Practice Questions

Directions: In the passage given below, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. Choose the alternative that you think is best. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,” which will always be either answer choice (A) or (F)


The Deer Fence

[ 1 ]

A family emergency took us across the country for several weeks during the spring of \[\frac{\text{that}}{1}\] year. We had left our first vegetable garden in the midst of early growing season, a time when careful monitoring of emerging seeds is essential to ensure their vitality. Only a serious family matter would have \[\frac{\text{as an instigation for }}{2}\]such a departure.

[ 2 ]

We arrived home three weeks later \[\frac{\text{to witness}}{3}\] an incredible transformation \[\frac{\text{upon our return}}{4}\]. Not only had the broccoli stalks and scarlet radishes come to bear fruit, but \[\frac{\text{they are the local deer population}}{5}\] had decided to make a meal of our freshly sprouted crop.

[ 1 ]

VIEW ANSWER
Answer: (C) this

Explanation

The modifier that should be used to reference a specific year; because the actual year is not stated in the passage, the underlined portion should be changed to this, which clarifies the sentence and provides context. It is not appropriate here to use the article a before the noun year, so eliminate answer choice B. Omitting the under-lined portion creates an incomplete sentence, eliminate answer choice D.

[ 2 ]

VIEW ANSWER
Answer: (D) instigated

Explanation

It is correct to use the past tense verb instigated to match the tense used throughout the paragraph.

[ 3 ]

VIEW ANSWER
Answer: (F) NO CHANGE

Explanation

This sentence is correct as written. It is in the active voice and correctly uses the infinitive to witness. Answer choice G suggests that witnessing the transformation was the method by which the author arrived home, which doesn’t make sense. Answer choices H and J are awkward and do not effectively convey the intended idea.

[ 4 ]

VIEW ANSWER
Answer: (D) OMIT the underlined portion

Explanation

The phrase upon our return is redundant because the writer has already stated that they had arrived back home. Answer choices B and C are also redundant for the same reason.

[ 5 ]

VIEW ANSWER
Answer: (H) the local deer population

Explanation

The phrase the local deer population correctly identifies the subject of the clause. The pronoun they is an unnecessary addition in both answer choices F and G. In answer choice J, they would have referred logically to the plants, which doesn’t make sense.

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