What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. The love of public speaking, to learn, and educating were what led Don to become a professor in the first place.

public speech, while learning, but educatation

public speaking, to learning, and educating

ESL Sentence Skills Practice Test for the ACCUPLACER® test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written.New haircut and glasses despited<\/u>, she was recognized by people wherever she went.

Her new haircut and glasses despited,
In spite of her new haircut and glasses, (Correct answer)
In spite, her new haircut and glasses,
Her new haircut and glasses despite,

Correct answer: In spite of her new haircut and glasses,

The original phrase 'New haircut and glasses despited' is grammatically incorrect because 'despited' is not a word. The correct idiomatic expression to introduce a contrasting element is 'in spite of' or 'despite'. Option B, 'In spite of her new haircut and glasses,' correctly uses this idiom to convey that she was recognized even with changes to her appearance.

Question 2: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Daniel found that when it came to the need for 8 hours of sleep every night, he was an exception to the rule<\/u>.

the exception to the rule was him
he excepted the rule because he was
he was excepting the rule
he was an exception to the rule (Correct answer)

Correct answer: he was an exception to the rule

The original phrase 'he was an exception to the rule' is grammatically correct and uses the standard idiom. It clearly conveys that Daniel did not conform to the general rule of needing 8 hours of sleep. Options A, B, and C introduce grammatical errors, change the meaning, or use incorrect verb forms ('excepted' or 'excepting').

Question 3: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. When my brother and I were children, we found five kittens hided under our porch<\/u>.

he found five kittens hided under our porch
we found the five kittens, hiding as they were under the porch
five kittens that were hid under the porch, we found them
we found five kittens hidden under our porch (Correct answer)

Correct answer: we found five kittens hidden under our porch

The original sentence uses the incorrect past participle 'hided.' The correct past participle of the verb 'to hide' is 'hidden.' Option D, 'we found five kittens hidden under our porch,' correctly uses 'hidden' to describe the state of the kittens, making the sentence grammatically sound and clear.

Question 4: We could find no one to look after our son, so my wife and I stayed home last night. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Last night my wife and I stayed home,

while no one was watching our son.
and no one looked after our son.
because we could find no one to watch our son. (Correct answer)
while our son watched no one.

Correct answer: because we could find no one to watch our son.

The original sentence establishes a cause-and-effect relationship: they stayed home *because* they couldn't find a babysitter. To maintain this meaning when starting with 'Last night my wife and I stayed home,' the rewritten sentence must clearly state the reason. Option C, 'because we could find no one to watch our son,' accurately preserves this causal link, explaining why they stayed home.

Question 5: We filled our garden with perennial plants so we don’t have to replant every year; we look forward to watching them grow for years to come. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence beginning with: We want a garden that will grow for years to come without replanting,

we filled it instead with perennial plants
because perennial plants were what we filled it with
filling it with perennial plants
so we filled it with perennial plants (Correct answer)

Correct answer: so we filled it with perennial plants

The original sentence explains that they filled their garden with perennial plants *so that* they wouldn't have to replant every year. The rewritten sentence, 'We want a garden that will grow for years to come without replanting,' sets up this desire. Option D, 'so we filled it with perennial plants,' correctly uses 'so' to indicate that filling the garden with perennials was the action taken to achieve that desire, maintaining the original meaning of purpose or consequence.

Question 6: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. The search for a new job can be a challenge for anyone, so everyone should know how to write a resume and perform well in an interview<\/u>.

perform well in an interview (Correct answer)
performs well in interviews
interview performing well
performing well in an interview

Correct answer: perform well in an interview

The sentence requires parallel structure for the skills everyone should know: 'how to write a resume' and 'how to perform well in an interview.' The original phrasing 'perform well in an interview' correctly maintains this parallelism, as both phrases are implicitly governed by 'how to.' Options B, C, and D break this grammatical balance by changing the verb form.

Question 7: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Because of his fame in the music industry, Tupac was able to become starring in various films<\/u>, before his death in 1996.

become the star of various films (Correct answer)
starring variously in films
various films becomes the star
become starring in various films

Correct answer: become the star of various films

The phrase 'become starring in various films' is grammatically awkward and incorrect. To express that Tupac took on leading roles in films, a more appropriate and grammatically correct phrasing is needed. Option A, 'become the star of various films,' clearly and correctly conveys that he achieved a starring role or status in films.

Question 8: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Taken aback<\/u> by the sudden noise, Drew dropped his drinking glass.

Taken aback (Correct answer)
Back taking
Taking a back
Took aback

Correct answer: Taken aback

The phrase 'Taken aback' is a common and correct idiom meaning to be surprised or startled. The original sentence uses this idiom appropriately as a participial phrase to describe Drew's reaction to the sudden noise. Options B, C, and D are grammatically incorrect or nonsensical variations of the idiom.

Question 9: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Jeff never met another friend like Heather, who proved to be a million and one<\/u>.

who proved to be one and a million
who proved to be one in a million (Correct answer)
who proved to be a million and one
proving to be one and a million

Correct answer: who proved to be one in a million

The original phrase 'a million and one' is an incorrect idiom in this context. The correct idiom to describe someone who is exceptional, rare, or unique is 'one in a million.' Option B, 'who proved to be one in a million,' correctly uses this idiom to convey that Heather was a truly special friend.

Question 10: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. The love of public speaking, to learn, and educating<\/u> were what led Don to become a professor in the first place.

public speech, while learning, but educatation
public speaking, to learning, and educating
public speaking, to learn, and educating
public speaking, learning, and educating (Correct answer)

Correct answer: public speaking, learning, and educating

The sentence requires parallel structure for the list of things Don loved: 'public speaking, learning, and educating.' The original phrase 'public speaking, to learn, and educating' breaks this parallelism by mixing a gerund, an infinitive, and another gerund. Option D, 'public speaking, learning, and educating,' correctly uses three gerunds, ensuring consistent grammatical form within the list.

Question 11: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Mona didn’t mind very young kids; in fact, this age gave her the most joy as she raised her own children<\/u>.

as she rises her own children
as she raises her own children
as she raised her own children (Correct answer)
as she rose her own children

Correct answer: as she raised her own children

The main clause 'Mona didn't mind very young kids' is in the past tense. Therefore, the dependent clause describing her past experience raising children should also be in a consistent past tense. Option C, 'as she raised her own children,' correctly uses the simple past tense 'raised,' aligning with the overall past tense context of the sentence.

Question 12: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Because overseeing his school record<\/u>, Ruben was not allowed to graduate with the rest of class.

Because overseeing his school record
Because of an oversight record at his school
His oversight was in his school record
Because of an oversight in his school record (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Because of an oversight in his school record

The original phrase 'Because overseeing his school record' is grammatically incorrect and unclear. The intended meaning is that an *oversight* (a noun) *in* his school record was the cause. Option D, 'Because of an oversight in his school record,' correctly uses the noun 'oversight' and the prepositional phrase 'in his school record' to clearly and grammatically state the reason for Ruben's situation.

Question 13: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Ruth was a versatile athlete, able to excel as a point guard, forward, and center,from her height and agility<\/u>.

because her height and agility
because of her height and agility (Correct answer)
when she had height and agility
from her height and ability

Correct answer: because of her height and agility

The phrase 'from her height and agility' is an awkward and less precise way to express causation. The standard and most appropriate prepositional phrase to indicate the reason or cause for Ruth's versatility is 'because of.' Option B, 'because of her height and agility,' correctly and clearly states the reason for her athletic abilities.

Question 14: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. I chose an older dog from the animal shelter because I'm fearing<\/u> the senior animals would have trouble finding homes.

because I fears the
because I’m fearing the
because I feared the (Correct answer)
because the more I feared

Correct answer: because I feared the

The main clause 'I chose an older dog' is in the past tense. The reason for this past action should also be expressed in a past tense for consistency. The original 'I'm fearing' (present continuous) is incorrect. Option C, 'because I feared the,' correctly uses the simple past tense 'feared,' which logically aligns with the past action of choosing the dog.

Question 15: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. In spite of his idiosyncrasies<\/u>, Weird Al Yankovic's hard work and reliable quality have earned him a longer career than many of his more conventional peers.

With regard to his idiosyncrasies
In spite of his idiosyncrasies (Correct answer)
Without his idiosyncrasies
Even though his idiosyncrasies

Correct answer: In spite of his idiosyncrasies

The phrase 'In spite of his idiosyncrasies' is a correct and common idiom used to introduce a contrasting element, meaning 'despite' or 'notwithstanding.' The original sentence uses this idiom perfectly to convey that Weird Al's success occurred despite his unusual qualities. Options A, C, and D either change the meaning or are grammatically incomplete/incorrect.

Question 16: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Never sweating in small situations<\/u>, Nathan overcame his problems with little or no worry.

Nathan, though he never sweats the small stuff,
Never sweating in small situations
Nathan never sweats
Never one to sweat the small stuff (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Never one to sweat the small stuff

The original phrase 'Never sweating in small situations' is grammatically awkward and not the most idiomatic way to express the idea. The common and more natural idiom for someone who remains calm and unconcerned about minor issues is 'Never one to sweat the small stuff.' Option D correctly uses this idiomatic expression as an introductory phrase.

Question 17: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Maggie was so intelligent that to choose between a degree in the fields of anthropology, economics, and to study law<\/u> was a difficult proposition.

anthropology, economics, and law (Correct answer)
anthropology, economics, and to become a lawyer
anthropologist, economist, and lawyer
anthropology, economics, and to study law

Correct answer: anthropology, economics, and law

The sentence requires parallel structure for the list of fields of study: 'anthropology, economics, and law.' The original phrase 'anthropology, economics, and to study law' breaks this parallelism by mixing nouns with an infinitive phrase. Option A, 'anthropology, economics, and law,' correctly lists three nouns, ensuring consistent grammatical form within the series.

Question 18: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Jodie was determined to try snorkeling and surfing in what was to be<\/u> a fun-filled vacation.

in what she thinks will be
in what was to be (Correct answer)
in what becomes
in what is

Correct answer: in what was to be

The phrase 'in what was to be' correctly sets up an expectation or future event from a past perspective. Since the main clause 'Jodie was determined to try snorkeling and surfing' is in the past tense, the phrase describing the vacation should also reflect a past perspective on a future event. The original phrasing maintains this consistent tense and meaning.

Question 19: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Doris feels that she<\/u> is the ideal candidate for the job because she is experienced, dedicated, and persistent.

Doris felt that she is
Doris felt that she was
Doris feels that she is (Correct answer)
Doris, feeling that she is,

Correct answer: Doris feels that she is

The original sentence uses consistent present tense verbs ('feels,' 'is,' 'is experienced, dedicated, and persistent'), which correctly expresses Doris's current belief and her current qualities. Options A and B introduce inconsistent past tenses, while option D changes the sentence structure, making it less direct than the clear statement of current facts in the original.

Question 20: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Weaving through the backstreets<\/u> on my way home from work, I arrived 5 minutes sooner than usual.

I weaved through the backstreets
Weaving through the backstreets (Correct answer)
Woven through the backstreets
I am weaving through the backstreets

Correct answer: Weaving through the backstreets

The original sentence correctly uses a participial phrase, 'Weaving through the backstreets on my way home from work,' to modify the subject 'I.' This construction is grammatically sound and concise, clearly indicating that 'I' was the one performing the action of weaving. Options A and D change the sentence structure or tense, while C uses the wrong participle.

Question 21: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Coal mining has a long tradition but is currently <\/u>firing under from heightened political scrutiny.

firing under from
fired under
under fire from (Correct answer)
under fire until

Correct answer: under fire from

The original phrase 'firing under from' is an incorrect and nonsensical idiom. The correct idiomatic expression to convey that something is facing criticism or intense scrutiny is 'under fire from.' Option C, 'under fire from,' accurately uses this idiom to describe the situation of coal mining.

Question 22: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Ducking beneath the branches<\/u> just in time, Mort remembered the challenges he often experienced as a tall man.

As he ducks beneath the branches
To duck beneath the branches
Even though he ducks beneath the branches
Ducking beneath the branches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ducking beneath the branches

The original sentence correctly uses a participial phrase, 'Ducking beneath the branches just in time,' to modify the subject 'Mort.' This construction is grammatically sound and concisely describes Mort's action. Options A, B, and C alter the tense, meaning, or grammatical structure, making them less effective or incorrect.

Question 23: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Waymond realized that he had arrived at his lesson too early, so he circles the block until it is time<\/u>.

while he is circling the block
circling the block the whole time
so he circles the block until it is time
so he circled the block until it was time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: so he circled the block until it was time

The sentence has an inconsistency in verb tense. 'Realized' and 'had arrived' are in the past tense, so the subsequent actions should also be in a consistent past tense. The original uses present tense ('circles,' 'is'). Option D, 'so he circled the block until it was time,' correctly uses past tense verbs ('circled,' 'was') to maintain consistency with the preceding past tense actions.

Question 24: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Marie had to remind herself to bring along their umbrella<\/u> because the chance of rain was very high.

reminds herself to bring along their umbrella
remind herself to bring along her umbrella (Correct answer)
reminder to herself to bring her umbrella
remind herself to bring along their umbrella

Correct answer: remind herself to bring along her umbrella

The original sentence uses the incorrect possessive pronoun 'their.' Since Marie is a singular subject, she would bring *her* own umbrella. Option B, 'remind herself to bring along her umbrella,' correctly uses the singular possessive pronoun 'her' to match the singular subject 'Marie,' making the sentence grammatically correct.

Question 25: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. The girls in the class were somewhat unruly, but she nonetheless turned her assignment in on time<\/u>.

but they nonetheless didn’t turn in their assignments on time
but she nonetheless turned her assignment on time
while they nonetheless turned in her assignment on time
but they nonetheless turned in their assignments on time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: but they nonetheless turned in their assignments on time

The original sentence contains a pronoun agreement error. The subject 'The girls' is plural, but the pronoun 'she' is singular. The correct answer replaces 'she' with the plural pronoun 'they' and adjusts the possessive pronoun to 'their' to match the plural subject, ensuring grammatical consistency.

Question 26: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. Because of his versatile<\/u> as an actor, Daniel Day Lewis has played both heroes and villains.

When he is versatile
Because of his versatile
Because of his versatility (Correct answer)
When he is versatility

Correct answer: Because of his versatility

The original sentence uses the adjective 'versatile' where a noun is required. The phrase 'Because of his' needs to be followed by a noun that describes a quality or state. 'Versatility' is the correct noun form, meaning the quality of being versatile, which fits the grammatical structure and meaning of the sentence.

Question 27: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. To change with the times<\/u>, the company began to manufacture and sell new products.

They did not change with the times
To change with the times (Correct answer)
They are changing with the times
The changing of the times

Correct answer: To change with the times

The original sentence is grammatically correct and effectively uses an infinitive phrase, 'To change with the times,' to express the purpose of the company's actions. This construction is concise and clear. The other options introduce grammatical errors or change the intended meaning, making the original the best choice.

Question 28: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. I woke up with a shock, ,found that the noise<\/u> was only a car passing outside

found that the noise
but find that the noise
but finding that the noise
but found that the noise (Correct answer)

Correct answer: but found that the noise

The original sentence has a comma splice and lacks a conjunction to properly connect the two independent clauses. The correct answer adds the conjunction 'but' to create a compound sentence, indicating a slight contrast or continuation between waking up and finding the noise's source. Additionally, 'found' maintains parallel past tense with 'woke up'.

Question 29: What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written. I couldn't make out the year on the coin<\/u>, but it was clearly old, whatever the case.

I didn’t made out the year on the coin
Making out the year on the coin
I couldn’t make out the year on the coin (Correct answer)
Even if I make out the year of the coin

Correct answer: I couldn’t make out the year on the coin

The original sentence is grammatically correct and uses the appropriate past tense negative form 'couldn't make out' to express inability to discern the year on the coin. This phrasing is idiomatic and clear. The other options introduce incorrect verb tenses or awkward phrasing, making the original sentence the best version.

Question 30: Rory couldn’t remember the steps to make a peanut butter sandwich, often ending up with peanut butter smeared all over the bread. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Rory smeared peanut butter all over the bread

because he couldn’t remember the steps to make a peanut butter sandwich (Correct answer)
as he remembers the steps to make a peanut butter sandwich
remembering the steps to make a peanut butter sandwich
making the steps to a peanut butter sandwich

Correct answer: because he couldn’t remember the steps to make a peanut butter sandwich

The original sentence establishes a cause-and-effect relationship: Rory's inability to remember steps led to smeared peanut butter. The rewritten sentence correctly uses 'because' to explicitly state this causal link. This maintains the original meaning by clearly identifying the reason for Rory's messy sandwich-making.

Question 31: Margo feared rejection, but her crush agreed to go out with her. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Her crush agreed to go out with her,

because Margo feared rejection
even though Margo initially feared rejection (Correct answer)
with Margo’s fearful rejection
while fearfully Margo had rejection

Correct answer: even though Margo initially feared rejection

The original sentence uses 'but' to indicate a contrast between Margo's fear and the positive outcome. The rewritten sentence needs a conjunction that conveys this same contrast. 'Even though' effectively expresses that her crush agreed to go out with her *despite* her initial fear, preserving the original meaning.

Question 32: The little gray dog barked at almost every sound suspiciously, but she wagged quietly when she heard the sound of her master’s truck drive up. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence starting with: The little gray dog wagged quietly when she heard her master’s truck drive up,

but she barked at every other sound suspiciously (Correct answer)
because she is barking at every other sound suspiciously
she doesn’t bark at every other sound suspiciously
so she barked at every other sound suspiciously

Correct answer: but she barked at every other sound suspiciously

The original sentence uses 'but' to show a contrast between the dog's suspicious barking at most sounds and her quiet wagging for her master's truck. The rewritten sentence maintains this contrast by using 'but' again, clearly distinguishing her reaction to her master's truck from her reaction to other sounds.

Question 33: I don’t normally watch sports, but the NBA has held my interest during the past year. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence starting with: The NBA held my interest during the past year,

because sports are what I normally don’t watch
even as I watch sports not as usual
while I’m not usually watching sports
but I don’t normally watch sports. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: but I don’t normally watch sports.

The original sentence uses 'but' to introduce a contrast: the speaker doesn't normally watch sports, *but* the NBA has held their interest. The rewritten sentence maintains this contrast by using 'but' to connect the NBA's interest-holding with the speaker's usual disinterest in sports, preserving the original meaning.

Question 34: Roger is surprisingly strong, despite his short stature and slight frame. How can this sentence be rewritten, best preserving the original meaning? Begin the sentence with: Despite his short stature and slight frame,

surprises Roger, great and strong
Roger surprises us with his strength (Correct answer)
Roger has surprisingly great and strong
Roger, though surprising, has great strength

Correct answer: Roger surprises us with his strength

The original sentence highlights Roger's surprising strength despite his physical build. The rewritten sentence, starting with 'Despite his short stature and slight frame,' needs to complete the thought by stating what is surprising. 'Roger surprises us with his strength' accurately conveys this unexpected quality, preserving the original meaning.

Question 35: Little did I know that my Spanish 101 class would lead me to a career in international law. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Unexpected things led me to my career in international law, most notably

my Spanish 101 class was not one of the them
my Spanish 101 class (Correct answer)
it was my Spanish 101 class
my Spanish 101 class was what led me to my career

Correct answer: my Spanish 101 class

The original sentence emphasizes the unexpected nature of the Spanish class leading to a career. The phrase 'Little did I know' highlights this surprise. The rewritten sentence, starting with 'Unexpected things led me to my career in international law, most notably,' directly points to 'my Spanish 101 class' as the primary unexpected factor, maintaining the original meaning.

Question 36: It became clear that the celebration was getting out of hand when Uncle Dwayne arrived on the dance floor. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence beginning with: When Uncle Dwayne arrived on the dance floor,

the celebration was clearly out of hand (Correct answer)
the hand was out at the celebration
clearly the out of hand celebration was happening
the hand was a clear celebration

Correct answer: the celebration was clearly out of hand

The original sentence implies that Uncle Dwayne's arrival was the turning point when the celebration became unruly. The rewritten sentence correctly places this event as the trigger, stating 'the celebration was clearly out of hand' immediately after his arrival. This accurately reflects the cause-and-effect relationship presented in the original.

Question 37: Murphy enjoyed the peace and quiet while he sat under the oak tree. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Sitting under the oak tree,

Murphy enjoys the peace and quiet
the peace and quiet enjoyed Murphy
Murphy enjoying the peace and quiet
Murphy enjoyed the peace and quiet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Murphy enjoyed the peace and quiet

The original sentence describes Murphy enjoying peace and quiet while sitting under a tree. The rewritten sentence begins with a participial phrase, 'Sitting under the oak tree,' which must logically modify the subject of the main clause. 'Murphy enjoyed the peace and quiet' correctly identifies Murphy as the one performing the action and experiencing the enjoyment, maintaining the original meaning.

Question 38: Maggie imagined the movement of monsters and burglars, though the sound she actually heard outside her window was the wind. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Though the sound she actually heard was the wind,

Maggie’s window imagined the movement of monsters and burglars
Maggie imagined monsters, burglars, and windows moving outside
Maggie heard her window, imagining monsters and burglars moving outside
Maggie imagined monsters and burglars moving outside her window (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maggie imagined monsters and burglars moving outside her window

The original sentence establishes a contrast: Maggie imagined monsters, *though* the sound was just wind. The rewritten sentence starts with 'Though the sound she actually heard was the wind,' and then needs to complete the contrasting idea. 'Maggie imagined monsters and burglars moving outside her window' correctly states what she imagined despite the actual sound, preserving the original meaning.

Question 39: Moles are rarely seen above ground when they are alive because their lives are primarily subterranean. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Moles live subterranean lives

, but the ones that live above ground are also found
and are rarely seen above ground when they are alive. (Correct answer)
and some primarily live above ground
, being found living below and above ground

Correct answer: and are rarely seen above ground when they are alive.

The original sentence explains that moles are rarely seen above ground *because* their lives are subterranean. The rewritten sentence starts by stating their subterranean lives and then uses 'and' to connect this fact with the consequence of being rarely seen above ground. This accurately preserves the cause-and-effect relationship and meaning.

Question 40: I have gotten to know my neighbors because they live in the property immediately adjacent to mine. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: I see my neighbors enough that we have become friends because

they live on the same street that I do
they live far away from me
they live right beside me (Correct answer)
they live within eyesight of my house

Correct answer: they live right beside me

The original sentence states that the neighbors live 'immediately adjacent' to the speaker's property. The phrase 'right beside me' is the most accurate and concise synonym for 'immediately adjacent' among the choices. This maintains the core reason for getting to know the neighbors, which is their close proximity.

Question 41: Even though Darius was at the top of his class, he neglected to turn in his application on time and missed out on the college of his choice. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Darius missed out on his college of choice even though he was a great student,

because his application was rejected
because he forgot to turn in his signed application early
because his application was in the incorrect form
because he failed to meet his application deadline (Correct answer)

Correct answer: because he failed to meet his application deadline

The original sentence explicitly states that Darius 'neglected to turn in his application on time.' The rewritten sentence needs to provide the specific reason for him missing out on college. 'Because he failed to meet his application deadline' directly rephrases the original cause, preserving the exact meaning.

Question 42: Lorna was a strong swimmer, so everyone was surprised when a lifeguard had to pull her out of the pool. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: To everyone’s surprise, the lifeguard pulled Lorna out of the pool,

with the help of her strong swimming
even though she was such a strong swimmer (Correct answer)
when she was learning how to swim
because she was not a strong swimmer

Correct answer: even though she was such a strong swimmer

The original sentence highlights the surprise that a strong swimmer like Lorna needed rescuing. The phrase 'so everyone was surprised' indicates a contrast. The rewritten sentence uses 'even though she was such a strong swimmer' to effectively convey this same contrast and surprise, maintaining the original meaning.

Question 43: Unless you are confident in your answer, do not raise your hand. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Do not raise your hand, unless

you aren’t afraid of giving an answer in class
you did the required reading and study
you want to guess at the answer
you feel sure that you know the answer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: you feel sure that you know the answer

The original sentence sets a condition: 'Unless you are confident in your answer, do not raise your hand.' The rewritten sentence, 'Do not raise your hand, unless,' requires a phrase that expresses the same condition for raising one's hand. 'You feel sure that you know the answer' is a direct rephrasing of being 'confident in your answer,' preserving the meaning.

Question 44: Follow my directions exactly and you should have no trouble finding the old barn. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: You should have no trouble finding the old barn

if you forget about my directions
if you follow my directions somewhat
if you don’t follow my directions
if you don’t deviate from my directions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: if you don’t deviate from my directions

The original sentence states that following directions 'exactly' will prevent trouble. The rewritten sentence, 'You should have no trouble finding the old barn,' needs a condition that reflects this exactness. 'If you don’t deviate from my directions' means following them precisely without straying, which perfectly matches the original meaning.

Question 45: When the flooding started, everyone wished that they had observed the evacuation procedures they were given. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Everyone neglected to follow the evacuation procedures they were given, but

they did fine on their own when the flooding started
they were glad they hadn’t when the flooding started
they wished they had followed them when the flooding started (Correct answer)
they were indifferent when the flooding started

Correct answer: they wished they had followed them when the flooding started

The original sentence describes people regretting not following evacuation procedures once flooding started. The rewritten sentence begins by stating they 'neglected to follow' the procedures. The logical continuation is that 'they wished they had followed them when the flooding started,' directly expressing the regret from the original sentence.

Question 46: Ron could rely on his years of training to get him through even the toughest scenarios. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Due to his many years of training,

Ron performed like a rookie in many situations
Ron was incompetent during many scenarios
Ron never knew what to do, no matter the scenario
even the hardest situations didn’t stop Ron (Correct answer)

Correct answer: even the hardest situations didn’t stop Ron

The original sentence states Ron could rely on his training to get him through tough scenarios. The rewritten sentence, starting 'Due to his many years of training,' needs to show the positive outcome of this training. 'Even the hardest situations didn’t stop Ron' effectively conveys that his training enabled him to overcome challenges, preserving the original meaning.

Question 47: Rose was about to fall asleep when, suddenly, the first meteor streaked across the sky. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: The first meteor streaked across the sky,

but Rose was wide awake
but Rose fell asleep
but Rose continued falling asleep
awakening Rose from her near slumber (Correct answer)

Correct answer: awakening Rose from her near slumber

The original sentence describes Rose being about to fall asleep when the meteor streaked across the sky. The meteor's appearance was a sudden event that interrupted her near sleep. The rewritten sentence, 'The first meteor streaked across the sky,' needs to show its effect on Rose. 'Awakening Rose from her near slumber' accurately captures this interruption and preserves the meaning.

Question 48: Diego couldn’t understand why his parents made him study piano, but he was thankful years later when he became a concert pianist. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: Diego was a concert pianist who was glad of his early training

and remembered all of his hard work as a child
and remembered how he asked his parents to let him study piano
but remembered the days when he did not want to practice (Correct answer)
and recalled how he had always enjoyed studying piano

Correct answer: but remembered the days when he did not want to practice

The original sentence highlights a contrast: Diego initially didn't understand his parents' piano lessons but was thankful later. The rewritten sentence, 'Diego was a concert pianist who was glad of his early training,' needs to complete this thought by acknowledging the past reluctance. 'But remembered the days when he did not want to practice' accurately captures this contrast, preserving the original meaning.

Question 49: Even though they didn’t make much money, my parents always found a way to take us on vacation. Keeping the same meaning, rewrite this sentence beginning with: My parents took us on vacation every year,

because they made more than enough money to cover the cost
because they were reckless in their spending
because my relatives paid for the trips
even though I don’t know how they could afford it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: even though I don’t know how they could afford it

The original sentence uses 'Even though they didn’t make much money' to express a contrast with 'always found a way to take us on vacation.' The rewritten sentence, 'My parents took us on vacation every year,' needs to maintain this sense of surprising affordability. 'Even though I don’t know how they could afford it' accurately reflects the implied financial difficulty and the parents' resourcefulness, preserving the original meaning.

Question 50: very frequently forget to buy eggs when I go out to the market to buy our weekly groceries. Keeping the meaning the same, rewrite this sentence starting with: When I go out to the market

I frequently forget to buy our weekly eggs and groceries
to buy our weekly groceries, I frequently forget to buy eggs (Correct answer)
I buy groceries and eggs, though I am forgetful
I frequently forget to buy groceries when buying our weekly eggs

Correct answer: to buy our weekly groceries, I frequently forget to buy eggs

The original sentence states that the act of forgetting eggs happens during the weekly grocery shopping trip. Option B correctly places the purpose of going to the market ('to buy our weekly groceries') immediately after the given starting phrase, maintaining the logical flow and meaning of the original sentence. It clearly indicates that the forgetting occurs while performing the grocery task.

ESL Sentence Skills Practice Test for the ACCUPLACER® test 1

What is the best version of the underlined part of this sentence? One of the choices involves leaving the sentence as it is written.New haircut and glasses despited, she was recognized by people wherever she went.

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