All PSAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #211 : Identifying 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.
I've had more teachers than I can count, but by far the best one was Mr. Brown, that taught second grade. No error
No error
but
I've had
Mr. Brown, that
than
Mr. Brown, that
Because the dependent clause "that taught second grade" is modifying a person, it needs to be introduced by "who," not "that," so "Mr. Brown, that" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #41 : Identifying Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While on vacation in the Smokey Mountains, Jack saw a brown bear and it's cub run across the road. No error
No error
in the Smokey Mountains,
While on vacation
run across the road
a brown bear and it's cub
a brown bear and it's cub
The phrase "a brown bear and it's cub" contains this sentence's error because it uses "it's," which is the contracted form of "it is," instead of "its," which is the possessive form of the singular pronoun "it." Changing "it's" to "its" would correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #42 : Identifying Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If one puts meticulous effort into your studies day after day, one will most likely succeed. No error
your studies
No error
one
after
most likely
your studies
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents. Since the sentence uses the pronoun "one," and remains consistent with that pronoun in the final clause, the pronoun is "your" is incorrect." Pronouns must remain consistent throughout a sentence. One could correct the sentence's error by changing "your" to "one's."
Example Question #43 : Identifying Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
One should always take care to file away the operation instructions of new machinery in a safe place, because you never know when you might need to troubleshoot a problem. No error.
to file away
No error.
in a safe place
One should always
might need to troubleshoot
One should always
This sentence switches between “one” and “you.” These should be kept consistent. The corrected sentence reads, "You should always take care to file away the operation instructions of new machinery in a safe place, because you never know when you might need to troubleshoot a problem."
Example Question #41 : Identifying Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
One should always locate all of the exits in a new location before you find yourself in an emergency situation. No error.
in a new location
emergency
No error.
always
One
One
This sentence uses both “one” and “you” as pronouns. These should be kept consistent; if you start a sentence by using "one," you shouldn't switch to using "you" in the middle of the sentence. The corrected sentence reads, "You should always locate all of the exits in a new location before you find yourself in an emergency situation."
Example Question #61 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
It is always important for one to be alert when driving because you never know when another driver might come into your lane, or when a pedestrian might cross the street illegally. No error
to be
No error
always
when
you never know
you never know
When a sentence uses "one" as a neutral third-person pronoun, the sentence should not then switch to using "you" instead of "one." Therefore, "you never know" contains the error in this sentence.
Example Question #62 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If you are being attacked, it is important not to provoke the other person because one never knows whether the attacker has weapons. No error
other person
are
it is
one
No error
one
If a sentence is describing how “you” should behave, it creates discontinuity if it then begins to use the word “one” in place of "you" later in the sentence. Therefore, “one" should be replaced by the word “you" to correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #63 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When one is interviewed, it is important that you be articulate and present oneself well. No error
well
it is
you
is interviewed
No error
you
If a sentence is describing how “one” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “you" later in the sentence. Therefore, “you” should be replaced by the word “one" to fix the sentence's error.
Example Question #64 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
You should always make sure to have a first-aid kit in your car, because one never knows when it can be useful, or even save a life. No error
one
should
your car
No error
when
one
If a sentence is describing how “you” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “one.” Therefore, “one” should be replaced by the word “you.”
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When one prepares for a marathon, it is essential that you prepare an exercise routine and stick to it. No error
you
No error
to it
When
it is
you
If a sentence is describing how “one” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “you.” Therefore, “you” should be replaced by the word “one,” or the sentence should be rewritten so that this discontinuity is resolved.