PSAT Writing : PSAT Writing Skills

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #71 : Identifying No Error Questions

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

She leapt over tables, wiggled through corridors, sprinted around three, tall tree trunks, and finally sat down in a heap to catch her breath. No error

Possible Answers:

sat down

through corridors

three, tall

No error

leapt

Correct answer:

three, tall

Explanation:

Normally you'd want to separate a list with commas, but that's not the case here. To know why, imagine that each comma in a list is the word "and." You'd never say "three and tall tree trunks" here.

Numbers will commonly do this in English; thus "I saw four red birds," etc.

Example Question #72 : Identifying No Error Questions

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

Sea salt, especially when paired with chocolate or caramel, has an interesting flavor and is becoming increasingly popular in baking. No error

Possible Answers:

when

chocolate or caramel

and is

No error

increasingly

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

Nothing in this sentence needs to be changed.

Example Question #73 : Identifying No Error Questions

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

The new exhibit at the history museum provides a surprisingly fascinating look at the milling industry in the American MidwestNo error

Possible Answers:

new

in the American Midwest

provides

No error

surprisingly

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

Nothing in this sentence needs to be changed.

Example Question #74 : Identifying No Error Questions

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:

No error

we will have

explore beyond

technology to

absolutely

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written!

Example Question #75 : Identifying No Error Questions

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:

had to stop

and

arrived at

No error

Forgetting

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #76 : Identifying No Error Questions

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

tried to grow

Maine's harsh winters

it

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #77 : Identifying No Error Questions

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:

No error

but instead

had wanted

badly

tripped over

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #51 : 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.

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

Possible Answers:

long and unproductive

so

it

We both

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

 This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #73 : 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.

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

No error

them

failed to understand

as usual

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #52 : 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.

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

Possible Answers:

its

No error

teems with

in its depths

Although

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence.

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