9th grade writing & editing

Question 1

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The glacier has retreated almost two kilometres since 1950___ scientists expect the pace to increase.

• A. ,
• B. ;
• C. :
• D. (no punctuation)

Question 2

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. Lena prefers science, ___ her twin loves history.

• A. whereas
• B. so that
• C. unless
• D. because

Question 3

The team trained in the rain all week. They were ready for the muddy final. Which choice shows the result most clearly?

• A. Although the team trained in the rain all week, they were ready for the muddy final.
• B. Having trained in the rain all week, the team was ready for the muddy final.
• C. Unless the team trained in the rain all week, they were ready.
• D. The team trained in the rain all week, but they were ready for the muddy final.

Question 4

[1] To make a simple compost bin, start with a large container with a lid. [2] Finally, stir the mixture every week and wait. [3] Next, drill small holes in the sides for air. [4] Then add layers of fruit peel, leaves and soil. What is the most logical order?

• A. 1, 3, 4, 2
• B. 1, 4, 3, 2
• C. 1, 2, 3, 4
• D. 3, 1, 4, 2

Question 5

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The glacier has retreated almost two kilometres since 1950___ scientists expect the pace to increase.

• A. ;
• B. ,
• C. :
• D. (no punctuation)

Question 6

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. ___ it rains tomorrow, the match will move indoors.

• A. Although
• B. If
• C. Whereas
• D. Since then

Question 7

The museum is free. Few local people visit it. Which choice best shows the surprising relationship?

• A. Even though the museum is free, few local people visit it.
• B. The museum is free, so few local people visit it.
• C. Because the museum is free, few local people visit it.
• D. The museum is free and few local people visit it so.

Question 8

[1] Tardigrades are tiny animals less than a millimetre long. [2] For example, they have survived the vacuum of space. [3] They are famous for surviving extreme conditions. [4] They can also withstand temperatures close to absolute zero. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 3 should be placed…

• A. where it is now.
• B. after sentence 4.
• C. before sentence 1.
• D. before sentence 2.

Question 9

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? In 1903, the Wright brothers made the first powered flight___ it lasted just twelve seconds.

• A. , and
• B. ,
• C. (no punctuation)
• D. ;

Question 10

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. The plants died ___ nobody watered them.

• A. because
• B. although
• C. unless
• D. whereas

Question 11

The bridge was closed. Engineers found cracks in its supports. Which choice shows the cause most clearly?

• A. The bridge was closed unless engineers found cracks in its supports.
• B. The bridge was closed because engineers found cracks in its supports.
• C. The bridge was closed, but engineers found cracks in its supports.
• D. The bridge was closed although engineers found cracks in its supports.

Question 12

[1] To make a simple compost bin, start with a large container with a lid. [2] Finally, stir the mixture every week and wait. [3] Next, drill small holes in the sides for air. [4] Then add layers of fruit peel, leaves and soil. What is the most logical order?

• A. 1, 2, 3, 4
• B. 1, 3, 4, 2
• C. 1, 4, 3, 2
• D. 3, 1, 4, 2

Question 13

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? Many species of bamboo can grow almost a metre in a single day___ making them among the fastest-growing plants on Earth.

• A. ,
• B. :
• C. ;
• D. .

Question 14

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. ___ it rains tomorrow, the match will move indoors.

• A. Since then
• B. If
• C. Whereas
• D. Although

Question 15

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?

• A. Because most trees grow slowly, bamboo grows fast.
• B. Whereas most trees grow only a few centimetres a year, some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day.
• C. Most trees grow a few centimetres a year, and bamboo also grows.
• D. Most trees grow only a few centimetres a year, so some species of bamboo can grow almost a metre a day.

Question 16

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?

• A. It should not be added.
• B. before sentence 1
• C. after sentence 3
• D. after sentence 2