PSAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #311 : 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.

One alien invader, who misunderstood the orders he has been given, landed in the Great Barrier Reef instead of Great Britain. No error

Possible Answers:

instead of

No error

has been given

who

in 

Correct answer:

has been given

Explanation:

This sentence has a problem with verb tense. The main clause is in the past tense, and the modifying phrase should reflect that. The corrected sentence reads, "One alien invader, who misunderstood the orders he had been given, landed in the Great Barrier Reef instead of Great Britain."

Example Question #312 : 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.

Feeling uninspired, the writer stared out at the gloomy landscape and thought of the days when he had rode along the old county roads in his father’s truck.

Possible Answers:

No error

Feeling uninspired

had rode

he

his father's truck

Correct answer:

had rode

Explanation:

This sentence uses an ill-formed verb. The corrected sentence reads: Feeling uninspired, the writer stared out at the gloomy landscape and thought of the days when he had ridden along the old county roads in his father’s pick-up.

Example Question #313 : 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.

He decided it would being a good idea to tell his friends that his birthday was actually the following day, but he was not sure how to say it tactfullyNo error

Possible Answers:

how to say

being a good idea

was actually

No error

tactfully

Correct answer:

being a good idea

Explanation:

This sentence uses “being” when “be” is appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "He decided it would be a good idea to tell his friends that his birthday was actually the following day, but he was not sure how to say it tactfully."

Example Question #314 : 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.

Thankfully, they brang their pirate diorama to school show-and-tell that day; they would have failed if they had forgottenNo error

Possible Answers:

that day; they

had forgotten

brang

No error

would have failed

Correct answer:

brang

Explanation:

To correct this sentence's error, "brang" needs to be changed to "brought," which is the correct but irregular past tense form of "bring."

Example Question #315 : 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.

Until recently, scientists think that genes alone determine the longevity of new crops; however, new research suggests that environment, in addition to genetic factors, plays a crucial role in regulating a plant’s ability to resist pests and disease. No error

Possible Answers:

suggests

however

plays

think

No error

Correct answer:

think

Explanation:

When we encounter a phrase such as "until recently," we know it must describe an event that took place in the past, but the verb "think" is in the present tense. This sentence therefore contains a tense error in the verb "think." Changing "think" to "thought" corrects the sentence's error. 

Example Question #881 : Sat Writing

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

When Martha goes to the coffee shop and places her order, it took her about five minutes to detail all of her specifications. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

goes to the coffee shop

to detail

took

When

Correct answer:

took

Explanation:

This sentence has a problem with verb tense. Since the first half of the sentence is in the present, the second half has to be too. The corrected sentence reads, "When Martha goes to the coffee shop and places her order, it takes her about five minutes to detail all of her specifications."

Example Question #311 : 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.

Beverly Hills was a significant part of Los Angeles because its inhabitants include important professionals who have been very influential in the historical development of the entertainment industry. No error 

Possible Answers:

was

part of

No error

historical development

because

Correct answer:

was

Explanation:

This sentence is written in the present tense, as we can tell from its verb "include." However, the verb "was" is in the past tense. It should be in the present tense as well. To correct the sentence's error, "was" should be changed to "is."

Example Question #312 : 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.

No matter how diverse a menu may be, John always orders the most basic dish that he could find. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

could

how

always

most

Correct answer:

could

Explanation:

The sentence is written in the present tense, except for the modal verb, "could," which expresses possibility where none is needed; we're told that John "always" orders basic dishes. "Could" should be changed to the present tense verb "can" so that its tense matches that of "orders."

Example Question #1 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb 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 red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was runningNo error.

Possible Answers:

the only sign that

was running

No error.

steady

throughout the night

Correct answer:

steady

Explanation:

This sentence uses the adjective “steady” to modify the verb “blinked.” An adjective cannot modify a verb, but an adverb would be correct in this context. The corrected sentence reads, "The red indicator light blinked steadily on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running."

Example Question #2 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb 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 calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulousNo error.

Possible Answers:

meticulous

No error.

calibrating

to be patient

it is

Correct answer:

meticulous

Explanation:

In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."

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