Praxis Core Writing Practice Test

Here is our Praxis Core Writing practice test.

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Question 1
The baseball players decided A that they all would donate B $50 annually C to cover the $1,000 sponsor fee for the local youth baseball team D. No error. E

A
decided
B
all would donate
C
annually
D
the local youth baseball team.
E
No error.
Question 1 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because using the word “all” implies that the players would donate a combined $50, which wouldn’t cover the youth baseball team’s $1,000 fee. Instead, the phrase should read, “each would donate” to indicate that 20 players would be contributing money to donate $1,000 total each year to the youth baseball team.
Question 2
The more A that Sam and Marcos tried B to fixes C the problem in the yard, D the worse they made it. No error. E

A
more
B
tried
C
fixes
D
yard
E
No error.
Question 2 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because the verb “fixes” does not agree with the plural subject of the sentence, “Sam and Marcos.” Instead, the verb should reflect the plural subject and be written as “fix.”
Question 3
Many avid viewers A consider "Breaking Bad" B to be the greatest television show C of all time, created by Vince Gilligan. D No error. E

A
avid viewers
B
"Breaking Bad"
C
greatest television show
D
created by Vince Gilligan.
E
No error.
Question 3 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because the clause “created by Vince Gilligan” doesn’t fit at the end of the sentence. Since the parenthetical clause is adding a detail about the show in question, this clause should be placed after the title of the show, “Breaking Bad.” A parenthetical clause is a clause that provides extra information, but could be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning. These clauses are off-set by punctuation, usually by commas or by parentheses.
Question 4
Cynthia and Amber wanted A to stop and B get some water on the way to the game so C that she D would be prepared. No error. E

A
wanted
B
stop and
C
the game so
D
she
E
No error.
Question 4 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because the pronoun “she” is ambiguous. Every pronoun takes the place of a noun, the antecedent, and it’s unclear whether “she” refers to Cynthia or Amber in the sentence. The writer most likely means to write “they” instead of “she” because both girls need to be prepared for the game.
Question 5
The two brothers A realized that the only B way for them C to be fair was for both of them to each D take turns mowing the lawn all summer. No error. E

A
two brothers
B
that the only
C
them
D
both of them each
E
No error.
Question 5 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because it contains a redundancy. There’s no reason to say “both” and “each.” To correct this error, the writer can simply get rid of one of these words.
Question 6
Samantha quick A jumped out of her B chair and ran on to the stage C when her ticket number was D called. No error. E

A
quick
B
out of her
C
ran on to the stage
D
was
E
No error.
Question 6 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because “quick” is functioning as an adverb in the sentence to modify how Samantha jumped out of her chair. When it is used as an adverb, this word should be written “quickly”; it is only written as “quick” when it is used as an adjective.
Question 7
According to Jessy, A the test in english B class was easy, C so Cierra was able to relax and enjoy D her lunch. No error. E

A
Jessy,
B
english
C
was easy,
D
relax and enjoy
E
No error.
Question 7 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because when it’s used in reference to the title of a class, “English” should be capitalized.
Question 8
According to most experts, A the easiest way to make sure that you don't get sick B when you go on vacation is C to get all the necessary immunizations and D beware of what you eat and drink. No error. E

A
experts
B
that you don't get sick
C
is
D
immunizations and
E
No error.
Question 8 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because there are no errors in the sentence.
Question 9
Your A going to need a bigger boat B if you want to be able to C do any deep-sea diving today. D No error. E

A
Your
B
bigger boat
C
be able to
D
today.
E
No error.
Question 9 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because “Your” refers to possession, but the sentence only makes sense if the writer uses “You’re,” which is a contraction of “You” and “are.”
Question 10
Millicent and Lawson are applying A to MIT because they B both want to become C mechanical engineer. D No error. E

A
are applying
B
they
C
to become
D
engineer.
E
No error.
Question 10 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because the noun “engineer” doesn’t agree with the nouns to which it is referring, “Millicent and Lawson.” Since the initial nouns are plural, the noun referring to them must also be plural, and should be written as “engineers.”
Question 11
The students A wanted B to go on the field trip, and C it cost way too much D money. No error. E

A
The students
B
wanted
C
and
D
too much
E
No error.
Question 11 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C)is correct because the conjunction “and” does not convey the right meaning in the sentence. Looking at the relationship between the two clauses in the sentence, it should be clear that the ideas in each clause are contrasting. A conjunction like “but” more accurately relates this contrast to the reader.
Question 12
Everyone A in the movie theater stood up B and clapped because they C were so moved by the emotional ending D of the film. No error. E

A
Everyone
B
stood up
C
because they
D
emotional ending
E
No error.
Question 12 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because there are no errors in the sentence.
Question 13
The newspaper A will only print those who write stories B on politics, important events, and global news; C human interest stories will not be D published. No error. E

A
The newspaper
B
those who write stories
C
;
D
will not be
E
No error.
Question 13 Explanation: 
Since the newspaper is printing stories, not the people who write the stories, the use of the phrase “those who write stories” does not make sense in the sentence. The correct way to write this would be to write, “the articles of those who write about” or more simply, “stories about” (removing “on”).
Question 14
When president A Obama took office for the B first time in 2009, C people had hope that politics was beginning to D change and progress. No error. E

A
president
B
for the
C
,
D
was beginning to
E
No error.
Question 14 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because “president” should be capitalized. When it is being used as a title for a specific person, “President” needs to be capitalized. If someone is using it as a general noun that isn’t meant to refer to anyone in particular (“former presidents have difficulty trying to adjust…”), “president” doesn’t get capitalized.
Question 15
Cynthia sat at her desk without any A idea how to answer the questions in front of her and B finally understood C the affects D of her procrastination. No error. E

A
without any
B
her and
C
understood
D
affects
E
No error.
Question 15 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because writer of this sentence has confused “affects” and “effects.” In general, “affect” is used as a verb and “effect” is used as a noun. Consider the sentence, “Mary was affected by his insults. It took a long time for Gene to notice the effect of his insults.” In the original sentence, changing “affects” to “effects” would make it correct.
Question 16
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, is a great example of a dystopian novel.

A
, by Ray Bradbury,
B
by Ray Bradbury
C
, Ray Bradbury’s novel,
D
, a novel by Ray Bradbury,
E
(remove underlined section entirely)
Question 16 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because there is no error in the underlined section of the sentence. Answer choices (C) and (D) would be acceptable changes if the end of the sentence didn’t also use the word “novel,” which would make them redundant. While answer choice (E) wouldn’t ruin the sentence, it’s an unnecessary revision that removes information from the sentence.
Question 17
In his speech, Abraham Lincoln firmly lied out his plan for how to move forward as a country.

A
lied out his plan
B
lied his plan out
C
laid out his plan
D
laid out our plan
E
lies out his plan
Question 17 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because it uses the correct verb in the sentence. “Lie” and “Lay” are often confused, but when using these verbs in this form, “lie” usually means an action that one does for themselves while “lay” usually means an action that one does for or to someone/something else. The direct object of the sentence is “his plan,” so the proper verb to use in the sentence is “lay,” and it should be used in its past tense form, “laid.”
Question 18
When you go to the store make sure to pick up eggs, milk, and bread.

A
go to the store make
B
went to the store, make
C
go to the store; make
D
goes to the store make
E
go to the store, make
Question 18 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because there should be a comma separated the clause “When you go to the store” from the rest of the sentence. When an adverbial clause comes before an independent clause (like in this sentence), it should be followed by a comma.
Question 19
The stress was starting to really get to Luis because he had three tests to take before lunch and a project to finish after lunch and he couldn’t figure out how in the world he was going to find enough time to get everything done.

A
to finish after lunch and he couldn’t figure out how
B
to finish after lunch; but he couldn’t figure out how
C
to finish after lunch. He couldn’t figure out how
D
to finish after lunch but he couldn’t figure out how
E
to finish, after lunch and he couldn’t figure out how
Question 19 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because the sentence is a run-on. The writer has tried to put too much into one sentence. The best way to correct it is by breaking it into two sentences with a period.
Question 20
More than anything else, it was important for the students to create a solid thesis that accurately introduced the main idea of their essay.

A
anything else, it was important
B
anything else it was important
C
anything else; it was important
D
anything else, it is important
E
anything else because it was important
Question 20 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because the sentence doesn’t contain any errors.
Question 21
In her interview, Simone told Grant that she would like to work at his company because she likes working with people, solving difficult problems, and to work in a field in which she is passionate.

A
, and to work in a field in which she is passionate.
B
; and to work in a field in which she is passionate.
C
, not to work in a field in which she is passionate.
D
, and to passionately work in this field.
E
, and working in a field in which she is passionate.
Question 21 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because the sentence contains an error in parallel structure. The list follows a pattern using the verb “likes” to refer to “working” and “solving.” In the original sentence, the final entry on the list breaks this pattern to use likes to refer to “to work.” By removing “to,” the list maintains its parallel structure, and then the word “work” needs to be changed to “working” to agree with the new phrase.
Question 22
Sheryl and Maria decided to make herself some coffee because it was going to be a long night.

A
make herself some coffee
B
make themselves some coffee
C
make himself some coffee
D
make himself and herself some coffee
E
make them some coffee
Question 22 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because it uses the proper intensive pronoun for the sentence. The antecedent in the sentence, “Sheryl and Maria,” is plural and therefore needs a plural pronoun. The only logical change to fix the sentence, then, is to use “themselves” instead of “herself.”
Question 23
There was no way that the teams were going to be able to play today, it had been raining for 10 hours now and there was no sign of it stopping.

A
to play today, it had been
B
to play today, it has been
C
to play today, it was
D
to play today; it had been
E
to play today; it has been
Question 23 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because the only adjustment needed in this sentence is substituting the comma for a semicolon. The two clauses in the sentence are independent, but directly related to each other. The semicolon more effectively breaks up the sentence and presents both ideas as of equal importance.
Question 24
There should be no reason to cancel the game, accept when the weather is extremely bad.

A
, accept
B
accept
C
, except
D
except
E
; accept
Question 24 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because the original sentence uses an incorrect homonym. “Accept” refers to something being agreed upon or permitted, while “except” refers to a reason something doesn’t fit into a rule or situation. Since the sentence is referring to a situation in which the previously stated rule does not apply, “except” is the correct word to use.
Question 25
The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has spoken out a lot about gun control over the last year.

A
has spoken out
B
have spoken out
C
spoke out
D
are speaking out
E
is speaking out
Question 25 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because it is the only choice that gets both the verb number and the verb tense right. The subject of the sentence is plural, so the verb needs to be plural, which eliminates answer choices (A) and (E). Because of the phrase, “over the last year,” the tense of the verb needs to be past perfect, which eliminates answer choices (C) and (D).
Question 26
The driver pointed to the building on the left side of the street and asks, “is that the one you’re looking for?”

A
street and asks, “is that
B
street and asks: “is that
C
street, and asks, “is that
D
street and asked “is that
E
street and asked, “is that
Question 26 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because the original sentence begins in past tense and then suddenly shifts to present tense with the verb “asks.” The more appropriate form of the verb for this sentence is “asked.”
Question 27
Officer Stanton, speeding through traffic as he pursues the suspect.

A
Officer Stanton, speeding through traffic as he pursues the suspect.
B
Officer Stanton, sped through traffic as he pursues the suspect.
C
Officer Stanton is speeding through traffic as he pursues the suspect.
D
Officer Stanton, speeding through traffic as he pursued the suspect.
E
Officer Stanton was speeding through traffic as he pursues the suspect.
Question 27 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because the original sentence is a sentence fragment and incomplete. By removing the comma and adding a verb, the sentence becomes grammatically correct.
Question 28
The movie, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is a film about Freddie Mercury’s life and career with the legendary band, Queen.

A
The movie, “Bohemian Rhapsody,”
B
The movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”
C
The movie: “Bohemian Rhapsody,”
D
The film, “Bohemian Rhapsody,”
E
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
Question 28 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because the only error in the sentence is the repetitiveness of “movie” and “film.” By removing “The movie” from the underlined portion of the sentence, the redundancy is corrected.
Question 29
Shania raised her hand and asked the teacher, “Can I go to the bathroom quick?”

A
the bathroom quick?”
B
the bathroom quick”?
C
the bathroom quickly”?
D
the bathroom quick.”
E
the bathroom quickly?”
Question 29 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because “quickly” is the correct way to use the adverb version of the word “quick.” The student is referring to the speed with which she will leave and come back, so “quickly” is the correct way to phrase it. Answer choice © might be tempting, but the question mark belongs inside the quotation marks because the question is asked by the student, not posed by the entire sentence.
Question 30

Read the draft of an essay below; then answer questions 30–33.

(1) “Romeo and Juliet” is arguably the most famous play ever written. (2) The play is 500 years old. (3) It is still taught in most American high schools, and is often alluded to in popular culture, television, and movies. (4) Most people, to be clear, still think of “Romeo and Juliet” as the epitome of love stories. The name “Romeo” is popularly used a name synonymous with romance, male sexual prowess, and virility. (5) Anyone who has read the play with any care should realize, though, that this is not an ideal story of love. (6) Presenting at it such can actually be pretty dangerous, especially for teenagers who are likely to read the play in high school. (7) If we look to the play to teach us anything about love, what it teaches us is that love is fickle, destructive, and lethal.

(8) The story revolves around two teenagers who seem more infatuated with each other then in love with each other. (9) They have a connection on first sight, sure, but are looking to get married after only a brief conversation in Juliet’s garden (balcony scene). (10) They rush through every aspect of their relationship, almost as if they know that if they take a moment to pause, the adrenaline will ease and their feelings for each other will slip away. (11) By the end of the play, they have each committed suicide as a result of a small misunderstanding that could have been cleared up if they had only taken a momentary pause. (12) If we present this as the epitome of a love story, what are we teaching the 9th graders who read this play? (13) The moment they find anyone for whom they have a slight interest, they should jump in head first, and as soon as there is a problem, they should simply end their lives? (14) When I hear someone call a man Romeo, I don’t think he must be a ladies’ man with a silver tongue. (15) I think, “there’s a man who’s going to sleep with me and then make me want to kill myself.”
 

In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below)?

Most people, to be clear, still think of “Romeo and Juliet” as the epitome of love stories. The name “Romeo” is popularly used a name synonymous with romance, male sexual prowess, and virility.

A
(As it is now)
B
however
C
therefore
D
as if
E
regardless
Question 30 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because the sentence is presenting an idea that contradicts what has come before it. While “to be clear” can sometimes function as a signal for a contradiction of previous thoughts, it more closely signals a point of clarity rather than an opposing idea. The best word to use in this sentence is “however.”
Question 31
(1) “Romeo and Juliet” is arguably the most famous play ever written. (2) The play is 500 years old. (3) It is still taught in most American high schools, and is often alluded to in popular culture, television, and movies. (4) Most people, to be clear, still think of “Romeo and Juliet” as the epitome of love stories. The name “Romeo” is popularly used a name synonymous with romance, male sexual prowess, and virility. (5) Anyone who has read the play with any care should realize, though, that this is not an ideal story of love. (6) Presenting at it such can actually be pretty dangerous, especially for teenagers who are likely to read the play in high school. (7) If we look to the play to teach us anything about love, what it teaches us is that love is fickle, destructive, and lethal.

(8) The story revolves around two teenagers who seem more infatuated with each other then in love with each other. (9) They have a connection on first sight, sure, but are looking to get married after only a brief conversation in Juliet’s garden (balcony scene). (10) They rush through every aspect of their relationship, almost as if they know that if they take a moment to pause, the adrenaline will ease and their feelings for each other will slip away. (11) By the end of the play, they have each committed suicide as a result of a small misunderstanding that could have been cleared up if they had only taken a momentary pause. (12) If we present this as the epitome of a love story, what are we teaching the 9th graders who read this play? (13) The moment they find anyone for whom they have a slight interest, they should jump in head first, and as soon as there is a problem, they should simply end their lives? (14) When I hear someone call a man Romeo, I don’t think he must be a ladies’ man with a silver tongue. (15) I think, “there’s a man who’s going to sleep with me and then make me want to kill myself.”

Which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 2 and 3 (reproduced below) at the underlined portion?

The play is 500 years old. It is still taught in most American high schools, and is often alluded to in popular culture, television, and movies.

A
500 years old, but it is still taught
B
500 years old; it is still taught
C
500 years old, however, it is still taught
D
500 years old, and it still teaches
E
500 years old; plus it is still taught
Question 31 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because it combines the two sentences with an effective conjunction that strings both ideas together. While “however” (C) might work in some sentences, “but” is much more effective here.
Question 32
(1) “Romeo and Juliet” is arguably the most famous play ever written. (2) The play is 500 years old. (3) It is still taught in most American high schools, and is often alluded to in popular culture, television, and movies. (4) Most people, to be clear, still think of “Romeo and Juliet” as the epitome of love stories. The name “Romeo” is popularly used a name synonymous with romance, male sexual prowess, and virility. (5) Anyone who has read the play with any care should realize, though, that this is not an ideal story of love. (6) Presenting at it such can actually be pretty dangerous, especially for teenagers who are likely to read the play in high school. (7) If we look to the play to teach us anything about love, what it teaches us is that love is fickle, destructive, and lethal.

(8) The story revolves around two teenagers who seem more infatuated with each other then in love with each other. (9) They have a connection on first sight, sure, but are looking to get married after only a brief conversation in Juliet’s garden (balcony scene). (10) They rush through every aspect of their relationship, almost as if they know that if they take a moment to pause, the adrenaline will ease and their feelings for each other will slip away. (11) By the end of the play, they have each committed suicide as a result of a small misunderstanding that could have been cleared up if they had only taken a momentary pause. (12) If we present this as the epitome of a love story, what are we teaching the 9th graders who read this play? (13) The moment they find anyone for whom they have a slight interest, they should jump in head first, and as soon as there is a problem, they should simply end their lives? (14) When I hear someone call a man Romeo, I don’t think he must be a ladies’ man with a silver tongue. (15) I think, “there’s a man who’s going to sleep with me and then make me want to kill myself.”
 

In context, which revision to sentence 8 (reproduced below) is most needed?

The story revolves around two teenagers who seem more infatuated with each other then in love with each other.

A
Change “who seem more” to “whom seem more”
B
Change “revolves” with “revolved”
C
Replace “around” with “on”
D
Replace “then” with “than”
E
Remove “with each other”
Question 32 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because it accurately fixes a misuse of the word “then.” “Then” is a word that refers to time, while “than” is a word used to describe a comparison. In this sentence, the writer is comparing how the two characters appear to how they actually are, so “than” is more appropriate.
Question 33
(1) “Romeo and Juliet” is arguably the most famous play ever written. (2) The play is 500 years old. (3) It is still taught in most American high schools, and is often alluded to in popular culture, television, and movies. (4) Most people, to be clear, still think of “Romeo and Juliet” as the epitome of love stories. The name “Romeo” is popularly used a name synonymous with romance, male sexual prowess, and virility. (5) Anyone who has read the play with any care should realize, though, that this is not an ideal story of love. (6) Presenting at it such can actually be pretty dangerous, especially for teenagers who are likely to read the play in high school. (7) If we look to the play to teach us anything about love, what it teaches us is that love is fickle, destructive, and lethal.

(8) The story revolves around two teenagers who seem more infatuated with each other then in love with each other. (9) They have a connection on first sight, sure, but are looking to get married after only a brief conversation in Juliet’s garden (balcony scene). (10) They rush through every aspect of their relationship, almost as if they know that if they take a moment to pause, the adrenaline will ease and their feelings for each other will slip away. (11) By the end of the play, they have each committed suicide as a result of a small misunderstanding that could have been cleared up if they had only taken a momentary pause. (12) If we present this as the epitome of a love story, what are we teaching the 9th graders who read this play? (13) The moment they find anyone for whom they have a slight interest, they should jump in head first, and as soon as there is a problem, they should simply end their lives? (14) When I hear someone call a man Romeo, I don’t think he must be a ladies’ man with a silver tongue. (15) I think, “there’s a man who’s going to sleep with me and then make me want to kill myself.”
 

In context, which sentence provides the best conclusion to the last paragraph?

A
I don’t want to read a play about teenagers who think they’re “in love.”
B
This is not the type of play that teenagers should be reading in high school.
C
The closer that readers look at the play, the worse the play becomes.
D
Instead of teaching the original play, we should modify it so it has a better message for teenagers.
E
This doesn’t feel like the right lesson to teach our teenagers.
Question 33 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because its inclusion would maintain the writer’s tone and message. She is not arguing that the play is bad, or that people shouldn’t read it, or that it needs to be changed, just that people shouldn’t pretend that it is a great example of deep love.
Question 34

Read the draft of an essay below; then answer questions 34–37.

(1) The Monty Hall Problem is a mathematical problem that baffled mathematicians for years. (2) The statistical question was first officially posed in 1975 by biostatistician Steve Selvin, but gained popularity in 1990 when it was published in the “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade magazine. (3) The problem stems from the television show “Let’s Make a Deal,” where contestants are given a choice between three doors. (4) Behind one of the doors is a desirable prize, like a car. (5) Behind the other two doors is something less desirable, like a goat. (6) Contestants choose one door and then the host, who knows what is behind each door, eliminates one of the two less desirable doors. (7) The contestants are then given the option to switch doors or stick with their initial choice.

(8) From a statistical standpoint, should the contestant switch doors or stick to their choice? (9) According to Marilyn Vos Savant, who responded to this problem in her column, “Ask Marilyn,” in Parade magazine, the correct statistical decision is to switch doors. (10) Her answer was controversial and even drew criticism from some of the country’s top mathematicians, but she was right. (11) You see, when the contestant made their first choice, they had a 1/3 chance (33%) of picking the best door. (12) Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors. (13) This act changes the odds. (14) If the contestant sticks with their choice, they still have a 33% chance of winning but, if they switch, they now have a 50% chance of winning. (15) Even though our instincts tell us to stick with our first choice, the right thing to do in this situation is to change your mind.
 

Which of the following options provides the most helpful revision for sentence 6 (reproduced below)?

Contestants choose one door and then the host knows what is behind each door and eliminates a door, one of the doors that is wrong.

A
After choosing a door, contestants then have one door removed by the host, who knows what is behind each door.
B
Contestants choose one door and then the host, who knows what is behind each door, eliminates one of the two less desirable doors.
C
The contestants have three doors to choose from until the host eliminates a door, but the host knows what is behind each door.
D
The host, who knows what is behind each door, eliminates a wrong door after the contestant has made their first choice.
E
The host knows what is behind each door, and eliminates a wrong door after the contestant has made their choice and picked a door.
Question 34 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because the structure of the original sentence doesn’t make a lot of sense. Answer choice (B) is the only option that clearly and concisely clarifies this run-on sentence while keeping the tone consistent with the rest of the paragraph.
Question 35
(1) The Monty Hall Problem is a mathematical problem that baffled mathematicians for years. (2) The statistical question was first officially posed in 1975 by biostatistician Steve Selvin, but gained popularity in 1990 when it was published in the “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade magazine. (3) The problem stems from the television show “Let’s Make a Deal,” where contestants are given a choice between three doors. (4) Behind one of the doors is a desirable prize, like a car. (5) Behind the other two doors is something less desirable, like a goat. (6) Contestants choose one door and then the host, who knows what is behind each door, eliminates one of the two less desirable doors. (7) The contestants are then given the option to switch doors or stick with their initial choice.

(8) From a statistical standpoint, should the contestant switch doors or stick to their choice? (9) According to Marilyn Vos Savant, who responded to this problem in her column, “Ask Marilyn,” in Parade magazine, the correct statistical decision is to switch doors. (10) Her answer was controversial and even drew criticism from some of the country’s top mathematicians, but she was right. (11) You see, when the contestant made their first choice, they had a 1/3 chance (33%) of picking the best door. (12) Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors. (13) This act changes the odds. (14) If the contestant sticks with their choice, they still have a 33% chance of winning but, if they switch, they now have a 50% chance of winning. (15) Even though our instincts tell us to stick with our first choice, the right thing to do in this situation is to change your mind.
 

Which of the following sentences, if inserted after sentence 7, would provide the best transition between the first and second paragraphs?

A
Most contestants make the wrong choice.
B
“Let’s Make a Deal” was a popular game show in the 1960’s.
C
This is where the famous problem comes in.
D
This is where the famous problem comes in.
E
A lot of people won a car on “Let’s Make a Deal.”
Question 35 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because it successfully links the two paragraphs. The first paragraph introduces the background of the problem, and the second paragraph breaks the problem down. Answer choice (C) connects both of these ideas while remaining consistent with the tone of the passage.
Question 36
(1) The Monty Hall Problem is a mathematical problem that baffled mathematicians for years. (2) The statistical question was first officially posed in 1975 by biostatistician Steve Selvin, but gained popularity in 1990 when it was published in the “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade magazine. (3) The problem stems from the television show “Let’s Make a Deal,” where contestants are given a choice between three doors. (4) Behind one of the doors is a desirable prize, like a car. (5) Behind the other two doors is something less desirable, like a goat. (6) Contestants choose one door and then the host, who knows what is behind each door, eliminates one of the two less desirable doors. (7) The contestants are then given the option to switch doors or stick with their initial choice.

(8) From a statistical standpoint, should the contestant switch doors or stick to their choice? (9) According to Marilyn Vos Savant, who responded to this problem in her column, “Ask Marilyn,” in Parade magazine, the correct statistical decision is to switch doors. (10) Her answer was controversial and even drew criticism from some of the country’s top mathematicians, but she was right. (11) You see, when the contestant made their first choice, they had a 1/3 chance (33%) of picking the best door. (12) Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors. (13) This act changes the odds. (14) If the contestant sticks with their choice, they still have a 33% chance of winning but, if they switch, they now have a 50% chance of winning. (15) Even though our instincts tell us to stick with our first choice, the right thing to do in this situation is to change your mind.
 

What is the best way to revise and combine sentences 12 and 13 (reproduced below)?

Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors. This act changes the odds.

A
Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors and changes the odds.
B
Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors; this act changes the odds.
C
Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors, but this act changes the odds.
D
Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors, and changing the odds.
E
Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors, so changes the odds.
Question 36 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because it is the simplest and most efficient way to combine the two sentences. This makes the passage less choppy so that it can flow better.
Question 37
(1) The Monty Hall Problem is a mathematical problem that baffled mathematicians for years. (2) The statistical question was first officially posed in 1975 by biostatistician Steve Selvin, but gained popularity in 1990 when it was published in the “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade magazine. (3) The problem stems from the television show “Let’s Make a Deal,” where contestants are given a choice between three doors. (4) Behind one of the doors is a desirable prize, like a car. (5) Behind the other two doors is something less desirable, like a goat. (6) Contestants choose one door and then the host, who knows what is behind each door, eliminates one of the two less desirable doors. (7) The contestants are then given the option to switch doors or stick with their initial choice.

(8) From a statistical standpoint, should the contestant switch doors or stick to their choice? (9) According to Marilyn Vos Savant, who responded to this problem in her column, “Ask Marilyn,” in Parade magazine, the correct statistical decision is to switch doors. (10) Her answer was controversial and even drew criticism from some of the country’s top mathematicians, but she was right. (11) You see, when the contestant made their first choice, they had a 1/3 chance (33%) of picking the best door. (12) Once they make their choice, the host eliminates one of the wrong doors. (13) This act changes the odds. (14) If the contestant sticks with their choice, they still have a 33% chance of winning but, if they switch, they now have a 50% chance of winning. (15) Even though our instincts tell us to stick with our first choice, the right thing to do in this situation is to change your mind.
 

In context, which revision to sentence 14 (reproduced below) is most needed?

If the contestant sticks with their choice, they still have a 33% chance of winning but, if they switch, they now have a 50% chance of winning.

A
Replace “they” with “their.”
B
Remove the comma after “choice.”
C
Change the percentages into fractions.
D
End the sentence with a question mark instead of a period.
E
Add a semicolon after the word “winning.”
Question 37 Explanation: 
Answer choice (E) is correct because the original sentence is a run-on that needs to be broken up. Since the sentence contains two independent clauses of equal importance, the easiest way to fix the problem without changing the meaning of the sentence is to add a semi-colon that separates the two clauses.
Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a reason why a writer provides citations for the work they used in production of an academic paper?

A
To give credit to the work of other writers and researchers.
B
To prove that all of their writing is original and they haven’t used anyone else’s ideas.
C
So that readers can go directly to a source for more information.
D
To identify which words and ideas were not their own.
E
So that readers can easily check the validity of the argument they’re presenting.
Question 38 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because the very purpose of a list of citations is to give credit to the ideas that have inspired, shaped, or supported the writer’s work. To say that they have taken nothing from other writers and researchers would negate the need for a list of citations at all.
Question 39

If a student wants to do scientific research on whales, which of the following citations would yield the best results?

A
Haelle, Tara. “Revamping Their Venom.”
B
Haddon, Mark. The Porpoise.
C
Castro, Peter. Marine Biology 9th Edition.
D
“Sunscreen and Cosmetics Compound May Harm Coral by Altering Fatty Acids.” American Chemical Society.
E
Melville, Herman. Moby Dick.
Question 39 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because it is the citation that would most clearly have research information about whales. Answer choices (A), (B), and (D) are specifically about other sea creatures, not whales, and while answer choice (E) might be tempting, fictional novels are not a good place for scientific research.
Question 40

Which of the following MLA citations of a famous novel is correct?

A
The Catcher in the Rye. Salinger, J.D. Back Bay Books, 2018.
B
Salinger, J.D. “The Catcher in the Rye.” Back Bay Books, 2018.
C
“The Catcher in the Rye,” 2018. Salinger, J.D. Back Bay Books.
D
Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Back Bay Books, 2018.
E
The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, published by Back Bay Books in 2018.
Question 40 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because an MLA citation starts with the author’s name (last, first), then lists the title of the written piece, and finally displays the publishing information.
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