All PSAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jonathan was a devoted fan of music of almost any kind, and he just could not tolerate reggae. No error
and
No error
could not tolerate
devoted
almost any
and
This sentence is not coordinated correctly. Logically, the second half contradicts the message of the first, so the conjunction “but” would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: Jonathan was a devoted fan of music of almost any kind, but he just could not tolerate reggae.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Only six students attended the football game on Saturday, and many students went instead to the school dance. No error
and
to
on
attended
No error
and
This sentence contains an error in the logical expression of ideas. The original text uses the conjunction "and," which fails to capture the cause and effect relationship between low attendance at the football game and students going to the dance instead. A better conjunction to express the cause and effect relationship would be "because."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jack was the one who got us into this dangerous situation, but he has absolutely no right to complain. No error
dangerous
No error
to complain
the one
but
but
This sentence isn’t coordinated correctly. The conjunction “but” does not describe the logical connection between the two parts of the sentence. A better alternative would be, "John was the one who got us into this dangerous situation, so he has absolutely no right to complain."
Example Question #51 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As his friends cut the triple layer chocolate cake, the author felt cheerful but newly energized. No error
newly energized
No error
As
felt
but
but
This sentence uses the wrong coordinating conjunction. Since “cheerful” and “newly energized” are similar, the conjunction “and” should be used. The corrected sentence reads, "As his friends cut the triple layer chocolate cake, the author felt cheerful and newly energized."
Example Question #7 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Unlike his mentor, acheiving the title of "partner" by the time he was thirty years old, Jon does not think that he will acheive this position until he is at least forty years old. No error
No error
he will acheive
his
acheiving
at least
acheiving
The error exists in the underlined portion of the sentence, "achieving." In order to explain the background of who the mentor is, it is not sufficient to place a comma after "mentor" without a transition, such as "who achieved." Simply using the word "achieving" is not sufficient. Therefore, "achieving" is the correct answer.
Example Question #52 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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 choice between relationships or space travel can be excruciating to make. No error.
No error.
excruciating
or space travel
to make
The choice
or space travel
This sentence uses the wrong conjunction between “relationships” and “space travel.” If you use “between,” you also need to use the conjunction “and.” The corrected sentence reads, "The choice between relationships and space travel can be excruciating to make."
Example Question #53 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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 neighborhood’s changing cultural landscape is evident in everything from the people walking down the sidewalks and the products carried in the corner markets. No error.
neighborhood’s changing cultural landscape
No error.
evident in
and
products carried
and
This sentence has a problem with coordination. When “from” is used, it should trigger “to” as the coordinator between examples. That is, the phrasing should be "from (noun) to (other noun)" instead of "from (noun) and (other noun)." The corrected sentence reads, "The neighborhood’s changing cultural landscape is evident in everything from the people walking down the sidewalks to the products carried in the corner markets."
Example Question #8 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Neither the teachers or the students were told that the famous actor and actress would be visiting the school until the day before the visit; it was hard to tell which group was the more excited one when everyone found out. No error
No error
the famous actor and actress would be visiting
until the day before the visit; it was hard to tell
Neither the teachers or the students were
the more excited one
Neither the teachers or the students were
When using the word "neither" to introduce one of two things in a negative fashion, one needs to introduce the other thing using the word "nor," not "or." So, the correct answer is, "Neither the teachers nor the students were told that the famous actor and actress would be visiting the school until the day before the visit; it was hard to tell which group was the more excited one when everyone found out."
Example Question #52 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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 distinction between "all-natural" or "organic" is something consumers often fail to recognize. No error
is
or
fail to recognize
often
No error
or
The word "between" always triggers the conjunction "and." Here, "or" is used instead. The corrected sentence reads, "The distinction between "all-natural" and "organic" is something consumers often fail to recognize."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Correlative Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Neither the aliens who were invading or the people who were being invaded really understood what was happening. No error
or
who
were being
what was happening
No error
or
This sentence has a problem with coordinators. If “neither” is used, it triggers the use of “nor.” The corrected sentence reads: Neither the aliens who were invading nor the people who were being invaded really understood what was happening.
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