9th grade writing & editing

Example

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The painting, which hangs in the north gallery___ is one of the artist's earliest works.

1. Sentence boundary questions test whether you can join or separate clauses correctly.
2. The non-restrictive clause opened with a comma, so it must close with one.
3. So the answer is: ,

Answer: ,

Example

A writer wants to add this sentence: "This ability makes them excellent rescue animals." [1] Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell. [2] They can detect a single drop of scent in a swimming pool of water. [3] Many breeds also have great stamina. Where should the new sentence go?

1. Logical order uses time sequence, general-to-specific movement and clear references back.
2. 'This ability' refers to the sense of smell described in sentence 2.
3. So the answer is: after sentence 2

Answer: after sentence 2

Example

Some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day. Most trees grow only a few centimetres a year. Which choice best emphasises the contrast?

1. Subordination makes one idea depend on another, showing exactly how they relate and which matters most.
2. 'Whereas' sets up a direct contrast.
3. So the answer is: Whereas most trees grow only a few centimetres a year, some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day.

Answer: Whereas most trees grow only a few centimetres a year, some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day.