PSAT Writing : PSAT Writing Skills
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #91 : Identifying Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Certain colors are associated with certain emotions in our minds, and while certain smells are associated with certain memories. No error
and while
No error
are
with
associated
and while
Either "while" or "and" could be used as a proper transition between the two sections of the sentence, but the phrase "and while" is overly wordy and therefore incorrect.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's as well. No error.
No error.
played
popular jazz tunes
as well
all the contemporary hits
as well
This sentence has both "in addition to" and "as well," which is redundant. You only need one! The corrected sentence reads: "In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Dangling Modifier Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Barking furiously, the squirrel taunted the dog at the base of the tree. No error.
of the tree
at the base
No error.
Barking furiously,
taunted
Barking furiously,
This sentence has a misplaced modifier, which is a modifying phrase that is not placed next to the noun it modifies. Here, it appears as if the squirrel is barking, not the dog. Shift the word order to make it work: "The squirrel taunted the dog who was barking furiously at the base of the tree."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Modifier Placement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Observing from the summit, the valley that stood below Mike's tour group seemed unfathomably extensive and arid. No error
Mike's
No error
arid
unfathomably
Observing from the summit,
Observing from the summit,
“Observing” is apart of a misplaced modifier that should refer to Mike's tour group, not the valley. The way the sentence is written, it seems as if "the valley" is "observing from the summit," not "Mike's tour group."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Dangling Modifier Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
With ears like a rabbit's and a tongue like a frog's, Andrew knew that he had selected the perfect puppy. No error
frog's,
No error
rabbit's
he had selected
Andrew
Andrew
The grammatical problem with this sentence is the dangling modifier before the comma. Since the subject of the first clause is the "perfect puppy," the puppy must also be the subject of the main clause, not Andrew. The other, probably better option, would be to make Andrew the subject of the first clause: "Seeing the rabbit-like ears and frog-like tongue..."
Example Question #91 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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 local coffeeshop’s sudden surge in popularity was largely attributed to them redecorating shark-themed. No error
surge in popularity
No error
The local coffeeshop's
largely
them redecorating shark-themed
them redecorating shark-themed
The last phrase in this sentence is phrased awkwardly. Changing it to an adjective-noun combination makes the sentence run much more smoothly: "The local coffeeshop’s sudden surge in popularity was largely attributed to their shark-themed redecoration."
Example Question #651 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Hillary Clinton, a prominent American politician, is often being represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure. No error.
conniving
No error.
in the media
being
than a successful political figure
being
The progressive verb “being” is not necessary in this sentence. It is more concise and to-the-point to say: "Hillary Clinton, a prominent American politician, is often represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure."
Example Question #652 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The spectators looked at one another, not having much to say, as they were dumbfounded by the tricks of the New York City street magician. No error.
one another
dumbfounded
New York City
having
No error.
having
“Having” is an incorrect use of a gerund. It creates confusion with respect to time, as both “looked” and “dumbfounded” are in the simple past tense.
Example Question #653 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite her best intentions, Suzy’s attempting to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster. No error.
attempting
No error.
surprise birthday
Despite her best intentions
was
attempting
It is not necessary to use the gerund “attempting” in this sentence because the noun “attempt” already exists. The corrected sentence reads, "Despite her best intentions, Suzy’s attempt to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster."
Example Question #654 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of stay up late watching television. No error.
Most
stay up late
No error.
instead of
to go to bed
stay up late
Usually, the phrase “instead of” is followed by a gerund or verb that ends in "-ing". The corrected sentence reads, "Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of staying up late watching television."
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