Conventions (G)
A comma is followed by a dependent clause. What must precede the comma?
A. Dependent clause
B. Prepositional phrase
C. Independent clause
D. Participial phrase
C. Independent clause
In a certain sentence, the adverb 'however' is surrounded by commas. In another sentence, the same adverb is preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. Provide an example of each sentence.
Various, but former should be in the middle of a single independent clause, latter should be in between two independent clauses.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what is the name of the man whom Atticus Finch defends? (2x points for the 'victim' and/or her father)
Tom Robinson
(Bob and Mayella Ewell)
Name three transitional phrases that could be substituted for the phrase "for example..."
Various... for instance, specifically, in particular, etc.
The noun courtesy should be followed by which of the following prepositions:
A: of
B: to
C: from
D: in
A: of
A sentence begins as such: "The record tapes were filled with songs, one of which _____ too many lyrics to list."
Which of the following could fill in the gap?
A. have
B. contain
C. do have
D. has
D. has
A sentence fragment precedes an em dash. Is there another em dash in the sentence? (2x points for naming this use of the em dash)
A. Yes, the complete sentence is between the em dashes
B. Yes, the complete sentence is outside of the em dashes
C. No, the complete sentence precedes the em dash
D. No, the complete sentence follows the em dash
B. Yes, the complete sentence is outside of the em dashes
(Non-restrictive, non-essential, or parenthetical)
In Animal Farm, Old Major's ideas are distilled into the commandments of "Animalism." How many of these commandments are there (at first)? (2x points for naming one of them, 2x points for naming an edited version of one of them)
Seven
A question stem contains the word "quantitative." Which of the following would be an inappropriate choice?
A. a surprising number of complaints
B. a flood of complaints
C. nineteen complaints
D. the most complaints
C. nineteen complaints
Which of the following words could not reasonably be used to describe a process, like quitting tobacco? (2x for definition)
A. effectual
B. cumbersome
C. recalcitrant
D. incommodious
C. recalcitrant (uncooperative, stubborn--describes people or other volitional entities, not procedures or inanimate objects)
Following these answer choices, there are two independent clauses connected by a comma. Which answer choices fixes the 'comma splice'? (2x points for why)
A. Nevertheless,...
B. In contrast,...
C. Though...
D. However,...
C. Though...
(a subordinating conjunction before an independent clauses, transforms it into a dependent clause, making the comma separating them appropriate.)
The following answer choices are provided for a sentence which is missing its predicate. Which one is necessary? (2x points for why)
A. it
B. it's
C. its
D. its'
B. it's
(contraction for 'it is', supplements subject and verb)
Frankenstein primarily narrates the tale of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creation, variously named "Frankenstein," "Frankenstein's monster," simply "The Monster," or sometimes "Adam" in later reworkings. Name another character from the novel Frankenstein.
Various, but:
Robert Walton (narrator), Elizabeth Lavenza (love interest), Henry Clerval (friend, foil), Alphonse F. (father), William F. (little brother), Justine Moritz (scapegoat), De Lacey (French dad), Felix (French son), Agatha (French daughter), Safie (French fiancee), Margaret Saville (R.W.'s sister, addressee of letters)--some others
Paragraph A describes an author's background growing up Arizona. Paragraph B describes that author's attempts to write about the British Isles. Which of the following should begin Paragraph B?
A. Writing has always come naturally to Wansbrough...
B. Inspired by his upbringing, Wansbrough began to write...
C. The British Isles have always felt like home to Wansbrough...
D. Despite his upbringing, Wansbrough sought inspiration elsewhere...
D. Despite his upbringing, Wansbrough sought inspiration elsewhere...
Which of the following choices maintains the tone of a casual how-to guide?
A. begin
B. initiate
C. get started
D. commence
C. get started
The clauses "The dog, which bit me..." and "The dog that bit me..." are both grammatically possible but mean different things. Respectively, when would you use either (can name rule or give example)
Non-restrictive vs. restrictive
(Various explanations; essentially, former is additional information, latter is necessary information)
Which of the following appropriately indicates non-essential information?
A. ... , that ...
B. ... which ...
C. ... , who ...
D. ... that ...
C. ... , who ...
In Beowulf, the hero Beowulf is seen in three great battles: first, Grendel, and finally, the Dragon. What is the second monster Beowulf battles? (2x for original language of poem)
Grendel's mother
(Old English)
Which choice is the least redundant?
A. 5000 feet of altitude in the air
B. 5000 feet in the air
B. 5000 feet of altitude in height
D. 5000 feet up in altitude
B. 5000 feet in the air
Which of the following could be preceded by the word "less"? (Pick two, 2x points for alternative modifier)
A. shame
B. excuses
C. troubles
D. reason
A and D (B and C should follow the word "fewer")
Which of the following are unacceptable?
A. the man, who saw us...
B. the man, whom saw us...
C. the man, who we met...
D. the man, whom we met...
B. the man, whom saw us...
Fix this sentence:
The series, which consists of a raucous introduction, a middling sequel, my favorite of the bunch, and an anticlimactic ending, was panned by critics.
The series, which consists of a raucous introduction; a middling sequel, my favorite of the bunch; and an anticlimactic ending, was panned by critics.
In Hamlet, Hamlet, prince of... wait, where is Hamlet from? (2x points for the name of Hamlet's father)
Denmark
(Hamlet)
A sentence organization question asks you to relocate the following clause: "For instance, near-death experiences or the loss of loved-ones." What contextualizing information should appear prior to this clause?
A. Examples of near-death experiences
B. Examples of stressful events
C. What near-death experiences or personal losses are examples of
D. The effect of near-death experiences or personal losses
C. What near-death experiences or personal losses are examples of
Why/when would you use effect as a verb? (2x for when you would use affect as an adjective)
To cause to happen (or similar, e.g., "He effected the plan)
(Affect meaning a trait or idiosyncratic characteristic, e.g., "He had a mild affect to his speech.")