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:

we will have

technology to

absolutely

No error

explore beyond

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.

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:

had to stop

arrived at

and

Forgetting

No error

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.

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

Possible Answers:

No error

it

Maine's harsh winters

tried to grow

Missing home

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

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.

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

Possible Answers:

but instead

had wanted

No error

tripped over

badly

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

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.

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

No error

it

We both

long and unproductive

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

 This sentence is correct as written.

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.

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:

as usual

No error

them

around

failed to understand

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #87 : 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:

its

in its depths

Although

teems with

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence.

Example Question #88 : 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:

favorite

No error

activities

going

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 #102 : Psat Writing Skills

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:

No error

Whether

is arriving

when either

or

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 #902 : 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:

No error

dollar has been

candy; the

their money

Every

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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