Form, Structure, and Sense

(Hard)
Question ID c226133d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

In 2016, engineer Vanessa Galvez oversaw the installation of 164 bioswales, vegetated channels designed to absorb and
divert stormwater, along the streets of Queens, New York. By reducing the runoff flowing into city sewers, __

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. the mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved by
bioswales.

B. the bioswales have mitigated both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways.

C. the bioswales' mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved.

D. both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways have been mitigated by bioswales.

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase "the bioswales" the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase
"By reducing...sewers." In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that the bioswales-and not another noun in
the sentence-are reducing runoff flowing into city sewers.

Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "the
mitigation...waterways" immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear modification. The resulting
sentence makes it hard to determine what is responsible for "reducing the runoff": the bioswales or some other
noun in the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun
phrase "the bioswales' mitigation ...waterways" immediately after the modifying phrase results in unclear
modification. The resulting sentence makes it hard to determine what is responsible for "reducing the runoff":
the bioswales or some other noun in the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier.
The placement of the noun phrase "street flooding and the resulting pollution" immediately after the modifying
phrase illogically suggests that the "flooding and pollution" are reducing runoff flowing into city sewers.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d19020f2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: d19020f2
Known as Earth's "living skin," biocrusts are thin layers of soil held together by surface-dwelling microorganisms such as
fungi, lichens, and cyanobacteria. Fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion, __

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. a recent study's estimate is that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.

B. an estimated 60 percent reduction in global dust emissions each year is due to these crusts, according to a recent
study.

C. these crusts reduce global dust emissions by an estimated 60 percent each year, according to a recent study.

D. a recent study has estimated that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is
"biocrusts." Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each other, so "biocrusts"
or some variant meaning "biocrusts" (in this case, "these crusts") must begin the missing clause.

Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier
"fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent study's estimate." Choice B is
incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in
arid ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "an estimated 60 percent reduction." Choice D is incorrect.
Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The subject of the modifier "fortifying soil in arid
ecosystems against erosion" is "biocrusts," not "a recent study."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 85f8e218
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Bengali author Toru Dutt's A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields (1876), a volume of English translations of French poems,
__ scholars' understanding of the transnational and multilingual contexts in which Dutt lived and worked.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A.has enhanced

B.are enhancing

C.have enhanced

D.enhance

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "has
enhanced" agrees in number with the singular subject "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields," which is the title of a
book of poems.

Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "are enhancing" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject
"A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "have enhanced" doesn't agree
in number with the singular subject "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields." Choice D is incorrect because the plural
verb "enhance" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 55258d1 e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

A model created by biologist Luis Valente predicts that the rate of speciation-the rate at which new species form-on an
isolated island located approximately 5,000 kilometers from the nearest mainland __ triple the rate of speciation on an
island only 500 kilometers from the mainland.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. being

B. to be

C.to have been

D.will be

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence.
Relative clauses, such as the one beginning with "that," require a finite verb, a verb that can function as the main
verb of a clause. This choice correctly supplies the clause with the finite future tense verb "will be."

Choice A is incorrect because the nonfinite participle "being" doesn't supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice
B is incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive "to be" doesn't supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice C is
incorrect because the nonfinite to-infinitive "to have been" doesn't supply the clause with a finite verb.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b36a623e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

The Progressive Era in the United States witnessed the rise of numerous Black women's clubs, local organizations that
advocated for racial and gender equality. Among the clubs' leaders __ Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, founder of the
Women's Era Club of Boston.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. was

B. were

C. are

D. have been

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested here is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb
"was" agrees in number with the singular subject "Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin."

Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject
"Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn't agree in number with the
singular subject "Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn't
agree in number with the singular subject "Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 16ec63e6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Classical composer Florence Price's 1927 move to Chicago marked a turning point in her career. It was there that Price
premiered her First Symphony-a piece that was praised for blending traditional Romantic motifs with aspects of Black
folk music-and __ supportive relationships with other Black artists.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. developing

B. developed

C. to develop

D. having developed

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The missing verb is part of the same clause as the verb "premiered," and "Price" is the
subject of both. So we need the past-tense form "developed" in order to match "premiered."

Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a verb form error. The missing verb is part of the same clause as the
verb "premiered," and "Price" is the subject of both. So we need the past-tense form "developed" in order to match
"premiered." Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a verb form error. The missing verb is part of the same
clause as the verb "premiered," and "Price" is the subject of both. So we need the past-tense form "developed" in
order to match "premiered." Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a verb form error. The missing verb is part
of the same clause as the verb "premiered," and "Price" is the subject of both. So we need the past-tense form
"developed" in order to match "premiered."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fc9633e4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

African American Percy Julian was a scientist and entrepreneur whose work helped people around the world to see.
Named in 1999 as one of the greatest achievements by a US chemist in the past hundred years, __ led to the first
mass-produced treatment for glaucoma.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. Julian synthesized the alkaloid physostigmine in 1935; it

B. in 1935 Julian synthesized the alkaloid physostigmine, which

C. Julian's 1935 synthesis of the alkaloid physostigmine

D. the alkaloid physostigmine was synthesized by Julian in 1935 and

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase "Julian's 1935 synthesis" the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying
phrase "named... years." In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that Julian's 1935 synthesis of the alkaloid
physostigmine-and not another noun in the sentence-was named in 1999 as one of the greatest achievements
by a US chemist in the past hundred years.

Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun "Julian" immediately
after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that Julian himself was named as one of the greatest
achievements by a US chemist in the past hundred years. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling
modifier. The placement of the prepositional phrase "in 1935" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically
and confusingly suggests that "in 1935" was named as one of the greatest achievements by a US chemist in the
past hundred years. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun
phrase "the alkaloid physostigmine" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically and confusingly
suggests that the alkaloid physostigmine itself (not the synthesis of it) was named as one of the greatest
achievements by a US chemist in the past hundred years.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ca252d9a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: ca252d9a
After winning the 1860 presidential election, Abraham Lincoln appointed Edward Bates, Salmon P. Chase, and William H.
Seward to his cabinet. Lincoln's decision was surprising, since each of these men had run against him, but historians have
praised it, noting that Lincoln __ his rivals' diverse talents to strengthen his administration.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. has leveraged

B. is leveraging

C. will leverage

D. leveraged

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The subject of the verb is "Lincoln," and the first sentence tells us that we're talking
about something that Abraham Lincoln did in 1860. So the simple past tense "leveraged" fits the logic of the text.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a tense issue. "Has leveraged" is the present perfect tense, which is
used for an action that began in the past and continues into the present. Lincoln started leveraging his rivals'
talents in 1860-it's definitely not still happening today. So the present perfect tense isn't appropriate. Choice Bis
incorrect. This choice creates a tense issue. "Is leveraging" is the present tense, but Lincoln leveraged his rivals'
talents in 1860, so the present tense isn't appropriate. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a tense issue.
'Will leverage" is the future tense, but Lincoln leveraged his rivals' talents in 1860, so the future tense isn't
appropriate.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e5d07e9f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

In many of her landscape paintings from the 1970s and 1980s, Lebanese American artist Etel Adnan worked to capture
the essence of California's fog-shrouded Mount Tamalpais region through abstraction, using splotches of color to
represent the area's features. Interestingly, the triangle representing the mountain itself __ among the few defined
figures in her paintings.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. are

B. have been

C. were

D. is

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "is"
agrees in number with the singular subject "the triangle."

Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject "the
triangle." Choice Bis incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn't agree in number with the singular
subject "the triangle." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn't agree in number with the
singular subject "the triangle."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ecbf2a17
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Compared to that of alumina glass, __ silica glass atoms are so far apart that they are unable to re-form bonds after
being separated.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. silica glass is at a significant disadvantage due to its more dispersed atomic arrangement:

B. silica glass has a more dispersed atomic arrangement, resulting in a significant disadvantage:

C. a significant disadvantage of silica glass is that its atomic arrangement is more dispersed:

D. silica glass's atomic arrangement is more dispersed, resulting in a significant disadvantage:

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes
"silica glass's atomic arrangement" the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying
phrase "compared to that of alumina glass." In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that silica glass's atomic
arrangement-and not another noun in the sentence-is being compared to the atomic arrangement ("that") of
alumina glass.

Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "silica glass"
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that silica glass itself (rather than its atomic
arrangement) is being compared to alumina glass's atomic arrangement. Choice B is incorrect because it results
in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "silica glass" immediately after the modifying phrase
illogically suggests that silica glass itself (rather than its atomic arrangement) is being compared to alumina
glass's atomic arrangement. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the
noun phrase "a significant disadvantage" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that "a
significant disadvantage" is being compared to alumina glass's atomic arrangement.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 19ae9cd4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

In the 1970s, Janaki Ammal, a prominent botanist, emerged as a powerful voice in India's environmental conservation
movement. Her exhaustive chromosomal survey of plants in Silent Valley, a pristine tropical forest in Kerala, India, that is
home to nearly 1,000 species of native flora (many of which are endangered), __ instrumental in the government's
decision to preserve the forest.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. are

B. were

C. have been

D. was

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The subject "survey" is singular, and so is the verb "was."

Choice A is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular, but the verb "are" is plural. Choice B is incorrect. The
subject "survey" is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "survey" is singular,
but the verb "have been" is plural.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 0afd235c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: Oafd235c
Bonnie Buratti of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory __ data about Saturn's rings collected by the Cassini spacecraft
when she made an interesting discovery: the tiny moons embedded between and within Saturn's rings are shaped by the
buildup of ring material on the moons' surfaces.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. studies

B. has been studying

C. will study

D. was studying

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verbs to express tense in a sentence. In
this choice, the past progressive tense verb "was studying" is consistent with the other past tense verbs (e.g.,
"made" and "collected") used to describe Buratti's discovery. Further, the past progressive tense correctly
indicates that an ongoing action in the past was occurring (she was studying) at the same time that another
event occurred in the past (she made an interesting discovery).

Choice A is incorrect because the present tense verb "studies" isn't consistent with the past tense verbs used to
describe Buratti's discovery. Choice B is incorrect because the present perfect progressive tense verb "has been
studying" isn't consistent with the past tense verbs used to describe Buratti's discovery. Choice C is incorrect
because the future tense verb "will study" isn't consistent with the past tense verbs used to describe Buratti's
discovery.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID bafad0f0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: bafad0f0
Ten of William Shakespeare's plays are classified as histories. Although each one of these plays, which include Henry V
and Richard Ill, __ on a single historical figure (specifically, an English king), some, such as Henry VI Part One and
Henry VI Part Two, feature different episodes from the same monarch's life.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. focuses

B. focus

C. are focused

D. were focused

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "focuses"
agrees in number with the singular subject "each one of these plays," which refers to each play individually.

Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "focus" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject "each one
of these plays." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are focused" doesn't agree in number with the
singular subject "each one of these plays." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "were focused" doesn't
agree in number with the singular subject "each one of these plays."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 0979f82f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: 0979f82f
Despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce, __ they are made from nonrenewable petroleum, and most do
not biodegrade in landfills.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. there are two problems associated with commercial plastics:

B. two problems are associated with commercial plastics:

C. commercial plastics' two associated problems are that

D. commercial plastics have two associated problems:

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures that
the modifying phrase "despite being cheap, versatile, and easy to produce" appears immediately before the noun
it modifies, "commercial plastics," clearly establishing that the commercial plastics-and not another noun in the
sentence-are being described as cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.

Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word "there"
immediately after the modifying phrase illogically and confusingly suggests that "there" is cheap, versatile, and
easy to produce. Choice Bis incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun "two
problems" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the "problems" are cheap, versatile,
and easy to produce. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun
phrase "commercial plastics' two associated problems" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically
suggests that the "problems" are cheap, versatile, and easy to produce.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8b86da1 c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID:8b86da1c
Planetary scientist Briony Horgan and her colleagues have determined that as much as 25 percent of the sand on Mars is
composed of impact spherules. These spherical bits of glass form when asteroids collide with the planet, ejecting bits of
molten rock into the atmosphere that, after cooling and solidifying into glass, __ back onto Mars's surface.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. to rain

B. raining

C. having rained

D. rain

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. "That...[rain] back onto Mars's surface" is a relative clause that describes the "bits of
molten rock." Forming the clause requires a conjugated, finite verb, and this is the only choice that provides that.

Choice A is incorrect. "To rain" is an infinitive and can't serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is
needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that...[rain] back onto Mars's surface," which describes
the "bits of molten rock." Choice B is incorrect. "Raining" is a present participle and, on its own, can't serve as the
main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main verb of the relative clause "that...[rain]
back onto Mars's surface," which describes the "bits of molten rock." Choice C is incorrect. "Having rained" is a
perfect participle and can't serve as the main verb of a clause. A conjugated verb is needed here to form the main
verb of the relative clause "that...[rain] back onto Mars's surface," which describes the "bits of molten rock."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID be3760db
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

In 1994, almost 200 years after the death of Wang Zhenyi, the International Astronomical __ the contributions of the
barrier-breaking 18th-century astronomer and author of "Dispute of the Procession of the Equinoxes," naming a crater on
Venus after her.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. Union would finally acknowledge

B. Union to finally acknowledge

C. Union, having finally acknowledged

D. Union, finally acknowledging

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. It's the only choice that offers a form of the verb "acknowledge" that can go with the
subject "International Astronomical Union" to make a complete sentence. This might seem like an odd use of
"would," but when speaking from a point of view in the past, we can actually use "would" to express something
that happened later. That's the case here: 200 years after Wang Zhenyi's death, the IAU would finally
acknowledge her contributions.

Choice B is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There's no main verb elsewhere in the sentence,
so we need a form of the verb "acknowledge" that can go with the subject "the International Astronomical Union"
and serve as that main verb. "To acknowledge" can't do that. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence
fragment. There's no main verb elsewhere in the sentence, so we need a form of the verb "acknowledge" that can
go with the subject "the International Astronomical Union" and serve as that main verb. "Having acknowledged"
can't do that. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a sentence fragment. There's no main verb elsewhere in
the sentence, so we need a form of the verb "acknowledge" that can go with the subject "the International
Astronomical Union" and serve as that main verb. The "-ing" form can't do that.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9dbd2461
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID:9dbd2461
In 2015, a team led by materials scientists Anirudha Sumant and Diana Berman succeeded in reducing the coefficient of
friction (COF) between two surfaces to the lowest possible level-superlubricity. A nearly frictionless (and, as its name
suggests, extremely slippery) state, __

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. when their COF drops below 0.01, two surfaces reach superlubricity.

B. two surfaces, when their COF drops below 0.01, reach superlubricity.

C. reaching superlubricity occurs when two surfaces' COF drops below 0.01.

D. superlubricity is reached when two surfaces' COF drops below 0.01.

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The subject of the modifier "a nearly frictionless state" is "superlubricity."
Subject­modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so "superlubricity" must
be the first word in the missing clause.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier "a
nearly frictionless state" is "superlubricity." Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be
next to one another, so "superlubricity" must be the first word in the missing clause. Choice B is incorrect. This
choice creates a subject-modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier "a nearly frictionless state" is
"superlubricity." Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so
"superlubricity" must be the first word in the missing clause. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a subject­
modifier placement error. The subject of the modifier "a nearly frictionless state" is "superlubricity." Subject­
modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to one another, so "superlubricity" must be the
first word in the missing clause.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ee2e4c20
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Nuhad al-l-:laddad, known as Fairuz, was one of the most beloved Lebanese singers of the twentieth century. Her broad
singing repertoire-which included traditional forms, such as the Arabic qasida and maqam, alongside modern pop and
jazz styles-lent Fairuz a timeless, cross-generational appeal, __ her the moniker "the soul of Lebanon."

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. earned

B. had earned

C. earning

D. earn

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The word "earning" is being used to introduce an additional modifying phrase, which
describes how Fairuz's repertoire lent her cross-generational appeal. When a verb ends in -ing and doesn't have
a helper verb like "is" before it, it can be used to modify a noun or verb. This is appropriate here.

Choice A is incorrect. The underlined verb is being used to introduce additional descriptive information, which
is set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma. Because there is no subject here, a finite form of the verb (like
"earned") creates an error. We need another form of the verb that doesn't require a subject and can introduce
descriptive information. Choice B is incorrect. The underlined verb is being used to introduce additional
descriptive information, which is set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma. Because there is no subject
here, a finite form of the verb (like "had earned") creates an error. We need another form of the verb that doesn't
require a subject and can introduce descriptive information. Choice D is incorrect. The underlined verb is being
used to introduce additional descriptive information, which is set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Because there is no subject here, a finite form of the verb (like "earn") creates an error. We need another form of
the verb that doesn't require a subject and can introduce descriptive information.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ae4d8cb0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

The violins handmade in the seventeeth century by Italian craftsman Antonio Stradivari have been celebrated as some of
the finest in the world. In close collaboration with musicians, Stradivari introduced changes to the shape of a traditional
violin, flattening some of the instrument's curves and making __ lighter overall.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A.those

B.one

C.them

D.it

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun-antecedent agreement. The singular
pronoun "it" agrees in number with the singular antecedent "violin" and thus indicates that the traditional violin
(and not its curves) was made lighter.

Choice A is incorrect because the plural pronoun "those" doesn't agree in number with the singular antecedent
"violin." Choice B is incorrect because the singular pronoun "one" is ambiguous in this context; the resulting
sentence leaves unclear what Stradivari made lighter. Choice C is incorrect because the plural pronoun "them"
doesn't agree in number with the singular antecedent "violin."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1c16f0f0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: 1c16f0f0
Based on genetic evidence, archaeologists have generally agreed that reindeer domestication began in the eleventh
century CE. However, since uncovering fragments of a 2,000-year-old reindeer training harness in northern Siberia, __
may have begun much earlier.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. researcher Robert Losey has argued that domestication

B. researcher Robert Losey's argument is that domestication

C. domestication, researcher Robert Losey has argued,

D. the argument researcher Robert Losey has made is that domestication

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase "researcher Robert Losey" the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying
phrase "since ...Siberia." In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that researcher Robert Losey-and not another
noun in the sentence-is who uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old reindeer training harness in northern
Siberia.

Choice Bis incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "researcher
Robert Losey's argument" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the "argument" is
what uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old reindeer training harness in northern Siberia. Choice C is
incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun "domestication" immediately after
the modifying phrase illogically suggests that "domestication" is what uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old
reindeer training harness in northern Siberia. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The
placement of the noun phrase "the argument" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that
the "argument" is what uncovered fragments of a 2,000-year-old reindeer training harness in northern Siberia.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 578ba226
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID:578ba226
The artistic talents of Barbara Chase-Riboud, most known for her 1979 historical novel Sally Hemings and the
conversation it inspired, __ limited to the realm of prose: she first excelled in sculpture, where her affinity for bronze­
a material she described as "timeless" due to its use across eras and cultures-became part of her artistic identity.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. hasn't been

B. wasn't

C. isn't

D. aren't

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The subject "talents" is plural, and so is the verb "aren't": "the artistic talents...aren't
limited."

Choice A is incorrect. The subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "hasn't been" is singular. Choice B is incorrect.
The subject "talents" is plural, but the verb "wasn't" is singular. Choice C is incorrect. The subject "talents" is
plural, but the verb "isn't" is singular.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 29ed3849
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Robina[ Achi is a precolonial Maya dance drama performed annually in Rabinal, a town in the Guatemalan highlands.
Based on events that occurred when Rabinal was a city-state ruled by a king, __ had once been an ally of the king but
was later captured while leading an invading force against him.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. Robina[ Ach[ tells the story of K'iche' Achf, a military leader who

B. K'iche' Achf, the military leader in the story of Robina[ Achi,

C. the military leader whose story is told in Robina[ Ach[, K'iche' Achf,

D. there was a military leader, K'iche' Achf, who in Robina[ Achi

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The modifier "Based on events... by a king," is describing the drama "Rabinal Achi."
Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe, so "Rabinal Achi" needs to be the first word after the
comma.

Choice B is incorrect. This doesn't complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English. The modifier "Based on events... by a king," is describing the drama "Rabinal Achi." Modifiers need to be
next to the subjects they describe, so "Rabinal Achi" needs to be the first word after the comma. Choice C is
incorrect. This doesn't complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The
modifier "Based on events... by a king," is describing the drama "Rabinal Achi." Modifiers need to be next to the
subjects they describe, so "Rabinal Achi" needs to be the first word after the comma. Choice D is incorrect. This
doesn't complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The modifier "Based on
events... by a king," is describing the drama "Rabinal Achi." Modifiers need to be next to the subjects they describe,
so "Rabinal Achi" needs to be the first word after the comma.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7ecd64c8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

During the American Civil War, Thomas Morris Chester braved the front lines as a war correspondent for the Philadelphia
Press. Amplifying the voices and experiences of Black soldiers __ of particular importance to Chester, who later
became an activist and lawyer during the postwar Reconstruction period.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. were

B. have been

C. are

D. was

Correct Answer:
Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "was"
agrees in number with the singular subject "amplifying." Gerunds such as "amplifying" are always singular.

Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject
"amplifying." Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn't agree in number with the singular
subject "amplifying." Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn't agree in number with the
singular subject "amplifying."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e76c35d5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Author Madeline L'Engle, __ to create a suspenseful tone that draws the reader in, begins her novel A Wrinkle in Time
with descriptions of "wraithlike shadows" and "the frenzied lashing of the wind."

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. looked

B. looks

C. is looking

D. looking

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. The
nonfinite present participle verb "looking" is correctly used to form a subordinate clause that describes the
intent behind how L'Engle begins her novel.

Choice A is incorrect because the finite past tense verb "looked" can't be used in this way to form a subordinate
clause. Choice B is incorrect because the finite present tense verb "looks" can't be used in this way to form a
subordinate clause. Choice C is incorrect because the finite present progressive tense verb "is looking" can't be
used in this way to form a subordinate clause.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4c3a6732
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID:4c3a6732
Official measurements of the Mississippi River's length vary: according to the US Geologic Survey, the river is 2,300 miles
long, whereas the Environmental Protection Agency records its length as 2,320 miles. This disparity can be explained in
part by the fact that rivers such as the Mississippi expand and contract as __ sediment.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. they accumulate

B. one accumulates

C. it accumulates

D. we accumulate

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The noun that goes with "expand and contract" is "rivers," a plural noun. "They" is a
third-person plural pronoun, so it can correctly stand in for "rivers."

Choice Bis incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "One" is a singular pronoun,
but the noun that goes with "expand and contract" is "rivers," a plural noun. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "It" is a singular pronoun, but the noun that goes with "expand
and contract" is "rivers," a plural noun. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent
agreement error. The noun that goes with "expand and contract" is the plural noun "rivers." Rivers are not people,
so "we" can't be used to stand in for it.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID eccc78e0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: eccc78e0
In 1453, English King Henry VI became unfit to rule after falling gravely ill. As a result, Parliament appointed Richard, Third
Duke of York, who had a strong claim to the English throne, to rule as Lord Protector. Upon recovering two years later,
__ forcing an angered Richard from the royal court and precipitating a series of battles later known as the Wars of the
Roses.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. Henry resumed his reign,

B. the reign of Henry resumed,

C. Henry's reign resumed,

D. it was Henry who resumed his reign,

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice ensures
that the introductory phrase "upon recovering two years later" appears immediately before the noun it modifies
("Henry"), clearly establishing that Henry recovered two years later.

Choice Bis incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "the reign of
Henry" immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that the reign of Henry recovered two
years later. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase
"Henry's reign" immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that Henry's reign recovered two
years later. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the function word
"it" immediately after the introductory phrase illogically suggests that "it" recovered two years later.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a95ae2b8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Working from an earlier discovery of Charpentier's, chemists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna-winners of
the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry-re-created and then reprogrammed the so-called "genetic scissors" of a species of
DNA-cleaving bacteria __ a tool that is revolutionizing the field of gene technology.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. to forge

B. forging

C. forged

D. and forging

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a
sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive "to forge" is correctly used to form a nonfinite (infinitive) clause that
explains why the chemists re-created and reprogrammed the DNA-cleaving bacteria.

Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma separating the main clause ("chemists...bacteria") from the participle
"forging," this choice illogically suggests that the bacteria are forging a tool, which doesn't make sense. Choice C
is incorrect. Without a coordinating conjunction such as "and" placed before it, the finite past tense verb "forged"
can't be used in this way to describe the chemists' actions. Choice D is incorrect. If read as a finite verb, the
present progressive verb "forging" isn't consistent with the past tense verbs used in this sentence to describe the
actions of the chemists. If read as a nonfinite verb, the participle "forging" can't be used in this way because
there is no following main clause for it to modify.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1 d918ae7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

Professional American football player Fred Cox invented one of the world's most popular toys. In the 1970s, he came up
with the idea for the Nerf football, which __ of the harder and heavier regulation football.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. were a smaller, foam version

B. are smaller, foam versions

C. were smaller, foam versions

D. is a smaller, foam version

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement and agreement between
nouns. The singular verb "is" and the singular noun "version" both agree in number with the relative pronoun
"which." In this context, "which" functions as a singular subject because it refers to the singular noun "the Nerf
football."

Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn't agree in number with the singular noun phrase "the
Nerf football" that it's modifying. Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "are" and the plural noun
"versions" don't agree in number with the singular noun phrase "the Nerf football" that they're modifying. Choice
C is incorrect because the plural verb "were" and the plural noun "versions" don't agree in number with the
singular noun phrase "the Nerf football" that they're modifying.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c657b510
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID:c657b510
When they were first discovered in Australia in 1798, duck-billed, beaver-tailed platypuses so defied categorization that
one scientist assigned them the name Ornithorhynchus paradoxus: "paradoxical bird-snout." The animal, which lays eggs
but also nurses __ young with milk, has since been classified as belonging to the monotremes group.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. they're

B. their

C. its

D. it's

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The singular possessive pronoun "its" agrees with the singular antecedent "the
animal" and indicates that the "young" belong to it.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "They're" is a contraction of
"they are," a plural pronoun and verb, but the antecedent "the animal" is singular. Also, we don't need the extra
verb "are" - we already have a main verb in this clause, so adding "are" would be confusing and ungrammatical.
Choice Bis incorrect. This choice creates a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. "Their" is a plural pronoun, but
the subject of the sentence is "the animal," a singular noun. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a confusing
and ungrammatical sentence. "It's" is a contraction for "it is." We already have the verb "nurses" in this clause, so
we shouldn't add the verb "is."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID df7c7932
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: df7c7932
In assessing the films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, __ have missed his equally deep engagement with
Japanese artistic traditions such as Noh theater.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. many critics have focused on Kurosawa's use of Western literary sources but

B. Kurosawa's use of Western literary sources has been the focus of many critics, who

C. there are many critics who have focused on Kurosawa's use of Western literary sources, but they

D. the focus of many critics has been on Kurosawa's use of Western literary sources; they

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase "many critics" the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase "in
assessing...Kurosawa." In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that it is the critics-and not another noun in
the sentence-who assess Kurosawa's films.

Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "Kurosawa's ...
sources" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that his use of Western literary sources is
what assesses Kurosawa's films. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of
the function word "there" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that "there" is what
assesses Kurosawa's films. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the
noun phrase "the focus ...critics" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the critics'
focus is what assesses Kurosawa's films.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4317ee4a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

In Death Valley National Park's Racetrack Playa, a flat, dry lakebed, are 162 rocks-some weighing less than a pound but
others almost 700 pounds-that move periodically from place to place, seemingly of their own volition. Racetrack-like
trails in the __ mysterious migration.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. playas sediment mark the rock's

B. playa's sediment mark the rocks

C. playa's sediment mark the rocks'

D. playas' sediment mark the rocks'

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of plural and possessive nouns. The singular
possessive noun "playa's" and the plural possessive noun "rocks"' correctly indicate that the sediment is that of
one playa (the Racetrack Playa) and that there are multiple rocks that have mysteriously migrated across the
sediment.

Choice A is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "playa's" and the plural
possessive noun "rocks'," not the plural noun "playas" and the singular possessive noun "rock's." Choice B is
incorrect because the context requires the plural possessive noun "rocks'," not the plural noun "rocks." Choice D
is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "playa's," not the plural possessive noun
"playas' ."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1621 d2b8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID:1621d2b8
A second-generation Japanese American, Wataru Misaka __ in World War II (1941-45) and won two amateur national
basketball championships at the University of Utah when he joined the New York Knicks for the 1947-48 season,
becoming the first non-white basketball player in the US's top professional league.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. already served

B. was already serving

C. already serves

D. had already served

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the New York Knicks in 1947. To show
that a past occurrence took place before another past occurrence, we need to use "had" + the past tense form of
the verb. This is called the past perfect tense.

Choice A is incorrect. Misaka served in World War II before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but
his service in World War II happened earlier, so we need a verb that makes it clear that his service (and the two
national championships) had ended by the time he joined the Knicks. Choice B is incorrect. "Was already
serving" forms the continuous past tense, which we use when we're showing a past action that was ongoing.
Misaka served in World War II before he joined the Knicks. Both events are in the past, but they're not happening
at the same time, so we shouldn't use the continuous past tense here. Choice C is incorrect. Misaka served in
World War II in the past, so we shouldn't use the present tense "serves."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f2ff982f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: f2ff982f
Researchers studying the "terra-cotta army," the thousands of life-size statues of warriors found interred near the tomb of
Emperor Qin Shi Huang of China, were shocked to realize that the shape of each statue's ears, like the shape of each
person's ears, __ unique.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. are

B. is

C. were

D. have been

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. because the singular verb
"is" agrees in number with the singular subject "the shape."

Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "are" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject "the shape."
Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "were" doesn't agree in number with the singular subject "the
shape." Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "have been" doesn't agree in number with the singular
subject "the shape."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c4e083ae
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■

On April 5, 1977, Kitty Cone and 150 other disability rights activists entered a San Francisco federal building. After
pleading for years-to no effect-for the passage of key antidiscrimination legislation, __ until their demands were
addressed. Finally, on April 28, the legislation was signed.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. pressure on lawmakers increased when the activists staged a sit-in protest

B. a sit-in protest staged by the activists increased pressure on lawmakers

C. lawmakers came under increased pressure when the activists staged a sit-in protest

D. the activists increased pressure on lawmakers by staging a sit-in protest

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the
noun phrase "the activists" the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase
"after...legislation." In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that the activists-and not another noun in the
sentence-were pleading for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation.

Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "pressure on
lawmakers" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the "pressure" was pleading for the
passage of antidiscrimination legislation. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The
placement of the noun phrase "a sit-in protest" immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that
the "protest" was pleading for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation. Choice C is incorrect because it
results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase "lawmakers" immediately after the modifying
phrase suggests that "lawmakers" were pleading for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation. While it's
possible for lawmakers to plead for the passage of legislation, the context strongly suggests that it's the activists
who pleaded for years for the passage of antidiscrimination legislation.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c04927f2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID: c04927f2
In the canon of North African literature, Moroccan author Driss Chra'ibi's 1954 novel The Simple Past (Le Passe simple)
looms large. A coming-of-age story, a social meditation, and a sober gaze into the dark maw of French colonialism, __
interrogates systemic power with memorable intensity.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. Morocco gained its independence two years before the publication of Chra'ibi's debut novel, which

B. Chra"ibi's debut novel, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,

C. Chra"ibi wrote a debut novel that, published two years before Morocco gained its independence,

D. published two years before Morocco gained its independence, Chra"ibi wrote a debut novel that

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. Subject-modifier placement requires a modifier and its subject to be next to each
other. The subject of the modifier "a coming-of-age story...colonialism" is Chraibi's novel The Simple Past, so the
subject "Chraibi's debut novel" fits perfectly after this introductory modifying phrase.

Choice A is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each other. The introductory modifier "a
coming-of-age story...colonialism" is describing Chraibi's novel, not Morocco. However, this choice places
Morocco directly next to that modifier. Choice C is incorrect. Modifiers and their subjects must go next to each
other. The introductory modifier "a coming-of-age story... colonialism" all describes Chraibi's novel, not Chraibi
himself. However, this choice places Chraibi directly next to that modifier. Choice D is incorrect. Modifiers and
their subjects must go next to each other. The modifier "a coming-of-age story..." is describing Chraibi's novel, so
that needs to be the subject immediately after the modifier. This choice adds another modifier that describes
Chraibi's novel, but then puts "Chra·1bi" himself-not the novel-right after that modifier, which doesn't make
sense. Chra"1bi wasn't "published two years before" Moroccan independence; his novel The Simple Past was.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2a9b1398
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT &
PSAT10
Reading and Writing Standard English
Conventions
Form, Structure,
and Sense ■■■
ID:2a9b1398
In 1966, Emmett Ashford became the first African American to umpire a Major League Baseball game. His energetic
gestures announcing when a player had struck out and his habit of barreling after a hit ball to see if it would land out of
__ transform the traditionally solemn umpire role into a dynamic one.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. bounds helped

B. bounds, helping

C. bounds that helped

D. bounds to help

Correct Answer:

Rationale

Choice is the best answer. The convention being tested is finite verb use in a main clause. A main clause
requires a finite verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, Ashford's "gestures" and "habit"), and this
choice supplies the finite past tense verb "helped" to indicate what Ashford's gestures and habit helped
accomplish.

Choice B is incorrect because the non-finite participle "helping" doesn't supply the main clause with a finite
verb. Choice C is incorrect because the relative clause "that helped" doesn't supply the main clause with a finite
verb. Choice D is incorrect because the non-finite to-infinitive "to help" doesn't supply the main clause with a
finite verb.

Question Difficulty: Hard