TASC Writing Practice Test | Free TASC Practice Questions

Use our free TASC Writing practice questions to prepare for your high school equivalency test. This section of the test includes 50 multiple choice questions to be completed within 55 minutes. The questions focus on English grammar and usage, with an emphasis on capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Try our TASC Writing practice test to get started with your test prep right now.

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Question 1

Which of these sentences contains a grammatical error?

A	The poodle had to be rescued after it leapt into the rushing stream.
B	The dog had been overeager to reach a yellow tennis ball that its owner had thrown.
C	Unfortunately, the ball was swept into some rapids, and then the poodle heads after it.
D	Luckily, the poodle’s owner was a strong swimmer, and quickly reached the wet dog and pulled it back to shore.

Question 1 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). The present tense verb “heads” does not agree with the already established past tense verb “was swept.” “Headed,” rather than “heads,” should be used in order to maintain logical consistency. All verb tenses in a sentence must follow both logic and context. If an event is described as happening in the past, then all events described afterwards should also be described using the past tense (unless the author redefines the time frame).

Question 2

Read the paragraph.

In 1898, Marie and Pierre Curie discovered the existence of radium and polonium while researching a radioactive mineral known as pitchblende. On April 20, 1902, the Curies successfully isolated radioactive radium salts in their laboratory in Paris.

Which sentence best concludes this paragraph?

A	Marie and Pierre married in 1895, marking the beginning of a scientific partnership that would achieve world renown.
B	Marie Curie was born Marie Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland, in 1867.
C	One year after isolating radium, they would share the 1903 Nobel Prize in physics with French scientist A. Henri Becquerel for their groundbreaking investigations of radioactivity.
D	The term radioactivity, which describes the phenomenon of radiation caused by atomic decay, was in fact coined by Marie Curie.

Question 2 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). The paragraph focuses on the Curies’ discoveries, specifically radium and polonium. The best concluding sentence will continue to discuss their accomplishments regarding these experiments, while also providing additional, relevant information that brings the topic of the paragraph to a close. The other options offer additional, unrelated biographical information that is not relevant to this specific paragraph.

Question 3

Which of the following provides the clearest, most concise version of the sentence?

A	Being bothered by the washing machine’s noise, Tara could not fall asleep the whole night.
B	Tara could not fall asleep the whole night due to the bothering washing machine and its noise.
C	Bothered by the washing machine’s noise, Tara could not fall asleep the whole night.
D	Since she was bothered by the washing machine’s noise, Tara could not fall asleep and it was the whole night.

Question 3 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). This sentence is the shortest and most concise version. It has the fewest words and the clearest meaning. Tara is the subject of the sentence, and she (not the washing machine) is the one “bothered” in the opening clause. Answer choice (A) unnecessarily includes “being.” Answer choice (B) inappropriately describes the washing machine as bothering. Answer choice (D) includes the awkward expression, “and it was the whole night,” to describe her inability to fall asleep.

Question 4

Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly?

A	Leroy “Satchel” Page was born on July 7, 1906, in Mobile, Alabama.
B	He got his nickname as a child while working, as a luggage carrier, at the Mobile train depot.
C	His constant absence from school coupled with a shoplifting conviction got him sent to a reform school in Mount Meigs Alabama.
D	It ended up being a lucky break, since it was there that Leroy learned to pitch, after leaving the school, he turned pro and began his professional athletic career.

Question 4 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). Every comma in this choice is used correctly. In choice (B), “as a luggage carrier” is essential information and should not be set apart by commas. In choice (C), there should be a comma after “Mount Meigs” to separate the city name from the state name. Choice (D) is a run-on sentence. There should be a semicolon after “pitch,” and not a comma.

Question 5

Read these sentences.

West Point is located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River. West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack.

Which revision most clearly combines the two sentences?

A	West Point is located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack.
B	West Point is located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River and also West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack.
C	West Point is located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack.
D	West Point is located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, yet West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack.

Question 5 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). This option removes the redundant phrase “West Point,” and turns the second sentence into a dependent clause, enabling the two sentences to be combined with a comma. Answer (B) unnecessarily repeats “West Point.” Answer (C) creates a run-on sentence. Answer (D) introduces the illogical contrasting transition word “yet.”

Question 6

Which of these sentences includes a misspelled word?

A	Few settlers chose to live in Nevada after the United States acquired the territory at the end of the Mexican War in 1848.
B	In 1859, the discovery of gold and silver attracted many settlers into Nevada to exploit the territory’s mining opportunities.
C	Five years later, during the Civil War, Nevada was hastily made the 36th state in order to strengthen the Union.
D	At the begining of the Depression, Nevada’s mines were in decline, and its economy was in shambles.

Question 6 Explanation:

The correct answer is (D). The word “beginning” is misspelled as “begining.” None of the other sentences have misspellings.

Question 7

Read this excerpt of a draft of an essay. Then answer questions 7 & 8.

The first major television debate was between presidential candidates John Kennedy, a Democratic senator of Massachusetts, and Richard Nixon, the vice-president of the United States.

Kennedy emerged the apparent winner from this first of four televised debates, partly owing to his greater ease before the camera than Nixon, who seemed nervous.

Less than three weeks later, Kennedy won in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history. Televised presidential debates have been held in every presidential campaign since.

Which sentence would be the most effective addition to the end of the first paragraph?

A	The two candidates met in a Chicago television studio to debate U.S. domestic matters.
B	Nixon decided not to wear makeup, but Kennedy did wear makeup to look more flattering.
C	Kennedy achieved a small victory over the 49.6 percent received by Nixon.
D	A year after leaving the vice presidency, Nixon returned to politics, earning the Republican nomination for California governor.

Question 7 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). The most effective addition will provide information that logically extends and connects the main idea of the first paragraph to the rest of the passage. Only answer choice (A) continues with the debate as the focus. Every other answer choice inappropriately shifts the focus from the debate to overly specific details regarding the candidates.

Question 8

How can sentences 3 and 4 best be combined?

A	Kennedy won in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history; televised presidential debates have been held less than three weeks later and in every presidential campaign since.
B	Kennedy won less than three weeks later, in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history, and presidential debates have been televised in every presidential campaign since.
C	Less than three weeks later, televised presidential debates have been held ever since Kennedy won in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history.
D	Ever since Kennedy won in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history less than three weeks later, it has been held ever since that there are presidential debates that are televised during presidential campaigns.

Question 8 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). This is the most concise option that does not include any punctuation or grammar errors. Answer choice (A) contains the awkward phrase “have been held less than three weeks later.” Answer choice (C) contains a confusing tense issue: “Less than three weeks later…debates have been held ever since…” And answer choice (D) is both wordy and awkward.

Question 9

Which of the following is the most clear and concise sentence?

A	The Consul’s decision he made alone was life altering for many people.
B	The Consul’s decision, made alone, altered the lives of many people.
C	The Consul’s decision, being made alone, altered the lives of many people.
D	The decision of the Consul, made by him alone, altered the lives of many people.

Question 9 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). The most clear and concise sentence will convey its meaning without including unnecessary information. Answer choices (A), (C), and (D) all include an additional, unnecessary word or phrase describing the Consul’s decision or its effect. Always be wary of sentences that include the passive voice — “was life altering,” is better expressed as “altered,” and “being made,” is better expressed as “made.”

Question 10

Read the paragraph.

As a child, Einstein had difficulty speaking, but he still went on to become a very highly accomplished student in elementary school. He was studying complicated scientific and philosophical texts by the time he was ten years old, and he began learning calculus soon afterwards. In his early teens, Einstein started attending a new school where he clashed with the schools’ authorities. He convinced the school to let him leave by using a doctor’s note, but he failed the exams he had to take in order to attend another school. Einstein, who remained hopeful throughout the process did not give up on school, and instead reapplied and finally graduated with a teaching degree.

Which sentence best describes the function of the final sentence?

A	It offers details explaining why Einstein had been so hopeful.
B	It provides an example of how Einstein failed in his early education.
C	It offers a contrast to ideas presented earlier in the paragraph.
D	It describes Einstein's difficulty with speaking.

Question 10 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). The final sentence shows that Einstein eventually succeeded in his education. It contrasts with the ideas presented earlier in the paragraph, which focus on the obstacles he encountered.

Question 11

Read these sentences.

Using melatonin provides patients a higher-quality sleep. Compared to using an eye mask and earplugs in a noisy and illuminated environment, melatonin has been found to work better.

Which revision best combines the two sentences?

A	Compared to using an eye mask and earplugs in a noisy and illuminated environment, melatonin has been found to work better to provide patients a higher-quality sleep.
B	Melatonin provides patients a higher-quality sleep compared to the sleep using an eye mask and earplugs in a noisy and illuminated environment since melatonin has been found to work better.
C	Using melatonin provides patients a higher-quality sleep and has been found to work better when compared to using an eye mask and earplugs in a noisy and illuminated environment.
D	By providing patients a higher-quality sleep compared to using an eye mask and earplugs in a noisy and illuminated environment, using melatonin has been found to work better.

Question 11 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). This is the only option that correctly employs a parallel comparison. “Using melatonin” is compared to “using an eye mask and earplugs.” Answer choice (A) breaks parallel structure by comparing ‘melatonin’ with ‘using an eye mask and earplugs.’ Answer choice (B) unnecessarily repeats ‘melatonin.’ Answer choice (D) awkwardly disjoints the combination of sentences and produces an unclear meaning.

Question 12

Read the paragraph.

Here on Earth, depending on which culture one belongs to, weight is viewed in different ways. Tall people are usually respected everywhere. In many developing cultures, where food shortages may be common, someone who would be seen as overweight in American society would there be admired and considered successful. Our culture probably has such an increased awareness of issues involving weight because of the ideal images that constantly appear in our advertising.

If the last sentence of the paragraph was deleted, what would the paragraph lose?

A	An observation about cultural perceptions of weight.
B	A needless speculation on how our culture differs from others.
C	A defense of the use of ideal body images in American advertising.
D	A statement which boasts about the superiority of American culture.

Question 12 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). The topic of the sentence is the awareness of ‘our culture’ of issues involving weight. The word ‘probably’ indicates that the narrator is making an observation rather than stating a fact. There is no comparison made between the narrator’s culture and any other culture. The narrator neither mentions the ideal body nor the superiority of American culture.

Question 13

Which of these sentences contains an error (or errors) in capitalization?

A	Founded in the nineteenth century, Goldman-Sachs is a financial firm located in New York City.
B	The Company suffered significantly during the 2008 economic crisis.
C	Goldman-Sachs had become involved in subprime mortgages.
D	The United States government helped the company regain its finances as part of a massive bail-out package.

Question 13 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). The word “Company” does not need to be capitalized in this context. The other sentences all have correct capitalization. Recall that in addition to the first word of a sentence, proper nouns that name specific people, places, organizations, and sometimes things should all be capitalized. Conversely, common nouns that make no reference to a specific entity should be lower cased.

Question 14

Read this sentence.

On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation, in educational facilities, was not constitutional.

What change should be made to correct the sentence’s punctuation?

A	Eliminate the first two commas.
B	Change the third comma (after “segregation”) to a semicolon.
C	Add a comma after the word “Education.”
D	Remove the last two commas.

Question 14 Explanation:

The correct answer is (D). The phrase, “in educational facilities,” is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Consequently, it should not be set apart from the rest of the sentence with the last two commas. Answer choice (A) is incorrect, as commas are always necessary to separate the information in a date. Answer choice (B) would incorrectly produce a dependent clause that cannot be supported by a semicolon. Answer choice (C) incorrectly introduces a comma between the subject and verb of the sentence.

Question 15

Read this sentence.

Edouard Manet, a 19th century artist, painted stunning Impressionistic city-life portraits that we saw.

How could you revise the sentence to stress the quality of the portraits?

A	Artist Edouard Manet painted stunning Impressionistic city-life portraits that we saw in the 19th century.
B	We saw stunning Impressionistic city-life portraits painted by Edouard Manet, a 19th century artist.
C	Edourard Manet, an artist, painted stunning Impressionistic city-life portraits in the 19th century.
D	Painting stunning Impressionistic city-life portraits that we saw, Edouard Manet was a 19th century artist.

Question 15 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). By moving the noun phrase, “stunning Impressionistic city-life portraits” to the beginning of the sentence, portraits are highlighted rather than the artist.

Question 16

Which of these sentences contains a grammatical error?

A	Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, who were farmers.
B	Their house was small, since the lumber to build them had to be carried many miles by wagon.
C	The house only had one room which contained a rusty stove, a cupboard, and three chairs; it was clean and comfortable, but very plain.
D	There was a small cellar beneath the house where the family could go in case of emergency.

Question 16 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). The word “house” is singular, so the plural pronoun “them” should not be used to refer back to it. The sentence should instead use the singular pronoun “it.” All of the other sentences are grammatically correct.

Question 17

Read this excerpt of a draft of an essay. Then answer questions 17 & 18.

Students who love a particular subject rarely find it difficult to perform well in that subject. __________, students who hate that particular subject, but invest time and energy to work through practice problems, to create study outlines, and to plug their gaps in knowledge will also perform well in that subject.

Which of the following transition words would best fill in the blank?

A	Likewise
B	Unfortunately
C	Comparatively
D	Thus

Question 17 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). “Likewise” means “Similarly.” As a transition word, it introduces a new piece of evidence that is similar to what immediately preceded it. In this case, just as students who love a subject perform well in that subject, students who overcome their dislike and study the material also perform well in that subject. There is a comparison of similarity made between the two groups of students. Only the transition word, ‘likewise,’ accurately captures the similarity between the two groups.

Question 18

Which of the following is the best concluding sentence to the above paragraph?

A	Consequently, only students who dislike a subject must invest time and energy to perform well in that subject.
B	With enough effort, every student can perform well in a subject, regardless of that student’s interest in that subject.
C	Naturally, a student who loves a subject will perform better than a student who hates that subject.
D	A student’s success in a subject is solely dependent upon a student’s interest in that subject.

Question 18 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). This sentence restates the ideas found in the preceding sentences and uses them to formulate a concluding remark. The author highlights the implied fact that each student can perform well in a subject, regardless of interest in that subject, so long as the student invests effort in studying the subject. Each of the other answer choices draws an incorrect conclusion from the claims made in the excerpt.

Question 19

Read the paragraph.

Some teenagers feel guilty when their parents get divorced, or they wish they had prevented arguments by cooperating more within the family, doing better with their behavior, or getting better grades. But separation and divorce are a result of a couple's problems with each other, not with their kids.

Which sentence best concludes this paragraph?

A	Many communities and schools have support groups for kids and teens whose parents have divorced.
B	Going back and forth between two homes can be tough, especially if parents live far apart.
C	Dealing with divorce is easiest when parents get along.
D	The decisions adults make about divorce are their own.

Question 19 Explanation:

The correct answer is (D). The correct sentence will logically continue the main idea of the paragraph: divorce is hard on teenagers, but is not the result of kids’ problems. Only choice (D) continues with this same thematic idea. The other options introduce entirely new ideas that would better serve as topic sentences of a new paragraph.

Question 20

Read the paragraph.

Some maintain that he lived in the neighborhood of Scranton, Pa., when William Penn arrived, and that he was present at the great council under the elm tree. His name is said to have been on Penn’s first treaty with the Indians, April 23, 1683. He is also described as a great chief of the Delaware nation, and his wigwam is said to have stood on the grounds now occupied by Princeton University. The fame of his wisdom, benevolence and love of liberty spread to the colonists, and they adopted his name for their patriotic lodges. When societies sprang up bearing the names of St. George, St. Andrew or St. David and proclaiming their loyalty to King George, the Separatists took Tammany as their icon.

Which sentence would best open the paragraph to introduce the topic?

A	Before the Revolution, societies variously known as the “Sons of Liberty” and the “Sons of St. Tammany” had been formed to aid the cause of independence.
B	The Society of St. Tammany, or Columbian Order, was founded on May 12, 1789.
C	Tammany was an Indian chief, of whom fanciful legends have been woven, but of whose real life very little can be told.
D	The controversy over the adoption of the Federal constitution had the effect of re-uniting the patriotic lodges.

Question 20 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). The entire paragraph refers to a mysterious “he,” who we learn from context was an American Indian. The last sentence names the man Tammany. An introductory sentence that includes the man’s name, but also hints at the mystery that is further explored in the paragraph would best start the paragraph. Each of the other answer choices inappropriately focus on subjects other than Tammany.

Question 21

Which sentence includes a misspelled word?

A	Jillian was definitely looking forward to spending a night at Yosemite National Park with her Girl Scout troop.
B	However, once the bus arrived, the Scouts were told that there were not enough cots in the cabin to acommodate everyone.
C	The Scout leadership committee decided that some of the girls and adults would need to sleep outside in tents.
D	Jillian was exhilarated by the idea of sleeping outside and immediately volunteered to spend the night in a tent.

Question 21 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). The word “accommodate” is misspelled. No other answer choice contains a misspelled word.

Question 22

Which of these sentences contains an error (or errors) in capitalization?

A	Of all the romantic poets of the Eighteenth Century, William Blake is the most independent and the most original.
B	In August of 1772, Blake was apprenticed to engraver James Basire of Great Queen Street.
C	Songs of Innocence and of Experience was published in 1794, and it is considered to be one of Blake's most notable works.
D	Blake's attacks on conventional religion were shocking and his poetry questioned God's superiority to mankind.

Question 22 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). The phrase “eighteenth century” should not be capitalized. All of the other answer choices correctly capitalize the proper nouns.

Question 23

Read this sentence.

Two of the three Germanic tribes, Jutes, Angles, and Saxons, are the origin of the name Anglo-Saxon, who in the middle of the fifth century left their homes to conquer Britain.

Which revision of the sentence is most correct and concise?

A	The Jutes, Angles, and Saxons, were two of the three Germanic tribes that were the origin of the name Anglo-Saxon, who in the middle of the fifth century left their homes to conquer Britain.
B	The Angles and Saxons, as well as the Jutes, were the three Germanic tribes, of which two were the origin of the name Anglo-Saxon, and in the middle of the fifth century they left their homes to conquer Britain.
C	The name Anglo-Saxon, which denotes two Germanic tribes, of which three—Jutes, Angles, and Saxons—left their homes in order that they would conquer Britain in the middle of the fifth century.
D	Originally the name Anglo-Saxon denoted two of the three Germanic tribes—Jutes, Angles, and Saxons—who in the middle of the fifth century left their homes to conquer Britain.

Question 23 Explanation:

The correct answer is (D). This answer choice includes only relevant information and contains no grammatical errors. Answer choice (A) incorrectly describes the three groups as two. Answer choice (B) is unnecessarily wordy, while also including a pronoun (they) with an unclear antecedent. Answer choice (C) is also unnecessarily wordy and includes the awkward expression, “in order that they would.”

Question 24

Which TWO of these sentences include a misspelled word?

A	Most experts agree that make-up originated in the Middle East.
B	Both Egyptian men and women applyed make-up.
C	Some of the earliest evidence of modern beauty equipment has been found in ancient ruins.
D	In Greece, women prefered a more natural look.
E	At many points in Western history the use of make-up was criticized by politicians and religious leaders.
F	Queen Victoria publicly declared it to be improper, vulgar, and acceptable only for use by actors.

Question 24 Explanation:

The correct answers are (B) and (D). In answer (B) “applied” is misspelled as “applyed.” In answer (D) “preferred” is misspelled as “prefered.”

Question 25

Read this excerpt of a draft of an essay. Then answer questions 25 & 26.

When Shakespeare was about fourteen years old his father lost his property and fell into debt, and young Shakespeare probably had to leave school to help support the family of younger children. No one knows what occupation he followed for the next eight years. From evidence found in his plays, it is believed by some that Shakespeare was a teacher or a lawyer's clerk. The character of Holofernes, in Love's Labour's Lost, has an extensive knowledge of legal terms that might indicate Shakespeare had a good understanding of the law. __________, it is impossible from a study of his scenes and characters to form a definite opinion as to his early occupation.

Which of the following transition words should be used to fill in the blank?

A	However
B	Furthermore
C	Notably
D	Consequently

Question 25 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). To determine the appropriate transition word, assess the function it serves in context by reading the ideas surrounding it. The preceding sentence states that Shakespeare may have known the law. The sentence including the blank then offers an alternative interpretation and concludes that it’s impossible to know for sure. A contrasting transition word or phrase best suits the disagreement across the two sentences. “However” provides the appropriate contrast.

Question 26

Where might the author add a paragraph break to better organize the text?

A	After sentence 1.
B	After sentence 2.
C	After sentence 3.
D	After sentence 4.

Question 26 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). A break should come before a new idea is explored. The third sentence introduces the mystery of Shakespeare’s occupation prior to becoming an actor and playwright. The transition phrase, “From evidence found in his plays…” provides a good opening to a new paragraph.

Question 27

Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly?

A	Frederick Douglass was born into slavery near Easton in Talbot County, Maryland; he was not sure of the exact year of his birth, but he knew that it was 1817 or 1818.
B	As a young boy, he was sent to Baltimore, to be a house servant, where he learned, to read and write, with the assistance of his master's wife.
C	In 1838 he escaped from slavery and went to New York City, where he married Anna Murray, a free colored woman whom he had met in Baltimore: thereafter he changed his name to Frederick Douglass.
D	In 1841 he addressed a convention of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society in Nantucket and so greatly impressed the group; that they immediately employed him as an agent.

Question 27 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). This sentence correctly connects two independent clauses with a semicolon. It also correctly uses two commas, one to separate a city from a state, and one to support a dependent clause. Choice (B) incorrectly uses two extra commas. There is no need for a comma after “Baltimore” or after “learned.” The other commas are used correctly. Choice (C) incorrectly uses a colon where a semicolon is required. Choice (D) incorrectly uses a semicolon to separate a relative clause from the rest of the sentence. Semicolons should only be used to separate two complete thoughts.

Question 28

Read these sentences.

Pi is the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle. Any time you want to find out the distance around a circle when you have the distance across it, you will need this number.

Which revision best combines the two sentences?

A	Pi is the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle, yet any time you want to find out the distance around a circle when you have the distance across it, you will need this number.
B	Pi is the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle, because any time you want to find out the distance around a circle when you have the distance across it, you will need this number.
C	Pi is the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle, and in order to find the distance around a circle when you have the distance across it, you will need this number.
D	Any time you want to find out the distance around a circle when you have the distance across it, you will need this number, pi is the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle.

Question 28 Explanation:

The correct answer is (C). The transition phrase, “and in order to,” logically connects the two original sentences. The first half of the new sentence is a definition of pi, and the second half explains its necessity in the formula relating circumference to diameter. Answer choice (A) inappropriately uses the contrasting word “yet” to join the two sentences. Answer choice (B) incorrectly establishes a cause and effect relationship. Answer choice (D) creates a run-on sentence by relying solely on a comma to separate two complete independent clauses (complete sentences).

Question 29

Read the paragraph

Abstract Expressionism is not a single style and isn't even consistently abstract. __________, it is an intensely personal style of painting, often on a very large scale, that is more concerned with exposing the act of creative invention than in following traditions of representation.

Which of the following transition words should be used to fill in the blank?

A	Rather
B	Although
C	Thus
D	Likewise

Question 29 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). The first two sentences can be reconsidered as, “Expressionism is not that. Instead, it is this.” The first sentence establishes what Abstract Expressionism is NOT: “single” and “consistently abstract.” The second sentence goes on to describe it as “intensely personal.” The word “rather” sets up a clear contrast in meaning while also pushing the narrative forward. Answer (B), while a contrast word, establishes an illogical transition in this context.

Question 30

Read the paragraph.

Pets can pass diseases to humans, especially when a pet owner's immune system is compromised. To avoid disease transmission, researchers suggest owners can choose the right type of pet or make small changes in the ways they enjoy the pets they already have.

Which of the following provides the best overview of the paragraph?

A	Since different species of pets—dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians—carry different types of diseases and at different stages of life, researchers suggest that families talk to both their doctor and veterinarian about what pet is the safest choice for their family.
B	Salmonella, E. coli, and roundworms are among the nearly 20 different diseases that people most commonly acquire from pets.
C	Researchers have compiled the latest information to make recommendations on how families can minimize the risk of disease transmission by choosing the right type of pet.
D	Researchers are discovering situations in which pets can transmit diseases to humans, especially when an owner’s immune system is compromised, and are making suggestions to owners accordingly.

Question 30 Explanation:

The correct answer is (D). All of these sentences relate to the given paragraph, but only (D) is broad enough in subject matter to encompass all of the details included in the passage. Answer choice (C) is close, but focuses too much on only one part of the researchers’ suggestions.

Question 31

Read this excerpt of a draft of an essay. Then answer questions 31, 32, & 33.

The indigo-capped hummingbird is sometimes placed in the genus Saucerottia. It is a species of hummingbird in the trochilidae family. This hummingbird is usually found in Colombia.

A similar bird with a turquoise-colored head has been spotted in the Miravalles Volcano in Costa Rica. It may be the same species or it may be a completely different species, but its exact status is difficult to judge, __________ there are no recent records and it is likely to be extinct. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical in lowland or mountain forests.

Which revision most effectively combines the ideas of sentences 2 and 3?

A	It is a species of hummingbird in the trochilidae family usually found in Colombia.
B	A species of hummingbird in the trochilidae family, this family of hummingbird is usually found in Colombia.
C	Usually found in Colombia, this is a species of hummingbird, in the trochilidae family.
D	In the trochilidae family, the species of hummingbird that is usually found in Colombia.

Question 31 Explanation:

The correct answer is (A). There is no need to repeat the word “hummingbird” in both of the sentences. Eliminating the repetition and tacking on the description of its usual habitat to the end of the first sentence most concisely combines the sentences. The other answer choices all offer awkward and unclear revisions.

Question 32

Which sentence would be the most effective addition to the end of the first paragraph?

A	Colombia is home to numerous species of exotic birds.
B	Though South America is its home, there is evidence it may exist, or did exist, in a nearby locale.
C	The hummingbird, however, is found all over the world.
D	North America also has several species of hummingbird, as does Europe.

Question 32 Explanation:

The correct answer is (B). This sentence provides the best transition between the discussion of the Colombian species and its Costa Rican counterpart. It effectively sets up the similar species discussion by describing the possibility of the species living in a nearby location, specifically Costa Rica. The other options focus too narrowly on Costa Rica or Colombia, or change the topic from a specific hummingbird to hummingbirds in general.

Question 33

Which word would best fill in the blank and clarify the transition in the sentence?

A	therefore
B	unfortunately
C	despite
D	since

Question 33 Explanation:

The correct answer is (D). The second-half of this sentence offers an explanation in support of the statement that “its exact status is difficult to judge.” As a result, the transition word “since” most effectively joins the clauses. The other options all introduce logical inconsistencies.

Question 34

Which TWO of these sentences contain a grammatical error?

A	As the students came into their classroom they saw that the class pet was not there.
B	The class pet is a rabbit and it's name is Dandy.
C	It's a New Zealand white rabbit.
D	They're known for the pure white fur on their entire bodies and for their pink eyes.
E	The teacher said that the rabbit must have escaped from its cage.
F	The students began searching there classroom and calling out Dandy's name.

Question 34 Explanation:

The correct answers are (B) and (F). ‘Its,’ without an apostrophe, is the possessive of the pronoun it. ‘It's,’ with an apostrophe, is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has.' Sentence (B) should use "its" because it is possessive, referring to the rabbit's name. For example, it would not make sense to say "it is name is Dandy."

Additionally, ‘there’ is the opposite of ‘here.’ It means 'in that place' not here. ‘Their’ shows possession, that something belongs to the group being referenced. ‘They're’ is a contraction of they are. Sentence (F) should use "their" because it is referring to the classroom that belongs to the students.

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