PSAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #81 : 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 absolutely believe that some day we will have the technology to travel to other galaxies, settle on new planets, and explore beyond what we think possible. No error

Possible Answers:

explore beyond

absolutely

we will have

technology to

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written!

Example Question #51 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

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

Forgetting that she had to stop at the grocery store on the way home, Martha arrived at the potluck empty-handed and duly embarrassed. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

and

had to stop

Forgetting

arrived at

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #891 : 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.

Missing home, he tried to grow a palm tree sapling, but it could not survive Maine’s harsh wintersNo error

Possible Answers:

tried to grow

No error

Missing home

Maine's harsh winters

it

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #71 : Identifying No Error Questions

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

I had wanted so badly to be charming and graceful, but instead I tripped over a stair and swore loudly. No error

Possible Answers:

badly

had wanted

but instead

No error

tripped over

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #82 : 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.

We both enjoy exploring grocery stores, so when we shop together it tends to be a long and unproductive trip. No error 

Possible Answers:

so

it

long and unproductive

We both

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

 This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #73 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No 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 penguins failed to understand that the trainer wanted them to twirl around in circles, so they continued to swim around their tank as usualNo error 

Possible Answers:

No error

around

as usual

failed to understand

them

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #83 : 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.

Although it appears cold and lifeless on its surface, the Bering Sea teems with aquatic life in its depthsNo error

Possible Answers:

Although

its

teems with

No error

in its depths

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence.

Example Question #84 : 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.

Jean’s favorite activities are playing with her dog, visiting her grandmother, and going to the library. No error

Possible Answers:

going

No error

activities

favorite

visiting

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is completely parallel. If it had said "to visit" instead of "visiting", that would have been incorrect.

Example Question #85 : 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.

Whether my aunt or uncle is arriving, it shouldn't matter—I really enjoy when either of them visit. No error

Possible Answers:

or

Whether

when either

No error

is arriving

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error here. If you chose "is arriving," it's actually grammatically correct: two singular subjects connected by "or" require a singular verb.

Example Question #86 : 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.

Every single dollar has been spent on candy; the children ought to be taught about saving their moneyNo error

Possible Answers:

dollar has been

candy; the

No error

Every

their money

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error. In particular, "every single dollar has been spent" is correct: "every" is a singular subject requiring a singular verb.

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