1

quantitative ability, data interpretation and English multiple type questions. English : Comprehension of passage ( Poems can also come). Verbal Reasoning, Syllogisms , Contextual usage, Analogies, Antonyms, Fill In the Blanks, Jumbled paragraphs with 4 or 5 sentences, Jumbled paragraphs (6 sentences with first and last fixed), Sentence Correction, Foreign language words used in English, Sentence completion, Sentence correction, odd man out, idioms, one word substitution, Different usage of same word etc. SAT The format of the SAT test contains three primary sections--critical reading, mathematics, and writing. These three primary sections are further split into a total of ten subsections, including three multiple-choice critical reading sections, two multiple-choice mathematics sections, a multiple-choice and "grid-in" mathematics section, three multiple-choice writing sections, and one essay section.

The essay section of the exam is always administered as the first part of the exam. However, the other nine sections of the exam can appear in any order, and the order in which they appear varies depending on the specific form of the exam that the individual has received. In addition, one of the multiple-choice and/or grid-in sections of the exam is an experimental section that will not be scored. Each individual has 10-25 minutes to complete each subsection of the exam. The individual is given different amounts of time for each section. The exam can appear in a variety of different forms and there will be several different forms at each testing center. However, the test sessions are organized so that everyone will complete a 25-minute section, a 20-minute section, or a 10minute section at the same time, making it easy to enforce time limits for each. On average, an individual will spend approximately five hours in the testing center. Each exam-taker will have a total of three hours and 45 minutes to complete the exam. There is additional time for breaks, registration check-in, and other similar activities. The questions included in each multiple-choice section, with the exception of the readingcomprehension questions, are structured according to level of difficulty. The easiest questions appear first and the questions become more difficult as the exam-taker progresses through the section. The reading-comprehension questions included on the exam are not organized based on the difficulty of each question, but are instead organized in chronological order based on which section of the paragraph the question is related to. For example, a question related to the second sentence of a specific paragraph will appear before a question related to the fifth sentence of that particular paragraph. The exam-taker will receive a section score for each section of the SAT Reasoning Test, two subscores for the writing section of the SAT Reasoning Test, and a total combined score for the exam. The critical reading, mathematics, and writing sections of the SAT are each individually scored on a scale of 200 - 800.

The SAT scores for the critical reading and mathematics sections of the exam are each determined by adding one point to the total raw score for each correct answer, subtracting of a point for each incorrect multiple-choice answer, and then weighting that score based on the specific format of the test that the individual received. The writing section of the exam, on the other hand, will receive two subscores that are then factored into the total scaled score. The essay portion of the writing section is scored on a scale of

2
1 - 6 by two separate readers. Each score is then combined to obtain a subscore for the essay portion on a scale of 2 - 12. The SAT scores for the multiple-choice portion of the writing section is determined by adding one point to the total raw score for each correct answer, subtracting of a point for each incorrect answer, and then weighting the score based on the specific form of the test to obtain a subscore on a scale of 20 - 80. The essay subscore is then weighted to account for 30% of the writing section's total score and the multiple-choice subscore is weighted to account for 70% of the writing section's total score. The exam-taker will also receive a total combined score for the exam on a scale of 600 - 2400. This SAT score is determined by adding the scores for the critical reading, mathematics, and writing sections of the exam together. The combined score is the score that most undergraduate programs will focus on, but some programs will focus on the individual's section scores as well. The average combined score for the SAT is usually around 1510 - 1520, but most test scores range from 1200 - 1900. The exam-taker will receive his or her SAT scores by mail, but he or she may choose to check his or her test scores online or by phone prior to receiving the report. Online and phone test scores are usually available within 20 days of the testing date and paper reports are usually mailed out within a month of the testing date. SAT Writing Section: he SAT writing section is designed to evaluate the individual's knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure, and language flow, as well as evaluate the individual's writing ability. The SAT Writing section consists of an essay question and 49 multiple-choice questions. The multiple-choice questions include 25 questions related to sentence improvement, 18 questions related to sentence error identification, and 6 questions related to paragraph improvement. The multiple-choice questions included in this section of the exam relate to subtopics such as correcting grammatical mistakes, improving sentence flow by repositioning sentences within a paragraph, correcting or improving sentence structure, identifying mistakes in language usage, and clarifying and/or linking ideas with transitional words and phrases. The essay portion of the SAT writing section of the exam presents the individual with a specific issue that the individual must write an essay about. The writing prompt will challenge the test taker with a controversial or multi-faceted issue. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer to the question; the writer is expected to address the important sides of the issue in question and to organize the arguments in a logical and coherent fashion with language suitable to the topic. The individual will be asked to analyze the issue, offer his or her opinion on the particular issue, and offer examples and other support for his or her view of the particular issue. Because there is no "correct" answer, the individual will be scored on his or her ability to analyze the issue and defend his or her point of view on the subject. Performance scores will increase for those individuals who can express complex arguments with logic and clarity and who use language concepts with a high degree of skill. Vocabulary skills are part of the scoring criteria but should by no means be over emphasized. The appropriate word is always better than the hyperbolic or extraneous word; clarity is preferred to excessive or confusing verbiage. The essay portion of the SAT writing section of the exam may introduce a wide variety of topics. However, the writing prompt does not assume the writer to have specialized technical writing information. A controversial medical issue presented on the exam will not require an extensive medical background, for example, but the writer is expected to analyze and delineate conflicting facets of the issue on the basis of information provided in the prompt. Likewise, it's not necessary to be a lawyer to write about current and contemporary conflicts regarding 1st or 2nd Amendment constitutional interpretations. In other words, the individual taking the exam does not need to demonstrate significant knowledge of a specific topic, but instead must show his or her ability to structure an essay that can integrate particular points of view and then formulate a logical, articulate, and clear written presentation of the argument. SAT Sample Questions from SATPREPHELP.COM.

3
1. Choose the words that best complete the following sentence: The peasants refused to __ to the kings forces as they prepared to __ themselves on the surrounding hillside for the long battle ahead. (A) frolicshade (B) capitulateentrench (C) cantcastigate (D) surrendercensor (E) defraydivulge 2. Choose the word that best completes the following sentence: The king was forced to __ his throne in order to prevent a bloody civil war. (A) pilfer (B) rend (C) abrade (D) abdicate (E) defenestrate 3. Choose the words that best complete the following sentence: The king __ from the kingdom aboard a __. (A) absconded..privateer (B) propelled..cur (C) scampered..conscript (D) converged..ship (E) maneuvered..mongrel 4. William Shakespeare is often considered to be one of the greatest playwrights of all time. In fact, it is usually difficult to find an individual who is not familiar with at least one of his works, as almost everyone has heard of Hamlet, Macbeth, or Romeo and Juliet. However, even though most people recognize Shakespeare as a legendary playwright, many forget that he was a talented poet as well. Shakespeare wrote over 150 sonnets during his lifetime. The sonnets of Shakespeare mused upon a variety of topics including love, death, and time. Most of Shakespeares sonnets center around three unnamed characters, who are often referred to as the Dark Lady, the Fair Youth, and the Rival Poet. The main topic of this passage is that: (A) Shakespeare was a famous playwright (B) Shakespeare wrote a number of comedies (C) everyone has heard of Shakespeare (D) Shakespeare writes about love, death, and time (E) Shakespeare was not only a playwright, but a poet as well 5. William Shakespeare is often considered to be one of the greatest playwrights of all time. In fact, it is usually difficult to find an individual who is not familiar with at least one of his works, as almost everyone has heard of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. However, even though most people recognize Shakespeare as a legendary playwright, many forget that he was a talented poet as well. Shakespeare wrote over a 150 sonnets during his lifetime on a variety of topics including love, death, and time. Most of Shakespeares sonnets center around three unnamed characters, who are often referred to as the Dark Lady, the Fair Youth, and the Rival Poet. The tone of this passage is: (A) depressed/negative (B) serious/neutral (C) ironic (D) positive bias towards the topic (E) formal 6. William Shakespeare is often considered to be one of the greatest playwrights of all time. In fact, it is usually difficult to find an individual who is not familiar with at least one of his works, as almost everyone has heard of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. However, even though most people recognize Shakespeare as a legendary

4
playwright, many forget that he was also a talented poet. Shakespeare wrote over a 150 sonnets during his lifetime on a variety of topics including love, death, and time. Most of Shakespeares sonnets center around three unnamed characters, who are often referred to as the Dark Lady, the Fair Youth, and the Rival Poet. According to the passage, William Shakespeare wrote the following plays: (A) Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet (B) The Dark Lady, The Fair Youth, and The Rival Poet (C) Doctor Faustus, The Fair Youth, and The Rival Poet (D) Love, Death, and Time (E) None of the above 7. William Shakespeare is often considered to be one of the greatest playwrights of all time. In fact, it is usually difficult to find an individual who is not familiar with at least one of his works. Almost everyone has heard of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. However, even though most people recognize Shakespeare as a legendary playwright, many forget that he was a talented poet as well. In fact, Shakespeare wrote over a 150 sonnets during his lifetime. The sonnets of Shakespeare mused upon a variety of topics including love, death, and time. Most of Shakespeares sonnets center around three unnamed characters, who are often referred to as the Dark Lady, the Fair Youth, and the Rival Poet. According to the passage, the characters that Shakespeare commonly described in his poems are usually referred to as: (A) Hamlet and Macbeth (B) Romeo and Juliet (C) Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo, and Juliet (D) The Dark Lady, the Fair Youth, and the Rival Poet (E) Doctor Faustus 8. Poker is a card game that consists of a number of specific card combinations that are each ranked based on the difficulty associated with obtaining each particular combination. In other words, each player receives a certain number of cards and the value of each players hand can be determined based on the specific combination of cards that the player has received and the probability that he or she could receive a similar combination at another time. The specific combinations that are ranked in poker in order from the least valuable hand to the most valuable hand are as follows: high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush. This passage is primarily discussing: (A) how the game of poker works (B) what a straight flush is (C) what the most valuable hands in poker are (D) the history of poker (E) popular card games that everybody plays 9. Poker is a card game that consists of a number of specific card combinations that are each ranked based on the difficulty associated with obtaining each particular combination. In other words, each player receives a certain number of cards and the value of each players hand can be determined based on the specific combination of cards that the player has received and the probability that he or she could receive a similar combination at another time. The specific combinations that are ranked in poker in order from the least valuable hand to the most valuable hand are as follows: high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush. The tone of this passage is: (A) depressed/negative (B) serious/neutral (C) ironic (D) positive bias towards the topic

5
(E) informal 10. Poker is a card game that consists of a number of specific card combinations that are each ranked based on the difficulty associated with obtaining each particular combination. In other words, each player receives a certain number of cards and the value of each players hand can be determined based on the specific combination of cards that the player has received and the probability that he or she could receive a similar combination at another time. The specific combinations that are ranked in poker in order from the least valuable to the most valuable hand are as follows: high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush. According to the passage, each hand in poker is ranked based on: (A) how many cards you have (B) how many cards are of the same suit (C) how many cards match (D) the difficulty associated with getting each hand (E) the color of each card in the hand 11. Poker is a card game that consists of a number of specific card combinations that are each ranked based on the difficulty associated with obtaining each particular combination. In other words, each player receives a certain number of cards and the value of each players hand can be determined based on the specific combination of cards that the player has received and the probability that he or she could receive a similar combination at another time. The specific combinations that are ranked in poker in order from the least valuable to the most valuable hand are as follows: high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush. According to the passage, a flush is: (A) better than a straight flush (B) worse than a straight (C) the best hand in poker (D) not a hand in poker (E) is better than a straight 12. There is a great deal of debate regarding exactly where the game of poker originally came from. However, even though the exact origins of the game are unknown, it is difficult to dispute the fact that poker has been a popular card game for hundreds of years and its popularity has only increased as time has passed. In fact, a myriad of different poker variations have developed as a result of the increasing popularity of the game. Variations such as five-card draw, Texas hold 'em, seven-card stud, and Omaha high/low are commonly played in casinos and homes throughout the world today. Based on the context in which it appears, the word myriad probably means/refers to: (A) a large indefinite number (B) a small insignificant number (C) a specific small number (D) a swamp (E) a collection of five III. SAT Answer Key 1. The correct answer is (B), as the sentence should read The peasants refused to capitulate to the kings forces as they prepared to entrench themselves on the surrounding hillside for the long battle ahead. All of the other choices are incorrect because at least one word in each choice does not make sense when placed into the sentence. (A) is incorrect because the term frolic means "to play," which does not make sense in the context of the sentence. (C) is incorrect because the term cant means "to whine" and the term castigate means "to reprimand," so neither of these words makes sense in this particular sentence. (D) is incorrect because the term censor means "to edit or excise" and

6
so does not fit in this particular sentence, and (E) is incorrect because the term defray means "to pay" and the term divulge means "to reveal," so these words do not make sense in this sentence. 2. The correct answer is (D), as the sentence should read: The king was forced to abdicate his throne in order to prevent a bloody civil war. All of the other choices are incorrect because they do not make sense in this sentence. (A) is incorrect because the term pilfer means "to steal," which doesnt make sense because the king probably didnt steal his own throne. (B) is incorrect because the term rend means "to tear or rip," which doesnt make sense because the king probably didnt tear his own throne apart. (C) is incorrect because the term abrade means "to scrape," and the king probably didnt scrape his throne in order to prevent a war. Finally, (E) is incorrect because the term defenestrate means to throw out a window, and it is safe to probably assume that throwing a throne out a window has nothing to do with preventing a civil war. 3. The correct answer is (A), as the sentence should read The king absconded from the kingdom aboard a privateer. All of the other choices are incorrect because they do not make sense in this particular sentence. (B) is incorrect because the term propel means "to push" and the term cur refers to "a worthless dog or a cowardly person," and the king probably didnt push from the kingdom and then climb aboard a dog or a coward. (C) is incorrect because the term conscript refers to "an enlisted soldier" and the king probably didnt scamper away on the back of a soldier. (D) is incorrect because the term converge means "to meet or move towards," rather than move away from, so it does not fit the sentence. Finally, (E) is incorrect because the term mongrel refers to "a dog that is of a mixed breed," and it is probably safe to assume that the king did not make his way from the kingdom on a dog. 4. The correct answer is (E), as the main topic of the passage is that Shakespeare was not only a playwright, but a poet as well. It may seem, at first, that this passage is talking about Shakespeares plays or the fact that he is a renowned playwright. Indeed, the first sentence, a typical introductory sentence, explains that Shakespeare is a legendary playwright while the second sentence identifies some of his most famous works. But Shakespeares most famous works are not actually the main topics in this particular passage, because the rest of the passage describes Shakespeares poetry rather than his plays. As a result, the main topic of the passage is identified in the third sentence by the phrase even though most people recognize Shakespeare as a legendary playwright, many people forget that he was also a talented poet as well. 5. The correct answer is (D), as the passage has a positive bias towards the topic. In other words, the author of the passage is attempting to convey his opinion that Shakespeare was a great playwright and a great poet rather than simply providing the facts related to Shakespeares plays and poems. You can see this in the passage because of words such as legendary and talented, as each of these words suggests that the author believes Shakespeares level of skill is far beyond that of other individuals. If the passage did not contain these words and if it focused solely on the facts related to Shakespeares writing, it would have a neutral tone. On the other hand, if the passage focused solely on Shakespeares flaws and/or presented a negative opinion of Shakespeare, the passage would have a negative tone. However, since the passage seems to indicate a positive view of Shakespeare, the passage has a positive tone. 6. The correct answer is (A), as the passage states that Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. (B), (D), and (E) are incorrect because they each describe characters or topics that Shakespeare wrote about in his poetry and do not offer the specific names of his actual plays. (C) is incorrect for two reasons. First, according to the passage, the Fair Youth and the Rival Poet are characters that Shakespeare described in his poems and are not the titles of any of his plays. Secondly, Doctor Faustus is truly a play, but it is not mentioned in the passage, and Christopher Marlowe wrote it, not William Shakespeare. 7. The correct answer is (D), as the three characters who are commonly described within

7
Shakespeares poetry are often referred to as the Dark Lady, the Fair Youth, and Rival Poet. (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect because they each describe the titles and title characters of Shakespeares plays. Those were not the characters that appeared repeatedly in his poems. (C) is also incorrect for this question because Doctor Faustus is never mentioned in the passage and is, in fact, the title and title character of a work by Christopher Marlowe rather than a character in one of Shakespeares poems. 8. The correct answer is (A), since the passage discusses how the game of poker works. This is because the majority of the passage is related to the basic idea behind the game of poker. It may appear that (C) is also correct because the passage lists the various hands in the game of poker and relates how those hands compare with other hands. However, the passage is not discussing which hands are the most valuable, but rather the basics of how the game works. Therefore, (C) is incorrect for this passage. The remaining choices are also incorrect because while they each describe topics that are similar to or related to what is covered in the passage, they do not describe what the passage is actually about. 9. The correct answer is (B), as the passage has a serious or neutral tone. In other words, this passage is simply stating the facts related to a specific topic, which in this case is the game of poker. Rather than presenting a specific viewpoint, the passage merely provides an objective description of the game. Paragraphs or passages that present a series of facts will usually be neutral as long as the paragraph has an objective narrative and does not present a specific side or defend a particular view on the topic. As a result, this passage has a neutral tone because it is not biased towards a particular opinion or view. However, if this passage attempted to prove a particular claim about the game of poker instead of stating something that is an undisputable fact about the game, it is likely that the passage would have a negative or positive tone instead of a neutral tone. 10. The correct answer is (D), as the passage states that each hand is ranked based on the degree of probability associated with getting each hand. This fact is stated twice within the passage. It is stated in the first sentence of the passage and then stated again in the second sentence of the passage. (A), (B), (C), and (E) are all incorrect because the passage never mentions any of those ranking hierarchies. In fact, (A) and (E) have nothing to do with the game of poker, since each player will always have the same number of cards and since the color of the cards is not taken into consideration when determining hands or the value of a hand. (B) and (C) play a role in determining which hand a player has, but they do not necessarily play a role in determining the rank of each hand, so they are also incorrect for this question. 11. The correct answer is (E), as the passage states that a flush is better than a straight. According to the poker hand hierarchy in the passage, a flush is better than a high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, and a straight. As a result, (B) and (D) are incorrect. Again, the passage makes it clear that a flush is a specific composite type of poker hand and that a flush beats a straight. The passage also informs us that a full house, four of a kind, a straight flush, and a royal flush are all ranked higher than a flush. This rules out (A). (C) is incorrect as well, as a flush is not the best hand in poker; the passage explains that a royal flush is the best hand that a poker player can have. 12. The correct answer is (A), as the word myriad refers to a large indefinite number" of poker game types. If the test-taker does not recognize the word myriad, it may be possible to derive the meaning by eliminating the incorrect choices. You can eliminate (B) and (C) because the sentence states that there are a myriad of different poker variationsas a result of the increasing popularity of the game. Since the popularity of the game has been increasing, it may be expected that the number of poker game variations might also increase. It will logically follow that there would be a number of different variations of the game rather than a smaller or diminishing number of variations of the game of poker. Likewise, you can eliminate (B) and (D) because they do not make sense within the context of the sentence. The sentence is definitely not discussing a swamp, and the word swamp is not part of the poker terminology used in the paragraph. Finally, there is no indication that the sentence is talking about a collection of five variations, so these latter two choices are incorrect.

SAT Writing Section - Sentence-Improvement Questions: The SAT writing section consists of three primary types of multiple-choice questions, including sentence-improvement questions, sentenceerror-identification questions, and paragraph-improvement questions. The SAT writing section includes 25 sentence-improvement questions. The sentence-improvement questions are designed to assess an individual's ability to identify and correct problems with the way that a sentence is structured or the way that words or punctuation are used within the sentence. Each of these questions will present the exam-taker with a sentence that has all or part of the sentence underlined, and the individual will have to choose the phrasing that makes the sentence as clear and concise as possible from the choices available. For example, a question might present an individual with the following sentence: I was concerned about the test beforehand; but now I am pretty sure that I did well. In this case, the individual will have to identify the choice that corrects the structure or usage problem in the underlined portion of the sentence (if there is a problem). The choices for correcting the sentence in this particular example might include: a) about the test beforehand; but now I am b) about the test beforehand, but now I am c) with the test beforehand; but now I am d) about the test beforehand, however now I am e) that the test was beforehand; but now I am The answer for this example would be (B), as the problem in this sentence is that a semicolon cannot be used with a coordinating conjunction such as the word "but." As a result, replacing the semicolon with a comma will correct the sentence. It may appear that (D) is also correct, as it replaces the semicolon with a comma. However, (D) is incorrect because the word however is not a coordinating conjunction, and so the comma alone is not enough. The other choices are also incorrect. (A) simply repeats the form that the sentence already had, (C) ignores the problem by simply changing the word "about" to "with," and (E) not only ignores the problem within the sentence, but also changes the meaning of the phrase so that the sentence no longer makes sense.

SAT Writing Section - Sentence-Error-Identification Questions The SAT writing section includes 18 sentence-error-identification questions. The sentence-erroridentification questions are designed to assess an individual's ability to identify grammatical mistakes within a sentence and/or mistakes with the way that a particular word or group of words is used within a sentence. Each of these questions will present the exam-taker with a sentence that has 4 parts of the sentence underlined; the individual will have to identify the underlined part that is incorrect or choose the "no error" option. For example, a question might present an individual with this sentence: He was very (A) concerned that he had (B) performed poorly on the (C) SAT, buthe was (D) pleasant surprised when he received his scores. (E) No error To answer, the individual would have to identify the choice that is incorrect within the sentence or choose (E) if the sentence is correct. The answer for this example is (D), as the adjective pleasant should be replaced with the adverb pleasantly. (A), (B), and (C) are written correctly so they are not the correct choices for this particular example. (E) is also incorrect because there is a mistake within the sentence. The mistake in this example is relatively obvious and many of the sentence-error-identification questions on the SAT writing section of the exam will have mistakes that are more difficult to identify. Each question will always require the exam-taker to identify similar mistakes in order to choose the correct answer. SAT Writing Section - Error-Identification Question Testing Tips: The SAT writing section is designed to test an individual's English language skills. In order to evaluate these skills, the erroridentification questions in the writing section are specifically designed to evaluate an individual's ability to identify mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and word usage. However, there are certain key concepts about the error-identification questions to keep in mind that may make them easier to answer. First, it is always a good idea to read the sentence associated with each error-identification question before reading the answers. This is because you may be able to identify the error in the sentence simply by reading the sentence quickly. This is especially important for this section of the exam because you are only attempting to identify a single error in each sentence. Once you determine the error, you also determine the answer. Second, it is important to realize that (E) will always be the "no error" option so you should focus on determining if one of the other four choices identifies an error within the sentence before choosing (E). In other words, you should only choose (E) if all of the other choices are incorrect and the sentence as a whole appears to be correct. This does not necessarily mean that you should never choose (E). It merely means that that you should be very careful about choosing your answer, because some of the sentences on the exam may have no errors, while other sentences may have very subtle errors. Finally, if you are having difficulty identifying an error in the sentence, but the sentence just doesn't look or sound right, try reading each underlined section and the words immediately before and after the underlined section. These "signal" words will often provide clues to make it easier for you to find the error. You should also try reading the words immediately before and after a punctuation mark, because the type of word used may signal whether or not the punctuation mark is appropriate to the meaning of the sentence or paragraph.
If there is an error in the following sentence, identify the error by choosing the letter associated with the underlined section that is incorrect. If there is no error, choose option E. 1.The captain and his crew (A) sailed across the ocean (B) in an attempt to flee the mayhem (C) taking place in (D) his homeland.

10
2. The captain and (A) me have been friends for a long time (B) so it was easy for (C) me to get (D) aboard the ship. (E) No error 3. The captain was waiting (A) on the shore for Sarah and (B) I for over an hour and he (C)was just preparing to leave (D) when we arrived. (E) No error 4. (A) just met the (B) captain's first mate and I (C) cant believe (D) that he is that tall. (E)No error 5. (A) As the ship left the (B) dock, I stood (C) and stared (D) at the shore intently. (E) No error 6. (A) Its a fine (B) ship and I'm certain (C) that it will (D) get us to our destination safely. SAT Prep Help Sentence Improvement Sample Questions1. Choose the phrasing that creates the most effective version of the underlined portion of the following sentence: The captain ordered his men to sail through the storm, his men obeyed. (A) his men to sail through the storm, his men obeyed. (B) his men to sail through the storm, however his men obeyed. (C) his men to sail through the storm and his men obeyed. (D) their men to sail through the storm and their men obeyed. (E) his men sail through the storm, which he did. 2. Choose the phrasing that creates the most effective version of the underlined portion of the following sentence: The giant waves rocked the ship back and forth; but the ship made it through the storm unharmed. (A) rocked the ship back and forth; but the ship made it through (B) rocked the ship back and forth; and the ship made it through (C) rocked the ship back and forth, the ship made it through (D) rocked the ship back and forth, but the ship made it through (E) rocked the ship; but the ship made it through If the ship had arrived a day earlier, it would have missed the storm entirely. (A) had arrived a day earlier, it would have missed the storm entirely. (B) had arrived a day earlier and it would have missed the storm entirely. (C) had arrived a day earlier it would have missed the storm entirely. (D) had arrived a day earlier it would have missed the storm. (E) arrived a day earlier it would have missed the storm. 4.The rocks on the shore were hit by the ship as it approached the island. (A) The rocks on the shore were hit by the ship as it approached the island. (B) The rocks on the shore were hit by the ship as the ship approached the island. (C) The ship was hit by the rocks on the shore as it approached the island. (D) The ship hit the island as the ship approached the rocks. (E) As the ship approached the island, it hit the rocks on the e. 5. Jay used to sail with the captain every day, and then he goes out with the captain afterwards. (A) used to sail with the captain every day, and then he goes out (B) used to sail with the captain every day, but then he goes out

11
(C) used to sail with the captain every day and then goes out (D) used to sail with the captain every day, but now he just goes out (E) used to sail with the captain every day and then they go out 6.The ship was known as the Raptor a name that struck fear into the hearts of people everywhere. (A) as the Raptor a name that struck fear into the hearts of people everywhere. (B) as the Raptor, and that name struck fear into the hearts of people everywhere. (C) by a name that struck fear into the hearts of people everywhere. (D) as the Raptor and it struck fear into the hearts of people everywhere. (E) as a name that struck fear into the hearts of people everywhere.

SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT 1. Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a singular verb. Example: My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today. 2. Two singular subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor require a singular verb as in . Examples: Neither Juan nor Carmen is available. Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations. . 3. When I is one of the two subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor, put it second and follow it with the singular verb am. Example: Neither she nor I am going to the festival. . 4. When a singular subject is connected by or or nor to a plural subject, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Example: The serving bowl or the plates go on that shelf. . 5. When a singular and plural subject are connected by either/or or neither/nor, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Example: Neither Jenny nor the others are available. . 6. As a general ., use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and. Example: A car and a bike are my means of transportation.

. 7. Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as, besides, or not. Ignore these expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb. Examples: The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly. Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking. . 8. The pronouns each, everyone, every one, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows of. Examples: Each of the girls sings well. Every one of the cakes is gone.

12 NOTE: Everyone is one word when it means everybody. Every one is two words when the meaning is each one. . 9. With words that indicate portionspercent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder, and so forth look at the noun in your of phrase (object of the preposition) to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. If the object of the preposition is singular, use a singular verb. If the object of the preposition is plural, use a plural verb. Examples: Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared. Pie is the object of the preposition of. Fifty percent of the pies have disappeared. Pies is the object of the preposition. One-third of the city is unemployed. One-third of the people are unemployed. NOTE: Hyphenate all spelled-out fractions. All of the pie is gone. All of the pies are gone. Some of the pie is missing. Some of the pies are missing. None of the garbage was picked up. None of the sentences were punctuated correctly. Of all her books, none have sold as well as the first one. NOTE: Apparently, the SAT testing service considers none as a singular word only. However, according to Merriam Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, "Clearly none has been both singular and plural since Old English and still is. The notion that it is singular only is a myth of unknown origin that appears to have arisen in the 19th century. If in context it seems like a singular to you, use a singular verb; if it seems like a plural, use a plural verb. Both are acceptable beyond serious criticism" (p. 664). . 10. The expression the number is followed by a singular verb while the expression a number is followed by a plural verb. Examples: The number of people we need to hire is thirteen. A number of people have written in about this subject. . 11. When either and neither are subjects, they always take singular verbs. Examples: Neither of them is available to speak right now. Either of us is capable of doing the job. . 12. The words here and there have generally been labeled as adverbs even though they indicate place. In sentences beginning with here or there, the subject follows the verb. Examples: There are four hurdles to jump. There is a high hurdle to jump. . 13. Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time. Examples: Ten dollars is a high price to pay. Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.

13

. 14. Sometimes the pronoun who, that, or which is the subject of a verb in the middle of the sentence. The pronouns who, that, and which become singular or plural according to the noun directly in front of them. So, if that noun is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb. Examples: Salma is the scientist who writes/write the reports. The word in front of who is scientist, which is singular. Therefore, use the singular verb writes. He is one of the men who does/do the work. The word in front of who is men, which is plural. Therefore, use the plural verb do. . 15. Collective nouns such as team and staff may be either singular or plural depending on their use in the sentence. Examples: The staff is in a meeting. Staff is acting as a unit here. The staff are in disagreement about the findings. The staff are acting as separate individuals in this example. The sentence would read even better as: The staff members are in disagreement about the findings 16. The pronouns some, any, none, all, and most may be either singular or plural. Examples: Some of the cake was eaten. All of the contestants were present. 17. When a sentence has two or more subjects joined by or or nor, choose a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it. Examples: Fudge or cookies are a good choice for dessert. Neither Tammy nor her sister likes to travel. 18. Collective nouns such as team, family, jury, faculty, and committee are singular when considered as a unit. These will take a verb with an -s ending. Examples: My family drives to California each year. The faculty recommends that the new handbook be approved. If individual members or parts of a group are considered separate, a plural verb without an s is needed. Examples: The dance team buy their own costumes. The Honor Society compete in the math competition. A collective noun takes a singular verb when the group is regarded as one unit. But a collective noun takes a plural verb when emphasis is placed on the individual members of the group; that is, the individual members of the group are acting separately. Examples: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) The audience was clapping. (together) The audience were arriving. (separately) The committee are unable to agree on a date for the convocation. (separately) The committee is meeting today. (together)

14 9. When every or many a comes before a subject, the verb should have an -s ending. Examples: Every man, woman and child remembers that cold winter. Many a woman chooses motherhood over a career. 10. There and here are never subjects when they appear at the beginning of a sentence. The subject will come later in the sentence. Make certain to identify the correct word as the subject before choosing a verb. Examples: There is the jacket I lost. Here are the library books you needed. Often the subject of a sentence will be delayed. The subject may come after the verb or after a prepositional phrase. Examples: Through the gate ran the champion horses of the Kentucky Derby. In the pond swim five large ducks. Subject/ Verb Agreement II: Delayed Subjects Often, the subject of a sentence will come after the verb. A simple way to identify the subject is as follows: 1. First identify the verb 2. Then ask the question "Who or what...?" These steps may help you select the subject of most sentences. Other points to remember: The subject is never within a prepositional phrase. To find the subject of a question, turn the question into a statement. The words there and here are never the subjects. In the following sentences, underline the subject once and the verb twice. Check to see if the subject and verb agree. If not, change the verb to agree with the subject. 1. There are many unverified legends about the life of Benjamin Franklin. 2. In the science building hangs the new projector screens. 3. There is almost seven million volumes in the Library of Congress. 4. How much is these bananas? 5. Where are Mary's brothers? 6. There is the socks you bought for soccer practice. 7. There was thousands of people at the parade. 8. In the small pond swims four large fish. 9. There's no one left in the room. 10. In later life comes great wisdom. 11. There is a ninety percent chance of rain in today's forecast. 12. Theres three finalists in the speech competition. 13. From the horizon comes an eerie, shimmering light. 14. Near the barn stands two old oak trees. 15. When is Christmas holidays scheduled on the school calendar?Subject/ Verb Agreement III--Compound Subjects When two or more subjects are joined by a conjunction, the result is a compound subject. A compound subject joined by the conjunction and is usually plural and therefore requires a verb that does not end in s. Examples: The house and the barn belong to Sam's family. A slice of toast and a glass of juice are on the table.

15 When two or more subjects are joined by the conjunction or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is closer to it (usually the second subject). Exercise One: In each sentence below, underline the verb that agrees with the subject. 1. Ben and Pete (want, wants) to buy a new computer. 2. The color and style (is, are) important to most teenagers. 3. The price or warranty (is, are) not as important as other factors. 4. Neither a new television nor stereo (interest, interests) Ben and Pete. 5. A large monitor and quality sound (impress, impresses) them. 6. The manager and sales clerk (try, tries) to convince them to buy an expensive model. 7. Neither Ben nor Pete (want, wants) to make a rush decision about the computer. 8. Video editing and computer graphics (provide, provides) new possibilities for the user. 9. Most people know when a computer system or program (work, works) properly, and they can usually do minor repairs themselves. 10. A computer course and a reference guide (is, are) necessary for serious users. 11. A new keyboard or mouse (attract, attracts) those interested in upgrading their systems. 12. The sales clerk or the parents (select, selects) age-appropriate computer games for children. 13. Neither the directions on the package nor the brochure (explain, explains) how to play the game. 14. Both the hard drive and the software installed on our old computer (is, are) damaged.Exceptions: Though subjects joined by and are usually considered plural, there are two exceptions to this rule. Exception One: When the two subjects are really naming one person or thing, the subject is singular and the verb should end in s. Macaroni and cheese is my favorite food. The librarian and reading teacher is Mrs. Jones. Exception Two: When the word every precedes a compound subject, it makes that subject singular, and the verb should end in s. Every dog and cat has been vaccinated. When two subjects (a compound subject) refer to the same thing or is thought of as a single idea or a unit, a singular verb is used. Examples: (i) (ii) (iii) Macaroni and cheese is her favorite dish. Rice and stew sounds delicious. Bread and butter is a snack that is easy to prepare.

Some nouns are plural in form but are singular in meaning and therefore take singular verbs. Examples: (i) The United Nations has its headquarters (ii) Economics is an interesting subject. (iii) The sports news was aired an hour ago. in New York.

When singular subjects are joined by not only but also, neither nor, either or, the verb is in the singular. Example:

16

(i) (ii) (iii)

Not only the governor but also his wife was present at the rally. Either the teacher or the class representative is expected to attend the meeting. Neither the boy nor his father has eaten.

Exercise Two: In each sentence below, underline the verb that agrees with the subject. 1. (Does, Do) every boy and girl in kindergarten visit the museum? 2. Clowns and fools, as well as heroes, (appear, appears) in many of Shakespeare's plays. 3. Either the plaintiff or the defendant (has, have) changed his mind about the suit. 4. Neither the President nor his family members (was, were) safe. 5. Fish and chips (is, are) a specialty of local restaurants. 6. Every dog and cat (is, are) required to wear a tag certifying that it has been vaccinated. 7. The cook and housekeeper (is, are) paid a larger salary than the gardener because of the extra requirements of her job. 8. Rain, snow, or fog (is, are) hazardous to beginning drivers. 9. (Do, Does) dogs and monkeys have the ability to think? 10. Both Jane and her brother (like, likes) riding horses.Subject-Verb Agreement Some of the sentences in the following passage have errors in subject-verb agreement. Draw a line through each faulty verb and write the correct form above it. 1 One of the symbols of our nation consist of sticks tied in a bundle. These sticks represent the individual states, and the bundle represent the United States. The symbol, like our flag, makes a statement. The symbol means "United we stand; divided we fall." The symbol and the statement comes from an old story, one of the fables told by an ancient Greek storyteller named Aesop. 2 In this story, a man have several sons who are always quarreling with one another. The father, with frequent admonitions, try to get the sons to stop their arguing and fighting. But nothing works. Finally, the father decide to give his sons a practical lesson in the effects of disunity. He ask them to bring him a bundle of sticks. Handing the bundle to each of his sons, he tells them to break it in two shorter pieces. Each of the sons try to break the bundle, but none of them are able to do so. There is too much strength when the sticks has been tied together. Next the father unties the bundle and hand a single stick to each of his sons and ask each son to break his stick. Of course, all of the sons is able to break the sticks easily. 3 The father then tell his sons, "You are like the sticks. If you are united like the bundle of sticks, you are strong enough to withstand any attacks from enemies. But if there is quarreling and fighting among you, your enemies will be able to defeat you easily." The motto of the United States mean the same thing. The individual states become strong when they are united, but if they try to stand alone, they can be picked off one by one.

17 1. Subjects and verbs must agree in number. This is the cornerstone rule that forms the background of the concept. The dog growls when he is angry. The dogs growl when they are angry. 2. Dont get confused by the words that come between the subject and verb; they do not affect agreement. The dog, who is chewing on my jeans, is usually very good. 3. Prepositional phrases between the subject and verb usually do not affect agreement. The colors of the rainbow are beautiful. 4. When sentences start with there or here, the subject will always be placed after the verb, so care needs to be taken to identify it correctly. There is a problem with the balance sheet.Here are the papers you requested. 5. Subjects don't always come before verbs in questions. Make sure you accurately identify the subject before deciding on the proper verb form to use. Does Lefty usually eat grass? Where are the pieces of this puzzle. 6. If two subjects are joined by and, they typically require a plural verb form. The cow and the pig are jumping over the moon. 7. The verb is singular if the two subjects separated by and refer to the same person or thing. Red beans and rice is my mom's favorite dish. 8. If one of the words each, every, or no comes before the subject, the verb is singular. No smoking or drinking is allowed.Every man and woman is required to check in. 9. If the subjects are both singular and are connected by the words or, nor, neither/nor, either/or, and not only/but also the verb is singular. Jessica or Christian is to blame for the accident. 10. The only time when the object of the preposition factors into the decision of plural or singular verb forms is when noun and pronoun subjects like some, half, none, more, all, etc. are followed by a prepositional phrase. In these sentences, the object of the preposition determines the form of the verb. All of the chicken is gone.All of the chickens are gone. 11. The singular verb form is usually used for units of measurement. Four quarts of oil was required to get the car running. 12. If the subjects are both plural and are connected by the words or, nor, neither/nor, either/or, and not only/but also, the verb is plural. Dogs and cats are both available at the pound. 13. If one subject is singular and one plural and the words are connected by the words or, nor, neither/nor, either/or, and not only/but also, you use the verb form of the subject that is nearest the verb. Either the bears or the lion has escaped from the zoo. Neither the lion nor the bears have escaped from the zoo. 14. Indefinite pronouns typically take singular verbs. Everybody wants to be loved. 15. * Except for the pronouns (few, many, several, both, all, some) that always take the plural form. Few were left alive after the flood. 16. If two infinitives are separated by and they take the plural form of the verb. To walk and to chew gum require great skill.

18 17. When gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence they take the singular verb form of the verb, but when they are linked by and they take the plural form. Standing in the water was a bad idea.Swimming in the ocean and playing drums are my hobbies. 18. Collective nouns like herd, senate, class, crowd, etc. usually take a singular verb form. The herd is stampeding. 19. Titles of books, movies, novels, etc. are treated as singular and take a singular verb. The Burbs is a movie starring Tom Hanks. Correct the italicized part of each sentence below: (i) Of the two schemes put forward by the government, I think this one is the most likely to succeed. (ii) (iv) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) She enjoys cooking, singing and to play the flute. Less candidates sat for the test this year. He lives besides me. The pipe bursted yesterday. Of the three bottles, this is the most little. The car appeared stationery.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Note: When adjectives follow each other in a sentence, you may be confused as to how to arrange them. For example, should you say:

He lives in a large old house. OR He lives in an old large house. Before you answer, you should understand that adjectives are usually arranged in front of a noun this way: 1. Amount: a/an, the, a few, ten, five, two

19 2. Evaluation: good, important, beautiful, interesting 3. Size: large, small, huge, gigantic 4. Shape/length: round, long, short, square 5. Age: young, old, new 6. Color: red, blue, yellow 7. Origin: African, Arab, German, English, Mexican 8. Material: cotton, wood, gold, metal, silver, bronze Noun Errors Explanation: Incorrect pluralization of uncountable nouns A number of nouns in English are uncountable - they have no plural form (-s). e.g. rain, oil, water, news, persuasion, beauty. 1 The 'Hong Kong Dot Com' website contains many useful informations about Hong Kong. 2 The Chek Lap Kok airport uses state of the art landing equipments. 3 Teachers should be useful in giving students advices about oral presentations. 4 Some educationalists are now beginning to think that Hong Kong students get too much homeworks. 5 The main point of a Ph.D. is to carry out original researches. Whether or not a noun is uncountable is determined by its meaning: an uncountable noun represents something which tends to be viewed as a whole or as a single entity, rather than as one of a number of items which can be counted as individual units. Singular verb forms are used with uncountable nouns. The indefinite articles a, an and numbers are not normally used with uncountable nouns, e.g. My grammar checker gave me a ( ) useful feedback. Please give me an ( ) information about how to access the library on the web. (The plural form some could, however, be used here - I need some information about..) There are several ways to express quantity for uncountable nouns, e.g. I read an ( ) interesting news this morning. an interesting item of news Could I borrow a ( ) paper to make notes? a sheet/a piece of paper Teachers should be able to give students a ( ) useful advices about oral presentations. some useful advice 2. Explanation: Incorrect singular use of plural nouns Some noun phrases can only be used in a plural form: 1 The 'Hong Kong Dot Com' website contains many useful informations about Hong Kong. 2 The Chek Lap Kok airport uses state of the art landing equipments. 3 Teachers should be useful in giving students advices about oral presentations. 4 Some educationalists are now beginning to think that Hong Kong students get too much homeworks. 5 The main point of a Ph.D. is to carry out original researches. 3. Explanation: Incorrect pluralization of uncountable nouns A number of nouns in English are uncountable - they have no plural form (-s). e.g. rain, oil, water, news, persuasion, beauty. 1 The 'Hong Kong Dot Com' website contains many useful informations about Hong Kong. 2 The Chek Lap Kok airport uses state of the art landing equipments. 3 Teachers should be useful in giving students advices about oral presentations. 4 Some educationalists are now beginning to think that Hong Kong students get too much homeworks. 5 The main point of a Ph.D. is to carry out original researches.

20

Whether or not a noun is uncountable is determined by its meaning: an uncountable noun represents something which tends to be viewed as a whole or as a single entity, rather than as one of a number of items which can be counted as individual units. Singular verb forms are used with uncountable nouns. The indefinite articles a, an and numbers are not normally used with uncountable nouns, e.g. My grammar checker gave me a ( ) useful feedback. Please give me an ( ) information about how to access the library on the web. (The plural form some could, however, be used here - I need some information about..) There are several ways to express quantity for uncountable nouns, e.g. I read an ( ) interesting news this morning. an interesting item of news Could I borrow a ( ) paper to make notes? a sheet/a piece of paper Teachers should be able to give students a ( ) useful advices about oral presentations. some useful advice 4. Explanation: Don't use Count determiners and adjectives directly in front of uncountable nouns Count determiners and adjectives - many, few, several, etc. - are not used with uncountable nouns, e.g. The KCR needs many ( ) equipment to make sure it runs safely. a lot of Fewer ( ) traffic would mean fewer ( ) pollution. less Be careful when using the following uncountable nouns since they seem to cause particular problems for students. accommodation; equipment; luggage; health; research; news; advice; homework; rubbish; baggage; information; technology; behaviour; knowledge; traffic 5. Explanation: Plural nouns - not ending in -s There are a number of plural nouns which cause problems because they do not end in s. Examples of these are media, data, bacteria, staff, public and people. Remember to use a plural verb form with such words, and not to add s. 6. Explanation: Don't use Count determiners and adjectives directly in front of uncountable nouns Count determiners and adjectives - many, few, several, etc. - are not used with uncountable nouns, e.g. The KCR needs many ( ) equipment to make sure it runs safely. a lot of Fewer ( ) traffic would mean fewer ( ) pollution. less Be careful when using the following uncountable nouns since they seem to cause particular problems for students. accommodation; equipment; luggage; health; research; news; advice; homework; rubbish; baggage; information; technology; behaviour; knowledge; traffic 7. Explanation: Incorrect pluralization of uncountable nouns A number of nouns in English are uncountable - they have no plural form (-s). e.g. rain, oil, water, news, persuasion, beauty. 1 The 'Hong Kong Dot Com' website contains many useful informations about Hong Kong. 2 The Chek Lap Kok airport uses state of the art landing equipments. 3 Teachers should be useful in giving students advices about oral presentations. 4 Some educationalists are now beginning to think that Hong Kong students get too much homeworks. 5 The main point of a Ph.D. is to carry out original researches.

21 Whether or not a noun is uncountable is determined by its meaning: an uncountable noun represents something which tends to be viewed as a whole or as a single entity, rather than as one of a number of items which can be counted as individual units. Singular verb forms are used with uncountable nouns. The indefinite articles a, an and numbers are not normally used with uncountable nouns, e.g. My grammar checker gave me a ( ) useful feedback. Please give me an ( ) information about how to access the library on the web. (The plural form some could, however, be used here - I need some information about..) There are several ways to express quantity for uncountable nouns, e.g. I read an ( ) interesting news this morning. an interesting item of news Could I borrow a ( ) paper to make notes? a sheet/a piece of paper Teachers should be able to give students a ( ) useful advices about oral presentations. some useful advice 8. Explanation: Making Generalizations If you are talking generally, use the plural form with countable nouns It would also be possible to use the indefinite article: On the net, students can send an assignment, watch a video clip or access a school library. There are large differences in levels of computer literacies ( ) among university graduates. literacy The IT sector continues to complain that good qualities ( ) local graduates cannot be found in Hong Kong. quality If you have feedbacks ( ) on this site please fill in the form provided. feedback 9. Explanation: Incorrect singular use of plural nouns Some noun phrases can only be used in a plural form: 1 Good communication skill are invaluable in the service industries. skills 2 It is now generally agreed that environmental condition is deteriorating in Hong Kong. conditions are 3 Some people don't care much about their immediate surrounding as long as property prices keep increasing. surroundings 4 Teachers' earning is quite low compared to business people. earnings are 5 Some companies are now moving their headquarter out of Hong Kong to Shenzen. headquarters 10. Explanation: Nouns - used only in the plural form A number of nouns in English are used only in the plural form (and with plural verb forms). Examples of these are goods, groceries, jeans, trousers and scissors. Other nouns are normally used in plural form in certain structures, e.g. Working conditions are slowly improving in a number of Chinese industries. The course helped me to improve my communication skills. Living standards are not rising as quickly in rural areas.

Noun Errors Incorrect: Kashmir is known for its sceneries. Incorrect: We have bought some furnitures.

22
Incorrect: Have you received any informations? Incorrect: We must buy some breads. We must buy some bread/ loaves. Incorrect: Have you packed your luggages? Incorrect: Could you give me some advices? Reason Some nouns have only a singular form. Examples are: furniture, wheat, happiness, gratitude, abuse, information, clothing, gossip, poetry, scenery, advice and news. Incorrect: He wore a white trouser. Incorrect: We must buy a binocular. Reason Some nouns have only a plural form. Examples are: police, cattle, oats, tweezers, pants, remains, scissors, binoculars, shorts, trousers, drawers and socks. It is wrong to say a pant or a trouser. Incorrect: The rich should help the poors. Incorrect: He provided the blinds with food and clothes. Incorrect: The unemployed is losing hope. Reason The phrases the blind, the rich, the poor, the employed, the dead etc. are always plural and should be followed by plural verbs. It is therefore wrong to say the blinds or the poors. Incorrect: I met a tall gentleman. Reason I met a tall gentleman is of course correct English. But gentleman is a difficult word to use correctly in standard English. Students are therefore advised to use gentleman only when they are referring to a mans character. Say He is a gentleman if you want to praise his character. Say He is not a gentleman if you want to criticize his character. To denote an adult of the male gender, simply use man. Incorrect: I saw two females. ReasonWe dont say I saw a male. Similarly we dont say I saw a female. Incorrect: I saw a beautiful lady. ReasonI saw a beautiful lady is of course correct English. But woman is the usual word to denote an adult of the female sex. Say She is a lady when you mean that she is a woman of particularly good birth and taste. Incorrect: He is my cousin brother.. Cousin means any child of any uncle or aunt. Phrases like cousin brother and cousin sister are wrong in standard English.

RELATIVE ADVERB An adverb which introduces a relative clause is called a relative adverb. Examples are: when, where, why, whatever, wherever etc. Study the following sentences.

23
I know the house where he lives. There must be some reason why he cried. Can you tell me how it is done? The day when I met Jane was the best day of my life. Here the words where, when, why and how are relative adverbs because they introduce the relative clauses that follow immediately. Relative adverbs act as subjects or objects inside relative clauses, and at the same time they connect relative clauses to nouns or pronouns in other clauses rather like conjunctions. Notes The relative adverb when can be replaced by in/on which. Where can be replaced byin/at which. Why can be replaced by for which. I dont know the day when he came. (= I dont know the day on which he came.) I know the house where he lives. (= I know the house in which he lives.) Do you know a shop where I can buy used laptops? (= Do you know a shop at which I can buy used laptops?) Do you know the reason why she cried? (= Do you know the reason for which she cried.)

PRONOUN ERRORS GMAT Verbal Section -- Pronoun Errors A pronoun is a word that stands for a noun.This noun is termed as antecedent of pronoun. (1). Pronouns must agree with their antecedant in both number (singular or plural) and person (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Definite Pronouns - Has antecedents. Indefinite Pronouns - Has no antecedents. Always singular Indefinite Pronoun - Anybody, either, one, each, neither, another, some one, each one,anything, nobody,somebody,no-one, something, everybody, nothing, everyone, whatever, everything, whichever, whoever. Always plural Indefinite Pronouns - Both, few, others, several. Sometimes singular sometimes plural Indefinite Pronouns -All, many, some, any, most. e.g Everything was in its place. Everyone at the meeting voiced his/her opinion. (2). Singular or plural depends on number of word or phrase to which it refers. e.g Some of the grass has lost its colour. Some of the flowers have lost their petals.

24 (3). A pronoun should refer to one and only one noun or compound noun. This is the most common error in test questions. If a pronoun follows two nouns, it is often unclear which of the nouns the pronoun refers to. Incorrect - The destabilization of the economy has left unstable stocks in the hands of frightened investors. It is imperative that they be more tightly controlled. Should the unstable stocks be controlled or the frightened investors? Either interpretation is possible from the structure of the sentence. Correct - The destabilization of the economy has left unstable stocks in the hands of frightened investors. It is imperative that the unstable stocks be more tightly controlled. (4). Subjects and objects:Objects that come in end of prepositional phrases: Subject Form --------- Object Form I --------------------------- Me You -----------------------You He ------------------------Him She ---------------------- Her It ------------------------- It We ---------------------- Us They -------------------- Them Incorrect - Her and me fought over the tea. Correct - She and I fought over the tea. (5). "They" or "it" should not be used without definite antecedents. e.g In that store they make a customer feel stupid.---Here use of they is incorrect as there is no antecedent for "they" in this sentence so instead of they a proper noun should be used. Note:In expressions of time and weather antecedent of it is not given. e.g It is too hot today. (6). A pronoun must also agree with its antecedent in person Incorrect - When atheletes break training rules,we sometimes pay with poor performances. Correct - When atheletes break training rules,they sometimes pay with poor performances. (7). Subject form of pronoun always comes after than or as. egPeggy is smaller than I (am).

25

(8). Indefinite pronouns which are always singular require singular verbs. egSomebody has left her purse. Everyone has done his/her homework. (9) Pronouns either and neither require singular verbs even if seem to refer, in a sense two things. eg Neither of the two traffic lights is working.

647). On the Great Plains, nineteenth-century settlers used mud and grass to build their homes, doing it without timber and nails. (A) settlers used mud and grass to build their homes, doing it without

26 (B) settlers used mud and grass to build their homes, did it without (C) settlers used mud and grass to build their homes, making them while not having (D) settlers used mud and grass to build their homes, making do without (E) settlers homes were built of mud and grass, making do without 648). According to Inter study, a nonprofit organization that studies health maintenance organizations (HMO's), they estimate that, in comparison to last year, when only 36 percent of the nation's 607 HMO's was profitable, this year 73 percent will be. (A) they estimate that, in comparison to last year, when only 36 percent of the nation's 607 HMO's was profitable, this year 73 percent will be. (B) compared to only 36 percent of the nation's 607 HMO's being profitable last year, they estimate 73 percent would be this year (C) only 36 percent of the nation's 607 HMO's were profitable last year, it estimates that this year 73 percent will be (D) it estimates 73 percent of the nation's 607 HMO's would be profitable this year, last year that was only 36 percent (E) only 36 percent of the nation's 607 HMO's last year were profitable, whereas they estimate it this year to be 73 percent Answers: 647). OA - D - idiomatic - making do make do with/ without(idiom) => use whatever you can find, substitute, to succeed in dealing with a situation by using what is available/despite not having something, to manage with that is not really satisfactory, to manage with the things that you have e.g When our kids don't have toys, they make do with pots and pans. A, B - incorrect - no clear referent for it C - incorrect - wrong tense, use of while incorrect E - incorrect - passive 649). Georges personal diary and album formed the basis for his book about the places he had visited. (A) the basis for his book about the places he had visited. (B) the basis for his book regarding the places he had visited. (C) the basis of his book about the places he visited. (D) the basis of his book about the places which he had visited. (E) the basis of his book about the places he had visited. 650). For many years the idea as to if the Xenomorph employed an exoskeleton or endoskeleton plagued debates and discussions with unanswered questions; however, recent ideas based on Dr. Wren's studies suggest that the Xenomorph may employ an endo-exoskeleton: a skeletal structure that exists as both an epidermal structure and as a subdermal structure.

27

(A) the idea as to if the Xenomorph employed an exoskeleton or endoskeleton plagued debates and discussions with unanswered questions; however, recent ideas based on Dr. Wren's studies suggest that the Xenomorph may employ an endo-exoskeleton: a skeletal structure that exists as both (B) the idea as to whether the Xenomorph employed an exoskeleton or endoskeleton plagued debates and discussions with unanswered questions; however, recent ideas based on Dr. Wren's studies suggest that the Xenomorph may employ an endo-exoskeleton: a skeletal structure that exists as both (C) the idea as to whether the Xenomorph employed an exoskeleton or endoskeleton plagued debates and discussions with unanswered questions; however, recent ideas based on Dr. Wren's studies suggests that the Xenomorph may employ an endo-exoskeleton: a skeletal structure that exists both as (D) the idea if the Xenomorph employed an exoskeleton or endoskeleton plagued debates and discussions with unanswered questions; however, recent ideas basing on Dr. Wren's studies suggest that the Xenomorph may employ an endo-exoskeleton: a skeletal structure that exist both as (E) the idea as to whether the Xenomorph employed an exoskeleton or endoskeleton plagued debates and discussions with unanswered questions; however, recent ideas based on Dr. Wren's studies suggest that the Xenomorph may employ an endo-exoskeleton: a skeletal structure that exists both as Answers: 649). OA - C - right tense Explanation: SC - Georges personal diary 650). OA - E - idiomatic - both as X and as Y A, B - incorrect - unidiomatic C - incorrect - subject verb agreement - ...recent ideas(plural) based on Dr. Wren's studies suggests(singular) that.... D - incorrect - subject verb agreement - .... a skeletal structure(singular) that exist(plural) both as... 651). Recent psychological studies indicate that if children associate with andplay with other children, they will experience fewer psychological problems and develop quicker socially than children that lead relatively isolated lives. (A) play with other children, they will experience fewer psychological problems and develop quicker socially than (B) play with other children, they experience fewer psychological problems and develop quicker socially than do (C) played with other children, they experienced fewer psychological problems and develop quicker

28 socially than will (D) play with other children, they will experience fewer psychological problems and develop more quickly socially than do (E) played with other children, they have experienced fewer psychological problems and have developed more quickly socially than do 652). As envisioned by researchers, commercial farming of lobsters will enable fisheries to sell the shellfish year-round, taking advantage of off-season demand, standardize its sizes and colors, and to predict sales volume in advance. (A) taking advantage of off-season demand, standardize (B) taking advantage of off-season demand, to standardize (C) taking advantage of off-season demand, standardizing (D) take advantage of off-season demand, standardizing (E) take advantage of off-season demand, to standardize Answers: 651). OA - D - parallel, idiomatic, right comparison - if X happens Y will happen- ...associate with....play with other children, they will experience fewerpsychological problems and develop(verb) more quickly(adverb) socially than do... A, B - incorrect - we need an adverb to modify a verb - ...develop(verb)quicker(adjective) C, E - incorrect - violating parallelism - ...associate with...played with... 652). OA - B - parallel - .... to sell...to standardize...to predict... A, C, D - incorrect - violating parallelism E - incorrect - violating parallelism, modifier error 653). Although many Whites, noting the presence of some Blacks in the middle class, think that the time for enforcing civil rights measures is past, Blacks generally are aware that the figures for average income and unemployment show as wide of a radical discrepancy as ever. (A) that the figures for average income and unemployment show as wide of (B) that average-income and unemployment figures show as wide (C) that the average-income and unemployment figures are showing as wide of (D) of average-income and unemployment figures that show as wide of (E) of figures for average income and unemployment showing as wide 654). In 1973 mortgage payments represented twenty-one percent of an average thirty-year-old male's income; and forty-four percent in 1984. (A) income; and forty-four percent in 1984 (B) income; in 1984 the figure was forty-four percent

29 (C) income, and in 1984 forty-four percent (D) income, forty-four percent in 1984 was the figure (E) income that rose to forty-four percent in 1984 Answers 653). OA - B - idiomatic - ...as...as... A, C, D - incorrect - unidiomatic - ... as .. of ... as E - incorrect - awkward, wrong tense - ...unemployment showing as wide... 654). (OG 10th Ques no - 81) - OA - B OE: To establish the clearest comparison between circumstances in 1973 and those in 1984, a separate clause is needed to describe each year. Choices A and C, in failing to use separate clauses, are too elliptical and therefore unclear. Choice A also incorrectly uses and and a semicolon to separate an independent clause and a phrase. Choice D incorrectly separates two independent clauses with a comma; moreover, the placement of in 1984 is awkward and confusing. In choice E, that refers illogically to income, thereby producing the misstatement that income rather than mortgage paymentsrose to forty-four percent in 1984. Choice B is best; two properly constructed clauses that clearly express the comparison are separated by a semicolon. A - incorrect - use of semicolon is wrong C - incorrect - use of comma wrong D - incorrect - use of comma wrong E - incorrect - pronoun error - that incorrectly refers to income SC's Question number - 655, 656 655). So poorly educated and trained are many young recruits to the United States work force that many business executives fear this country will lose its economic preeminence. (A) So poorly educated and trained are many young recruits to the United States work force that (B) As poorly educated and trained as many young recruits to the United States work force are (C) Because of many young recruits to the United States work force who are so poorly educated and trained (D) That many young recruits to the United States work force are so poorly educated and trained is why (E) Many young recruits to the United States work force who are so poorly educated and trained explains why 656). Socrates could have fled from Athens after he was sentenced to death, but he refused to do it. (A) Socrates could have fled from Athens after he was sentenced to death, but he refused to do it. (B) After he was sentenced to death, Socrates might have fled from Athens, but he refused to do it. (C) After he was sentenced to death, Socrates could have fled from Athens, but he refused to do so. (D) After he was sentenced to death, Socrates could have done so after he was sentenced to death.

30

(E) Socrates could have fled from Athens but refused to after he was sentenced to death. Answers: 655). OA - A - idiomatic - So X that Y B - incorrect - no comparison here so As..as usage is wrong here D - incorrect - unidiomatic, wordy E - incorrect - subject verb agreement - Many young recruits(plural) to the United States work force who are so poorly educated and trained explains(singular) why... 656). OA - C A, B - incorrect - no clear antecedent for pronoun it D - incorrect - awkward - ...Socrates could have done so... E - incorrect - changes the meaning 657). Some analysts of retirement problems insist that the only way to provide equity and protection for all Americans is to amalgamate allretirement-income systems, including Social Security, into one central system. (A) insist that the only way to provide equity and protection for all Americans is to amalgamate (B) have insisted the only way equity and protection can be provided for all Americans is amalgamating (C) insist the only way to provide equity and protection for all Americans is the amalgamation of (D) are insistent that the only way equity and protection can be provided for all Americans is the amalgamation of (E) insist that the only way for the provision of equity and protection for all Americans is to amalgamate 658). Some analysts contend that true capitalism exists only when the ownership of both property and the means of production is regarded as an inalienable right of an individuals, and it is not a license granted by government and revokable at whim. (A) is regarded as an inalienable right of an individuals, and it is not (B) are regarded as individuals inalienable rights, and that it not be (C) is regarded as an individuals inalienable right, not as (D) are regarded as an individuals inalienable rights, not when they are (E) is regarded as the inalienable rights of an individual, not when it is Answers: 657). OA - A - subjunctive. Also parallel - ..to provide X is to amalgamate Y..

31 B, C, D - incorrect - subjunctive - require insist that E - incorrect - violating parallelism 658). OA - C - parallel - ..regarded as X not as Y A - incorrect - awkward - an inalienable right of an individuals B, D - incorrect - subject verb agreement -....ownership(singular)....are(plural).. E - incorrect - wrong comparison, awkward - ... inalienable rights... 659). Some bat caves, like honeybee hives, have residents that take on different duties such as defending the entrance, acting as sentinels and to sound a warning at the approach of danger, and scouting outside the cave for new food and roosting sites. (A) acting as sentinels and to sound (B) acting as sentinels and sounding (C) to act as sentinels and sound (D) to act as sentinels and to sound (E) to act as a sentinel sounding 660). Some analysts point out that because people are becoming accustomed to a steady inflation rate of four to five percent, businesses found that they could raise prices according to this amount without thereby provoking strong public reaction. (A) found that they could raise prices according to this amount without thereby provoking (B) found that they were capable of raising prices by this amount and not provoke (C) find that they are capable of raising prices by this amount and not provoke (D) are finding that they can raise prices by this amount without provoking (E) are finding that they can raise prices according to this amount and will not thereby provoke

Answers: 659). (OG 10th Ques no - 3) - OA - B - Ques no 92 OE:B - correct - preserves the sense of the original, uses the correct idiom, and observes the parallelism required among and within the three main verb phrases. Because the verb phrases used to describe the bats' duties are governed by the phrase different duties such as, they should each be expressed in the present participial (or "-ing") form to parallel defending and scouting. A, C, D, E - incorrect - violate parallelism by employing infinitives (to...) in place of participial phrases. E - incorrect - the singular sentinel is not consistent with residents, and the omission of and distorts the meaning of the original.

32 660). OA - D - parallel - ....are becoming...are finding...without provoking... A, B - incorrect - violating parallelism, wrong tense ...are becoming accustomed(present continuous) .... found(simple past) C - incorrect - violating parallelism, wrong tense ...are becoming accustomed(present continuous) .... find(simple present) E - incorrect - awkward and wordy according to this amount