Correct Answer: A
Explanation: This sentence is correct as written. Therefore, the correct answer is choice (A).

question 5 of 13

[NOTE: Boldface replaces underlining in the sample question below.]
Looking at the context of the editorial, the words "abrupt" and "blitz" are meant to place the redevelopment program in an unfavorable light.

(A) Looking at the context of the editorial
(B) In the context of the editorial
(C) When the editorial's context is looked at
(D) Considering its context
(E) Examining the editorial's context


(from the October 18, 1997 test)

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The problem with this sentence is that there is no noun that the underlined phrase modifies. Versions (A), (C), (D), and (E) also produce sentences with the same problem. The prepositional phrase in version (B) avoids this problem. The correct sentence reads: In the context of the editorial, the words "abrupt" and "blitz" are meant to place the redevelopment program in an unfavorable light.

question 6 of 13

[NOTE: Boldface replaces underlining in the sample question below.]
Underestimating its value, breakfast is a meal many people skip.

(A) Underestimating its value, breakfast is a meal many people skip.
(B) Breakfast is skipped by many people because of their underestimating its value.
(C) Many people, underestimating the value of breakfast, and skipping it.
(D) Many people skip breakfast because they underestimate its value.
(E) A meal skipped by many people underestimating its value is breakfast.


(from the October 17, 1998 test)

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The problem with this sentence is that the opening phrase "underestimating its value" modifies "people," not "breakfast." The order of the words in the sentence in choice (D) does not have this problem of a misplaced modifying phrase. Choice D also clarifies the causal relationship between the two clauses in the sentence. None of the other choices conveys the information presented in the sentence as effectively and directly as choice (D).

question 7 of 13

[NOTE: Boldface replaces underlining in the sample question below.]
Many drivers violate traffic laws knowingly and openly, in other respects they are law-abiding citizens, however.

(A) Many drivers violate traffic laws knowingly and openly, in other respects they are law-abiding citizens, however.
(B) Many drivers who are otherwise law-abiding citizens violate traffic laws knowingly and openly.
(C) Many drivers violate traffic laws knowingly and openly and are otherwise law-abiding citizens.
(D) Although otherwise law-abiding citizens, many drivers, however, violate traffic laws knowingly and openly.
(E) Many drivers which violate traffic laws knowingly and openly are in other respects law-abiding citizens.


(from the October 17, 1998 test)

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A major problem with the sentence is that it is a run-on sentence. The two independent clauses are improperly joined by a comma. Choice B correctly subordinates one of the clauses and avoids the redundancy and wrong choice of relative pronoun marring some of the other choices.

question 8 of 13

[NOTE: Boldface replaces underlining in the sample question below.]
Certain shipwrecks have a particular fascination for those people which have a belief in finding the treasure in them.

(A) which have a belief in finding the treasure in them
(B) that belief there is treasure to be found in them
(C) who believe they hold treasure and that they can find it
(D) who believe that there is treasure to be found in them
(E) who believe about treasure to be found in them


(from the October 20, 1998 test)

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: This sentence is awkward as written, and the pronoun "which" is the wrong relative pronoun to refer to "people" (the antecedent of pronoun in this sentence). Choice (D) uses the correct pronoun "who" and more effectively than the other choices states the characteristics of people who are fascinated by shipwrecks. The correct sentence reads: Certain shipwrecks have a particular fascination for those people who believe that there is treasure to be found in them.

[NOTE: Boldface replaces underlining in the sample question below.]
The revolt against Victorianism was perhaps even more marked in poetry than either fiction or drama.

(A) either fiction or drama
(B) either fiction or in drama
(C) either in fiction or drama
(D) in either fiction or drama
(E) in either fiction or in drama


(from the October 20, 1998 test)