English Practice

Intricate mosaics—enormous “paintings” fashioned from millions of tiny cut stones of various colors—line each of the basilica’s several smaller domes. If the writer were to delete the quotation marks around the word paintings in the preceding sentence, the sentence would primarily lose a feature that suggests:

• that mosaics are not paintings in the usual sense of the word.

• how large and complicated the mosaics in St. Peter’s actually are.

• how carefully mosaics are put together.

• that the mosaics in St. Peter’s are not typical of mosaics in general.

Answer explanation

The best answer is "that mosaics are not paintings in the usual sense of the word."

This question essentially asks the test taker to determine why the writer most likely used quotation marks around the word paintings. These "paintings" refer to the intricate mosaics that line some of the basilica's dome, so they are not actual paintings. By using quotation marks, the writer signals the reader that the mosaics resemble paintings.

Intricate mosaics—enormous “paintings” fashioned from millions of tiny cut stones of various colors—lining each of the basilica’s several smaller domes.

Choose the best answer.

• NO CHANGE

• that line

• line

• lines

Answer explanation

The "line" option creates a complete sentence and has subject-verb agreement.

"This vast chapel displays what many ​ (a)    of the most important works of Renaissance art: Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring frescoes."

• consider some

• consider some,

• consider, some,

• consider, some

Answer explanation

The best answer is "consider some" because no punctuation is needed here. The other choices add unnecessary and potentially confusing commas.

"Surrounded by the ancient city of Rome, Vatican City is an independent nation on the west bank of the Tiber River."

Given that all of the choices are true, which one best supports the sentence’s claim about Vatican City’s status as an independent nation?

• NO CHANGE

• with an interesting past.

• with its own government, banking system, postal service, and army.

• that has to import most of its supplies, even such necessities as food and water.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "with its own government, banking system, postal service, and army." It informs the reader that Vatican City has "its own government, banking system, postal service," which is supporting evidence that Vatican City operates as "an independent nation."

"This tiny country—about one-sixth of a square mile in all—is also home to a disproportionately large number of sites with great historical, artistic, and religious significance." If the writer were to delete the words tiny and disproportionately from the preceding sentence, the sentence would primarily lose:

• elements of the setting of the essay.

• a contrast emphasizing the unusual number of sites.

• details that stress how important the sites are.

• a comparison between Vatican City and Rome.

Scholars often probe the museums’ archives of early written works for insights into lives led long ago. Choose the best answer.

• NO CHANGE

• grab an eyeful of

• check out

• pry

Answer explanation

This answer provides the most precise word choice for this sentence. The verb probe is best in this context because it suggests that the scholars were examining the museums' archives closely.

St. Peter’s features a dome designed by the artist and architect Michelangelo. [BETWEEN SENTENCES] Intricate mosaics—enormous “paintings” fashioned from millions of tiny cut stones of various colors—lining each of the basilica’s several smaller domes.

Between sentences, the writer is considering adding the following true statement:

In addition to being an architect and artist, Michelangelo wrote poetry, including more than 300 sonnets.

Should the writer make this addition here?

• Yes, because it provides further details about Michelangelo, who designed the dome at St. Peter’s.

• Yes, because it reinforces the paragraph’s implication that Michelangelo was extremely talented.

• No, because it distracts attention from the paragraph’s focus, which is on the architecture and visual art of St. Peter’s.

• No, because it adds more information about Michelangelo, who made only small contributions to Vatican City’s art and architecture.

Answer explanation

The proposed sentence interrupts the logical flow of the paragraph because the main focus is St. Peter's Basilica and not the accomplishments of Michelangelo. The artist is mentioned in the paragraph only because some of his work is featured in St. Peter's Basilica.

However, to many, the most spectacular part of Vatican City is the Sistine Chapel.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

• Yet,

• Therefore,

• Still,

• Nonetheless,

Answer explanation

The best answer is "Therefore,". 

This question asks the test taker to find the word that would NOT be an acceptable replacement for the underlined portion. The introductory word Therefore is unacceptable because it incorrectly suggests a cause-effect relationship between the information in this sentence and the information in the last sentence of the preceding paragraph.

The Cubs were close to a World Series bid when Sam Sianis, ​ (a)   nephew, allegedly brought a goat to Wrigley Field but was denied entry.

• Billy Sianis’s

• Billy Sianis’

• Billy Sianis

• Billy Siani’s

Answer explanation

Billy Sianis is singular (we are referring to one person). In this sentence, his name is possessive because we are referring to his nephew. Remember, for singular possessive nouns, simply add ‘s after the noun (even if the noun ends in –s in its singular form).

Rapper 50 Cent’s name may imply that he’s low on cash; but his fans know otherwise.

• NO CHANGE

• cash and

• cash, but

• cash but;

Answer explanation

We do NOT need a semicolon in this sentence. Instead, let’s review the rules for using commas with two complete thoughts. The sentence already contains the conjunction but; now we just need a comma in front of the conjunction.