PSAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #53 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

I absolutely believe that some day we will have the technology to travel to other galaxies, settle on new planets, and explore beyond what we think possible. No error

Possible Answers:

absolutely

technology to

we will have

explore beyond

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written!

Example Question #54 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Forgetting that she had to stop at the grocery store on the way home, Martha arrived at the potluck empty-handed and duly embarrassed. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

and

had to stop

arrived at

Forgetting

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #72 : Identifying Other Errors Or No Error

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Missing home, he tried to grow a palm tree sapling, but it could not survive Maine’s harsh wintersNo error

Possible Answers:

No error

Missing home

Maine's harsh winters

it

tried to grow

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #55 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

I had wanted so badly to be charming and graceful, but instead I tripped over a stair and swore loudly. No error

Possible Answers:

tripped over

but instead

badly

No error

had wanted

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #56 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

We both enjoy exploring grocery stores, so when we shop together it tends to be a long and unproductive trip. No error 

Possible Answers:

We both

No error

long and unproductive

it

so

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

 This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #73 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

The penguins failed to understand that the trainer wanted them to twirl around in circles, so they continued to swim around their tank as usualNo error 

Possible Answers:

around

failed to understand

No error

as usual

them

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #57 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Although it appears cold and lifeless on its surface, the Bering Sea teems with aquatic life in its depthsNo error

Possible Answers:

teems with

Although

its

in its depths

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence.

Example Question #58 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Jean’s favorite activities are playing with her dog, visiting her grandmother, and going to the library. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

visiting

going

favorite

activities

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is completely parallel. If it had said "to visit" instead of "visiting", that would have been incorrect.

Example Question #56 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Whether my aunt or uncle is arriving, it shouldn't matter—I really enjoy when either of them visit. No error

Possible Answers:

when either

Whether

No error

or

is arriving

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error here. If you chose "is arriving," it's actually grammatically correct: two singular subjects connected by "or" require a singular verb.

Example Question #61 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Every single dollar has been spent on candy; the children ought to be taught about saving their moneyNo error

Possible Answers:

No error

dollar has been

Every

their money

candy; the

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error. In particular, "every single dollar has been spent" is correct: "every" is a singular subject requiring a singular verb.

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