Praxis Writing : Praxis Core Skills: Writing

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Praxis Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Correcting Conjunction Errors

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English

She carefully reviewed her case notes, such as not to be surprised in court.

Possible Answers:

thus

therefore

so

such

Correct answer:

so

Explanation:

The highlighted conjunction in this sentence is incorrect. "Such" is used to indicate a result, whereas "so" is used (as a conjunction) to indicate purpose. Because the sentence is discussing someone's precautionary measure, the correct conjunction here is "so". "She carefully reviewed her case notes, so as not to be surprised in court."

Example Question #1 : Sentence Correction

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.

Given the uncertainty of the current weather conditions, its nearly impossible for travellers to feel confident in their plan's.

Possible Answers:

its nearly impossible for travellers to feel confident in their plan's.

its almost impossible for travellers to feel confident in their plans.

it is nearly impossible for travellers to feel confident in their plans.

it's nearly impossible for traveler's to feel confident in their plans'.

Correct answer:

it is nearly impossible for travellers to feel confident in their plans.

Explanation:

The underlined part of the sentence contains two apostrophe errors. First, "it's" in this case is a contraction of "it is." "Its" (with no apostrophe) is used to signal the possessive (e.g. "the car performed its function"). The most correct, and appropriately formal, version of this sentence would use "it is."

The travellers' "plans" are in this case simply plural, so no apostrophe is needed. "Plan's" would only be used to signal that something belonged to the plans.

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