PSAT Writing : PSAT Writing Skills
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #191 : Identifying Word 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.
Most sweaters are made of acrylic, wool, or cashmere, and though they are the more expensive of the three, I prefer cashmere sweaters because they are so soft. No error
acrylic, wool, or cashmere,
Most
the more expensive of the three
though
No error
the more expensive of the three
The phrase "the more expensive of the three" contains this sentence's error. Three types of sweaters are being compared: acrylic sweaters, wool sweaters, and cashmere sweaters. The comparative adjective "more" is used; this is incorrect because comparative adjectives are only used for comparing two things, as in the sentence, "I like vanilla ice cream more than chocolate-covered strawberries." When comparing three or more things, a superlative adjective should be used. In this case, that means that "more" should be changed to "most" to correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #192 : Identifying Word 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.
Harold Harrison, the celebrated Olympic athlete, recently decided to retire on the age of twenty-seven. No error.
No error.
to retire on
recently
age of twenty-seven
celebrated
to retire on
This sentence uses a preposition that is not idiomatically correct. We say “retire at” an age and “retire on” some savings, lottery winnings, etc. The corrected sentence reads, "Harold Harrison, the celebrated Olympic athlete, recently decided to retire at the age of twenty-seven."
Example Question #381 : 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.
There are some species of flatworm that, if split down the middle, will become into two new flatworms. No error.
There are
No error.
two new flatworms
if split
will become into
will become into
This sentence has an extra preposition thrown in it. Things "become" things; they do not "become into" things. The corrected sentence reads, "There are some species of flatworm that, if split down the middle, will become two new flatworms."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other 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.
Jon, as an avid lover of all animals, decided to protest over the depiction of violence towards dogs, which is becoming increasingly common in feature films. No error
becoming
lover of all animals
towards
No error
over
over
As a general idiomatic rule, the verb "protest" always goes with the preposition "against," not "over." Therefore, the phrase should be "protest against," not "protest over."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Other 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.
When the batter made contact with the baseball, it zoomed threw the air like a bullet and flew out of the park. No error
threw
out of the
made contact
No error
like
threw
The preposition here should be spelled "through." "Threw" is the past tense singular form of the verb "to throw" and is not appropriate in this sentence.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Preposition 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 zoo visitor became startled when he saw the tiger running at him with a crazed look in its eyes. No error
became
No error
at
when
in
at
Idiomatically, a person or animal would not be “running at” something, but rather, “running towards” something. Therefore, the underlined word “at” contains the error in the sentence.
Example Question #382 : 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.
In choosing between hummus, salsa, and guacamole as a dip to serve with pita chips, most people would say that pita chips are best served with hummus. No error
are
between
most
No error
salsa, and
between
"Between" is used to compare two items, while "among" should be used to compare three or more items. Given that three items (hummus, salsa, and guacamole) are being compared, "among" should be used instead of "between."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
For people trying to lose weight, having herbal tea after dinner is a good substitution with dessert. No error
with
is
after
No error
trying
with
Idiomatically, the phrase that should be used here is "substitution for," not "substitution with."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Social media has both allowed some people to become more connected, but at the same time, has contributed to a feeling of loneliness with others. No error
both
No error
more
with
to
with
Idiomatically, the underlined part of the sentence should be "for" instead of "with." This is because the proper phrase is "loneliness for others" not "loneliness with others."
Example Question #994 : 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.
Robert's neighbor likes to argue for a wide variety of topics because he is a very contentious person, much to the lament of those around him. No error
because
those
for
much
No error
for
Idiomatically, the verb "argue" should not be accompanied by the preposition "for" unless it is clear that a person is arguing in favor of something. Here, that is not the case. This error would be eliminated if the phrase used was "argue about."
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