Practice test 2 for the Florida State College Basic Skills
Writing Exit Test
Read the entire passage carefully and then answer the questions. (Note:
Intentional errors may have been included in this passage.)
(1)Captain Bill Atkins, A Brooklyn fisher, brought his cruiser to the codfishing grounds off Ambrose Lightship about 11:30 one morning last spring.
(2)Planning to catch a few cod. (3)He baited some lines and tossed them over.
(4)Harry, the only other member of the crew, busied himself in a similar manner.
(5)The fishers had collected a good catch by the middle of the afternoon.
(6)They had just decided to call it a day when there came a huge tug on one of
the lines, indicating that an especially big one was ready to come aboard.
(7)Captain Atkins and Harry heaved mightily on the line. (8)_________ the fish
broke above the surface. (9)One look was enough for Harry, who dropped the
line and headed for the most remote spot on the boat. (10)Near Captain Atkins
lay a two-by-four which the undaunted captain seized and brought down on the
head of his catch. (11)In a few moments the fish lay panting heavily on the
deck, giving Captain Atkins and Harry a chance to inspect it. (12) The sea birds
were calling loudly overhead.
(13)This was the first time either man had ever seen such a monster.
(14)On its head were four horns and an antenna a foot long. (15)In it s mouth,
which was the size of a football, were five rows of vicious teeth. (16)The
monster measured four-and-a half feet in length and weighted seventy pounds.
(17)While Harry and Captain Bill were gazing at this unknown caller, they were
horror-struck when the “fish” shook off the effects of the blow and began to walk
across the deck toward them on its feet! (18)Captain Atkins seized a hammer
and advanced to do battle. (19)Harry departed in haste. (20)Following a brief
scuffle the fish lay still again, and the bewildered captain turned his ship toward
home.
(21)The captain’s fish story went the rounds in Brooklyn as fast as the
captain could spread it, about the details there could be no argument, because,
after all, there was the fish to be seen by anyone who wanted to see it.
(22)Authorities at the American Museum of Natural History informed Captain
Atkins that his monster was know by various names, the “angler fish”, the goose
fish” or the “fishing frog”. (23)Fish of this kind usually do not swim but walk on
the floor of the ocean, waving their antennae to lure other fish. (24)Captain
Atkins accepted this information, showing no interest in going to the bottom to
get proof.
1.
Directions: Choose the best rewrite for sentence (2). If it is correct as it is,
choose “No change is necessary.”
a.
b.
c.
d.
2.
Planning to catch a few cod Captain Atkins baited a few lines and
tossed them over.
Planning to catch a few cod, he baited a few lines and tossed them
over.
He baited some lines and tossed them over planning to catch a few
cod.
No change is necessary
Which word or phrase, if inserted in the blank in sentence (8), would
make the relationship of the ideas in sentences (7) and (8) clearer?
a.
b.
Furthermore
Nevertheless
c.
d.
3.
Select the arrangement of sentences (18), (19), and (20) that provides
the most logical sequence of events and supporting details in the
paragraph. If no change is needed, select option a.
a.
Captain Atkins seized a hammer and advanced to do battle. Harry
departed in haste. Following a brief scuffle the fish lay still again, and
the bewildered captain turned his ship toward home.
b.
Harry departed in haste. Captain Atkins seized a hammer and
advanced to do battle. Following a brief scuffle the fish lay still again,
and the bewildered captain turned his ship toward home.
c.
Captain Atkins seized a hammer and advanced to do battle. Following
a brief scuffle the fish lay still again, and the bewildered captain turned
his ship toward home. Harry departed in haste.
d.
Following a brief scuffle the fish lay still again, and the bewildered
captain turned his ship toward home. Harry departed in haste. Captain
Atkins seized a hammer and advanced to do battle.
4.
Directions: Choose the best rewrite for sentence (21). If it is correct as it
is, choose “No change is necessary.”
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
Finally
Therfore
The captain’s fish story went the rounds in Brooklyn as fast as the
captain could spread it. About the details there could be no argument
because, after all, there was the fish to be seen by anyone who
wanted to see it.
The captain’s fish story went the rounds in Brooklyn as fast as the
captain could spread it. About the details there could be no argument.
Because, after all there was the fish to be seen by anyone who wanted
to see it.
The captain’s fish story went the rounds in Brooklyn as fast as the
captain could spread it, about the details there could be no argument.
Because, after all there was the fish to be seen by anyone who wanted
to see it.
No change necessary.
Directions: Select the correctly punctuated sentence (22). If it is correct as
written in the passage, choose option a.
a.
Authorities at the American Museum of Natural History informed
Captain Atkins that his monster was known by various names, the
“angler fish”, the “goose fish” or the “fishing frog”.
b.
Authorities at the American Museum of Natural History informed
Captain Atkins that his monster was known by various names. The
“angler fish”, the “goose fish” or the “fishing frog”.
c.
Authorities at the american museum of natural history informed
Captain Akins that his monster was known by various names, the
“angler fish,” the “goose fish” or the “fishing frog.
d.
Authorities at the American Museum of Natural History informed
Captain Akins that his monster was known by various names, the
“angler fish,” the “goose fish” or the “fishing frog.”
6.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Which numbered sentence is the least relevant to the passage?
sentence
sentence
sentence
sentence
(4)
(12)
(13)
(24)
Read the entire passage carefully and then answer the questions. (Note:
Intentional errors may have been included in this passage.)
(1) The World Wide Web represents the greatest resource of information
that the world has ever known. (2) But without some preparation, Web searching
can be a little like wandering in a library during a power outage – you know your
answers are nearby, but you can’t find them.
(3) In order to fully utilize the search capacities of the Web, you’ve got to
be familiar with the tools that are available, and you must have a solid
understanding of how to prepare a search. (4) Spending a few wise moments
before you hit that “Submit” key can make all the difference.
(5) Unlike your friendly neighborhood library, there’s no Dewey Decimal
System awaiting you online – just a collection of documents that experts say will
soon reach 1 billion in number. (6) The Web isn’t indexed in any standard
manner, __________, so finding information can seem a daunting task. (7)
That’s what makes the search engine such an essential tool. (8) Search engines
are the tools that find documents in response to a submitted query. (9) Each
engine maintains its own database created by computer programs or “robots.”
(10) Also called “spiders,” these programs travel along the Web (hence the
nickname) locating new sites updating old ones and removing obsolete ones
from the database. (11) In performing your search, they use both a title and a
location technique: Pages containing your search-words (or keywords) in the title
are considered most relevant.
Art Daudelin, “Keys to Effective Web Searching,” Physicians Financial News.
7.
Which of the following summarized the main idea of this excerpt?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
how
how
how
how
how
the Web got its name
to get a computer job
to search the Web
to create a search engine
the Web is replacing the library
8.
In sentence (6) which of the following words, when inserted in the blank,
will relationship between ideas in this sentence clearer?
a.
also
b.
however
c.
meanwhile
d.
either
9.
In sentence (8), what does the word query mean?
a.
b.
question
mark or indicate
c.
d.
10.
Directions: Select the correctly punctuated sentence (10). If it is correct as
written in the passage, choose option a.
a.
b.
c.
d.
11.
Also called “spiders,” these programs travel along the Web (hence
the nickname) locating new sites updating old ones and removing
obsolete ones from the database.
Also called “spiders,” these programs travel along the Web (hence
the nickname) locating new sites, updating old ones and removing
obsolete ones from the database.
Also called “spiders,” these programs travel along the Web (hence
the nickname), locating new sites, updating old ones, and removing
obsolete ones from the database.
Also called “spiders”, these programs travel along the Web (hence
the nickname) locating new sites updating, old ones and removing
obsolete ones from the database.
In sentence (10), what does the word obsolete mean?
a.
b.
c.
d.
12.
eerie or strange
to doubt
worn out
outmoded
disappearing
irrelevant
Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context
suggested by the sentence(s).
Rainy, cold, Mondays always make me ____________________. I just want
to stay in bed and watch movies that make me cry.
a.
b.
c.
d.
13.
melancholy
ecstatic
hypothermic
nostalgic
Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context
suggested by the sentence(s).
I am not familiar with the correct __________________, but it’s the part that fits
on the end of the thing-a-ma-jig.
a.
punctuation
b.
c.
d.
14.
methodology
formula
terminology
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
The game warden wanted to know whose boat it was that had the string of fish,
several of which were inchs under the legal limit.
a.
b.
c.
d.
15.
Directions: Choose the sentence in which the modifiers are used
appropriately.
a.
b.
c.
d.
16.
who’s
fishes
inches
No change is necessary
Jesus holds the ball differently when he throws a curve
Jackie plays tennis so bad she can’t find a partner.
This lawn mower doesn’t cut good anymore.
Of all the cooking shows on television, I think the Iron Chef is
better.
Directions: Choose the sentence in which the modifiers are used
appropriately.
a.
Driving nonstop, the Saloshen Resort is located three hours from
Houston.
b.
Reluctantly, the dog was given away to a neighbor.
c.
Thumbing through the magazine, my eyes automatically noticed
the photo.
d.
If they are cooked to long, carrots lose most of their nutritional
value.
17.
Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context
suggested by the sentence(s).
The frisky colt skipped, pranced, and ______________ around the pasture.
a.
b.
c.
d.
was trotting
had trotted
is trotting
trotted
18.
Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context
suggested by the sentence(s).
I want to get an “A” in the class ___________ learn to be a better student.
a.
b.
c.
d.
19.
Directions: Choose the sentence that has no errors in structure.
a.
b.
c.
d.
20.
The meeting seemed to last for hours, nothing was accomplished.
The meeting seemed to last for hours; however, nothing was
accomplished.
The meeting seemed to last for hours nothing was accomplished.
The meeting, accomplishing nothing, seemed to last for hours.
Directions: Choose the sentence that has no errors in structure.
a.
b.
c.
d.
21.
not only
but also
and yet
instead of
“Will that dog bite?” asked the postman.
How will we ever fit that big chair through that little door, he
asked?
“Will it hurt much,” the scared girl asked the dentist?
“Why are the ABC’s in that order?” the little boy asked, “Is it
because of the song?”
Directions: Choose the correct word or phrase within the context
suggested by the sentence(s).
Sam and the Howard twins ____________ swimming lessons on Fridays.
a.
b.
c.
d.
22.
take
takes
they take
is taking
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.”
Miss Hunt do you know the answer to that question?
a.
b.
c.
d.
23.
Hunt, do
Hunt; do
Hunt: do
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
The audience had fixed their attention on center stage. One of the ballerinas lost
a
her balance. Many in the audience jumped to their feet.
b
c
a.
b.
c.
d.
24.
Directions: Choose the sentence that is correctly punctuated.
a.
b.
c.
d.
25.
its
its
its
No change is necessary
Education is an elusive
different people.
Education is an elusive
different people.
Education is an elusive
different people.
Education is an elusive
to different people.
word it often means different things to
word for it often means different things to
word; it often means different things to
word; indeed it often means different things
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
When your driving, it’s hard to know exactly when you gas tank needs to be
filled. The gauge reads empty when the gas level has passed below a certain
point.
a.
b.
c.
d.
you’re
driving its
have passed
No change is necessary.
26.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
Lenin had been living in exile in Zurich when the tsar was overthrown.
a.
b.
c.
d.
27.
is living
was living
had lived
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
After the salesman brung the price tags from the office, he set the toasters on
a
b
the shelf and hung the new price tags on them.
c
a.
b.
c.
d.
28.
had brought
sat
had hung
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
The Pink Panther was not the first jewel thief to steel diamonds on the silver
screen.
a.
b.
c.
d.
29.
to steal
to have stole
to have stolen
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
Continued expansion depends on our ability to promote novelty beverages such
as papaya, mango and boysenberry juices in grocery stores and restaurants. We
a
b
should set up displays provide free samples of our juice and sponsor contests.
c
a.
b.
c.
d.
30.
papaya mango and boysenberry
grocery stores, and restaurants
displays, provide free samples of our juice and
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
In today’s schools, there is a raging argument about weather to separate
a
children of different abilities into classes with others of similar achievement
b
c
levels.
a.
b.
c.
d.
31.
whether
abilitys
acheivement
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context
suggested by the sentence(s).
Space travel is not available to _________________ citizens now, but the
situation may change. Many entrepreneurs are speculating that space tourism
will happen soon.
a.
b.
c.
d.
32.
Directions: Choose the sentence in which the modifiers are use
appropriately.
a.
b.
c.
d.
33.
senior
ordinary
Russian
Wealthy
Believing they can do nothing to make a difference in the
environment, energy is often wasted
Believing they can do nothing to make a difference in the
environment, people often waste energy.
People, believing they can do nothing to make a difference in the
environment, often waste energy.
People often waste energy, believing that they can do nothing to
make a difference in the environment.
Directions: Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence.
Antarctica is huge, ______ it is 98 percent ice.
a.
b.
c.
d.
34.
Directions: Choose the sentence that is correctly punctuated and worded.
a.
b.
c.
d.
35.
but
yet
so
and
It
It
It
It
is
is
is
is
hard
hard
hard
hard
to
to
to
to
sleep
sleep
sleep
sleep
in
in
in
in
the
the
the
the
city, it is always very noisy.
city, because it is always very noisy.
city because it is always very noisy.
city it is always very noisy.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
Bill MacGregor, of 315 Cove Road, Oceanview, California, was born in April,
a
b
c
1956.
a.
b.
c.
d.
36.
MacGregor of
Road Oceanview Californina
April 1956
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
My uncle Matthew’s ranch, where my sister and I grew up, borders on Black
a
b
Mountain State Park.
c
a.
b.
c.
d.
37.
Uncle
Sister
Black mountain state park
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
I like the circus. You can see all kinds of animal acts, and I can also eat cotton
a
b
c
candy.
a.
b.
c.
d.
38.
One likes
I
you can
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
Everybody, including instructors, hate to make a mistake in front of an audience,
a
but few know how to handle it gracefully.
b
c
a.
b.
c.
d.
39.
hates
knows
handles it
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined
portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”
Timmy has learned that if he does not play by the rules, he will have no one to
a
blame but himself if the others won’t play with you.
b
c
a.
b.
c.
d.
40.
you
yourself
him
No change is necessary.
Directions: Choose the option that has no errors in structure.
a.
b.
c.
d.
High in the sky a silver plane swooping toward the horizon.
Not only to feed the hungry but also to help the sick.
Marla, bring my notebook and helping to solve the puzzle.
Daniel Boone was born in Pennsylvania.
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
b
c
b
a
d
b
c
d
a
b
b
a
d
c
a
b
d
b
b
a
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
a
a
a
c
a
b
a
c
c
a
b
b
d
b
d
a
b
a
c
d