9th grade writing & editing

Question 1

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. ___ she had never sailed before, she volunteered to steer.

• A. So that
• B. Even though
• C. Unless
• D. Because

Question 2

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

Question 3

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.

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

Question 4

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

Question 5

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

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

Question 6

[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, 2, 3, 4
• C. 1, 4, 3, 2
• D. 3, 1, 4, 2

Question 7

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The author's first novel was rejected by twelve publishers___ the thirteenth accepted it and it became a bestseller.

• A. ; eventually,
• B. , eventually,
• C. , eventually
• D. eventually,

Question 8

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

Question 9

Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the relationship logical. You won't improve ___ you practise regularly.

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

Question 10

[1] The first public library in the town opened in 1887. [2] Today, it lends e-books as well as print. [3] At first, it held just 300 books, all donated. [4] Over the next century, its collection grew to more than 50,000 volumes. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 2 should be placed…

• A. before sentence 1.
• B. after sentence 4.
• C. after sentence 3.
• D. where it is now.

Question 11

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. (no punctuation)
• C. ;
• D. ,

Question 12

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

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

Question 13

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

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

Question 14

[1] The first public library in the town opened in 1887. [2] Today, it lends e-books as well as print. [3] At first, it held just 300 books, all donated. [4] Over the next century, its collection grew to more than 50,000 volumes. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 2 should be placed…

• A. after sentence 4.
• B. before sentence 1.
• C. where it is now.
• D. after sentence 3.

Question 15

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The author's first novel was rejected by twelve publishers___ the thirteenth accepted it and it became a bestseller.

• A. ; eventually,
• B. , eventually
• C. eventually,
• D. , eventually,

Question 16

The volcano was dormant for centuries. It erupted without warning in 1980. Which choice combines the sentences to emphasise the surprise of the eruption?

• A. The volcano was dormant for centuries, and it erupted without warning in 1980.
• B. The volcano erupted in 1980, so it was dormant for centuries.
• C. Because the volcano had been dormant for centuries, it erupted without warning in 1980.
• D. Although the volcano had been dormant for centuries, it erupted without warning in 1980.