SAT Improving Sentences: Test 3

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Directions: Read each Improving Sentences question carefully and determine whether the underlined portion is correct or whether it needs to be improved. Choice A keeps the original phrasing and the other four choices have different phrasing. Select the choice that provides the most effective sentence. It should be clear and precise, without any awkwardness or ambiguity.

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Question 1
The kindergarten teacher had the children gather snowflakes to demonstrate that, like people, no two snowflakes is similar enough to justify labeling them exact replicas.

A
is similar enough to justify labeling them
B
is similar enough to justify the labeling of them
C
is similar enough to justify their being labeled
D
are similar enough to justify the labeling of them
E
are similar enough to justify labeling them
Question 1 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (E). A plural subject requires a plural verb. Since “snowflakes” is plural, its verb must be plural as well. (D) and (E) correct this error, but (D) is unnecessarily wordy. (B) and (C) do not address the error.
Question 2
Unlike Parisians, who may bring their dogs into most stores and restaurants, the pets of New Yorkers are usually left outside.

A
the pets of New Yorkers are usually left outside
B
a New Yorker’s pet is usually left outside
C
New Yorkers are usually leaving their pets outside
D
New Yorkers usually leave their pets outside
E
New Yorkers’ pets are usually left outside
Question 2 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). Make sure comparisons are structured to compare logical things. As written, this sentence incorrectly compares “Parisians” to “the pets of New Yorkers.” Both (C) and (D) create an appropriate comparison between “Parisians” and “New Yorkers,” but (C) introduces an inconsistent verb tense. (B) does not address the error.
Question 3
Even though their structure and alphabet that are not similar to those of Romance languages, Russian has many parallels to French.

A
their structure and alphabet that are
B
it has a structure and alphabet that are
C
they have a structure and alphabet
D
its structure and alphabet are
E
there are structures and alphabets that are
Question 3 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). The plural pronoun “their” does not agree with its singular antecedent “Russian.” (D) corrects both errors without introducing new ones. (B) and (E) correct the errors but are unnecessarily wordy. “They” in (C) does not have a logical antecedent.
Question 4
New cars are offered at substantial discounts several times each year, so they can make room for next season’s models.

A
year, so they can make room for next season’s models
B
year, and they can make room for next season’s models
C
year, since doing so makes room for next season’s models
D
year, and this will make room for next season’s models
E
making room for next season’s models
Question 4 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (E). Although this sentence contains three plural nouns, none of these are a logical antecedent for the plural pronoun “they.” (C), (D), and (E) all eliminate the ambiguous pronoun, but (C) and (D) are unnecessarily wordy. (B) does not address the error.
Question 5
Hybrid cars are usually viewed as good for the environment, often burning as much gas as regular cars and using the extra energy from the electrical component only as a power boost.

A
often burning as much gas as regular cars and using
B
often burning as much gas as regular cars, which use
C
but they often burn as much gas as regular cars and use
D
but they often burned as much as regular cars, and that uses
E
but often burning as much gas as regular cars and using
Question 5 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (C). Although the original sentence is grammatically correct, there is a contrast between the ideas expressed; adding “but” as (C) does, clarifies the relationship between the clauses. (B) changes the meaning; hybrid cars, not regular cars, are the ones that “use extra energy..as a power boost.” (D) introduces an inconsistent verb tense, and it is unclear what “that” is meant to refer to, while (E) leaves the meaning of the second clause incomplete.
Question 6
Although the racing bike was designed especially for her, that it still needed a few adjustments did not surprise Melissa.

A
that it still needed a few adjustments did not surprise Melissa
B
no surprise resulted when Melissa learned that it still needed a few adjustments
C
the few adjustments that it still needed did not surprise Melissa
D
Melissa was not surprised that it still needed a few adjustments
E
its still needing a few adjustments did not surprise Melissa
Question 6 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). The passive voice will not always be incorrect on the SAT, but also look for active versions of passive constructions. The sentence uses passive voice unnecessarily. (D) makes the sentence active without introducing any grammatical errors. (B), (C), and (E) do not address the error.
Question 7
The idea of a computer in every home once seemed impossible, initially as a result of the fact that computers were so expensive and, in later years, because they seemed unnecessary.

A
initially as a result of the fact that computers were so expensive and, in later years, because
B
initially this was because computers were so expensive, and in later years it was due to the fact
C
initially because computers were so expensive and later because
D
initially being so expensive, they later
E
initially because they were more expensive, then later
Question 7 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (C). As written, the sentence is unnecessarily wordy. (C) is the most concise version of the sentence that does not introduce additional errors. (B), (D), and (E) all create run-ons. On the SAT, not all lengthy answer choices will be incorrect, but always check for a more concise version.
Question 8
Active volcanoes are monitored closely, seismologists observe warning signs to predict when eruptions will occur.

A
closely, seismologists observe warning signs to predict when eruptions will occur
B
closely and seismologists observe warning signs to predict when eruptions will occur
C
closely; seismologists observe warning signs so that they can predict extremely well when eruptions will occur
D
closely; seismologists observe warning signs to predict when eruptions will occur
E
closely; because seismologists observe warning signs to predict when eruptions will occur
Question 8 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). As written, this sentence is a run-on. (D) joins the independent clauses with a semicolon. (B) corrects the run-on, but “but” does not appropriate relate the ideals in the sentence. (C) and (E) incorrectly use a semicolon to combine and independent clause and a dependent clause.
Question 9
The orchestral arrangement is more famous, and Samuel Barber’s Adagio was originally written for string quartet.

A
The orchestral arrangement is more famous, and
B
The orchestral arrangement is more famous,
C
The orchestral arrangement is more famous, however
D
Although the orchestral arrangement is more famous,
E
Whereby the orchestral arrangement for string is more famous,
Question 9 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). The conjunction “and” does not reflect the contrasting nature of the two clauses in this sentence. Only (D) combines the sentences in a grammatically correct and logical way. (B) and (C) are both run-on sentences, and “whereby” in (E) also fails to logically combine the clauses. “Whereby” means “through which” or “the means by which.”
Question 10
V-Day is observed on February 14th in critics around the world to celebrate women in general and to promote awareness of women’s issues, which includes gender equality and health concerns.

A
which includes
B
they include
C
these include
D
including
E
also including
Question 10 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). Since “which” here refers to the plural noun “issues,” the singular verb form “includes” is incorrect. (D) reworks the selection so as to eliminate the error. (B) and (C) create run-on sentences. The transition word “also” in (E) in inappropriate in context.
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