Title: Click here to begin the Placement Test
Course: Developmental English > Section: Introduction

Q: Placement Test Question 164968 - Objective(s) 1.1.1

The Complete Rembrandt

A Guide to an Artist's Work

by Marion Skinner

Additional Illustrations by Ernesto Alvarez

Edited by Joshua Greenway

Thomas Henderson Publishing

New York, New York, U. S. A.

Who is the author of this book?
- Marion Skinner (Correct. You have correctly identified the author of the book.)
- Ernesto Alvarez (Incorrect. The author is the person who wrote the text; this is the illustrator.)
- Joshua Greenway (Incorrect. The author is the person who wrote the text; this is the editor.)
- Thomas Henderson (Incorrect. The author is the person who wrote the text; this is the publisher.)
A: Marion Skinner

Q: Placement Test Question 165004 - Objective(s) 1.10.1

Which sentence uses end punctuation correctly?
- Did Mr. Reynolds ask Danielle to run for class president. (Incorrect. This is not a statement, so the sentence should not end with a period.)
- Did Mr. Reynolds ask Danielle to run for class president? (Correct. You have identified the correct sentence. A question is being asked, so the sentence requires a question mark.)
- Did Mr. Reynolds ask Danielle to run for class president! (Incorrect. There is no clear element of excitement, so the sentence should not end with an exclamation point.)
- Did Mr. Reynolds ask Danielle to run for class president, (Incorrect. This is not a complete sentence because a comma is not an end punctuation mark.)
A: Did Mr. Reynolds ask Danielle to run for class president?

Q: Placement Test Question 165088 - Objective(s) 2.9.2

Read this sentence fragment.

Think the film is stunning.

Which of the following makes this fragment a complete sentence?
- I think the film is stunning. (Correct. You have chosen the complete sentence.)
- Thinking the film is stunning. (Incorrect. Complete sentences must contain a subject and a predicate. This fragment is missing a subject.)
- While thinking the film is stunning. (Incorrect. Complete sentences must contain a subject and a predicate. This fragment is a dependent clause. It cannot stand on its own. It does not contain an independent clause with a subject and a predicate.)
- Think the film is powerful and stunning. (Incorrect. Complete sentences must contain a subject and a predicate. This fragment is missing a subject.)
A: I think the film is stunning.

Q: Placement Test Question 164980 - Objective(s) 1.8.1

Read this sentence.

Every new employee must review the handbook carefully.

What is the verb in this sentence?
- new (Incorrect. Action verbs tell the reader what the subject is doing.)
- review (Correct. You have correctly identified the verb of the sentence. “Review” tells what the subject, “employee,” does.)
- handbook (Incorrect. Action verbs tell the reader what the subject is doing.)
- carefully (Incorrect. Action verbs tell the reader what the subject is doing.)
A: review

Q: Placement Test Question 165076 - Objective(s) 2.9.1

Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
- Because Mitchell studied, he did well on the quiz. (Incorrect. A sentence fragment is a grammatical error that occurs when a sentence is missing either a subject or a predicate. This sentence has both a subject “he” and a predicate “did.”)
- Forgot to turn in her assignment. (Correct. You have correctly identified the sentence fragment. This fragment contains only a predicate “Forgot.”)
- Kara wants to find a tutor. (Incorrect. A sentence fragment is a grammatical error that occurs when a sentence is missing either a subject or a predicate. This sentence has both a subject “Kara” and a predicate “wants.”)
- My tutor is helpful. (Incorrect. A sentence fragment is a grammatical error that occurs when a sentence is missing either a subject or a predicate. This sentence has both a subject “tutor” and a predicate “is.”)
A: Forgot to turn in her assignment.

Q: Placement Test Question 165100 - Objective(s) 3.6.3

Which verb is in the future tense?
- has been playing (Incorrect. This option is in the past tense.)
- will play (Correct. You have identified the verb that is in the future tense. Future tense often uses the helping verb “will.”)
- played (Incorrect. This option is in the past tense.)
- plays (Incorrect. This option is in the present tense.)
A: will play

Q: Placement Test Question 165124 - Objective(s) 3.7.1

Read the following sentence.

Last year, the council members happy to visit their sister city in Argentina.

Choose the verb that makes this sentence correct.
- is (Incorrect. Subject-verb agreement happens when the writer uses subjects and verbs that match each other in number (singular or plural). The subject “members” is plural, so the verb must also be plural.)
- are (Incorrect. Subject-verb agreement happens when the writer uses subjects and verbs that match each other in number (singular or plural) and in tense. The subject “members” is plural, and "are" is plural, but it is the wrong tense.)
- was (Incorrect. Subject-verb agreement happens when the writer uses subjects and verbs that match each other in number (singular or plural). The subject “members” is plural, so the verb must also be plural.)
- were (Correct. You have identified the verb that makes this sentence correct. The subject “members” is plural, so the verb must also be plural. The sentence is in past tense, so the verb also must be in past tense.)
A: were

Q: Placement Test Question 165112 - Objective(s) 3.6.4

Read the following sentences.

When I first got off the plane, I around as if in a fog. I for my classmates.

Choose the verbs that make these sentences correct.
- looked / was searching (Correct. You have identified the verbs that make these sentences correct. The verb tenses are consistent and keep track of the events in the sentences.)
- looked / am searching (Incorrect. The verb tense helps us keep track of the sequence of events being described. Make sure to keep the verb tense consistent throughout a text.)
- look / was searching (Incorrect. The verb tense helps us keep track of the sequence of events being described. Make sure to keep the verb tense consistent throughout a text.)
- look / am searching (Incorrect. The verb tense helps us keep track of the sequence of events being described. Make sure to keep the verb tense consistent throughout a text.)
A: looked / was searching

Q: Placement Test Question 165136 - Objective(s) 4.6.1

Which sentence with an introductory phrase is punctuated correctly?
- Despite the economy, the restaurant had record profits. (Correct. You have identified the sentence that is punctuated correctly. The introductory phrase “Despite the economy” is followed by a comma.)
- Despite the economy; the restaurant had, record profits. (Incorrect. An introductory phrase is any group of words that precedes the subject in a sentence and is followed by a comma. A semicolon is incorrectly placed in this sentence.)
- Despite, the economy the restaurant had record profits. (Incorrect. An introductory phrase is any group of words that precedes the subject in a sentence and is followed by a comma. A comma is incorrectly placed in this sentence.)
- Despite the economy, the restaurant, had record profits. (Incorrect. An introductory phrase is any group of words that precedes the subject in a sentence and is followed by a comma. A comma is incorrectly placed after the word “restaurant.”)
A: Despite the economy, the restaurant had record profits.

Q: Placement Test Question 165172 - Objective(s) 5.1.2

Read this sentence.

"That man is a snake," said Tabitha. "First he told me the repair would cost $400, and then he charged me $768."

What is the connotative meaning of the word snake as it is used in the sentence?
- a tool used by plumbers (Incorrect. The context of the sentence describes a man who lied about the cost of a repair, which helps to determine the connotative meaning of the word snake.)
- a cold-blooded animal (Incorrect. The context of the sentence describes a man who lied about the cost of a repair, which helps to determine the connotative meaning of the word snake.)
- a subtle movement (Incorrect. The context of the sentence describes a man who lied about the cost of a repair, which helps to determine the connotative meaning of the word snake.)
- a deceitful person (Correct. You have used the context of the sentence to identify the connotative meaning of the word snake as it is used in the sentence.)
A: a deceitful person

Q: Placement Test Question 165148 - Objective(s) 4.7.1

Which sentence with a transition is punctuated correctly?
- Furthermore she, left orders not to be disturbed. (Incorrect. Transition words or conjunctive adverbs that appear at the beginning of a sentence are punctuated like an introductory phrase. A comma is incorrectly placed after the word “she.”)
- Furthermore she left orders, not to be disturbed. (Incorrect. Transition words or conjunctive adverbs that appear at the beginning of a sentence are punctuated like an introductory phrase. A comma is incorrectly placed after the word “orders.”)
- Furthermore; she left orders not to be disturbed. (Incorrect. Transition words or conjunctive adverbs that appear at the beginning of a sentence are punctuated like an introductory phrase. A semicolon is incorrectly placed after the word “Furthermore.”)
- Furthermore, she left orders not to be disturbed. (Correct. You have identified the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A comma is placed after the transition word “Furthermore” when it appears at the beginning of the sentence.)
A: Furthermore, she left orders not to be disturbed.

Q: Placement Test Question 165184 - Objective(s) 5.2.1

Read the paragraph.

Once thought to be science fiction, nanobots or microscopic robots are an emerging form of technology. They are made possible thanks to nanotechnology, which is a noun relating to the science of manipulating molecules to build microscopic devices.

The writer provides a formal definition for which term in the paragraph?
- nanotechnology (Correct. You have correctly identified the term that is formally defined. The sentence includes the meaning of “nanotechnology.”)
- science fiction (Incorrect. A formal definition includes traits or characteristics that are specific to that term. This term is not defined in the sentence.)
- microscopic (Incorrect. A formal definition includes traits or characteristics that are specific to that term. This term is not defined in the sentence.)
- technology (Incorrect. A formal definition includes traits or characteristics that are specific to that term. This term is not defined in the sentence.)
A: nanotechnology

Q: Placement Test Question 165232 - Objective(s) 5.7.1

Which sentence uses commas in a series correctly?
- The study includes a local, high school, a junior college a trade school, and a state university. (Incorrect. When you list items in a series, a comma should be placed between each item to help the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
- The study, includes a local high school a junior college, a trade school, and a state university. (Incorrect. When you list items in a series, a comma should be placed between each item to help the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
- The study includes, a local high school, a junior college, a trade school and a state university. (Incorrect. When you list items in a series, a comma should be placed between each item to help the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
- The study includes a local high school, a junior college, a trade school, and a state university. (Correct. You have identified the sentence that uses commas correctly. Putting commas between each item in a series helps the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
A: The study includes a local high school, a junior college, a trade school, and a state university.

Q: Placement Test Question 165328 - Objective(s) 5.1.2

Read this sentence.

The delivery driver did not realize that there was a wrinkle in her planned route, until she found herself stuck behind a massive traffic jam.

What is the connotative meaning of the word wrinkle as it is used in the sentence?
- problem (Correct. You have used the context of the sentence to identify the connotative meaning of the word wrinkle as it is used in the sentence)
- crease (Incorrect. The context of the sentence helps to determine the connotative meaning of the word wrinkle.)
- trick (Incorrect. The context of the sentence helps to determine the connotative meaning of the word wrinkle.)
- gap (Incorrect. The context of the sentence helps to determine the connotative meaning of the word wrinkle.)
A: problem

Q: Placement Test Question 165028 - Objective(s) 2.7.1

Which of the following is a run-on sentence?
- Gina's alarm clock did not go off she was late to school. (Correct. You have correctly identified the run-on sentence.)
- Keith's science project won a ribbon for being very unique. (Incorrect. A run-on sentence occurs when a sentence has two or more independent clauses joined without punctuation (a period or semicolon) or a conjunction. This is not a run-on sentence.)
- Erica enjoys her new school, even though she must take two buses to get there. (Incorrect. A run-on sentence occurs when a sentence has two or more independent clauses joined without punctuation (a period or semicolon) or a conjunction. This is not a run-on sentence.)
- Michael likes to cook, but he needed a break after making dinner for his seven friends. (Incorrect. A run-on sentence occurs when a sentence has two or more independent clauses joined without punctuation (a period or semicolon) or a conjunction. This is not a run-on sentence.)
A: Gina's alarm clock did not go off she was late to school.

Q: Placement Test Question 165160 - Objective(s) 4.8.1

Which sentence contains correct parallel structure?
- Taylor enjoys to hike, camp, and fly fishing. (Incorrect. Parallel structure is used to balance items in sentences. Balance means that you use similar grammatical structures to describe similar ideas. The verbs “to hike,” “camp,” and “fly fishing” are not all parallel in structure.)
- Taylor enjoys hiking, to camp, and fly fishing. (Incorrect. Parallel structure is used to balance items in sentences. Balance means that you use similar grammatical structures to describe similar ideas. The verbs “hiking,” “to camp,” and “fly fishing” are not all parallel in structure.)
- Taylor enjoys hiking, camping, and fly fishing. (Correct. You have identified the sentence with the correct parallel structure. The verbs “hiking,” “camping,” and “fly fishing” are grammatically parallel in structure.)
- Taylor enjoys to hike, camping, and fly fishing. (Incorrect. Parallel structure is used to balance items in sentences. Balance means that you use similar grammatical structures to describe similar ideas. The verbs “to hike,” “camping,” and “fly fishing” are not all parallel in structure.)
A: Taylor enjoys hiking, camping, and fly fishing.

Q: Placement Test Question 165292 - Objective(s) 5.7.1

Which sentence uses commas in a series correctly?
- My aunt grows, apples, cherries, peaches, and almonds. (Incorrect. When you list items in a series, a comma should be placed between each item to help the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
- My aunt grows apples, cherries, peaches, and almonds. (Correct. You have identified the sentence that uses commas correctly. Putting commas between each item helps the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
- My aunt grows apples cherries, peaches, and almonds. (Incorrect. When you list items in a series, a comma should be placed between each item to help the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
- My aunt grows, apples cherries peaches and almonds. (Incorrect. When you list items in a series, a comma should be placed between each item to help the reader keep track of how many items are included.)
A: My aunt grows apples, cherries, peaches, and almonds.

Q: Placement Test Question 165316 - Objective(s) 5.8.2

Read the following sentence.

Pesticide producers are beginning to adjust to the new regulations, one of which requires that make some changes in labeling.

Which word belongs in the blank?
- I (Incorrect. The pronoun must agree with the noun “producers.” Because “producers” is plural, the pronoun must also be plural.)
- we (Incorrect. The pronoun must agree with the noun “producers.” Because “producers” is in the third person, the pronoun must also be in the third person.)
- they (Correct. You have identified the correct pronoun to complete the sentence. The noun “producers” is plural so the plural pronoun “they” is used.)
- she (Incorrect. The pronoun must agree with the noun “producers.” Because “producers” is plural, the pronoun must also be plural.)
A: they

Q: Placement Test Question 165064 - Objective(s) 2.8.2

Read this sentence, which contains a comma splice.

This food truck is popular, the line is always long.

Which of the following makes this sentence correct?
- This food truck is popular the line is always long. (Incorrect. A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction.)
- This food truck is popular. The line is always long. (Correct. You have identified how to correct the comma splice. Adding a period to the first clause and a capital letter to the sentence clause makes this correct.)
- This food truck is popular; and the line is always long. (Incorrect. A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction.)
- This food truck is popular: because the line is always long. (Incorrect. A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction.)
A: This food truck is popular. The line is always long.

Q: Placement Test Question 165244 - Objective(s) 5.6.1

Read this sentence.

The presentation illustrates the problem.

What type of sentence is this?
- compound-complex (Incorrect. In a compound-complex sentence, one or both of the independent clauses has a subordinating clause, relative clause, or both. This sentence has one subject “presentation” and one predicate “illustrates.”)
- compound (Incorrect. A compound sentence has two independent clauses joined together by a conjunction. This sentence has one subject “presentation” and one predicate “illustrates.”)
- complex (Incorrect. A complex sentence has an independent and a dependent clause joined together. This sentence has one subject “presentation” and one predicate “illustrates.”)
- simple (Correct. You have identified the correct sentence type. This sentence has one subject “presentation” and one predicate “illustrates,” so it is a simple sentence.)
A: simple

Q: Placement Test Question 165388 - Objective(s) 1.6.1

Read the following sentence.

"She suggested that I review the chapter again before taking the final exam."

Use this dictionary entry to answer the question.

re- (prefix): again or back

What is the meaning of the word review?
- to view differently (Incorrect. A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word that can enhance or change its meaning.)
- to view slowly (Incorrect. A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word that can enhance or change its meaning.)
- to view quickly (Incorrect. A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word that can enhance or change its meaning.)
- to view again (Correct. You have used the prefix "re-" which means "again" to correctly identify the meaning of review.)
A: to view again

Q: Placement Test Question 165376 - Objective(s) 1.3.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Which sentence from the passage is an opinion?
- “It turns out that Chad Pregracke is a pretty incredible guy.” (paragraph 6) (Correct. You have correctly identified an opinion from the passage. This sentence provides an opinion about Chad Pregracke.)
- “Actually, Pregracke first became interested in the riverbanks when he was 17, using a small boat to haul trash away.” (paragraph 7) (Incorrect. An opinion shows bias and cannot be proven to be true. This sentence provides a fact about Pregracke's life.)
- “Living Lands & Waters uses a small fleet of barges to carry away the debris collected by the volunteers, and most of it is recycled.” (paragraph 7) (Incorrect. An opinion shows bias and cannot be proven to be true. This sentence provides facts about Living Lands & Waters.)
- “The latest venture is an effort to eradicate the non-native Japanese Honeysuckle from the Illiniwek Forest Preserve in Illinois.” (paragraph 8) (Incorrect. An opinion shows bias and cannot be proven to be true. This sentence provides a fact about Pregracke's current project.)
A: “It turns out that Chad Pregracke is a pretty incredible guy.” (paragraph 6)

Q: Placement Test Question 165352 - Objective(s) 1.1.3

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Why did the author write this passage?
- to aid Chad Pregracke with finding volunteers (Incorrect. The purpose explains why the writer is writing about the topic. The passage provides information about Chad Pregracke's volunteers, but he did not write this passage to aid with finding the volunteers.)
- to persuade readers to join Living Lands & Waters (Incorrect. The purpose explains why the writer is writing about the topic. Although the passage could indirectly aid the organization, this is not why the author wrote the passage.)
- to show information on two sides of an important issue (Incorrect. The purpose explains why the writer is writing about the topic. The writer did not show two sides of an issue in the passage.)
- to inform readers that one person can make a difference (Correct. You have correctly identified the author's purpose. The author states in the first sentence that “It was a spring day at Big Oaks Park when I overhauled my thinking about what one person can set in motion.”)
A: to inform readers that one person can make a difference

Q: Placement Test Question 165340 - Objective(s) 1.1.2

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Who is the intended audience for this passage?
- community members (Correct. You have correctly identified the intended audience of the passage. The author wants citizens to think about taking similar action, where needed.)
- government agencies (Incorrect. Although a city council member is mentioned, government agencies are not the intended audience.)
- Big Oaks Park rangers (Incorrect. Although the setting of the passage is Big Oaks Park, the park rangers are not the intended audience.)
- friends of Chad Pregracke (Incorrect. While Chad Pregracke is central to the passage, his friends are not the intended audience.)
A: community members

Q: Placement Test Question 165364 - Objective(s) 1.2.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

What is the topic sentence of paragraph 7 of the passage?
- “Actually, Pregracke first became interested in the riverbanks when he was 17, using a small boat to haul trash away.” (Incorrect. The topic sentence is the main point, or controlling idea, of a paragraph. This sentence is a supporting detail.)
- “Six years later, he admitted to himself how huge the task was, and he started asking government agencies to launch a clean-up program.” (Incorrect. The topic sentence is the main point, or controlling idea, of a paragraph. This sentence is a supporting detail.)
- “At the age of 23, he formed an organization called Living Lands & Waters, based in East Moline, Illinois, to direct volunteers in clean-up campaigns along a 435-mile stretch of the Mississippi.” (Correct. You have correctly identified the topic sentence of the paragraph. This sentence states the main point of the passage.)
- “That was in 1998, and by 2013, around 70,000 volunteers had removed more than 7.5 million pounds of garbage from along the Mississippi and other rivers in several states.” (Incorrect. The topic sentence is the main point, or controlling idea, of a paragraph. This sentence is a supporting detail.)
A: “At the age of 23, he formed an organization called Living Lands & Waters, based in East Moline, Illinois, to direct volunteers in clean-up campaigns along a 435-mile stretch of the Mississippi.”

Q: Placement Test Question 165472 - Objective(s) 3.6.2

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Which sentence from the passage is in the present tense?
- “Some ads from Eisenhower's campaign were just reminders of the candidate's name . . .” (paragraph 4) (Incorrect. Present tense refers to situations that are happening right now.)
- “But TV advertising's sophistication would soon grow quickly . . .” (paragraph 4) (Incorrect. Present tense refers to situations that are happening right now.)
- “Thomas Jefferson's opponents had many negative labels for him too.” (paragraph 7) (Incorrect. Present tense refers to situations that are happening right now.)
- “Each campaign uses its war chest to buy up domain names . . .” (paragraph 7) (Correct. You have correctly identified the sentence that is written in the present tense.)
A: “Each campaign uses its war chest to buy up domain names . . .” (paragraph 7)

Q: Placement Test Question 165460 - Objective(s) 3.6.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Which sentence from the passage is in past tense?
- “Still, it seems unlikely that anything is going to change.” (paragraph 1) (Incorrect. Past tense refers to situations that have already happened. Past tense verbs are sometimes created when a verb is combined with a helping verb.)
- “Before TV and radio, getting the message out about a president was largely the work of newspaper articles.” (paragraph 2) (Correct. You have correctly identified the verb that is in the past tense. The verb “was” is past tense.)
- “Because there is an abundance of money available for advertising, ads are a constant today, saturating the traditional media and capitalizing on traditional methods.” (paragraph 7) (Incorrect. Past tense refers to situations that have already happened. Past tense verbs are sometimes created when a verb is combined with a helping verb.)
- “Voters can now 'like' a candidate on his or her campaign page, or follow him or her on social media and listen to his or her every speech.” (paragraph 6) (Incorrect. Past tense refers to situations that have already happened. Past tense verbs are sometimes created when a verb is combined with a helping verb.)
A: “Before TV and radio, getting the message out about a president was largely the work of newspaper articles.” (paragraph 2)

Q: Placement Test Question 165448 - Objective(s) 3.1.2

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Which sentence best describes the cultural context of the passage?
- The author is describing the history of presidential political ads. (Correct. You have correctly identified the best description of the cultural context of the passage. The author has centered the passage on the history of presidential ads.)
- The author is describing the influence of television on history. (Incorrect. The cultural context is made up of several factors including setting/location, background, cultures, beliefs, and community.)
- The author is describing how presidential elections are won. (Incorrect. The cultural context is made up of several factors including setting/location, background, cultures, beliefs, and community.)
- The author is describing modern television techniques. (Incorrect. The cultural context is made up of several factors including setting/location, background, cultures, beliefs, and community.)
A: The author is describing the history of presidential political ads.

Q: Placement Test Question 165484 - Objective(s) 3.4.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Which sentence from the passage helps develop the implied main idea that presidential campaign advertisements will continue as long as there are elections?
- “The candidates themselves often despair over the idea of being sold 'like breakfast cereal,' as presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson quipped after losing the 1956 election.” (paragraph 1) (Incorrect. This sentence is a detail from the passage.)
- “Still, it seems unlikely that anything is going to change.” (paragraph 1) (Correct. You have correctly identified the sentence that develops an implied main idea of the passage. This sentence implies that things may never change.)
- “In the early 1790s, each presidential campaign would even publish its own newspaper to get more information out to the public.” (paragraph 2) (Incorrect. This sentence is a detail from the passage.)
- “Different advertising techniques, such as slogans, played a significant role in early American presidential campaigns.” (paragraph 2) (Incorrect. This sentence is a detail from the passage.)
A: “Still, it seems unlikely that anything is going to change.” (paragraph 1)

Q: Placement Test Question 165400 - Objective(s) 2.1.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

What is the main idea of the passage?
- A family struggles to survive on a rural farm. (Incorrect. The main idea is the most important idea or central thought the author wants the reader to understand about the topic. Even though Grandma Jo works hard on the farm, this is not the main idea of the passage.)
- A grandma teaches her family to eat healthy food. (Incorrect. The main idea is the most important idea or central thought the author wants the reader to understand about a topic. Even though Grandma Jo cooks healthy food for her granddaughter, this is not the main idea of the passage.)
- A grandma sets a good example for her family to follow. (Correct. You have correctly identified the main idea of the passage; Grandma Jo's example has created a legacy for her family.)
- A family learns that if they work hard they will be successful. (Incorrect. The main idea is the most important idea or central thought the author wants the reader to understand about a topic. Even though hard work is part of Grandma Jo's legacy, this is not the main idea of the passage.)
A: A grandma sets a good example for her family to follow.

Q: Placement Test Question 165436 - Objective(s) 3.1.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

What is the author's point of view in the passage?
- first-person (Correct. You have correctly identified the passage as having a first-person point of view.)
- second-person (Incorrect. Point of view refers to the perspective used by the author in a story, article, or essay. It lets the reader know who is telling the story or making the argument.)
- third-person limited (Incorrect. Point of view refers to the perspective used by the author in a story, article, or essay. It lets the reader know who is telling the story or making the argument.)
- third-person omniscient (Incorrect. Point of view refers to the perspective used by the author in a story, article, or essay. It lets the reader know who is telling the story or making the argument.)
A: first-person

Q: Placement Test Question 165424 - Objective(s) 2.1.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Which sentence from the passage best states the main idea of “The Greatest Gift?”
- “Years ago, Grandma Jo had taught me the importance of hard work.” (paragraph 1) (Incorrect. The main idea is the most important idea or central thought the author wants the reader to understand. This sentence is a key idea but is too narrow to be the main idea.)
- “The woman doesn't know the meaning of the word convenient; at least she lives as if she doesn't.” (paragraph 4) (Incorrect. The main idea is the most important idea or central thought the author wants the reader to understand. This sentence is a key idea but is too narrow to be the main idea.)
- “And as she worked, she learned that there was joy in creating something with your own two hands.” (paragraph 19) (Incorrect. The main idea is the most important idea or central thought the author wants the reader to understand. This sentence is a key idea but is too narrow to be the main idea.)
- “But I sometimes think that Grandma Jo's greater legacy will be the lessons that she passed on to me and that I hope to pass on to Anthony.” (paragraph 20) (Correct. You have correctly identified the main idea of the passage; the grandmother has left the family with a lasting legacy that the narrator would also like to pass on to her son.)
A: “But I sometimes think that Grandma Jo's greater legacy will be the lessons that she passed on to me and that I hope to pass on to Anthony.” (paragraph 20)

Q: Placement Test Question 165412 - Objective(s) 2.2.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Which detail from the passage best shows why Anthony's mother is concerned about him?
- “Slamming the door shut, he strode into the kitchen, threw his backpack on the floor, surveyed the neat pile of ingredients, and shook his head.” (paragraph 2) (Incorrect. Supporting details support or explain key ideas. This detail shows what Anthony did after school.)
- “'Don't you like my cooking, Anthony?' I asked with a mock look of hurt on my face.” (paragraph 5) (Incorrect. Supporting details support or explain key ideas. This detail is part of a conversation between Anthony and his mother.)
- “He had to start a new school in the middle of the year and he was learning his way around the city just as I was.” (paragraph 7) (Correct. You have correctly identified the supporting detail that shows why Anthony's mother is concerned about him.)
- “And with that thought, I took my homemade casserole out of the oven, ready to talk to Anthony about the possibility of new summer plans.” (paragraph 20) (Incorrect. Supporting details support or explain key ideas. This detail explains a decision the mother had made about Anthony.)
A: “He had to start a new school in the middle of the year and he was learning his way around the city just as I was.” (paragraph 7)

Q: Placement Test Question 165508 - Objective(s) 1.6.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

What does the word epidemic mean in paragraph 9 of the passage?
- a dislike for popular trends (Incorrect. Context clues help to define unknown vocabulary. Look for words or ideas in the paragraph to help you figure out epidemic.)
- a dependency on unhealthy foods (Incorrect. Context clues help to define unknown vocabulary. Look for words or ideas in the paragraph to help you figure out epidemic.)
- a sudden increase in something that is unpleasant (Correct. You have correctly identified the meaning of the word epidemic. An epidemic is the sudden increase of something bad that affects many people.)
- a situation that is usually created by a government (Incorrect. Context clues help to define unknown vocabulary. Look for words or ideas in the paragraph to help you figure out epidemic.)
A: a sudden increase in something that is unpleasant

Q: Placement Test Question 165496 - Objective(s) 1.1.3

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Why did the author write this passage?
- to take a position in favor of artificial sweeteners (Incorrect. The purpose explains why the writer is writing about the topic. The writer does not take a position in favor of artificial sweeteners.)
- to present the pros and cons of artificial sweeteners (Correct. You have correctly identified the author's purpose. In the passage, the author discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of artificial sweeteners.)
- to provide information on the discovery of artificial sweeteners (Incorrect. The purpose explains why the writer is writing about the topic. Although the passage explains how artificial sweeteners were discovered, this is not the purpose of the passage.)
- to persuade readers to use natural sugar instead of artificial sweeteners (Incorrect. The purpose explains why the writer is writing about the topic. The purpose of the passage is not to persuade readers to use artificial sweeteners.)
A: to present the pros and cons of artificial sweeteners

Q: Placement Test Question 165544 - Objective(s) 4.9.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Read this sentence from paragraph 8 of the passage.

In addition, since the artificial sweeteners are intensely sweet, it takes far less to get the same taste as natural sugar.

Which word in the sentence is an adjective?
- “artificial” (Correct. You have correctly identified an adjective in the sentence. The adjective “artificial” modifies the noun “sweeteners.”)
- “sweeteners” (Incorrect. Adjectives are words that modify and describe a noun; “sweeteners” is a noun.)
- “taste” (Incorrect. Adjectives are words that modify and describe a noun; in this sentence, “taste” is a noun.)
- “sugar” (Incorrect. Adjectives are words that modify and describe a noun; “sugar” is a noun.)
A: “artificial”

Q: Placement Test Question 165520 - Objective(s) 4.2.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Based on paragraph 14 of the passage, what conclusion can the reader make about the author?
- She thinks that sweet treats should be from natural sugar. (Incorrect. Writers sometimes leave out information, which means the reader has to figure out what the author is trying to say. The author mentions sweet treats being from natural sugar but no conclusion can be made that she thinks all sweet treats should be from natural sugar.)
- She thinks that buyers should make their own decisions. (Correct. You have correctly identified the conclusion about the author in this paragraph. There are several clues in the paragraph, such as the author's mention of reading labels and “the power is in the hands (or mouths) of the consumers.”)
- She believes people should follow medical advice. (Incorrect. Writers sometimes leave out information, which means the reader has to figure out what the author is trying to say. Athough she mentions Dr. Oz, this is not what the author concludes.)
- She favors artificial sweeteners over natural sugar. (Incorrect. Writers sometimes leave out information, which means the reader has to figure out what the author is trying to say. The author mentions natural sugar but does not come to any conclusion about it being better than artificial sweeteners.)
A: She thinks that buyers should make their own decisions.

Q: Placement Test Question 165532 - Objective(s) 4.3.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Read this informal outline of the passage.

Main idea: Sweetness is achieved both naturally and artificially

Suporting detail: Humans love sweet things but sugar is high in calories

Suporting detail:

Suporting detail: Consumers must make informed decisions about what type of sweetener they choose

Which of the following is a supporting detail that completes the informal outline of the passage?
- Science has created many sugar substitutes (Correct. You have correctly identified the supporting detail that completes the outline.)
- Grocery stores are full of sugary products (Incorrect. Informal outlines present the passage's main idea and supporting details. This is not a supporting detail.)
- Many humans have a “sweet tooth” (Incorrect. Informal outlines present the passage's main idea and supporting details. This is not a supporting detail.)
- Honey is a natural sweetener (Incorrect. Informal outlines present the passage's main idea and supporting details. This is not a supporting detail.)
A: Science has created many sugar substitutes

Q: Placement Test Question 165556 - Objective(s) 4.9.1

Click here to read the passage before answering the question.

Read this sentence from paragraph 3 of the passage.

Artificial sweeteners are substances used in place of sugar; they have an intensely sweet taste, but few or no calories.

Which word in the sentence is an adverb?
- “place” (Incorrect. Adverbs are words that modify and describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb in a sentence.)
- “intensely” (Correct. You have correctly identified the adverb in the sentence.)
- “sweet” (Incorrect. Adverbs are words that modify and describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb in a sentence.)
- “calories” (Incorrect. Adverbs are words that modify and describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb in a sentence.)
A: “intensely”

Q: Placement Test Question 165016 - Objective(s) 2.3.1

Which of these questions best helps you develop a thesis statement early in the writing process?
- What are my supporting ideas? (Incorrect. A clear topic and purpose are the two essential components of a thesis statement.)
- What is my indirect argument? (Incorrect. A clear topic and purpose are the two essential components of a thesis statement.)
- What am I trying to say about that topic? (Correct. You have correctly identified one of the three questions used to develop a thesis statement.)
- What is my plan for organizing my writing? (Incorrect. A clear topic and purpose are the two essential components of a thesis statement.)
A: What am I trying to say about that topic?

Q: Placement Test Question 165220 - Objective(s) 5.3.2

Read this sentence.

It is unlikely that the average person will travel to Mars any time in the near future.

Which word tells the reader that this sentence contains subjective language?
- unlikely (Correct. You have correctly identified the word that indicates subjective language. “Unlikely” shows the feeling of the author.)
- average (Incorrect. Subjective language focuses on the attitude, thoughts, or feelings of the author.)
- person (Incorrect. Subjective language focuses on the attitude, thoughts, or feelings of the author.)
- future (Incorrect. Subjective language focuses on the attitude, thoughts, or feelings of the author.)
A: unlikely

Q: Placement Test Question 165040 - Objective(s) 2.7.2

Read this run-on sentence.

Shannon enjoys cooking she likes to go out to restaurants sometimes, too.

Which of the following makes this sentence correct?
- Shannon enjoys cooking, but she likes to go out to restaurants sometimes, too. (Correct. You have identified how to correct the run-on sentence.)
- Shannon enjoys cooking; and she likes to go out to restaurants sometimes, too. (Incorrect. A run-on sentence occurs when a sentence has two or more independent clauses joined without punctuation (a period or semicolon) or a conjunction.)
- Shannon enjoys cooking she likes, to go out to restaurants sometimes, too. (Incorrect. A run-on sentence occurs when a sentence has two or more independent clauses joined without punctuation (a period or semicolon) or a conjunction.)
- Shannon enjoys cooking, she likes to go out to restaurants sometimes, too. (Incorrect. A run-on sentence occurs when a sentence has two or more independent clauses joined without punctuation (a period or semicolon) or a conjunction.)
A: Shannon enjoys cooking, but she likes to go out to restaurants sometimes, too.

Q: Placement Test Question 165208 - Objective(s) 5.3.1

Read this sentence.

The FDA currently regulates nanotechnology on the basis of size.

How do you know this sentence contains objective language?
- The reader assumes that the FDA regulates nanotechnology. (Incorrect. Objective language focuses on facts that can be proven. The reader should not make conclusions without verification.)
- The reader can verify that the FDA regulates nanotechnology. (Correct. You have correctly identified the sentence that contains objective language. Reviewing FDA rules on nanotechnology would verify the facts in the sentence.)
- The writer has a strong opinion about what nanotechnology can do. (Incorrect. Objective language focuses on facts that can be proven. The writer's opinion is not objective language.)
- The writer believes that the size of nanotechnology is important. (Incorrect. Objective language focuses on facts that can be proven. The writer's beliefs are not objective.)
A: The reader can verify that the FDA regulates nanotechnology.

Q: Placement Test Question 165304 - Objective(s) 5.8.1

For which writing situation would it be appropriate to use third-person point of view?
- a pamphlet that gives instructions for a self-guided tour of the state capital (Incorrect. Third-person point of view uses “he,” she,” or “it” to refer to people who are not the reader or the writer. A pamphlet would be written to the reader.)
- a letter from a student to the president of the university (Incorrect. Third-person point of view uses “he,” she,” or “it” to refer to people who are not the reader or the writer. A letter from a student would refer to the reader.)
- a journal entry about a class trip to a national park (Incorrect. Third-person point of view uses “he,” she,” or “it” to refer to people who are not the reader or the writer. A journal entry would refer to the writer.)
- a biography of a former state governor (Correct. You have correctly identified the writing situation that would use third-person point of view. A biography would be written in the third-person because it is describing a person who is not the reader or the writer.)
A: a biography of a former state governor

Q: Placement Test Question 164992 - Objective(s) 1.9.1

Read this sentence.

My doctor explained that a daily walk is healthy.

Which of the following revises this sentence to include a prepositional phrase?
- My doctor explained that a daily walk is really healthy. (Incorrect. Prepositions are words or groups of words that are used to connect information.)
- My doctor mentioned that I should take a daily walk. (Incorrect. Prepositions are words or groups of words that are used to connect information.)
- My doctor explained that taking a daily walk is healthy. (Incorrect. Prepositions are words or groups of words that are used to connect information.)
- My doctor explained that a daily walk is healthy for me. (Correct. You have correctly identified the sentence that includes a prepositional phrase.)
A: My doctor explained that a daily walk is healthy for me.

Q: Placement Test Question 165256 - Objective(s) 5.6.2

Read this sentence.

Many plants survived the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, and their presence brought deer back to the area.

What type of sentence is this?
- compound-complex (Incorrect. In a compound-complex sentence, one or both of the independent clauses has a subordinating clause, relative clause, or both. This sentence contains two independent clauses joined together with the conjunction “and.”)
- compound (Correct. You have identified the correct sentence type. A compound sentence has two independent clauses joined together by a conjunction. Each independent clause has one subject and one predicate.)
- complex (Incorrect. A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause joined together. This sentence contains two independent clauses joined together with the conjunction “and.”)
- simple (Incorrect. A simple sentence is an independent clause with one subject and one predicate. This sentence contains two independent clauses joined together with the conjunction “and.”)
A: compound

Q: Placement Test Question 165268 - Objective(s) 5.6.3

Which of the following is a complex sentence?
- The government will not take action. (Incorrect. A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause. This sentence is an independent clause or simple sentence.)
- Though the government will not take action, some citizens disagree. (Correct. You have correctly identified the complex sentence. This sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.)
- The government will not take action, and some citizens disagree. (Incorrect. A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause. This sentence contains two independent clauses joined by the conjunction “and.”)
- Though the government will not take action, some citizens disagree, and some allies agree. (Incorrect. A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause. This sentence contains a dependent clause and two independent clauses joined by the conjunction “and.”)
A: Though the government will not take action, some citizens disagree.

Q: Placement Test Question 165052 - Objective(s) 2.8.1

Which sentence contains a comma splice?
- I got into the college of my dreams, I'm so thrilled! (Correct. You have correctly identified the sentence with a comma splice. A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction.)
- I love my new college sweatshirt, but I wish it were blue. (Incorrect. A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction.)
- Without the support of my family, I may have never gotten into college. (Incorrect. A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction.)
- I am so thankful that my sister, Raquel, helped me with my college essay. (Incorrect. A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction.)
A: I got into the college of my dreams, I'm so thrilled!

Q: Placement Test Question 165196 - Objective(s) 5.2.3

Read these sentences.

In a democracy, people rule through elected representatives. It is not a government that is run by the ideas of one leader.

This is an example of
- a formal definition. (Incorrect. A formal definition does not include an explanation of what the concept is not.)
- an informal definition. (Incorrect. An informal definition does not include an explanation of what the concept is not.)
- an extended definition. (Correct. You have correctly identified the type of definition. The author included an explanation of what the concept is not.)
- a dictionary definition. (Incorrect. A dictionary definition does not include an explanation of what the concept is not.)
A: an extended definition.

Q: Placement Test Question 165280 - Objective(s) 5.6.4

Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?
- Dillon, a salesman, has very strong opinions about his competitors. (Incorrect. In a compound-complex sentence, one or both of the independent clauses has a subordinating clause, relative clause, or both. This is a simple sentence.)
- Dillon is a salesman, but he hasn't shared his opinions about his competitors with me. (Incorrect. In a compound-complex sentence, one or both of the independent clauses has a subordinating clause, relative clause, or both. This sentence contains two independent clauses joined by the conjunction “but.”)
- Because Dillon is a salesman, he has very strong opinions about his competitors. (Incorrect. In a compound-complex sentence, one or both of the independent clauses has a subordinating clause, relative clause, or both. This sentence contains a subordinating clause but only one independent clause.)
- Because Dillon is a salesman, he has very strong opinions about his competitors, but he hasn't shared them with me. (Correct. You have correctly identified the compound-complex sentence. This sentence has a subordinating clause “Because Dillon is a salesman,” and two independent clauses joined with the conjunction “but.”)
A: Because Dillon is a salesman, he has very strong opinions about his competitors, but he hasn't shared them with me.