SAT Suite Question Bank - Results

Question ID 960dec02
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

Conventions
ID: 960dec02
A recent study tracked the number of bee species present in twenty-seven New York apple orchards over a ten-year period.
______ found that when wild growth near an orchard was cleared, the number of different bee species visiting the orchard
decreased.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Entomologist Heather Grab:
B. Entomologist, Heather Grab,
C. Entomologist Heather Grab
D. Entomologist Heather Grab,
ID: 960dec02 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a name and title and between
a subject and a verb. No punctuation is needed between the proper noun “Heather Grab” and “entomologist,” the title
that describes Grab. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between the sentence’s subject (“Entomologist Heather
Grab”) and the main verb (“found”) that indicates what Grab did.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed. Setting the entomologist’s name off with commas suggests that it could be
removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice D is incorrect because no
punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb.
Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 37e5c794
SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,

Conventions and Sense
ID: 37e5c794
Despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce, ______ they are made from nonrenewable petroleum, and most do not
biodegrade in landfills.
A. there are two problems associated with commercial plastics:
B. two problems are associated with commercial plastics:
C. commercial plastics’ two associated problems are that
D. commercial plastics have two associated problems:
ID: 37e5c794 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures that
the modifying phrase “despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce” appears immediately before the noun it
modifies, “commercial plastics,” clearly establishing that the commercial plastics—and not another noun in the
sentence—are being described as cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word “there”
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically and confusingly suggests that “there” is cheap, versatile, and
easy to produce. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun “two
problems” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the “problems” are cheap, versatile, and
easy to produce. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase
“commercial plastics’ two associated problems” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the
“problems” are cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.

Question ID adf210e7

Conventions
ID: adf210e7
The haiku-like poems of Tomas Tranströmer, which present nature- and dream-influenced images in crisp, spare language,
have earned the Swedish poet praise from leading contemporary ______ them Nigerian American essayist and novelist Teju
Cole, who has written that Tranströmer’s works “contain a luminous simplicity.”
A. writers. Among
B. writers among
C. writers; among
D. writers, among
ID: adf210e7 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“The
haiku-like…writers”) and the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”) that specifies a contemporary writer who has
praised Tomas Tranströmer’s haiku-like poems.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “among.”
Choice B is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause and the supplementary phrase
with appropriate punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main
clause (“The haiku-like…writers”) and the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”).

Question ID aaa1907f

Conventions
ID: aaa1907f
To serve local families during the Great Depression, innovative New York City librarian Pura Belpré offered storytelling in both
English and Spanish, an uncommon ______ celebrated el Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, an important community holiday; and
put on puppet shows dramatizing Puerto Rican folktales.
A. practice, at the time
B. practice at the time;
C. practice, at the time,
D. practice at the time,
ID: aaa1907f Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of elements in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice,
the semicolon after "time" is conventionally used to separate the first item ("offered…time") and the second
("celebrated…holiday") in the series of activities that librarian Pura Belpré offered. Moreover, the semicolon after
"time" matches the semicolon used later to separate the second item ("celebrated...holiday") and the third
("and...folktales") in the series.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the first item and the second item in
the complex series. Furthermore, a comma isn’t needed between the noun "practice" and the prepositional phrase
"at the time" because the prepositional phrase is essential to the full meaning of the phrase "an uncommon practice
at the time." Choice C is incorrect because a comma after "time" doesn’t match the semicolon used later to separate
the second ("celebrated...holiday") and third ("and...folktales") items in the series. Furthermore, a comma isn’t
needed between the noun "practice" and the prepositional phrase "at the time" because the prepositional phrase is
essential to the full meaning of the phrase "an uncommon practice at the time." Choice D is incorrect because a
comma after "time" doesn’t match the semicolon used later to separate the second ("celebrated...holiday") and third
("and...folktales") items in the series.

Question ID f0864217

ID: f0864217
Rabinal Achí is a precolonial Maya dance drama performed annually in Rabinal, a town in the Guatemalan highlands. Based
on events that occurred when Rabinal was a city-state ruled by a king, ______ had once been an ally of the king but was later
captured while leading an invading force against him.
A. Rabinal Achí tells the story of K’iche’ Achí, a military leader who
B. K’iche’ Achí, the military leader in the story of Rabinal Achí,
C. the military leader whose story is told in Rabinal Achí, K’iche’ Achí,
D. there was a military leader, K’iche’ Achí, who in Rabinal Achí
ID: f0864217 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.”
Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma.
Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English.
The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be next to the
subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma. Choice C is incorrect. This
doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The modifier “Based on
events…by a king,” is describing the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so
“Rabinal Achí” needs to be the first word after the comma. Choice D is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a
way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The modifier “Based on events…by a king,” is describing
the drama “Rabinal Achí.” Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so “Rabinal Achí” needs to be the
first word after the comma.

Question ID c91ef0f0

ID: c91ef0f0
During the American Civil War, Thomas Morris Chester braved the front lines as a war correspondent for the Philadelphia
Press. Amplifying the voices and experiences of Black soldiers ______ of particular importance to Chester, who later became an
activist and lawyer during the postwar Reconstruction period.
A. were
B. have been
C. are
D. was
ID: c91ef0f0 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "was" agrees
in number with the singular subject "amplifying." Gerunds such as "amplifying" are always singular.
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "amplifying."
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"amplifying." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
"amplifying."

Question ID ea0aa676

ID: ea0aa676
In the 1970s, Janaki Ammal, a prominent botanist, emerged as a powerful voice in India’s environmental conservation
movement. Her exhaustive chromosomal survey of plants in Silent Valley, a pristine tropical forest in Kerala, India, that is
home to nearly 1,000 species of native flora (many of which are endangered), ______ instrumental in the government’s
decision to preserve the forest.
A. are
B. were
C. have been
D. was
ID: ea0aa676 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject "survey" is singular, and so is the verb "was."
Choice A is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular, but the verb "are" is plural. Choice B is incorrect. The subject
"survey" is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular, but the verb
"have been" is plural.

Question ID 83898524

Conventions
ID: 83898524
In addition to advocating for South America’s independence in two political treatises, the Cartagena Manifesto and the Letter
from Jamaica, Simón Bolívar personally led armies against the Spanish, liberating three South American territories—New
Granada (present-day Colombia and Panama), Venezuela, and Quito (present-day ______ from colonial rule.
A. Ecuador,)
B. Ecuador)
C. Ecuador),
D. Ecuador)—
ID: 83898524 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a
sentence. The dash after “Ecuador” and the closing parenthesis pairs with the dash after “territories” to separate the
supplementary element (“New…Ecuador”) from the rest of the sentence. The supplementary element specifies the
three South American territories that Simón Bolívar liberated, and the pair of dashes indicates that this element
could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from
the rest of the sentence. Furthermore, punctuation isn’t needed between “Ecuador” and the closing
parenthesis. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary
element from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash to
separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.

Question ID fba5d8d1

Conventions
ID: fba5d8d1
In a 2016 study, Eastern Washington University psychologist Amani El-Alayli found that, among the study participants who
experienced frisson (a physiological response akin to goosebumps or getting the chills) while listening to music, there was
one personality trait that they scored particularly ______ openness to experience.
A. high. On
B. high on;
C. high on
D. high on:
ID: fba5d8d1 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause
("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to experience") and to introduce the information that
identifies which personality trait participants scored especially high on.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with "on" and
separates a necessary preposition from the clause beginning with "there." Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon
can’t be used in this way to join the main clause ("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to
experience"). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally used
to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause, making the colon the
better choice in this context. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause
("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to experience").

Question ID dc645172

ID: dc645172
The artistic talents of Barbara Chase-Riboud, most known for her 1979 historical novel Sally Hemings and the conversation it
inspired, ______ limited to the realm of prose: she first excelled in sculpture, where her affinity for bronze—a material she
described as “timeless” due to its use across eras and cultures—became part of her artistic identity.
A. hasn’t been
B. wasn’t
C. isn’t
D. aren’t
ID: dc645172 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject "talents" is plural, and so is the verb "aren’t": "the artistic talents…aren’t
limited."
Choice A is incorrect. The subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "hasn’t been" is singular. Choice B is incorrect. The
subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "wasn’t" is singular. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "talents" is plural, but
the verb "isn’t" is singular.

Question ID 886dc9f9

Conventions
ID: 886dc9f9
On July 23, 1854, a clipper ship called the Flying Cloud entered San Francisco ______ left New York Harbor under the guidance
of Captain Josiah Perkins Creesy and his wife, navigator Eleanor Creesy, a mere 89 days and 8 hours earlier, the celebrated
ship set a record that would stand for 135 years.
A. Bay and having
B. Bay. Having
C. Bay, having
D. Bay having
ID: 886dc9f9 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “Bay” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“On…Bay”) and another sentence
that begins with a supplementary phrase (“Having…years”). Here, the supplementary phrase beginning with
“having” modifies the subject of the second sentence, “the celebrated ship.”
Choice A is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join
sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two
sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“On…Bay” and “having…
years”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 59a246dc

Conventions
ID: 59a246dc
When external forces are applied to common glass made from silicates, energy builds up around minuscule defects in the
material, resulting in fractures. Recently, engineer Erkka Frankberg of Tampere University in Finland used the chemical ______
to make a glassy solid that can withstand higher strain than silicate glass can before fracturing.
A. compound, aluminum oxide
B. compound aluminum oxide,
C. compound, aluminum oxide,
D. compound aluminum oxide
ID: 59a246dc Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation around noun phrases. No
punctuation is needed because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive, meaning that it
provides essential identifying information about the noun phrase before it, “the chemical compound,” and thus
doesn’t require punctuation around it.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.
Choice C is incorrect because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive. Setting the phrase off
with punctuation suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the
case.

Question ID 6ea8c23f

Conventions
ID: 6ea8c23f
In 2018, a team of researchers led by Dr. Caitlin Whalen compiled every available measurement of ocean mixing rates from
the past two decades. With this novel data set, the team was able to determine how current-driven mixing varies across
______ and what impact it has on the distribution of heat and nutrients in the ocean.
A. regions,
B. regions:
C. regions;
D. regions
ID: 6ea8c23f Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between coordinates in a sentence. The two
elements "how…regions" and "what…ocean" work together as coordinates to complete the description of what the
team was able to determine. Because there are only two coordinates in this case (as opposed to a series of three or
more), no punctuation is needed between them.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."
Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."

Question ID aab74a3b

Conventions
ID: aab74a3b
Researcher Lin Zhi developed a process for increasing the tensile strength—measured in gigapascals, or GPa—of silkworm
______ dissolving and reweaving the silk in a solution of iron metal ions, zinc, and sugar, Zhi increased the amount of force
required to stretch it from approximately 0.5 GPa to 2 GPa.
A. silk, by
B. silk by
C. silk and by
D. silk. By
ID: aab74a3b Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The independent clauses "researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" can be
grammatically separated by a period. They can stand alone as sentences, and this is the only choice that lets them
do that.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and
"by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with punctuation like a period
or a semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and." A comma alone
isn’t enough. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin
Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with
punctuation like a period or a semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction
like "and." Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin
Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. The coordinating conjunction "and" isn’t enough
to link them by itself. We need a comma, too.

Question ID 512f0ac9

ID: 512f0ac9
Working from an earlier discovery of Charpentier’s, chemists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna—winners of the
2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—re-created and then reprogrammed the so-called “genetic scissors” of a species of DNA-
cleaving bacteria ______ a tool that is revolutionizing the field of gene technology.
A. to forge
B. forging
C. forged
D. and forging
ID: 512f0ac9 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a
sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive “to forge” is correctly used to form a nonfinite (infinitive) clause that explains
why the chemists re-created and reprogrammed the DNA-cleaving bacteria.
Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma separating the main clause (“chemists...bacteria”) from the participle
“forging,” this choice illogically suggests that the bacteria are forging a tool, which doesn’t make sense. Choice C is
incorrect. Without a coordinating conjunction such as “and” placed before it, the finite past tense verb “forged” can’t
be used in this way to describe the chemists’ actions. Choice D is incorrect. If read as a finite verb, the present
progressive verb “forging” isn’t consistent with the past tense verbs used in this sentence to describe the actions of
the chemists. If read as a nonfinite verb, the participle “forging” can’t be used in this way because there is no
following main clause for it to modify.

Question ID a9e5b788

Conventions
ID: a9e5b788
In discussing Mary Shelley’s 1818 epistolary novel Frankenstein, literary theorist Gayatri Spivak directs the reader’s attention
to the character of Margaret Saville. As Spivak points out, Saville is not the protagonist of Shelley’s ______ as the recipient of
the letters that frame the book’s narrative, she’s the “occasion” of it.
A. novel
B. novel,
C. novel; rather,
D. novel, rather,
ID: a9e5b788 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a semicolon to join a main clause (“Saville...novel”) and a second main clause (“she’s...it”)
preceded by supplementary elements (“rather...narrative”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation
and/or a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it,
a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma
splice. Without a conjunction following it, the comma after “novel” can’t be used in this way to join the two main
clauses.

Question ID d2b81427

ID: d2b81427
In assessing the films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, ______ have missed his equally deep engagement with Japanese
artistic traditions such as Noh theater.
A. many critics have focused on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources but
B. Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources has been the focus of many critics, who
C. there are many critics who have focused on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources, but they
D. the focus of many critics has been on Kurosawa’s use of Western literary sources; they
ID: d2b81427 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “many critics” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase “in
assessing…Kurosawa.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that it is the critics—and not another noun in the
sentence—who assess Kurosawa’s films.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Kurosawa’s…
sources” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that his use of Western literary sources is what
assesses Kurosawa’s films. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the
function word “there” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “there” is what assesses
Kurosawa’s films. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase
“the focus…critics” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the critics’ focus is what
assesses Kurosawa’s films.

Question ID e76e74e8

Conventions
ID: e76e74e8
Over twenty years ago, in a landmark experiment in the psychology of choice, professor Sheena Iyengar set up a jam-tasting
booth at a grocery store. The number of jams available for tasting ______ some shoppers had twenty-four different options,
others only six. Interestingly, the shoppers with fewer jams to choose from purchased more jam.
A. varied:
B. varied,
C. varied, while
D. varied while
ID: e76e74e8 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of a colon within a sentence. In this choice, the
colon is used in a conventional way to introduce the following description of how the number of jams available
varied.
Choice B is incorrect because it creates a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses
(“the number…varied” and “some…six”). Choice C is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing
sentence. Using the conjunction “while” to join the main clause (“the number…varied”) with the following clause’s
description of the number of jams available suggests that the variation in the number of jams is in contrast to some
shoppers having twenty-four options. Choice D is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing sentence.
Using “while” in this way suggests that the number of jams available varied during the time in which some
shoppers had twenty-four options and others had six. The sentence makes clear, however, that what follows “varied”
is a description of the variation, not a separate, simultaneous occurrence.

Question ID 73a6603c

Conventions
ID: 73a6603c
On sunny days, dark rooftops absorb solar energy and convert it to unwanted heat, raising the surrounding air ______ a light-
colored covering to an existing dark roof, either by attaching prefabricated reflective sheets or spraying on a paint-like
coating, helps combat this effect.
A. temperature; by adding
B. temperature, adding
C. temperature. Adding
D. temperature by adding
ID: 73a6603c Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“On…temperature”) and the second
sentence (“Adding…effect”). The gerund phrase beginning with “adding” is the subject of the second sentence, and
the verb phrase “helps combat this effect” describes what adding a light-colored covering can do.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the sentence “On...temperature” and the
supplementary phrases that follow. Doing so leaves the verb phrase “helps combat” without a subject and thus
results in a grammatically unconventional sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A
comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results
in a confusing and illogical sentence that suggests that adding a light-colored covering to an existing dark roof
raises the temperature of the surrounding air. Furthermore, it creates ambiguity by leaving the verb phrase “helps
combat” without a subject (so it isn’t clear what helps combat the effect).

Question ID 3bceeb93

ID: 3bceeb93
When they were first discovered in Australia in 1798, duck-billed, beaver-tailed platypuses so defied categorization that one
scientist assigned them the name Ornithorhynchus paradoxus: “paradoxical bird-snout.” The animal, which lays eggs but also
nurses ______ young with milk, has since been classified as belonging to the monotremes group.
A. they’re
B. their
C. its
D. it’s
ID: 3bceeb93 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The singular possessive pronoun "its" agrees with the singular antecedent "the animal"
and indicates that the "young" belong to it.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "They’re" is a contraction of "they
are," a plural pronoun and verb, but the antecedent "the animal" is singular. Also, we don’t need the extra verb "are" —
we already have a main verb in this clause, so adding "are" would be confusing and ungrammatical. Choice B is
incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "Their" is a plural pronoun, but the subject of
the sentence is "the animal," a singular noun. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a confusing and
ungrammatical sentence. "It’s" is a contraction for "it is." We already have the verb "nurses" in this clause, so we
shouldn’t add the verb "is."

Question ID dab8b8ee

ID: dab8b8ee
Known as Earth’s “living skin,” biocrusts are thin layers of soil held together by surface-dwelling microorganisms such as
fungi, lichens, and cyanobacteria. Fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion, ______
A. a recent study’s estimate is that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.
B. an estimated 60 percent reduction in global dust emissions each year is due to these crusts, according to a recent study.
C. these crusts reduce global dust emissions by an estimated 60 percent each year, according to a recent study.
D. a recent study has estimated that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.
ID: dab8b8ee Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is
"biocrusts." Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each other, so "biocrusts" or
some variant meaning "biocrusts" (in this case, "these crusts") must begin the missing clause.
Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying
soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent study’s estimate." Choice B is incorrect.
Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid
ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "an estimated 60 percent reduction." Choice D is incorrect. Modifiers
and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against
erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent study."

Question ID c06af4d8

Conventions
ID: c06af4d8
Sociologist Alton Okinaka sits on the review board tasked with adding new sites to the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places,
which includes Pi‘ilanihale Heiau and the ‘Ōpaeka‘a Road Bridge. Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions ______ all historical
designations must be approved by a group of nine other experts from the fields of architecture, archaeology, history, and
Hawaiian culture.
A. single-handedly, however;
B. single-handedly; however,
C. single-handedly, however,
D. single-handedly however
ID: c06af4d8 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary word or phrase
between two main clauses. This choice correctly uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb “however”
from the preceding main clause (“Okinaka doesn’t…single-handedly”) and a semicolon to join the next main clause
(“all…culture”) to the rest of the sentence. Further, placing the semicolon after “however” correctly indicates that the
information in the preceding main clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions single-handedly) is contrary to
what might be assumed from the information in the previous sentence (Okinaka sits on the review board that adds
new sites to the Hawaii Register of Historic Places).
Choice B is incorrect because placing the semicolon after “single-handedly” and the comma after “however”
illogically indicates that the information in the next main clause (all historical designations must be approved by a
group of experts) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions single-
handedly). Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Commas can’t be used in this way to
punctuate a supplementary word or phrase between two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a
run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 0fe5ce68

ID: 0fe5ce68
Ten of William Shakespeare’s plays are classified as histories. Although each one of these plays, which include Henry V and
Richard III, ______ on a single historical figure (specifically, an English king), some, such as Henry VI Part One and Henry VI Part
Two, feature different episodes from the same monarch’s life.
A. focuses
B. focus
C. are focused
D. were focused
ID: 0fe5ce68 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "focuses"
agrees in number with the singular subject "each one of these plays," which refers to each play individually.
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "focus" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "each one of
these plays." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are focused" doesn’t agree in number with the singular
subject "each one of these plays." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "were focused" doesn’t agree in
number with the singular subject "each one of these plays."

Question ID 78b88c04

Conventions
ID: 78b88c04
Joshua Hinson, director of the language revitalization program of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, helped produce the
world’s first Indigenous-language instructional app, Chickasaw ______ Chickasaw TV, in 2010; and a Rosetta Stone language
course in Chickasaw, in 2015.
A. Basic; in 2009, an online television network;
B. Basic; in 2009, an online television network,
C. Basic, in 2009; an online television network,
D. Basic, in 2009, an online television network,
ID: 78b88c04 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice,
the semicolon after “2009” is conventionally used to separate the first item (“the world’s…2009”) and the second item
(“an online…2010”) in the series of things that Hinson helped create. Further, the comma after “Basic” correctly pairs
with the comma after “app,” and the comma after “network” correctly pairs with the comma after “TV” to set off the
supplemental elements (“Chickasaw Basic” and “Chickasaw TV”) that provide the names of the app and the TV
network, respectively. Altogether, the punctuation in this choice results in a sentence that clearly indicates that
Hinson helped make a language app in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped
make a language app in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice B is incorrect
because it fails to punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped make a language app
in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice D is incorrect because the comma after
“2009” doesn’t match the semicolon used to separate the second and third items in the complex series.

Question ID 2c4cd76d

Conventions
ID: 2c4cd76d
Researchers studying magnetosensation have determined why some soil-dwelling roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere
move in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field when searching for ______ in the Northern Hemisphere, the magnetic
field points down, into the ground, but in the Southern Hemisphere, it points up, toward the surface and away from worms’
food sources.
A. food:
B. food,
C. food while
D. food
ID: 2c4cd76d Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is colon use within a sentence. A colon used in this way
introduces information that illustrates or explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon
introduces the following explanation of why some roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere move in the opposite
direction of Earth’s magnetic field.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two long
independent clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results
in a run-on sentence. The two clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without punctuation.
Furthermore, the conjunction “while” fails to indicate that what follows is an explanation of why some roundworms
in the Southern Hemisphere move in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field. Choice D is incorrect
because it results in a run-on sentence. The two clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without
punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 3daf126e

ID: 3daf126e
A model created by biologist Luis Valente predicts that the rate of speciation—the rate at which new species form—on an
isolated island located approximately 5,000 kilometers from the nearest mainland ______ triple the rate of speciation on an
island only 500 kilometers from the mainland.
A. being
B. to be
C. to have been
D. will be
ID: 3daf126e Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence.
Relative clauses, such as the one beginning with “that,” require a finite verb, a verb that can function as the main
verb of a clause. This choice correctly supplies the clause with the finite future tense verb “will be.”
Choice A is incorrect because the nonfinite participle “being” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice B is
incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to be” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice C is incorrect
because the nonfinite to-infinitive “to have been” doesn’t supply the clause with a finite verb.

Question ID dfbf5d33

ID: dfbf5d33
In 1453, English King Henry VI became unfit to rule after falling gravely ill. As a result, Parliament appointed Richard, Third
Duke of York, who had a strong claim to the English throne, to rule as Lord Protector. Upon recovering two years later, ______
forcing an angered Richard from the royal court and precipitating a series of battles later known as the Wars of the Roses.
A. Henry resumed his reign,
B. the reign of Henry resumed,
C. Henry’s reign resumed,
D. it was Henry who resumed his reign,
ID: dfbf5d33 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures that
the introductory phrase “upon recovering two years later” appears immediately before the noun it modifies
(“Henry”), clearly establishing that Henry recovered two years later.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the reign of
Henry” immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that the reign of Henry recovered two years
later. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Henry’s
reign” immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that Henry’s reign recovered two years
later. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word “it”
immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that “it” recovered two years later.

Question ID 8a9d2f4e

ID: 8a9d2f4e
Researchers studying the “terra-cotta army,” the thousands of life-size statues of warriors found interred near the tomb of
Emperor Qin Shi Huang of China, were shocked to realize that the shape of each statue’s ears, like the shape of each person’s
ears, ______ unique.
A. are
B. is
C. were
D. have been
ID: 8a9d2f4e Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject–verb agreement. because the singular verb “is”
agrees in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “are” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the shape.”
Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “have been” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the
shape.”

Question ID c468db1c

Conventions
ID: c468db1c
A group of ecologists led by Axel Mithöfer at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Germany examined the
defensive responses of two varieties of the sweet potato ______ TN57, which is known for its insect resistance, and TN66,
which is much more susceptible to pests.
A. plant.
B. plant;
C. plant
D. plant:
ID: c468db1c Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A
group…plant”) and the supplementary element (“TN57…pests”) and to introduce the following elaboration on the
specific varieties of sweet potato plants that were examined.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with
“TN57.” Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“A group…plant”)
and the supplementary element (“TN57…pests”). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses,
whereas a colon is conventionally used to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the
preceding clause. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A
group...plant”) and the supplementary element (“TN57...pests”) with appropriate punctuation.

Question ID 109d5bbb

Conventions
ID: 109d5bbb
With some 16,000 in attendance, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and ______ or FESTAC ‘77, as the event
was more commonly known—became the largest pan-African event on record. FESTAC drew people from around the world
to Lagos, Nigeria, for a monthlong celebration of Black and African art, scholarship, and activism.
A. Culture:
B. Culture—
C. Culture,
D. Culture
ID: 109d5bbb Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The text uses a dash to introduce a nonessential element that explains the acronym
FESTAC. The dash matches the dash that comes after “known,” ending the descriptive aside.
Choice A is incorrect. A colon can only come after an independent clause, which isn’t the case here. Choice C is
incorrect. While punctuation is required to set off “or FESTAC…known” from the rest of the sentence, nonessential
elements must be separated from the sentence with matching punctuation. Since a dash appears on the other side
of the element, we can’t use a comma here. Choice D is incorrect. The descriptive aside “or FESTAC…known” is a
nonessential element that must be separated with punctuation from the rest of the sentence. This choice fails to
add the necessary punctuation before the nonessential element.

Question ID 6d4b2e1e

Conventions
ID: 6d4b2e1e
The 1977 play And the Soul Shall Dance depicts two Japanese American farming families in Depression-era Southern
California. Critics have noted the way pioneering ______ compares the experiences of issei (Japanese nationals who emigrated
to America) and nisei (their American-born children).
A. playwright, Wakako Yamauchi,
B. playwright, Wakako Yamauchi
C. playwright Wakako Yamauchi,
D. playwright Wakako Yamauchi
ID: 6d4b2e1e Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns.
No punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi" from the title that describes Yamauchi,
"pioneering playwright." Because "Wakako Yamauchi" is essential information identifying the "pioneering
playwright," no punctuation is necessary.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi." Setting
the playwright’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the
sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the title "pioneering
playwright" and the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi." Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed
between the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi" and the verb "compares."

Question ID f868d438

Conventions
ID: f868d438
In 2018, the innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek ______ were featured in City Dreams, a solo
exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
A. Kingelez;
B. Kingelez,
C. Kingelez
D. Kingelez:
ID: f868d438 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. No
punctuation is needed when the subject of a sentence is immediately followed by a main verb. In this case, the
sentence’s subject (“the innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek Kingelez”) is followed by
the main verb “were featured,” and no punctuation should come between them.
because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is
needed between the subject and the verb.

Question ID a14eef71

ID: a14eef71
In 2015, a team led by materials scientists Anirudha Sumant and Diana Berman succeeded in reducing the coefficient of
friction (COF) between two surfaces to the lowest possible level—superlubricity. A nearly frictionless (and, as its name
suggests, extremely slippery) state, ______
A. when their COF drops below 0.01, two surfaces reach superlubricity.
B. two surfaces, when their COF drops below 0.01, reach superlubricity.
C. reaching superlubricity occurs when two surfaces’ COF drops below 0.01.
D. superlubricity is reached when two surfaces’ COF drops below 0.01.
ID: a14eef71 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-
modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the first
word in the missing clause.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier “a nearly
frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one
another, so “superlubricity” must be the first word in the missing clause. Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a
subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-
modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the first
word in the missing clause. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The
subject of the modifier “a nearly frictionless state” is “superlubricity.” Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier
and its subject to be next to one another, so “superlubricity” must be the first word in the missing clause.


ID: 50801257
In 1994, almost 200 years after the death of Wang Zhenyi, the International Astronomical ______ the contributions of the
barrier-breaking 18th-century astronomer and author of “Dispute of the Procession of the Equinoxes,” naming a crater on
Venus after her.
A. Union would finally acknowledge
B. Union to finally acknowledge
C. Union, having finally acknowledged
D. Union, finally acknowledging
ID: 50801257 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. It’s the only choice that offers a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the
subject “International Astronomical Union” to make a complete sentence. This might seem like an odd use of
“would,” but when speaking from a point of view in the past, we can actually use “would” to express something that
happened later. That’s the case here: 200 years after Wang Zhenyi’s death, the IAU would finally acknowledge her
contributions.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There’s no main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so
we need a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject “the International Astronomical Union” and
serve as that main verb. “To acknowledge” can’t do that. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence
fragment. There’s no main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so we need a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go
with the subject “the International Astronomical Union” and serve as that main verb. “Having acknowledged” can’t
do that. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There’s no main verb elsewhere in the
sentence, so we need a form of the verb “acknowledge” that can go with the subject “the International Astronomical
Union” and serve as that main verb. The “-ing” form can’t do that.

Question ID 0a114526

Conventions
ID: 0a114526
In 1937, Chinese American screen actor Anna May Wong, who had portrayed numerous villains and secondary characters but
never a heroine, finally got a starring role in Paramount Pictures’ Daughter of Shanghai, a film that ______ “expanded the
range of possibilities for Asian images on screen.”
A. critic, Stina Chyn, claims
B. critic, Stina Chyn, claims,
C. critic Stina Chyn claims
D. critic Stina Chyn, claims,
ID: 0a114526 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The conventions being tested are punctuation use between titles and proper nouns and
between verbs and integrated quotations. No punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun “Stina Chyn” from the
title that describes Chyn, “critic.” Because “Stina Chyn” is essential information identifying the “critic,” no
punctuation is necessary. Further, no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and the following quotation
because the quotation is integrated into the structure of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun “Stina Chyn.” Setting the
critic’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence,
which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun “Stina
Chyn.” Setting the critic’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence
of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between “claims” and the integrated
quotation. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and its subject, “critic
Stina Chyn.” Additionally, no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and the integrated quotation.

Question ID 7ce4ee13

Conventions
ID: 7ce4ee13
After immigrating from Mexico and obtaining U.S. citizenship, Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo entered politics, earning a
reputation for being a fervent defender of Hispanic civil rights. In 1919 Larrazolo was elected governor of ______ in 1928 he
became the nation’s first Hispanic U.S. Senator.
A. New Mexico and
B. New Mexico,
C. New Mexico, and
D. New Mexico
ID: 7ce4ee13 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction "and" to join the first main clause ("In 1919
Larrazolo was elected governor of New Mexico") and the second main clause ("in 1928 he became the nation’s first
Hispanic US Senator").
Choice A is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use a
comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a
conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because
it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 329255db

ID: 329255db
Bengali author Toru Dutt’s A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields (1876), a volume of English translations of French poems, ______
scholars’ understanding of the transnational and multilingual contexts in which Dutt lived and worked.
A. has enhanced
B. are enhancing
C. have enhanced
D. enhance
ID: 329255db Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “has
enhanced” agrees in number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields,” which is the title of a
book of poems.
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “are enhancing” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “A
Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.” Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “have enhanced” doesn’t agree in
number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb
“enhance” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.”

Question ID 5aae2475

Conventions
ID: 5aae2475
Stomata, tiny pore structures in a leaf that absorb gases needed for plant growth, open when guard cells surrounding each
pore swell with water. In a pivotal 2007 article, plant cell ______ showed that lipid molecules called phosphatidylinositol
phosphates are responsible for signaling guard cells to open stomata.
A. biologist, Yuree Lee
B. biologist Yuree Lee,
C. biologist Yuree Lee
D. biologist, Yuree Lee,
ID: 5aae2475 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns.
No punctuation is needed to offset the proper noun “Yuree Lee” form the title “plant cell biologist” that describes Lee.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.
Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed around the proper noun “Yuree Lee.” Setting the phrase off
with punctuation suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the
case.

Question ID be37d4ae

Conventions
ID: be37d4ae
During the English neoclassical period (1660–1789), many writers imitated the epic poetry and satires of ancient Greece and
Rome. They were not the first in England to adopt the literary modes of classical ______ some of the most prominent figures
of the earlier Renaissance period were also influenced by ancient Greek and Roman literature.
A. antiquity, however
B. antiquity, however,
C. antiquity, however;
D. antiquity; however,
ID: be37d4ae Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary phrase following a
clause. This choice uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb phrase “however” from the independent
clause it modifies (“They …antiquity”) and uses a semicolon to join the first independent clause (“They …antiquity”)
and the second independent clause (“some…literature”). Further, placing the semicolon after “however” indicates
that the information in the clause that this part of (that neoclassical writers were not the first to adopt classical
literary modes) is contrary to what might be assumed from the information in the previous sentence (that the
neoclassical writers were unique in imitating classical epic poetry and satires).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary after “however” between the two independent clauses
with appropriate punctuation. Choice B is incorrect because the comma after “however” can’t be used in this way to
mark the boundary between the two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because placing the semicolon after
“antiquity” illogically indicates that the information in the clause that this part of (that prominent Renaissance
figures were also influenced by classical literature) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (that
neoclassical writers were not the first to adopt classical literary modes).

Question ID 1ee4485c

Conventions
ID: 1ee4485c
Journalists have dubbed Gil Scott-Heron the “godfather of rap,” a title that has appeared in hundreds of articles about him
since the 1990s. Scott-Heron himself resisted the godfather ______ feeling that it didn’t encapsulate his devotion to the
broader African American blues music tradition as well as “bluesologist,” the moniker he preferred.
A. nickname, however
B. nickname, however;
C. nickname, however,
D. nickname; however,
ID: 1ee4485c Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and two
supplementary elements. In this choice, the commas after “nickname” and “however” are correctly used to separate
the supplementary adverb “however” from the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”) on one side and the
supplementary participial phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”) on the other.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary adverb “however” and the
supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way
to join the supplementary adverb “however” and the supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice D is
incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”) and the
supplementary word and phrase (“however” and “feeling…bluesologist”). Moreover, placing the semicolon after
“nickname” illogically signals that the following information (Scott-Heron’s feeling that the nickname didn’t
encapsulate his devotion to the blues tradition) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (Scott-Heron’s
resistance to the nickname).

Question ID d46ac7e7

ID: d46ac7e7
A second-generation Japanese American, Wataru Misaka ______ in World War II (1941-45) and won two amateur national
basketball championships at the University of Utah when he joined the New York Knicks for the 1947-48 season, becoming
the first non-white basketball player in the US’s top professional league.
A. already served
B. was already serving
C. already serves
D. had already served
ID: d46ac7e7 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the New York Knicks in 1947. To show
that a past occurrence took place before another past occurrence, we need to use “had” + the past tense form of the
verb. This is called the past perfect tense.
Choice A is incorrect. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but his
service in World War II happened earlier, so we need a verb that makes it clear that his service (and the two national
championships) had ended by the time he joined the Knicks. Choice B is incorrect. “Was already serving” forms the
continuous past tense, which we use when we’re showing a past action that was ongoing. Misaka served in World
War II before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but they’re not happening at the same time, so we
shouldn’t use the continuous past tense here. Choice C is incorrect. Misaka served in World War II in the past, so we
shouldn’t use the present tense “serves.”

Question ID fdb16e20

Conventions
ID: fdb16e20
Quantum particles of light—photons—provide an unhackable means of transmitting encryption keys over networks, as
attempts to observe particles in quantum states will invariably alter the particles ______ dismantle any information they
transmit.
A. and in the process,
B. and, in the process,
C. and in the process—
D. and, in the process
ID: fdb16e20 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. This choice uses paired punctuation in the form of two commas to set off the
nonessential phrase "in the process."
Choice A is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired
punctuation. We need a comma after "and" to match the one after "process." Choice C is incorrect. The phrase "in the
process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired punctuation, so we would need a dash after
"and" to match the one following "process." Choice D is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential
element and needs to be set off with paired punctuation. We would need a comma after "process" to match the one
following "and."

Question ID 2fd05c15

Conventions
ID: 2fd05c15
In crafting her fantasy fiction, Nigerian-born British author Helen Oyeyemi has drawn inspiration from the classic nineteenth-
century fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Her 2014 novel Boy, Snow, Bird, for instance, is a complex retelling of the story of
Snow White, while her 2019 novel ______ offers a delicious twist on the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel.
A. Gingerbread—
B. Gingerbread,
C. Gingerbread
D. Gingerbread:
ID: 2fd05c15 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as in
this case, a subject (“her 2019 novel Gingerbread”) is immediately followed by a verb (“offers”), no punctuation is
needed.
because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is
needed between the subject and the verb.

Question ID 594b4a94

Conventions
ID: 594b4a94
The field of geological oceanography owes much to American ______ Marie Tharp, a pioneering oceanographic cartographer
whose detailed topographical maps of the ocean floor and its multiple rift valleys helped garner acceptance for the theories
of plate tectonics and continental drift.
A. geologist,
B. geologist
C. geologist;
D. geologist:
ID: 594b4a94 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. “Marie tharp” is essential information that completes the first clause — the first clause
doesn’t function without it. So we don’t want to separate it with punctuation.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to
American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which
means it’s essential information and should not be separated by a comma. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates
a punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to American geologist” is unclear: which
geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s essential information and
should not be separated by a semicolon. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field of
geological oceanography owes much to American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about? We
need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s essential information and should not be separated by a colon.

Question ID b15724fc

Conventions
ID: b15724fc
American writer Edwidge Danticat, who emigrated from Haiti in 1981, has won acclaim for her powerful short stories, novels,
and ______ her lyrical yet unflinching depictions of her native country’s turbulent history, writer Robert Antoni has compared
Danticat to Nobel Prize–winning novelist Toni Morrison.
A. essays, praising
B. essays and praising
C. essays praising
D. essays. Praising
ID: b15724fc Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “essays” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“American…essays”) and another
(“praising…Morrison”). The participial phrase beginning with “Praising” modifies the subject of the second sentence,
“writer Robert Antoni.”
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this
way to join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“American…
essays” and “Praising…Morrison”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 1b97cce9

Conventions
ID: 1b97cce9
Hegra is an archaeological site in present-day Saudi Arabia and was the second largest city of the Nabataean Kingdom
(fourth century BCE to first century CE). Archaeologist Laila Nehmé recently traveled to Hegra to study its ancient ______ into
the rocky outcrops of a vast desert, these burial chambers seem to blend seamlessly with nature.
A. tombs. Built
B. tombs, built
C. tombs and built
D. tombs built
ID: 1b97cce9 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the
period after “tombs” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“Archaeologist...tombs”) and
another (“Built...nature”).
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between sentences. Choice C is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this
way to join the two sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences
(“Archaeologist...tombs” and “Built...nature”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 61160f0a

ID: 61160f0a
Author Madeline L’Engle, ______ to create a suspenseful tone that draws the reader in, begins her novel A Wrinkle in Time
with descriptions of “wraithlike shadows” and “the frenzied lashing of the wind.”
A. looked
B. looks
C. is looking
D. looking
ID: 61160f0a Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. The nonfinite
present participle verb “looking” is correctly used to form a subordinate clause that describes the intent behind how
L’Engle begins her novel.
Choice A is incorrect because the finite past tense verb “looked” can’t be used in this way to form a subordinate
clause. Choice B is incorrect because the finite present tense verb “looks” can’t be used in this way to form a
subordinate clause. Choice C is incorrect because the finite present progressive tense verb “is looking” can’t be used
in this way to form a subordinate clause.


Conventions
ID: 84658166
In 1943, in the midst of World War II, mathematics professor Grace Hopper was recruited by the US military to help the war
effort by solving complex equations. Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just ______ as a pioneering
computer programmer, Hopper would help usher in the digital age.
A. equations, though:
B. equations, though,
C. equations. Though,
D. equations though
ID: 84658166 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation to mark boundaries between
supplements and clauses. The comma after “equations” is used to separate the independent clause (“Hopper’s…
equation”) from the supplementary adverb phrase “though.” The colon after “though” is used to mark the boundary
between the clause ending with “though” and the following clause (“as…age”). A colon used in this way introduces
information that illustrates or explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon after “though”
introduces the following explanation of how Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just solving
equations: she would become a pioneering computer programmer.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two
independent clauses (“Hopper’s…though” and “as…age”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results in an
illogical sequence of sentences. Placing the period after “equations” and beginning the next sentence with “Though”
illogically suggests that the following information (that Hopper would help usher in the digital age) is contrary to
the information in the previous sentence (Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just solving
equations). Instead, the information that follows supports the information from the previous sentence by explaining
how her work and influence extended beyond solely solving equations. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a
run-on sentence. The two independent clauses (“Hopper’s…though” and “as…age”) are fused without punctuation.

Question ID a8fa749a

Conventions
ID: a8fa749a
Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta’s celebrated literary oeuvre includes The Joys of Motherhood, a novel about the changing
roles of women in 1950s ______ a television play about the private struggles of a newlywed couple in Nigeria; and Head Above
Water, her autobiography.
A. Lagos, A Kind of Marriage,
B. Lagos; A Kind of Marriage,
C. Lagos, A Kind of Marriage:
D. Lagos; A Kind of Marriage
ID: a8fa749a Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series
including internal punctuation). In this choice, the semicolon after “Lagos” is conventionally used to separate the
first item (“The Joys…Lagos”) and the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) in the series. Further, the comma after
“Marriage” correctly separates the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”)
that describes it.
Choice A is incorrect because the comma after “Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to
separate the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) from the third item (“and…autobiography”). Choice C is incorrect
because the comma after “Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to separate the second item
(“A Kind…Nigeria”) from the third item (“and…autobiography”). Additionally, a colon can’t be used in this way to
separate the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it.
Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the title “A Kind of Marriage” from
the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it.

Question ID 188f7e3c

ID: 188f7e3c
In 2016, engineer Vanessa Galvez oversaw the installation of 164 bioswales, vegetated channels designed to absorb and
divert stormwater, along the streets of Queens, New York. By reducing the runoff flowing into city sewers, ______
A. the mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved by bioswales.
B. the bioswales have mitigated both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways.
C. the bioswales’ mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved.
D. both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways have been mitigated by bioswales.
ID: 188f7e3c Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase “the bioswales” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase “By
reducing…sewers.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that the bioswales—and not another noun in the
sentence—are reducing runoff flowing into city sewers.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the mitigation…
waterways” immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear modification. The resulting sentence makes
it hard to determine what is responsible for “reducing the runoff”: the bioswales or some other noun in the sentence.
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “the bioswales’
mitigation…waterways” immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear modification. The resulting
sentence makes it hard to determine what is responsible for “reducing the runoff”: the bioswales or some other noun
in the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase
“street flooding and the resulting pollution” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the
“flooding and pollution” are reducing runoff flowing into city sewers.

Question ID ba8ebf49

Conventions
ID: ba8ebf49
The poem Beowulf begins with the word “hwæt,” which is an Old English ______ as “hark!” or “listen!” in some versions, the
word was playfully rendered as “bro!” by Maria Dahvana Headley in her 2020 translation of the poem.
A. exclamation, translated
B. exclamation and translated
C. exclamation translated
D. exclamation. Translated
ID: ba8ebf49 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("The poem…exclamation") and another
sentence that begins with a supplementary element ("Translated…poem"). The supplementary element "translated
as ‘hark!’ or ‘listen!’ in some versions" modifies the subject of the second sentence, "the word" (referring to hwæt).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after "exclamation." A comma can’t be used in this way to
mark the boundary between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction "and"
can’t be used in this way to join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after
"versions." A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.

Question ID 59094d87

Conventions
ID: 59094d87
The Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville, Connecticut, was founded in 1931 with the goal of showcasing the culture and
history of the Mohegan ______ today, nearly a century later, it is the oldest Native-owned and -operated museum in the
country.
A. Tribe, and
B. Tribe
C. Tribe and
D. Tribe,
ID: 59094d87 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction (“and”) to join two
independent clauses (“The Tantaquidgeon…Tribe” and “Today…country”).
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error known as a run-on sentence. The clauses before and
after “Tribe” are both independent, so they need to be separated with some sort of punctuation. Choice C is incorrect.
This choice results in a grammar error known as a run-on sentence. The clauses before and after “and” are both
independent, so they can’t be linked with just a conjunction. A comma would also be required. Choice D is incorrect.
This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. The clauses before and after “Tribe” are both
independent, so they can’t be linked with just a comma. A coordinating conjunction like “and” or “but” would also be
required.

Question ID 2dd1b8bf

ID: 2dd1b8bf
Compared to that of alumina glass, ______ silica glass atoms are so far apart that they are unable to re-form bonds after being
separated.
A. silica glass is at a significant disadvantage due to its more dispersed atomic arrangement:
B. silica glass has a more dispersed atomic arrangement, resulting in a significant disadvantage:
C. a significant disadvantage of silica glass is that its atomic arrangement is more dispersed:
D. silica glass’s atomic arrangement is more dispersed, resulting in a significant disadvantage:
ID: 2dd1b8bf Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes “silica
glass’s atomic arrangement” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase
“compared to that of alumina glass.” In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that silica glass’s atomic
arrangement—and not another noun in the sentence—is being compared to the atomic arrangement (“that”) of
alumina glass.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “silica glass”
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that silica glass itself (rather than its atomic
arrangement) is being compared to alumina glass’s atomic arrangement. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a
dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “silica glass” immediately after the modifying phrase
illogically suggests that silica glass itself (rather than its atomic arrangement) is being compared to alumina glass’s
atomic arrangement. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun
phrase “a significant disadvantage” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that “a significant
disadvantage” is being compared to alumina glass’s atomic arrangement.

Question ID de3dd17d

ID: de3dd17d
Planetary scientist Briony Horgan and her colleagues have determined that as much as 25 percent of the sand on Mars is
composed of impact spherules. These spherical bits of glass form when asteroids collide with the planet, ejecting bits of
molten rock into the atmosphere that, after cooling and solidifying into glass, ______ back onto Mars’s surface.
A. to rain
B. raining
C. having rained
D. rain
ID: de3dd17d Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. "That…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface" is a relative clause that describes the "bits of
molten rock." Forming the clause requires a conjugated, finite verb, and this is the only choice that provides that.
Choice A is incorrect. "To rain" is an infinitive and can’t serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is
needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface," which describes the
"bits of molten rock." Choice B is incorrect. "Raining" is a present participle and, on its own, can’t serve as the main
verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that…[rain] back onto
Mars’s surface," which describes the "bits of molten rock." Choice C is incorrect. "Having rained" is a perfect
participle and can’t serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main verb of the
relative clause "that…[rain] back onto Mars’s surface," which describes the "bits of molten rock."

Question ID 5b8f9cf2

ID: 5b8f9cf2
In the canon of North African literature, Moroccan author Driss Chraïbi’s 1954 novel The Simple Past (Le Passé simple) looms
large. A coming-of-age story, a social meditation, and a sober gaze into the dark maw of French colonialism, ______
interrogates systemic power with memorable intensity.
A. Morocco gained its independence two years before the publication of Chraïbi’s debut novel, which
B. Chraïbi’s debut novel, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,
C. Chraïbi wrote a debut novel that, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,
D. published two years before Morocco gained its independence, Chraïbi wrote a debut novel that
ID: 5b8f9cf2 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each other.
The subject of the modifier "a coming-of-age story…colonialism" is Chraïbi’s novel The Simple Past, so the subject
"Chraïbi’s debut novel" fits perfectly after this introductory modifying phrase.
Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The introductory modifier "a coming-
of-age story…colonialism" is describing Chraïbi’s novel, not Morocco. However, this choice places Morocco directly
next to that modifier. Choice C is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The introductory
modifier "a coming-of-age story…colonialism" all describes Chraïbi’s novel, not Chraïbi himself. However, this choice
places Chraïbi directly next to that modifier. Choice D is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each
other. The modifier "a coming-of-age story…" is describing Chraïbi’s novel, so that needs to be the subject
immediately after the modifier. This choice adds another modifier that describes Chraïbi’s novel, but then puts
"Chraïbi" himself—not the novel—right after that modifier, which doesn’t make sense. Chraïbi wasn’t "published two
years before" Moroccan independence; his novel The Simple Past was.

Question ID f30a478e

Conventions
ID: f30a478e
A study published by Rice University geoscientist Ming Tang in 2019 offers a new explanation for the origin of Earth’s ______
structures called arcs, towering ridges that form when a dense oceanic plate subducts under a less dense continental plate,
melts in the mantle below, and then rises and bursts through the continental crust above.
A. continents geological
B. continents: geological
C. continents; geological
D. continents. Geological
ID: f30a478e Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A
study…continents”) and the supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) and to introduce the following explanation
of the origin of Earth’s continents.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the
supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) with appropriate punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a
semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the supplementary phrase
(“geological…above”). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is
conventionally used to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause,
making it the better choice in this context. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable
sentence fragment beginning with “geological.”

Question ID 0fa289a7

Conventions
ID: 0fa289a7
In 1955, Indian Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray released his first movie, Pather ______ quiet black-and-white drama about a
family in rural India, Ray’s film was quite different from the loud, colorful action-romance movies that were popular at the
time.
A. Panchali a
B. Panchali, which was a
C. Panchali, a
D. Panchali. A
ID: 0fa289a7 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
period is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("In…Panchali") and another ("A quiet…time").
The phrase beginning with "a quiet" modifies the subject of the next sentence, "Ray’s film."
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark
the boundary between sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used
in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.

Question ID db24ecc9

Conventions
ID: db24ecc9
The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Norway and the Jardim Botânico of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil are two of many botanical
gardens around the world dedicated to growing diverse plant ______ fostering scientific research; and educating the public
about plant conservation.
A. species, both native and nonnative,
B. species, both native and nonnative;
C. species; both native and nonnative,
D. species both native and nonnative,
ID: db24ecc9 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series
including internal punctuation). The semicolon after “nonnative” is correctly used to separate the first item
(“growing diverse plant species, both native and nonnative”) and the second item (“fostering scientific research”) in
the series of things that botanical gardens are dedicated to. Further, the comma after “species” is correctly used to
separate the noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that
modifies it.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma (specifically, the comma after “nonnative”) can’t be used in this way to
separate items in a complex series. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to separate
the noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it.
Further, a comma can’t be used in this way to separate items in a complex series. Choice D is incorrect because it
fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary
phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it. Further, a comma can’t be used in this way to separate items in
a complex series.

Question ID 2bb7416a

Conventions
ID: 2bb7416a
In paleontology, the term “Elvis taxon” gets applied to a newly identified living species that was once presumed to be extinct.
Like an Elvis impersonator who might bear a striking resemblance to the late musical icon Elvis Presley himself, an Elvis taxon
is not the real thing, ______ is a misidentified look-alike.
A. however but it
B. however it
C. however, it
D. however. It
ID: 2bb7416a Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are
both independent clauses, so making them into two separate sentences is grammatically correct.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real
thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with at least a
comma + a coordinating conjunction. This choice provides the coordinating conjunction “but,” but it’s missing a
comma. Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…
real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with a
semicolon, a colon, a dash, a period, or a comma + a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike”
are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with at least a comma + a coordinating conjunction. This
choice provides a comma, but it’s missing a coordinating conjunction.


Conventions
ID: 62120607
From afar, African American fiber artist Bisa Butler’s portraits look like paintings, their depictions of human faces, bodies, and
clothing so intricate that it seems only a fine brush could have rendered them. When viewed up close, however, the portraits
reveal themselves to be ______ stitching barely visible among the thousands of pieces of printed, microcut fabric.
A. quilts, and the
B. quilts, the
C. quilts; the
D. quilts. The
ID: 62120607 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a
supplementary phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“the
portraits...quilts”) and the supplementary noun phrase (“the stitching...fabric”) that provides a further description of
how the portraits can be identified as quilts.
Choice A is incorrect. A comma and the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a
supplementary noun phrase. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join a main
clause and a supplementary noun phrase. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable
sentence fragment beginning with “the stitching.”

Question ID 790fc366

Conventions
ID: 790fc366
Using satellite remote sensing, Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, director of NASA’s Harvest Africa initiative, gathers important data
on crop health. Nakalembe doesn’t just compile the ______ she also shares her findings with African farmers, enabling them to
make data-driven decisions about managing critical food crops.
A. information, though;
B. information, though,
C. information; though
D. information though,
ID: 790fc366 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses ("Nakalembe doesn’t
just…though" and "she also shares..."). This choice also appropriately includes "though" in the first clause, where it
logically belongs.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly joins two
independent clauses with only a comma instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but."
"Though" is a transition word, but it’s not a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a
punctuation error. A semicolon can only be used to link two independent clauses. However, if "though" is included
in the second clause, it turns the second clause into a dependent clause, so a semicolon can’t be used after
"information." Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly
joins two independent clauses with only a comma instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or
"but."

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Question ID 960dec02

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

A. Entomologist Heather Grab:

B. Entomologist, Heather Grab,

C. Entomologist Heather Grab

D. Entomologist Heather Grab,

ID: 960dec02 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,

A. there are two problems associated with commercial plastics:

B. two problems are associated with commercial plastics:

C. commercial plastics’ two associated problems are that

D. commercial plastics have two associated problems:

ID: 37e5c794 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: adf210e7 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

A. practice, at the time

B. practice at the time;

C. practice, at the time,

D. practice at the time,

ID: aaa1907f Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,

B. K’iche’ Achí, the military leader in the story of Rabinal Achí,

D. there was a military leader, K’iche’ Achí, who in Rabinal Achí

ID: f0864217 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,

ID: c91ef0f0 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,

ID: ea0aa676 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 83898524 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: fba5d8d1 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Form, Structure,

ID: dc645172 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

A. Bay and having

ID: 886dc9f9 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

A. compound, aluminum oxide

B. compound aluminum oxide,

C. compound, aluminum oxide,

D. compound aluminum oxide

ID: 59a246dc Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 6ea8c23f Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard