PSAT Writing : Correcting Sentence Fragment and Sentence Combination Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #194 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Published in 1926, The Weary Blues was the first book written by poet Langston Hughes; and even today, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential works in American history.
written by poet Langston Hughes, and even today, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential works
written by poet Langston Hughes, it is widely regarded, even today, as one of the most influential works
written by poet Langston Hughes; and even today, it is widely regarded to be one of the most influential works
written by poet Langston Hughes, even today, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential works
written by poet Langston Hughes; and even today, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential works
written by poet Langston Hughes, and even today, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential works
The answer choice "written by poet Langston Hughes, and even today, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential works" is correct because it results in a sentence in which two independent clauses are separated by a conjunction followed by a comma.
The original text and answer choice "written by poet Langston Hughes; and even today, it is widely regarded to be one of the most influential works" uses a semicolon incorrectly. Sentences can be combined with a comma followed by a conjunction or with a semicolon, but not with a semicolon followed by a conjunction.
The answer choices "written by poet Langston Hughes, even today, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential works" and "written by poet Langston Hughes, it is widely regarded, even today, as one of the most influential works" create run-on sentences and are therefore incorrect.
Example Question #1101 : Improving Sentences
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 reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Weddings have become big business in recent years, vendors finding their profits increasing with each event.
vendors finding there profits increasing with each event.
vendors find their profits increasing with each event.
vendors finding their profits increasing with each event.
vendors finding profits increasing with each event.
with vendors finding their profits increasing with each event.
with vendors finding their profits increasing with each event.
The underlined portion of the sentence stands oddly next to the preceding phrase, as it is in no way connected to the preceding phrase. The phrase needs to be changed so that it appropriately links with the first part of the sentence. "With vendors finding their profits increasing with each event" is the correct answer choice.
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