PSAT Writing : PSAT Writing Skills

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #895 : 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.

She leapt over tables, wiggled through corridors, sprinted around three, tall tree trunks, and finally sat down in a heap to catch her breath. No error

Possible Answers:

leapt

three, tall

No error

sat down

through corridors

Correct answer:

three, tall

Explanation:

Normally you'd want to separate a list with commas, but that's not the case here. To know why, imagine that each comma in a list is the word "and." You'd never say "three and tall tree trunks" here.

Numbers will commonly do this in English; thus "I saw four red birds," etc.

Example Question #896 : 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.

Sea salt, especially when paired with chocolate or caramel, has an interesting flavor and is becoming increasingly popular in baking. No error

Possible Answers:

and is

when

increasingly

No error

chocolate or caramel

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

Nothing in this sentence needs to be changed.

Example Question #897 : 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 new exhibit at the history museum provides a surprisingly fascinating look at the milling industry in the American MidwestNo error

Possible Answers:

surprisingly

No error

provides

new

in the American Midwest

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

Nothing in this sentence needs to be changed.

Example Question #898 : 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:

No error

we will have

absolutely

explore beyond

technology to

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written!

Example Question #899 : 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:

Forgetting

had to stop

and

arrived at

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #900 : 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:

Maine's harsh winters

Missing home

it

tried to grow

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #901 : 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

tripped over

No error

badly

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

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.

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

Possible Answers:

long and unproductive

No error

We both

it

so

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

 This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #91 : 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.

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:

around

failed to understand

No error

as usual

them

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #903 : 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

Although

No error

in its depths

teems with

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence.

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