SAT Prep English

In 2014, a US news website reported that police ____________________ Banksy, but the report turned out to be a hoax.

• arrest

• had arrested

• arrested

• have arrested

Perhaps one day Banksy ________________ his, her, or their true identity. If the unmasking occurs, it has the potential to be the artist’s most astounding work yet.

• is finally revealing

• finally reveals

• will finally reveal

• will finally have revealed

What pronoun should be changed to make this sentence reasonable?

 When Clara ran out of fantasy novels to read, she went to the library to replenish her supply. Unfortunately, they were completely out of them.

• "she"

• "they"

• "them"

• "her"

Answer explanation

The word "Library" is singular and must be matched with a singular pronoun for the pronoun to match with its antecedent.

How can this sentence be improved?

Most kayaks are made of rubberized cloth, molded plastic, or fiberglass. It is covered except for the opening in which the paddler or paddlers sit.

• NO CHANGE

• One is

• They are

• Which are

Answer explanation

"They are" should be used in this sentence, since "kayaks" is plural, and it must be matched with a plural pronoun.

How can you make this sentence reasonable?

Equipment for both types of kayaks are similar...

• NO CHANGE

• is

• were

• was

Answer explanation

The subject "equipment" is singular and must be matched with another singular verb which makes "is" the most ideal answer choice.

Correct the sentence.

There is nothing better then waking up to the smell of freshly-brewed coffee.

• NO CHANGE

• better than

• better

• better to

Answer explanation

The word "than" should be used to describe the feeling of more than something which the sentence is expressing.

The exciting smell really gets my blood pumping.

• NO CHANGE

• simulating

• dazzling

• stimulating

Answer explanation

The words are commonly confused to match definition but stimulating matches with "gets my blood pumping."

Last week, Olga participated in a charity event to raise money for autistic children. She was praised by the organizers of the event for her dedication to the cause.

• NO CHANGE

• has been praised

• will be praised

• praises

Answer explanation

The previous verb uses "-ed", so it is only reasonable to match the pattern.

How can you improve this sentence?

My brother claims that he will have become the president of the United States if he is able to raise enough money to run an effective campaign.

• NO CHANGE

• has become

• became

• will become

Answer explanation

The tense of the sentence is future causing for the pharse to be set in the future tense with "will."

I grew up with buckets, shovels, and nets waiting by the back door; hip-waders hanging in the closet;

• NO CHANGE

• waiting, by the back door,

• waiting by the back door,

• waiting by the back door

Answer explanation

The first comma after waiting is unnecessary, and a semi colon should be used to separate the different ideas.