Grade 11 English Question Bank 2nd Semester

To My Old Master Vocabulary Analyzing

Select the best definition of each Critical Vocabulary term.

1. The prisoner insisted that there would be a day of reckoning for the false charge.

a. retribution

b. calculation

c. forgiveness
2. Fully devoted to his faith and its values, he lived a virtuous life.

a. quiet

b. moral

c. rich
3. The audience was disposed to accept the speaker’s appeal.

a. opposed

b. inclined

c. touched
4. “Your gratitude is sufficient recompense for my labors,” she said.

a. payment

b. thanks

c. regard

To My Old Master Vocabulary Fill in the blank with the correct word : Applying
Extremity -Intangible-apprehension-panic-imperative

1. It was a clear day, and yet there seemed an ----------------------- pall

2. It experienced a vague but menacing ---------------------------------
3. That was why he had shied in such--------------------------------
4. This was --------------- at that low temperature—he knew that much; and he
turned aside to the bank, which he climbed. 
5. His pace of four miles an hour had kept his heart pumping blood to the
surface of his body and to all the --------------------------

The Minister's Black Veil" Vocabulary

Inanimate – impertinent- Hearth - Expedient - Comely - Averse – Ascend-

antipathy – Amiable- enjoyable.

1.She had heard so many horrible rumors about Mike that she was surprised
when he was so ------------- to her. 
2.  Johnny has an ------------ for cockroaches, and he writes in disgust when he sees
one nearby. 
3.  Everyone knows that Oprah ---------------- from severe poverty to great wealth. 
4.  The movie received --------------- reviews, so no one wanted to go and check it
out. 
5. . Her ------------ appearance captured the attention of all the boys in class. 
6.  It's ---------- to keep that secretive information to yourself. 
7.  All were welcome, friends and strangers alike, to their humble ----------- the
door was always open. 
8.  The student made an -------- interruption to the class discussion, and the
teacher was very annoyed. 
9.  Even though the rock was an ------------ object, Gus still spoke to it like his best
friend. 
10.  The boy told an ------------- joke for a serious moment in the graduation
ceremony. 

To Build a Fire, Jack London Vocabulary Remembering

Part I-Vocabulary -10 blanks-Fill in the blanks of the story using the vocabulary
words from your word bank. Know the definitions of the words listed below.
Allegiance: …………………………….
Apathetic: …………………………….
Appease: …………………………….
Apprehension: …………………………….
Boughs: …………………………….
Burrow: …………………………….
Chide: …………………………….
Entanglement: …………………………….
Frailty: …………………………….
Imperceptible: …………………………….

The Lowest Animal Vocabulary Write the word that best completes each
statement.
Disposition-caliber-transition-atrocious

1. The boss of a company wants to hire someone with skills that are of a high
…………… for the job.

2. Many people agree that the effects of war can be ………….

 

3. Leaving home to go to college can be a challenging …………

 

4. A salesperson needs to have a very outgoing if he or she is going ……….. to

be successful.

Phrasal Verb Go Applying  

1. Father and daughter ---------------home after they had a nice time ice-skating
out. 

2. We and Mr. Steam --------------- to Jack's house to say "get well soon" 

3. Did you hear that Lucy is -----------with William and they really love each other? 

4. Mr. Tower is ----------------the new school project. He does not want any
mistakes. 
5. Our school team is -------------the Riverdale School team.
 
6. The runner should -----------------or he will lose the race. 

7. Richard ------------and had his dinner at a restaurant yesterday evening. 

8. Christopher -------------his dreams and he became a well-known singer and

guitarist.  

9. Look! That brown dog a -------------a bone because he is very hungry. 

10. Mr. Tumbler is -----------sleep nowadays because he is

working on an important project.  

Idioms Test 1 Remembering

Directions: Determine the meaning of the bolded expression. Choose the best
answer.
1. After going to the zoo, the mall, and the movies, Cassie was sick of bending over
backwards to entertain her nieces.
a. Cassie was doing very little to entertain her nieces.
b. Cassie was making small efforts to entertain her nieces.
c. Cassie was trying very hard to entertain her nieces.
d. Cassie was not trying at all to entertain her nieces.

2. Bobby would have been playing ball until the cows came home if it hadn’t been for Suzie
dragging him home for dinner.
a. Bobby was just about to stop playing ball.
b. Bobby didn’t even want to play ball to begin with.
c. Bobby prefers nature to athletics.
d. Bobby would have continued playing ball for a long time.

3. Mr. Johnson was very particular about the arrangement of his classroom, so the thing he
hated most was when his students caused a ruckus with their wild horseplay.
a. Mr. Johnson hated when his students pretended to be animals.
b. Mr. Johnson hated when his students played sports.
c. Mr. Johnson hated when his students wrestled around with each other.
d. Mr. Johnson hated when his students made animal noises.
4. Eric wanted to fix his cousin’s computer, but he was already having problems setting up
his Aunt’s Wi-Fi network and he didn’t want to open a whole new can of worms.
a. Eric was sick of spending his time helping his family.
b. Eric wanted to go fishing instead of working on computers.
c. Eric was having difficulties untangling the computer wires.
d. Eric was not ready to begin working on a complicated new problem.

5. Even though Candace already had a new job, she submitted her two week notice and
conducted herself in a professional way at her old job because she didn’t want to burn
bridges.
a. Candace didn’t want to ruin her positive relationship with her old employer.
b. Candace wasn’t ready to start her new job.
c. Candace was really going to miss her old job.
d. Candace was waiting until her last day to rub it in everyone’s face that she was leaving.

6. World renowned country western super group The Mountain Boys can sell out an arena
at the drop of a hat.
a. The Mountain Boys may be able to sell out an arena, but it will take a long time.
b. The Mountain Boys can sell out an arena very quickly.
c. The Mountain Boys are always willing to perform at charity events.
d. The Mountain Boys enforce a dress code at all of their shows.

7. Vivian expected Craig to sob uncontrollably when she broke up with him; however,
Craig kept a stiff upper lip.
a. Craig cried even more than Vivian had expected.
b. Craig cried about as much as Vivian had expected.
c. Craig cried a little less than Vivian had expected.
d. Craig did not cry.
8. Mrs. Robinson expects Cassie and my presentation to be good, but we have been
working on it every night for the last week, so we are really going to knock her socks off.
a. Cassie and the speaker are not prepared to give a good presentation.
b. Cassie and the speaker intend on hitting Mrs. Robinson rather than presenting.
c. Cassie and the speaker’s presentation will far exceed Mrs. Robinson’s expectations.
d. Cassie and the speaker’s presentation will meet Mrs. Robison’s expectations.

9. Over the summer Brian was really excited about being placed in the advanced math
class, but after getting his syllabus on the first day and seeing the workload, he was ready
to jump ship.
a. Brian was even more excited about the math class than he was over the summer.
b. Brian wanted to start working on his math assignments right away.
c. Brian did not want to be in the advance math class anymore.
d. Brian wanted to cause some trouble in the advanced math class.

10. Jose had a hard time comparing the iPhone to the Samsung phone because to him they
were apples and oranges.
a. Jose can hardly tell the difference between the two phones because they are so similar.
b. Jose believes that the phones are so different from one another that they cannot be
compared.
c. Jose doesn’t know anything about phones so he may as well be thinking about fruits.
d. Jose is too hungry to think about phones at this time.

11. When Brian felt pretty good about getting the a pair of roller-skates for his birthday,
until he saw his twin brother Ryan open up his GameBox X-9000, and then Brian felt like
he got the short end of the stick.
a. Brian felt like Ryan received a better gift than he.
b. Brian was quite pleased with his roller skates.
c. Brian wanted a long stick that he could use to support himself on hikes.
d. Brian feels bad for Ryan because Ryan wanted roller-skates.

12. After Ms. Smith caught Darnisha chewing gum for the third time, Ms. Smith scheduled
a parent teacher conference with Darnisha’s mother. When Darnisha’s mother came into
Ms. Smith’s classroom, she was chewing gum. Ms. Smith thought to herself, “the apple
doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
a. Ms. Smith thinks that Darnisha dresses like her mother.
b. Ms. Smith thinks that Darnisha acts a lot like her mother.
c. Ms. Smith is surprised to see that Darnisha’s mother came.
d. Ms. Smith thinks that Darnisha’s mother lives very close to the school.

13. Brad was accusing us of stealing his phone until he found it, and now he’s trying to
sweep it under the rug.
a. Brad thinks that his phone will be safer if he hides it under the rug.
b. Brad wants to do something to make up for his mistake.
c. Brad is trying to locate a signal for his phone so that he can use it.
d. Brad wants to pretend that the incident never happened.

14. Keisha got up a started yelling at Ronnie and threatening him but Ronnie didn’t even
flinch because he knew that her bark was worse than her bite.
a. Ronnie thinks that Keisha will get in trouble for yelling.
b. Ronnie thinks that Keisha has bad breath.
c. Ronnie thinks that Keisha is loud but not dangerous.
d. Ronnie thinks that Keisha has a crush on him.

15. You might think that Billy Parker is the kid who has everything, but if you saw the list
of chores his parents give him, I guarantee that you wouldn’t want to be in his shoes.
a. You wouldn’t want your shoes to get as dirty as Billy’s when he’s doing his chores.
b. If you have to do as many chores as Billy, you’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes.
c. Billy shoes are so uncomfortable that doing his chores is really unpleasant.
d. Billy has so many chores to do that it is unpleasant to imagine doing them all.
Reading Section: To My Old Master Questions
Q1. In paragraph 2 of Letter to John Adams, the author’s tone shifts from caring and
supportive to —
A cheerful and happy
B sarcastic and bitter
C determined and direct
D aggressive and pessimistic

Q2. which word from paragraph 3 of Letter to John Adams helps the reader understand
the meaning of the word impunity.
F dispute
G endearing
H Lawless
J providence

Q3. Read the sentence from paragraph 2 of Letter to John Adams.

If particular care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a
Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or
Representation. Compare it to the sentence from paragraph 12 of Lean In. But now I know
how to take a deep breath and keep my hand up. I have learned to sit at the table.
Which two words describe the tone both authors demonstrate in these statements?
A Frustration
B Resignation
C Commitment
D Engagement

Q4. What message does Anderson send in paragraph 1 when explaining his worries for his
former master’s safety?
A The former master is fortunate not to have been punished.
B The former master is a hothead who always gets into trouble.
C Anderson wants to have nothing to do with the former master.
D Anderson will only return if the former master apologizes for shooting at him.

Q5. What does Anderson ask for to test the Colonel’s sincerity?

F Freedom for himself and his family
G Wages earned while they were enslaved
H A role in the Nashville Hospital
J Greetings to his old friends

Q6. What does Anderson wish for his daughters?

A A return to their childhood homes
B Good marriages and jobs
C Safety and an education
D Good relations with the former master

Q7. The tone of the selection can best be described as —

A. angry, because the author refers to injustices he suffered when he was living as a
slave
B. fearful, because the author is afraid that his former master will come after him
C. ironic, because there is a difference between what the author asks for and what he
expects
D. tolerant, because the author uses language that shows he is willing to forgive
Anderson

Q8. Read this sentence from paragraph 3.

We trust the good Maker has opened your eyes to the wrongs, which you and your fathers
have done to me, and my fathers, in making us toil for you for generations without
recompense. In this sentence, the phrase opened your eyes means —
A. shown you firsthand
 B. surprised you greatly
C. made you understand
D. helped you remember
Q9. Read these sentences from paragraph 3.
At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings
would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. Add to this the interest
for the time our wages have been kept back, and deduct what you paid for our clothing,
and three doctor’s visits to me, and pulling a tooth for Mandy, and the balance will show
what we are in justice entitled to. Please send the money by Adams’s express, in care of V.
Winters, Esq., and Dayton, Ohio.
The businesslike language in these sentences emphasizes that the author had
A. made new friends who were helping him
B. significantly improved his position in life
C. deeply felt the injustice of working as a slave
D. expected to receive the monies owed to him

Q. 10 Read this excerpt from paragraph 3.

As to my freedom, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that score, as
I got my free papers in 1864 from the Provost-Marshal-General of the Department of
Nashville. Mandy says she would be afraid to go back without some proof that you were
disposed to treat us justly and kindly; and we have concluded to test your sincerity by
asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you. This will make us forget and
forgive old scores, and rely on your justice and friendship in the future.
A. To indicate that he finds Anderson’s proposal ridiculous
B. To show that he still may forgive Anderson’s past actions
C. To give Anderson a way to back out of his proposal
D. To inform Anderson he is serious about asking for restitution

Q11. Anderson wrote this letter most likely to —

A. attempt to get payment from Colonel Anderson for his years as a slave
B. show Colonel Anderson that his offer is unworthy of consideration
C. help Colonel Anderson understand why the practice of slavery is immoral
D. explain to Colonel Anderson why he is unable to accept his job offer
To My Old Master Questions Applying- Analyzing

1. What is the message in to my old master?

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2. What is the purpose of Jourdan Anderson's letter?

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3. How did Jourdon Anderson escape slavery?
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4. What is the tone of Jourdon Anderson's letter?

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5. What does Jourdon Anderson want for his children?

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The Minister's Black Veil” Questions

1-What is the topic of the first sermon Mr. Hooper gives when wearing the veil?

A Death

B Sorrow
 C Secret sin

D Salvation

2- Why does the congregation send a deputation to talk to Mr. Hooper?

F To tell him he is fired

G To ask why he is wearing the veil

H To protest his behavior at the wedding

J To plead with him to marry Elizabeth

3 Which of the following does the story reveal about Puritan beliefs?

A Strict separation of church and state

B Strong belief in witches and witchcraft

C Exclusion of children from Sunday services

D Deep concern with sinfulness

The Minister's Black Veil” Questions

1-On his death bed, what does Mr. Hooper say he sees on the everyone's faces, and why is

this so important to the story of "The Minister's Black...

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2-What explanation does Mr. Hooper give Elizabeth as to why he refuses to remove his veil

in "The Minister's Black Veil"?

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3- Why is "The Minister's Black Veil" a parable?

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4- In "The Minister's Black Veil," why does Mr. Hooper wear the veil?

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5-What lesson does Hawthorne teach through the symbolism of the black veil?

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6-What are two themes in The Minister's Black veil?

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7-Why do Mr. Hooper and Elizabeth call off their wedding?

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8-What does the mirrors symbolize in The Minister's Black veil?

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9- Why do you think the villagers buried Hooper without removing the veil?

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10- What positive effect does the veil have?

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The Minister's Black Veil” Questions

Answer the following questions

1-what is the main conflict in the Minister's Black veil?

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2. What is the climax of the Minister's Black veil?

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3.Why is "The Minister's Black Veil" a parable?

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“To Build a Fire” by Jack London - Questions

1. Comment on these lines “He was not much given to thinking…” and “Empty as the

man’s mind was of thoughts

2. What precaution has the man failed to take?

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Answer the following questions:

When and where is the man supposed to meet his friends?

Is the man’s first fire successful?

How does the man fail in his attempts to build a fire?

What is the fate of the man?

What is the fate of the dog?

[Grammar Section: Analyzing – Applying

Identifying Adjective and Adverb Phrases

In the sentences below, classify each italicized phrase. On the line before the sentence, write
adj. phr. for adjective phrase or adv. phr. for adverb phrase.

____________ 1. Visiting our classroom, the dentist gave a lecture about oral hygiene.
____________ 2. On horseback, the rangers rode along the border between Mexico and
Texas.
____________ 3. The cardinals flocked to the special sunflower feeder.
____________ 4. We attended the pep rally after school.
____________ 5. Enjoying her trip to the museum, Andrea hid behind the marble
sarcophagus.
____________ 6. The neighbors down the block play polka music all day long.
____________ 7. With its long, slinky body, the snake slithered its way across the short
grass.
____________ 8. After deliberating for days, the jury reached a decision.
____________ 9. At our favorite Chinese restaurant, Randall ordered chicken with
peanuts and hot pepper sauce.
____________ 10. Trying to get Andy’s attention, Jeremy yelled across the room.

Identifying Participial, Gerund, and Infinitive Phrases

On the line before each of the following sentences, identify the italicized phrase by writing
part. phr. for participial phrase, ger. phr. for gerund phrase, or inf. phr. for infinitive phrase.
_____________ 1. Swimming laps early in the morning keeps me fit.
_____________ 2. To stop the river from overflowing, volunteers placed thousands of
sandbags along the banks.
_____________ 3. Nodding his head, the student answered without speaking.
_____________ 4. Sipping a cup of hot jasmine tea usually relaxes me in the evening.
_____________ 5. The dog, having been lost for a week, looked shabby, hungry, and
completely exhausted.
_____________ 6. You’d better get down if you don’t want to fall from there.
_____________ 7. After breaking the car window, the emergency rescue team pulled Vlad
from the wreck.
_____________ 8. Mona listened carefully, tuning the string to the exact pitch.
_____________ 9. “How did you enjoy seeing The Nutcracker, Kishi?”
_____________ 10. Where there is smoke, there is not always fire blazing out of control.

Using Phrases to Combine Sentences

Combine each group of sentences below into one sentence by changing the italicized
sentence into a participial, a gerund, or an infinitive phrase. Use the hints in parentheses to
help you. Write the new sentences on your own paper.
1. Robin hiked through part of the Sierra Nevada National Forest. She stopped at
Isabella Lake. (participle)
2. She discovered that she is allergic to eggs. Now she makes salads for breakfast.
(participle)
3. Caroline and Jack arrived early for the party. They helped decorate. (infinitive)
4. My friend Sheila writes poetry. She began this while she was still in high school.
(gerund)
5. Cats see well in dim light. They prowl and hunt at twilight. (participle)
6. Marvella looked for a paper clip. She had used the last staple. (participle)
7. The church group sold homemade sandwiches. The group was raising money.
(infinitive)
8. J. D. and Phoebe visited an island for their anniversary. The island lies in the
Caribbean Sea. (participle)
9. The car had a flat tire. It sat in the parking lot. (participle)
 10. Warren went to the mall. He bought new shoes. (infinitive)

Identifying Verbs That Agree in Number with Their Subjects

For each of the following sentences, underline the verb or verb phrase in parentheses that
agrees in number with its subject.

1. This stack of books (is waiting, are waiting) to be shelved.

2. Did you know that Tena, together with her family, (is arranging, are arranging) the
show of Navajo crafts?
3. The child, as well as her parents, (becomes, become) excited about summer vacation
as it grows closer.
4. Ariel, along with her two brothers, (has been preparing, have been preparing) Seder
for Passover.

5. Tany said, “The salad, as well as the enchiladas, (looks, look) delicious.”
6. The group of senior citizens (is visiting, are visiting) Guam, the Philippines, and
Hawaii.
7. Because the pool at school is closed, the girls on the swim team (needs, need) another
place to practice.
8. High winds, in addition to a high tide, (has been, have been) predicted.
9. The first of the tour groups (is arriving, are arriving).
10. The report pointed out that the Comanches, as well as the Sioux, (lives, live) on the
Great Plains.

Identifying Adjective and Adverb Phrases

On the line before each sentence below, identify each italicized phrase by writing adj. phr.
for adjective phrase or adv. phr. for adverb phrase.

___________ 1. Early in the morning, the courier delivered an urgent package.

___________ 2. The musicians in the orchestra pit had already tuned their instruments.
___________ 3. Having a map of the museum would be helpful.
___________ 4. In a blur, the cyclist flew around the corner.
___________ 5. They discovered his will in a brittle, old book.
___________ 6. Before the huge audience, Mildred delivered her lines gracefully.
___________ 7. The pair of shoes under the bed belongs to Joel.
___________ 8. After the game I’ll have to finish my college application.
___________ 9. My checking account at the bank was closed.
___________ 10. I was in your garage fixing your car when the power went out.

Identifying Verbal Phrases and Their Functions

On the line before each of the following sentences, identify each italicized phrase by writing
part. phr. for participial phrase, ger. phr. for gerund phrase, or inf. phr. for infinitive phrase.
Then identify the function of each phrase by writing s. for subject, d.o. for direct object, i.o.
for indirect object, p.n. for predicate nominative, adj. for adjective, or adv. for adverb.
_______________ 1. Having heard the noise, too, Kuri’s brother Yoshi went to the
window.
________________ 2. With her brother, Kuri went outside to look around.
________________ 3. A good way to deal with fear is facing the fear directly.
________________ 4. Sitting there listening, she had many unpleasant thoughts.
________________ 5. Investigating the noise required all their courage.
_______________ 6. Having gone outside, Kuri and Yoshi discovered the cause of their
scary noise.
________________ 7. The noise was coming from a branch scraping against the house.
________________ 8. Solving the mystery gave them some relief.
________________ 9. They decided to return to the house.
________________ 10. They postponed cutting off the branch until the next morning.

Proofreading a Paragraph for Correct Subject-Verb Agreement

In the paragraph below, draw a line through each verb or verb phrase that does not agree
with its subject. Write the correct form of the verb or verb phrase in the space above the
error. Some sentences may contain no errors in agreement.

[1] Marissa have chosen to write about Umhlanga. [2] For the girls in Swaziland,

Umhlanga is a coming-of-age ceremony. [3] During this week-long event, girls travels to

Lobamba, the royal city of Swaziland. [4] They gathers reeds from the riverbank. [5]
 The sixth day of Umhlanga are the time to prepare for a dance. [6] The girls

participating in this festival wears necklaces, beaded skirts, and ankle and wrist

bracelets. [7] These costumes for the Reed Dance is carefully prepared. [8] In this dance,

the girls waves the reeds over their heads. [9] Onlookers, including the Queen of

Swaziland, watches the girls’ Reed Dance. [10] The festival, in addition to the dances,

include a ceremony in which the girls use reeds to repair the fences around the Queen’s

residence.

Identifying Subjects and Verbs That Agree in Number.

For each sentence below, underline the verb or verb phrase in parentheses that agrees in
number with its subject.
1. (Is, Are) any of those Polish dumplings left?
2. Harry said, “It looks as if many of the trails (was, were) closed by the landslides.”
3. Several of the volunteers (has, have) worked all day.
4. Most of the people who have signed up for the trip (plans, plan) to ski.
5. Neither of the answers (is, are) the right one.
6. According to this chart, one of the highest mountain peaks in the world (lie, lies) in
the Himalayas.
7. Most of these recipes (calls, call) for yeast.
8. All of the participants in the Braemar Highland Gathering (wears, wear) kilts.
9. I was glad that all of Katherine Paterson’s books (was, were) included on the list.
10. (Does, Do) any of the dancers want to take a break?

Selecting Verbs That Agree in Number with Their Subjects

In each of the following sentences, underline the verb, phrase, or contraction in parentheses
that agrees in number with its subject.
1. The central character in Willa Cather’s novel O Pioneers! (is, are) a pioneer woman
in Nebraska.
2. The number of fish in the pond (is, are) unknown.
 3. Physics (attempts, attempt) to explain matter, energy, and their interactions.
4. The Bahamas (is, are) a popular vacation spot.
5. We agreed that two hours (was, were) a long time to wait.
6. (Where’s, Where are) the tables for the pottery display?
7. Civics (is, are) offered at summer school now.
8. To see the New Year’s parade, a number of people (was, were) willing to stand in the
rain.
9. A great way to spend afternoons (is, are) to go to the Museum of Science.
10. The children all cried, “(Here’s, Here are) the ponies!”

Selecting Verbs That Agree in Number with Their Subjects

In each sentence below, underline the verb, phrase, or contraction that agrees in number
with its subject.
1. All of the planets in the solar system (orbits, orbit) the sun.
2. The Tombs of Atuan (is, are) part of a trilogy by Ursula K. Le Guin.
3. Who (delivers, deliver) the packages on Saturday?
4. News of the earthquake (has, have) worried people who have relatives in that area.
5. The San Francisco 49ers (is, are) in first place.
6. For bird watching, binoculars (do, does) help.
7. Couscous and falafel (was, were) added to the menu.
8. (Here’s, Here are) the schedules for the Eighth Annual Polish Fest.
9. Every member of the ballet (practices, practice) daily.

Proofreading a Paragraph for Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement

In the paragraph below, draw a line through any verb, phrase, or contraction that does not
agree in number with its subject. Write the correct form of the verb in the space above the
error. Some sentences may contain no errors.

[1] Research show that the Mayan culture was highly developed, particularly in the

areas of architecture and astronomy. [2] Sites of Mayan ruins is found in the jungles of
 the Yucatán Peninsula. [3] Perhaps the best known site are the ruins of Chichén Itzá. [4]

The remains of this ancient city draws many visitors each year. [5] The restored

buildings includes a Mayan astronomical observatory. [6] A massive white stone

pyramid called El Castillo, or the Temple of Kulkulcan, fills the plaza of the city. [7]

Towering over the surrounding landscape, the pyramid measure eighty feet high. [8]

This pyramid, like most Mayan buildings, were constructed according to strict

astronomical guidelines. [9] On El Castillo, each flight of stairs have ninety-one steps.

[10] The total number of steps in the stairways, in addition to the summit platform,

equal 365, the number of days in a year. [11] The precision of the designs ensure that,

during the spring and fall equinoxes, the setting sun lights up the eastern stairwell. [12]

The sun casts a shadow that leads to the Sacred Cenote, or well. [13] Objects was cast

into this well as part of the religious ceremonies. [14] Archaeologists has found all kinds

of relics here. [15] Gold, silver, and jade has been taken from this well.

Proofreading a Paragraph for Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement

In the paragraph below, draw a line through any verb, phrase, or contraction that does not
agree in number with its subject. Write the correct form of the verb in the space above the
incorrect word.

[1] I didn’t know that most of the professional astronomers today has studied

physics until two astronomers came to our school on Career Day. [2] The number of

students waiting to talk to the astronomers were large. [3] Among the instruments the

astronomers demonstrated were a small telescope. [4] Compared to a telescope,

binoculars sees very little. [5] There’s many planets and stars to observe with a

telescope.
Selecting the Correct Pronouns
For each of the following sentences, underline the correct pronoun in parentheses.
1. Rachel has studied French longer than (she, her).
2. Please give a medal to each of the finalists, Hena and (he, him).
3. The two who have been to Kenya, she and (I, me), prepared some of the foods we’d
eaten there.
4. The captain let the crew, (he, him) and me, take a break.
5. The Sherpa guides, both (she, her) and he, carried the heavy packs.
6. “Have you been waiting as long as (I, me)?” the woman asked worriedly.
7. When we went bird-watching with Derek, no one saw as many birds as (he, him).
8. Vanessa gave Troy and (me, myself) some photos she’d taken at the ocean.
9. We invited all the neighborhood children, (they, them) and their families, to the fair.
10. The best swimmers of the group, you and (he, him), should try out for the team.
11. Jeremy and (I, myself) plan to explore the caves.
12. Liam was more cautious than (her, she) about swimming out too far.
13. The reporter wants to talk to people who saw the accident, (they, them) and you.
14. The scientists will demonstrate their experiment for those who are interested, you
and (I, me).
15. The Robinsons have been living in that neighborhood as long as (they, them).
16. Aunt Hannah told us how they, (her, she) and her cousins, used to go for sleigh rides
in Poland.
17. Those two people, she and (he, him), are the authors of the book we’ve been reading.
18. There have been several articles in the school newspaper about Jamal and (me,
myself).
19. It takes me twice as long as (her, she) to read Chinese.
20. My grandmother likes going to concerts as much as (I, me).

Using Who and Whom Correctly

In the sentences below, underline the correct form of the pronoun in parentheses.
1. Julian Bond was a politician (who, whom) I admire.
2. We will give a prize to (whoever, whomever) enters the contest.
3. (Who, Whom) is in charge of selling tickets?
4. Do you know (who, whom) the prime minister of Canada is?
5. To (who, whom) shall we send this letter?
 6. William Jay Smith, (who, whom) was a well-known poet, also wrote about how
sounds influenced his writing.
7. After I visited the Sierra Nevada, I began to read about John Muir, (who, whom) was
an early conservationist.
8. We wrote to Mrs. Ramírez, the potter (who, whom) we met last summer, asking her
to visit our school.
9. Can you guess (who, whom) is going to win the election?
10. Is it Ms. Jefferson (who, whom) is planning to travel through Africa?
11. The International Club mailed invitations to (whoever, whomever) had signed up for
a language class.
12. I’d really like to know (who, whom) the artists are.
13. Suni is the only one (who, whom) got a perfect score on the test.
14. The basketball player (who, whom) I wrote to sent an autographed photo to sell at
our fund-raiser.
15. Flo is going on vacation with the Yamotos, (who, whom) she has known for several
years.
16. The governor said, “I need someone on (who, whom) I can depend absolutely.”
17. The hikers greeted (whoever, whomever) they passed on the trail.
18. Everyone asked, “(Who, Whom) is he?”
19. Josie can’t decide (who, whom) she will chose for a partner.
20. “Pardon me,” the newcomer said. “To (who, whom) do I pay my entrance fee?”

Proofreading Sentences for Correct Pronoun Forms

In each of the sentences below, draw a line through any incorrect pronoun forms. On the
line before the sentence, write the correct form of the pronoun. If the sentence contains no
errors, write C.

__________ 1. Whom made this painting of the sunset?

__________ 2. Leo and myself hope to go to Alaska.
__________ 3. Carla went on more rides than him at the carnival.
__________ 4. Before the game started, the captains, him and I, shook hands.
__________ 5. The winner of the writing contest is she.
__________ 6. White Feather told Hy and I stories about his ancestors.
__________ 7. Her and Lizzie are going to light the menorah.
__________ 8. When we got to the top, we saw that Luna and him were there.
__________ 9. Tina, who I saw yesterday, said the rehearsal is at noon.
__________ 10. I wish I practiced as much as him.
__________ 11. Jason and myself are going to audition for parts in the play.
__________ 12. The two who designed the experiment, her and I, will be testing it
tomorrow.
__________ 13. Gloria and them are going to the swim meet.
__________ 14. It might have been him who left this message.
__________ 15. We kept the party a secret so that it would surprise her and he.

Proofreading a Paragraph for Correct Pronoun Forms

In the following paragraph, draw a line through each incorrect pronoun form. In the space
above it, write the correct form of the pronoun. Not all sentences contain errors.

[1] Her uncle is a mountaineer and a man who I admire a lot. [2] It was quite

amazing that he would include Tess and myself in one of his adventures. [3] Tess’s

mother, who is a photographer, wanted to go with he and his expedition on their first

trip to Greenland. [4] She persuaded him to include Tess and I. [5] Us three, Tess, her

mother and I, worked hard to get in shape for this trip inside the Arctic Circle. [6] I

didn’t know anyone whom had ever gone to Greenland, but I found some books to read

about it. [7] First, we had to fly to Iceland to get a flight to Greenland. [8] While Tess’s

uncle made final preparations for the climb, Tess, her mother, and me explored the town

of Ilulissat. [9] Tess and I met an Inuit girl who was not much older than us. [10] Tess’s

mom took several photographs of Tess and I with our new friend.

Revising Sentences to Correct Ambiguous and General References

On your own paper, rewrite each of the sentences below, correcting the ambiguous or
general pronoun references.
1. Jeremy congratulated the chef for his wonderful cooking, which made him quite
happy.
2. Mindy waved to Roberta as she came out of the store.
3. We saw jugglers, acrobats, and clowns at the circus, which was very entertaining.
 4. Many people disapproved of the candidate’s political ideas, and it cost him the
election.
5. Albert told Oscar that he’d brought the wrong book.
6. When our lawyer brought the expert to lunch, we asked him to show us the report.
7. Dolores was going to pick up the baby, but then she fell asleep.
8. I sent in three box tops and the answer to the riddle. That could win the contest.
9. The lights went out and we heard a strange sound, which made us jump.
10. Hector and Philip get along well because of his interest in sports.
11. The manager was a smooth talker and a stylish dresser, which everybody knew.
12. Our team raced against the Midvale All-Stars the year they set the league record.
13. We study hard and practice a lot, which is why we’re the best.
14. Georgianna heard the news during the bumpy train ride, and it made her feel sick.
15. Choy sent a text message to Ling even though he didn’t know him.

Correcting Faulty Pronoun References in Sentences

Most of the sentences below contain ambiguous, general, indefinite, or weak pronoun
references. On your own paper, revise each incorrect sentence. If a sentence is correct,
write C.
1. Rita and Pauline met at the shop.
2. Carlos came in first out of a field of five hundred, which is terrific!
3. After we saw a film about the lifestyles of the British royalty, Oscar said he’d like to
tour one of them.
4. In some parts of the country, they’ll offer a better price for furniture.
5. He was so gullible he believed me no matter which ones I told him.
6. The senator spoke briefly and to the point, which pleased her audience.
7. I couldn’t take drama and dance during the same term, so I dropped it.
8. Sondra’s mother explained to her why she didn’t have time to see the play.
9. At modeling school, you are taught a new way to walk.
10. I really enjoy the science fiction of Arthur C. Clarke, but my brother hasn’t read any
of them yet.
Proofreading a Paragraph to Correct Faulty Pronoun References
On your own paper, rewrite the following paragraph, correcting any unclear pronoun
references. Some sentences may be correct and require no change
[1] The examiner explains to the subject the procedure of the test he is about to take.
[2] The subject’s wrist and chest are wired to the machine, and this is supposed to
measure his emotional responses. [3] Because the subject’s pulse, blood pressure, and
respiration are unconscious reactions, it’s supposed to measure his true feelings. [4]
Examiners require special training before they can give them. [5] Control questions like
“What is your name?” and “Where do you live?” are asked first, and they provide an
example of the subject’s normal responses. [6] Any unusual movement registered by the
polygraph may be a reason to think it’s a lie. [7] The examiner tries to ask obvious
control questions, but it can’t really be scientifically exact. [8] When the examiner
studies the results, her judgment depends on how much they differ from what is normal.
[9] Since the results depend so much on the abilities of the examiner, they aren’t
admissible in legal testimony. [10] Therefore, they don’t use polygraph test results in
courts of law.

Using Modifiers Correctly

In the sentences below, draw a line through each incorrect modifier. Write the correct
modifier on the line before the sentence. If a sentence is correct, write C.

_______________ 1. In the sixteenth century, Carolus Clusius brought the most earliest
tulip bulb to the Netherlands from Turkey.
_______________ 2. Ever since then, tulips have grown good in the Netherlands.
_______________ 3. Today, tulips are among the Netherlands’ most biggest exports.
_______________ 4. They also happen to be one of the country’s popularest tourist
attractions.
_______________ 5. Naturally, of all the seasons, spring is the better time to visit if you
want to see flowers.
_______________ 6. One of the easiest ways to see the tulips is to ride the train.
_______________ 7. As the train passes slow through Leiden, you can see the vast tulip
fields.
_______________ 8. The fields look well, covered with blocks of flowers in many vivid
colors.
_______________ 9. Near Leiden, farther west, are the most largest flower gardens in the
world.
_______________ 10. Named the Keukenhof Gardens, they are truly beautifully.
_______________ 11. You’d feel badly if you went all the way to Leiden and failed to see
them.
_______________ 12. More flowers grow there than in any garden in the world.
_______________ 13. Tulips bloom more later in the spring than some other flowers.
_______________ 14. More earlier in the year, daffodils and hyacinths bloom.
_______________ 15. Of the three kinds of flowers, I feel the tulips are the more dramatic.

Proofreading a Paragraph for Correct Use of Modifiers

In the paragraph below, draw a line through each incorrect modifier. Write the correct
modifier above the error. Some sentences have no errors.
[1] Unlike Le Havre, a much largest city nearby, Honfleur looks like a fishing village

of long ago. [2] Honfleur is the birthplace of Erik Satie, one of the more creative

composers who ever lived. [3] In the early 1900s, Satie wrote least complicated music

than other composers wrote. [4] Satie wrote long ballet scores and more shorter pieces

for the piano. [5] He also worked as a pianist in Paris, France’s capital and larger city.

[6] His critics treated him badly. [7] Perhaps critics would have treated Satie more

kinder if he hadn’t given his pieces such strange names. [8] One of his most earliest

works was called Truly Flabby Preludes for a Dog. [9] He wrote even more humorous

performance directions. [10] Of all of them, the most funniest was “to be played like a

nightingale with a toothache.”

DANGLING AND MISPLACED MODIFIERS

Directions: In the blank beside each sentence, indicate whether that sentence
contains a dangling modifier (DM) or a misplaced modifier (MM). Then rewrite
the sentence to correct it. Check the answers by using the key below. Because
rewritten sentences will vary, have a writing counselor check your new
sentences for you.
1. The car on the bridge which is green is mine.

2. Expecting confusion, our plans were made.

3. Feeling hot, sweaters were taken off.

4. I showed my dog to the veterinarian with the fleas.

5. Larry told me he was getting married that afternoon at night.

6. This typewriter is used by a secretary with a wide carriage.

7. Swimming out into the sea, the current grew stronger.

8. Walking along the bridge, a ship suddenly appeared.

9. The Honda was stalled on the road out of oil.

10. He kept a black book of all the girls he had dated in his desk.

11. On entering the room, the messages are easily seen.

12. While at the park, the sun shone brightly on the sunbathers.

13. Mary should jump at whatever is demanded quickly.

14. He kept all his medicine in the medicine cabinet that had been