to blow we had been soon forced to remain indoors most of the time.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

When the First World War was over, no nation had either been isolated in war or peace.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

The author fortunately remembered that readers have, but little sympathy with the motives of authors, and expect that their works should amuse or instruct them.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

He insisted (A) at (B) contesting the election, (C) though he was sure (D) of his defeat. (E) No error

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

The probe committee is neither expected to be critical or to be partial in communicating any opinion.

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence no. (6) below?

During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and social instability and unrest.

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) It is necessary to have a standard of education. (2) We can set two sorts of standards there. (3) First, a minimum standard below which no one is allowed to fall, in the shape of so many years of elementary education in such and such subjects. (4) And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth. (5) There are also standards of economic security. (6) During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and social instability and unrest. (7) A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens minimum standards of security against ill health against unemployment against widowhood, against old age. (8) A man cannot be a good citizen nor do himself justice as an individual if he lives in a nightmare of frustration and anxiety about losing his job.
(9) Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked. (10) This is irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc. (11) The state expenditure on social security is bound to fall back upon the shoulders of the society at large. (12) A society that cannot take due care of such basic needs of each and every of its members is not fit to be called in the true sense of the term.

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence no. (8) below?

A man cannot be a good citizen nor do himself justice as an individual

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) It is necessary to have a standard of education. (2) We can set two sorts of standards there. (3) First, a minimum standard below which no one is allowed to fall, in the shape of so many years of elementary education in such and such subjects. (4) And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth. (5) There are also standards of economic security. (6) During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and social instability and unrest. (7) A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens minimum standards of security against ill health against unemployment against widowhood, against old age. (8) A man cannot be a good citizen nor do himself justice as an individual if he lives in a nightmare of frustration and anxiety about losing his job.
(9) Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked. (10) This is irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc. (11) The state expenditure on social security is bound to fall back upon the shoulders of the society at large. (12) A society that cannot take due care of such basic needs of each and every of its members is not fit to be called in the true sense of the term.

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence no. (11) below?

is bound to fall back upon the shoulders of

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) It is necessary to have a standard of education. (2) We can set two sorts of standards there. (3) First, a minimum standard below which no one is allowed to fall, in the shape of so many years of elementary education in such and such subjects. (4) And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth. (5) There are also standards of economic security. (6) During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and social instability and unrest. (7) A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens minimum standards of security against ill health against unemployment against widowhood, against old age. (8) A man cannot be a good citizen nor do himself justice as an individual if he lives in a nightmare of frustration and anxiety about losing his job.
(9) Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked. (10) This is irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc. (11) The state expenditure on social security is bound to fall back upon the shoulders of the society at large. (12) A society that cannot take due care of such basic needs of each and every of its members is not fit to be called in the true sense of the term.

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence no. (7) below?

A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens minimum standards of security against ill health against unemployment against widowhood, against old age.

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) It is necessary to have a standard of education. (2) We can set two sorts of standards there. (3) First, a minimum standard below which no one is allowed to fall, in the shape of so many years of elementary education in such and such subjects. (4) And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth. (5) There are also standards of economic security. (6) During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and social instability and unrest. (7) A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens minimum standards of security against ill health against unemployment against widowhood, against old age. (8) A man cannot be a good citizen nor do himself justice as an individual if he lives in a nightmare of frustration and anxiety about losing his job.
(9) Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked. (10) This is irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc. (11) The state expenditure on social security is bound to fall back upon the shoulders of the society at large. (12) A society that cannot take due care of such basic needs of each and every of its members is not fit to be called in the true sense of the term.

What is the best way to combine sentences no. (9) and (10)?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) It is necessary to have a standard of education. (2) We can set two sorts of standards there. (3) First, a minimum standard below which no one is allowed to fall, in the shape of so many years of elementary education in such and such subjects. (4) And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth. (5) There are also standards of economic security. (6) During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and social instability and unrest. (7) A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens minimum standards of security against ill health against unemployment against widowhood, against old age. (8) A man cannot be a good citizen nor do himself justice as an individual if he lives in a nightmare of frustration and anxiety about losing his job.
(9) Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked. (10) This is irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc. (11) The state expenditure on social security is bound to fall back upon the shoulders of the society at large. (12) A society that cannot take due care of such basic needs of each and every of its members is not fit to be called in the true sense of the term.

Including a paragraph on which of the following would most strengthen the writer's argument?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) It is necessary to have a standard of education. (2) We can set two sorts of standards there. (3) First, a minimum standard below which no one is allowed to fall, in the shape of so many years of elementary education in such and such subjects. (4) And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth. (5) There are also standards of economic security. (6) During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and social instability and unrest. (7) A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens minimum standards of security against ill health against unemployment against widowhood, against old age. (8) A man cannot be a good citizen nor do himself justice as an individual if he lives in a nightmare of frustration and anxiety about losing his job.
(9) Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked. (10) This is irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc. (11) The state expenditure on social security is bound to fall back upon the shoulders of the society at large. (12) A society that cannot take due care of such basic needs of each and every of its members is not fit to be called in the true sense of the term.