Home » Academics » Division of Arts and Letters & Social and Behavioral Sciences » Language and Literature » Reading & Writing Lab » Preparing for the Exit Exam » Practice Essay and Grammar Exams » Full Length Practice Exam 1 (no explanations)

Full Length Practice Exam 1 (no explanations)

Directions to Students

Do not start the test until told to do so.

This is a test of English language skills and comprehension. It is designed to assess your mastery of the content areas you have studied this semester.

There are 40 questions on the test. After reading a selection, choose the best answer and darken in the corresponding space on the answer sheet. When you complete one selection, mark your answer and go immediately to the next selection. You may look back at the material you have read, but do not spend too much time on any one question. After a reasonable effort, go to the next selection. You will have 50 minutes to complete the test.

Do not write on the test booklet.

Read the entire passage carefully, and then answer the questions. (Note: Intentional errors may have been included in this passage.)

(1) _____________________________________________________________________ (2) Garbage litters the streets, the beaches, and the waterways. (3) Another problem is the draining of the swampland for irrigation of farmland. (4) Even proper disposal of this litter pollutes the state’s air, land, and water. (5) The drying up of the swampland reduces the supply of fresh water for South Florida residents; ____________, the alteration of this habitat threatens the survival of aquatic species and waterfowl. (6) A third problem results when offshore drilling fouls the coastlines and kills marine life. (7) In fact, one of the worst oil drilling disasters in history occurred off the Texas coast a few years ago. (8) Finally, the gravest environmental problem is the rapid rate of urban and suburban development. (9) This development results in excessive demands on the state’s natural resources, especially land and water. (10) Unless citizens and government officials cooperate to address these serious environmental problems, Florida’s resources soon may be inadequate to support its growing population.

1. Which sentence, if inserted in the blank labeled number 1, is the best main idea or topic sentence for the passage?

A.     Disposing of Florida’s waste is becoming more difficult every year.

B.     Draining Florida swampland is an irresponsible action that threatens our most precious resources.

C.    From billboards to litter to oil spills, Florida is a total mess.

D.    Florida faces some serious environmental problems that may leave the state with fewer resources in the twenty-first century.

2. Which of the numbered sentences from the preceding passage is not relevant to the passage?

A. sentence 2

B. sentence 5

C. sentence 7

D. sentence 9

3. Select the arrangement of sentences 2, 3, and 4 that provides the most logical sequence of ideas and supporting details in the paragraph. If no change is needed, select option A.

A. Garbage litters the streets, the beaches, and the waterways. Another problem is the draining of swampland for irrigation of farmland. Even proper disposal of this litter pollutes the state’s air, land, and water.

B. Garbage litters the streets, the beaches, and the waterways. Even proper disposal of this litter pollutes the state’s air, land, and water. Another problem is the draining of swampland for irrigation of farmland.

C. Another problem is the draining of swampland for irrigation of farmland. Even proper disposal of this litter pollutes the state’s air, land, and water. Garbage litters the streets, the beaches, and the waterways.

D. Even proper disposal of this litter pollutes the state’s air, land, and water. Garbage litters the streets, the beaches, and the waterways. Another problem is the draining of swampland for irrigation of farmland.

4. Which word or phrase, if inserted in the blank in sentence 5, would make the most logical connection between the ideas in the sentence?

A. however

B. on the other hand

C. in spite of this

D. in addition

Read the entire passage carefully, and then answer the questions. (Note: Intentional errors may have been included in this passage.)

(1) _____________________________________________________________________ (2) Chemists have been familiar with the properties of these substances for many years. (3) Among other things, acids are sour. (4) For example, the acetic acid found in vinegar is responsible for the tart taste that gives flavor to salads and other foods. (5) Another property of acids is that they corrode metals. (6) While it will discolor a steel knife, the acetic acid in vinegar is only moderately strong; _____________, at full strength, acetic acid blisters the skin. (7) If you leave a steel knife immersed in vinegar, the knife will quickly become corroded. (8) It is easy to show that acetic acid corrodes metals. (9) Even more powerful than acetic acid, sulfuric acid is so corrosive that it is seriously damaging to the human skin. (10) Alkalis (also known as bases) are chemical compounds that neutralize acids. (11) In some very weak acids, the properties of sourness and corrosion are hardly noticeable, and these substances may even be used in medicine. (12) Thus, acetylsalicylic acid (better known as aspirin) is a valuable drug, used to relieve pain. (13) In addition, boric acid is used in ointments and eye washes.

5. Which sentence, if inserted in the blank labeled number 1, is the best main idea or topic sentence for the passage?

Acids are very dangerous.

It is easy to describe acids in terms of what they do.

This paragraph will discuss several types of acids.

The properties and uses of acids.

6. Select the arrangement of sentences 6, 7, and 8 that provides the most logical sequence of ideas and supporting details in the paragraph. If no change is needed, select option A.

A. While it will discolor a steel knife, the acetic acid in vinegar is only moderately strong; at full strength, acetic acid blisters the skin. If you leave a steel knife immersed in vinegar, the knife will quickly become corroded. It is easy to show that acetic acid corrodes metals.

B. If you leave a steel knife immersed in vinegar, the knife will quickly become corroded. While it will discolor a steel knife, the acetic acid in vinegar is only moderately strong; at full strength, acetic acid blisters the skin. It is easy to show that acetic acid corrodes metals.

C. It is easy to show that acetic acid corrodes metals. If you leave a steel knife immersed in vinegar, the knife will quickly become corroded. While it will discolor a steel knife, the acetic acid in vinegar is only moderately strong; at full strength, acetic acid blisters the skin.

D. It is easy to show that acetic acid corrodes metals. While it will discolor a steel knife, the acetic acid in vinegar is only moderately strong; at full strength, acetic acid blisters the skin. If you leave a steel knife immersed in vinegar, the knife will quickly become corroded.

7. Which word or phrase, if inserted in the blank in sentence 6, would make the most logical connection between the ideas in the sentence?

A. therefore

B. however

C. because of this

D. thus

8. Which of the numbered sentences from the preceding passage is not relevant to the passage?

A. sentence 3

B. sentence 5

C. sentence 8

D. sentence 10

9. Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context suggested by the sentence.

The opera singer’s work was seasonal and ________________________, but she made an excellent annual income because she received thousands of dollars for each performance.

A. vigorous

B. integral

C. sporadic

10. Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context suggested by the sentence.

As we drove by the magnificent homes with their elegant gardens, we could tell Oak Village was a very _________________________ neighborhood.

A. affluent

B. avid

C. excruciating

11. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”

We were so (A) eager to climb Mt. Marcy that our guide told us it would be (B) alright if we experienced climbers started immediately and (C) led the way for the rest of the group.

A. anxious

B. all right

C. lead

D. No change is necessary

12. Directions: Choose the sentence in which modifiers are used appropriately.

A. Running up the hill, the grass tickled our bare feet, laughing.

B. As we ran, laughing, up the grassy hill, the grass tickled our feet.

C. Laughing, the grass tickled our bare feet as we ran up the hill.

13. Directions: Choose the sentence in which modifiers are used appropriately.

A. When she walked beside her father down the aisle, the bride looked elegant in her wedding gown made of ivory satin.

B. Made of ivory satin, the bride looked elegant in her wedding gown when she walked down the aisle beside her father.

C. The bride’s elegant wedding gown was made of ivory satin when she walked down the aisle beside her father.

14. Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context suggested by the sentence.

Many traditions of the Old West have disappeared, including long cattle drives from the range to a cow-market town; ___________________, nowadays cattlemen often use a jeep or airplane to tend their herds, instead of riding the range on horseback.

A. furthermore

B. in spite of this

C. nevertheless

15. Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context suggested by the sentence.

Carl admitted that he had sneaked in to the concert without a ticket, __________ the usher threw him out.

A. but

B. or

C. so

D. for

16. Choose the sentence that has no errors in structure.

A. Either he agrees to testify or he goes to jail.

B. Either he agrees to testify or is going to jail.

C. Either he agrees to testify or jail.

17. Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context suggested by the sentence.

Watkins was a perfect butler, but he was not _____________________.

A. good at being a murder

B. a clever murderer

C. any good at murder

D. a well murder

18. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”

Because Sleepy Sam, ridden by jockey Rick Morella, had been pushed into the fence, there was an official inquiry about the results of the race.

A. Sam ridden

B. Morella had been

C. Fence there

D. No change necessary

19. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Mrs. Danvers leaned out the window of the burning tower, and shrieked with laughter as the great mansion began to crumble in flames.

A. tower and she

B. tower and

C. tower, she

D. No change necessary

20. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

According to Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from heaven, brought it to earth. And taught man how to use this gift.

A. my theology Prometheus

B. heaven, he brought

C. earth, and

D. No change is necessary

21. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Tie your shoes, those dangling laces will make you trip on the way down the stairs, and you’ll break a leg – or maybe your neck!

A. shoes. Those

B. stairs and

C. leg; or

D. No change necessary

22. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

As the snow fell softly, we walk along the moonlight, holding hands but saying nothing.

A. was falling

B. falls

C. has fell

D. No change necessary

23. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

When we saw the black clouds, we knew that we couldn’t sail to Gull Island because making the trip in our small boat would be too dangerous.

A. might could be

B. would of been

C has been

D. No change necessary

24. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

I will let you borrow my camera to take pictures at the beach, but please make sure you didn’t get any sand in it!

A. wouldn’t get

B. don’t get

C. will not gotten

D. No change necessary

25. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Make sure you (A) lock the lid of the garbage can tightly; the raccoons have (B) maked a mess in our trash area the past few nights.

A. have locked

B. have been making

C. No change necessary

26. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

A few of the wild ducks has been injured, but all of them are able to fly, so no one is worried about them.

A. have

B. is

C. are

D. No change necessary

27. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”

Ludwig, along with his acting coach, is having a public relations reception today, and any reporter who wishes to attend is welcome.

A. are having

B. wish

C. are

D. No change necessary

28. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”

The Boy Scouts of Troop 122 are planning to hike to Eagle Rock this weekend, and their leaders are going to have a big job keeping up with all of those strong, young teenagers because both leaders seems a little out of shape.

A. is planning

B. is going

C. seem

D. No change necessary

29. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”

Every student wanted a chance to revise their essay, but the instructor graded the first drafts.

A. one’s

B. his or her

C. they’re

D. No change necessary

30. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”

When Parker left the interview, you knew he didn’t have a chance of getting the job because his clothes were dirty and he had flipped cigarette ashes on the recruiter’s shoes.

A. he

B. one

C. his or her

D. No change is necessary

31. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

A person who is very tired and also under the influence of alcohol can’t always feel the negative effects, but his risk as a driver has increased because your chances of having an accident rise along with the body’s fatigue and alcohol level.

A. whom

B. your

C. his

D. No change necessary

32. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

A good hospitalization plan is important in an employee benefits package because of how expensive it can be.

A. the benefits package

B. they

C. health care

D. No change necessary

33. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Although she and me have been to California several times, we’ve never seen Hollywood.

A. I and her

B. her and me

C. she and I

D. No change necessary

34. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”

Our basketball team played well this season, but our football team played best.

A. played the best

B. played better

C. played more good

D. No change necessary

35. Directions: Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence.

You have swum very _____________ in the semi-finals, so you have a good chance at first place.

A. fast

B. quick

C. fastly

36. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Harry is disinterested in the stock market, but he’s always eager to hear the sports news even when he already knows the results of the day’s games.

A. uninterested

B. anxious

C. all ready

D. No change necessary

37. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Professor (A) Jones who is the advisor for the chemistry (B) club, has just received an $80,000 (C) grant for his continuing research in metal alloys.

A. Jones, who

B. club has

C. grant, for

D. No change necessary

38. Directions: Choose the sentence that is correctly punctuated.

A. All the girl’s lockers had been opened, and they’re content had been scattered on the floor.

B. All the girls lockers had been opened, and their content had been scattered on the floor.

C. All the girls’ lockers had been opened, and there content had been scattered on the floor.

D. All the girls’ lockers had been opened, and their content had been scattered on the floor.

39. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Many people think a camel’s hump is a storage place for water, however, it is actually a lump of stored fat which the camel uses when food is scarce.

A. think, a

B. water; however,

C. fat, which

D. No change necessary

40. Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions of the sentence below. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”

Captain Jack, a leader of the Modoc Indians, led his warriors against the United States Army in the Modoc War of 1872.

A. Modoc Indians

B. Warriors

C. army

D. No change necessary