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Basics Of Composition

Subject : english
Instructions:
  • Answer 36 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. To receive or say yes






2. A series of verbs in a sentence must stay in same tense (like present - past - future - but okay to change tenses from one clause to the next if the events require it: 'He fell and now he is hurt changes tenses from past to present but the events req






3. When using 'a series' construction - you have to stay with the pattern.






4. Two or more independent sentences that LACK a conjunction (FANGIRL) but are incorrectly joined by a comma. (if joined by a semi-colon it is OK!)






5. Between subject and verb (He is leaving NOT He are leaving.)






6. A sentence with just one subject and one predicate (no D.O and verb is NOT linking)






7. List person; each; every; no one; everyone; anyone; either






8. To recline - I lay down is correct or I have lain down NOT I have laid down!






9. Both...and/ - either...or/ - just as...so/ - neither...nor/ - the more...the more/ - whether...or






10. Has either a subject or a predicate but not both or is a dependent clause without an independent clause - FRAGMENTS ARE NEVER ACCEPTABLE AS A SENTENCE ON THE CLEP EXAM - though they might be ok in a paper!






11. An independent clause joined to one or more dependent clauses by a subordinating clause (www.asia.b) (ind + dep)






12. Difference in quantity or extent - 'further from the truth' or studies are moving further along' are correct






13. 'Either you will love this movie - or you will be refunded.' is parallel BUT 'Either you will love this movie or obtain a refund for your ticket.' is NOT b/c after the or there should be the subject noun just like the SN followed the 'either' in the






14. Refers to a physical distance (we have 15 miles farther to go)






15. Left out or an exception






16. Who refers to a subject while whom refers to object (replace who with he and whom with him to test!)






17. Government building






18. Next; in addition; at that point in time; next; therefore - e.g. He ran faster then he stopped. This refers to what happened at a certain point in time and is not comparing.






19. Conjunction for comparasin 'I run faster THAN you.' Usu preceded by and '-er' word






20. Hint at something (this is done by person making the remark NOT by the one hearing it.)






21. Rules for order of words and phrases - meaning changes if order changes






22. Two independent clauses joined by a (FANBOY) coordinating conjunction that are then joined by a (www.asia.b) subordinating conjunction one or more dependent clauses. (ind + ind + dep)






23. Between subject and pronoun ('Either Jack or Annie will give his or her report' and NOT 'Either Jack or Annie will give his report b/c the pronoun 'his' does not agree with Annie - can't just add 'her' either...must say 'Either Jack will give his rep






24. There = place; Their = belongs to them; They're = they are


25. The city where the government is located OR money/valuable resource used to invest






26. Plural subject needs singular verb and vice versa (The boxes were carried or the box was carried - verb changes to agree with number of subject.)






27. Who refers to people; that/which refer to groups or things or events. Use in the who/which IEW dress up!






28. Illegal






29. The pronoun must be in first - second or third person in agreement with the noun (I am an American and you are an Australian and he is a Turk NOT 'If one wants to go home - you must ask first' b/c you does not agree with one which is third person whi






30. To draw out






31. Draw a conclusion from evidence (the one giving the evidence in NOT inferring - the one hearing the evidence is inferring.)






32. Must use proper pronoun - Don't use nominative pronoun in objective form (He gave it to I NOR Ricky and me jump up - I can't be used as a IO and me can't be a subject/nominative)






33. 'Suddenly - he walked - talked and jumped' has the same subject noun doing all the actions BUT 'He walked - talked and then there was a loud noise.' is not parallel b/c the subject is not doing the third item on the list.






34. To put or place something - I lay it down or I have laid it down or I am laying it down NOT I have lain it down.






35. Hint at something negative (the one making the remark in insinuating NOT the one hearing it.)






36. Two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANGIRL) (Ind+ ind)