PSAT Writing : Identifying Ambiguity and Redundancy Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Statistical evidence supports the claim that a majority of middle-aged men do not never use deodorant. No error.
No error.
the claim that
Statistical
never use deodorant
majority of
never use deodorant
This sentence has a double negative, which is redundant. The corrected sentence reads: "Statistical evidence supports the claim that a majority of middle-aged men do not use deodorant."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The overbearing manager demanded that his employees make hourly progress reports every sixty minutes. No error.
his
make
every sixty minutes
No error.
overbearing
every sixty minutes
This sentence contains redundancy. As the reports are "hourly," we already know they are to be made every sixty minutes. This phrase should be omitted.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite the company’s supposed emphasis on customer service, I have only talked to grouchy support personnel however. No error
the company's
No error
have only talked
supposed emphasis on
however
however
Since this sentence opens with a “despite,” the word “however” is redundant. They both express the same relationship between parts of the sentence. Omit “however” to fix this problem: "Despite the company’s supposed emphasis on customer service, I have only talked to grouchy support personnel."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Our physics teacher is famous for distributing papers to students while at the same time chewing his gum quite loudly. No error
No error
physics
loudly
distributing
at the same time
at the same time
“At the same time” means the same thing as “while.” Therefore, it is redundant, and doesn't need to be included in the sentence.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Certain colors are associated with certain emotions in our minds, and while certain smells are associated with certain memories. No error
No error
with
are
associated
and while
and while
Either "while" or "and" could be used as a proper transition between the two sections of the sentence, but the phrase "and while" is overly wordy and therefore incorrect.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's as well. No error.
popular jazz tunes
all the contemporary hits
No error.
played
as well
as well
This sentence has both "in addition to" and "as well," which is redundant. You only need one! The corrected sentence reads: "In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's."
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