Test Review (USA Test Prep Edition)

I can hardly remember what I did before I got my own personal computer. Not only does it improve the quality and efficiency of my homework, the games I play are really cool. I also like to surf the Internet in search of websites about interesting topics such as skateboarding and rollerblading.
Which would be the BEST topic sentence for the paragraph?

• Last night I looked for information on Tony Hawk.
• My mom and dad never had a computer when they were young.
• Having my own computer has made life so much easier and much more fun.
• Computer use should be monitored by parents at all times to protect their children.

Which sentence makes a claim for an argument about why students should be allowed to use cell phones in school?

• Cell phones can be used in emergency situations in school.
• Cell phones can have a beneficial and educational role in schools.
• Apps on cell phones can be used to research information for essays.
• Cell phones can provide immediate contact with family during school hours.

Excerpt from: "Asthma"
Information from the CDC

A provider will ask about your family history of asthma, allergy and other breathing problems, and your home environment. He or she also will ask about lost school or work days and limits on your activity.
Which research study would provide the MOST information about asthma and heredity?

• Asthma, Is It in Your Genes?
• Asthma, Will I Grow out of it?
• It's in the Air: Suffering with Asthma in the Inner City
• New Over the Counter Medications Prove Effective for Treating Asthma Symptoms

Which statement requires the inclusion of a comma between two coordinate adjectives?

• He seemed fully conscious to us.
• The big black dog barked at us viciously.
• A curiously large package sat atop our doorstep.
• the finale of the exciting playoff game left us breathless.

 Identify the sentence which contains one independent clause and one subordinate clause.

• It was cold; we walked the entire distance in our shirt-sleeves.
• Although it was cold, we walked the entire distance in our shirt-sleeves.
• It was cold, and we walked the entire distance in our shirt-sleeves.
• It was cold, but we walked the entire distance in our shirt-sleeves.

 Which sentence contains an error involving a dangling modifier?

• While resting from our hike, we saw a flock of geese.
• Looking through the telescope, the moon seemed enormous.
• While making his breakfast, my brother burned the toast.
• To make lasagna, you have to layer the pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Frank studied for two M.A. degrees, and he earned a doctorate before he landed his current post, as a math instructor.
Choose the selection in which the sentence is properly punctuated.

• NO CHANGE
• Frank studied for two M.A. degrees, and he earned a doctorate before he landed his current post as a math instructor.
• Frank studied for two M.A. degrees and he earned a doctorate before he landed his current post, as a math instructor.
• Frank studied for two M.A. degrees, and he earned a doctorate before he landed his current post; as a math instructor

 All of the following sentences are simple EXCEPT

• Butterflies have large, often brightly-colored wings.
• Butterflies are most commonly preyed upon by birds and lizards.
• The earliest known butterfly fossils date back to 40 million years ago.
• Butterflies can live as little as a week, or they can live up to a year.

Emma has written this short, introductory letter to send to the person who hires at Buy Better Computers. 
Dear Sir:
My name is Emma Smith. I am applying for the sales clerk position. I have worked in a similar job for 3 years at Buy Right. My work there included selling inventory and handling customer complaints.
If you are interested in talking to me, give me a call at 555-1234.
Thanks for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Emma Smith
How can the underlined sentence in the letter be revised so that it fits the tone of Emma's request?

• Hit me up at 555-1234.
• I can be reached at 555-1234.
• I'll be waiting for your call at 555-1234.
• I hope to hear the phone ring at 555-1234.

Excerpt from: "Mother Nature's Fury" by Tracy Wilson
"Strangely, she lifted us up like a feather on a breeze."
This sentence uses which TWO types of figurative language?

• simile and onomatopoeia
• metaphor and onomatopoeia
• personification and simile
• personification and metaphor