ACCUPLACER Writing Practice Test

Try our free Accuplacer Writing practice test. This is a brand-new practice test that we wrote to reflect the 2024 Next-Generation Accuplacer. The Accuplacer Writing test measures your ability to revise and edit passages of text. There are a total of 25 questions, with no time limit.

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Question 1
(1) Many southern cities are beginning to question the message behind statues memorializing rebel fighters in the Civil War, but their decisions to remove some of these statues are not supported by everyone. (2) In 2017, the city government of Charlottesville, VA began discussing the prospect of removing a statue of Robert E. Lee, the famous southern general, from Emancipation Park. (3) In response, white nationalist and supremacist groups gathered for a Unite the Right rally that was designed to take place on August 11 and 12 of 2017. (4) Many individuals and groups showed up to counter-protest as well, angry that racist groups were marching for hate in their community. (5) At its most basic level, two groups peacefully protesting against each other is a cornerstone of American democracy.

(6) Things weren’t peaceful, though, as tension between the groups built and the protestors from Unite the Right became violent. (7) In the midst of a tense atmosphere among protestors and counter-protestors, a man with a history of promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors: injuring 28 people and killing 1 person, 32-year old Heather Heyer. (8) At around 1:45 pm on August 12, 2017, the Dodge Challenger drove down a road that had earlier been blocked by a police barricade, and sped up to about 28 mph to ram through the crown of protestors. (9) After running down a large group of people, the Challenger collided with a white sedan, and the driver began to go in reverse at high speeds, hitting more counter-protestors.

(10) The violent act was caught on video and left many Americans stunned; stunned by both the violence of the terrorist act, but also at the openly racist and hateful displays of white supremacist groups that many Americans thought was a thing of the past. (11) Many southern cities remain dedicated to removing offensive statues, and some were even inspired by the events of Charlottesville to expediate the process. (12) Many cities, however, have chosen to remove these statues with as little fanfare and pomp as possible in an attempt to avoid a repetition of the hateful attack in Charlottesville, Va.
 

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

In response, white nationalist and supremacist groups gathered for a Unite the Right rally that was designed to take place on August 11 and 12 of 2017.

A
(as it is now)
B
However,
C
For example,
D
Coincidentally
Question 1 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because the sentence works best in its original form. The groups are gathering as a result of the decision by the city government. “However” (B) would convey an oppositional relationship between the two ideas, which is not appropriate. “For example,” (C) does not work because the groups gathering is not an example of anything mentioned in the preceding sentence. “Coincidentally” (D) also does not work because it directly opposes the idea that the writer is trying to convey.
Question 2
(1) Many southern cities are beginning to question the message behind statues memorializing rebel fighters in the Civil War, but their decisions to remove some of these statues are not supported by everyone. (2) In 2017, the city government of Charlottesville, VA began discussing the prospect of removing a statue of Robert E. Lee, the famous southern general, from Emancipation Park. (3) In response, white nationalist and supremacist groups gathered for a Unite the Right rally that was designed to take place on August 11 and 12 of 2017. (4) Many individuals and groups showed up to counter-protest as well, angry that racist groups were marching for hate in their community. (5) At its most basic level, two groups peacefully protesting against each other is a cornerstone of American democracy.

(6) Things weren’t peaceful, though, as tension between the groups built and the protestors from Unite the Right became violent. (7) In the midst of a tense atmosphere among protestors and counter-protestors, a man with a history of promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors: injuring 28 people and killing 1 person, 32-year old Heather Heyer. (8) At around 1:45 pm on August 12, 2017, the Dodge Challenger drove down a road that had earlier been blocked by a police barricade, and sped up to about 28 mph to ram through the crown of protestors. (9) After running down a large group of people, the Challenger collided with a white sedan, and the driver began to go in reverse at high speeds, hitting more counter-protestors.

(10) The violent act was caught on video and left many Americans stunned; stunned by both the violence of the terrorist act, but also at the openly racist and hateful displays of white supremacist groups that many Americans thought was a thing of the past. (11) Many southern cities remain dedicated to removing offensive statues, and some were even inspired by the events of Charlottesville to expediate the process. (12) Many cities, however, have chosen to remove these statues with as little fanfare and pomp as possible in an attempt to avoid a repetition of the hateful attack in Charlottesville, Va.
 

Which is the most logical placement for sentence 6 (reproduced below)?

Things weren’t peaceful, though, as tension between the groups built and the protestors from Unite the Right became violent.

A
Where it is now.
B
At the end of the passage.
C
After sentence 2.
D
At the end of the first paragraph.
Question 2 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because the sentence in question works best as a transition between the first two paragraphs. While this change does not change the sequence of sentences in the passage, it does affect the meaning of the sentence. Sentence 6 makes more sense at the end of the first paragraph because it links the ideas of the first paragraph with the ideas of the second paragraph.
Question 3
(1) Many southern cities are beginning to question the message behind statues memorializing rebel fighters in the Civil War, but their decisions to remove some of these statues are not supported by everyone. (2) In 2017, the city government of Charlottesville, VA began discussing the prospect of removing a statue of Robert E. Lee, the famous southern general, from Emancipation Park. (3) In response, white nationalist and supremacist groups gathered for a Unite the Right rally that was designed to take place on August 11 and 12 of 2017. (4) Many individuals and groups showed up to counter-protest as well, angry that racist groups were marching for hate in their community. (5) At its most basic level, two groups peacefully protesting against each other is a cornerstone of American democracy.

(6) Things weren’t peaceful, though, as tension between the groups built and the protestors from Unite the Right became violent. (7) In the midst of a tense atmosphere among protestors and counter-protestors, a man with a history of promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors: injuring 28 people and killing 1 person, 32-year old Heather Heyer. (8) At around 1:45 pm on August 12, 2017, the Dodge Challenger drove down a road that had earlier been blocked by a police barricade, and sped up to about 28 mph to ram through the crown of protestors. (9) After running down a large group of people, the Challenger collided with a white sedan, and the driver began to go in reverse at high speeds, hitting more counter-protestors.

(10) The violent act was caught on video and left many Americans stunned; stunned by both the violence of the terrorist act, but also at the openly racist and hateful displays of white supremacist groups that many Americans thought was a thing of the past. (11) Many southern cities remain dedicated to removing offensive statues, and some were even inspired by the events of Charlottesville to expediate the process. (12) Many cities, however, have chosen to remove these statues with as little fanfare and pomp as possible in an attempt to avoid a repetition of the hateful attack in Charlottesville, Va.
 

Which is the best decision regarding the underlined portion of sentence 7 (reproduced below)?

In the midst of a tense atmosphere among protestors and counter-protestors, a man with a history of promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors: injuring 28 people and killing 1 person, 32-year old Heather Heyer.

A
Leave it as it is now.
B
Change the colon (:) to a comma (,).
C
Change "injuring" to "injured."
D
Change the colon (:) to a period (.).
Question 3 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because a comma, or pause, is most appropriate here. A colon indicates that the dependent clause that follows explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands the independent clause before it. This is not what’s happening in the sentence, so a comma is more appropriate.
Question 4
(1) Many southern cities are beginning to question the message behind statues memorializing rebel fighters in the Civil War, but their decisions to remove some of these statues are not supported by everyone. (2) In 2017, the city government of Charlottesville, VA began discussing the prospect of removing a statue of Robert E. Lee, the famous southern general, from Emancipation Park. (3) In response, white nationalist and supremacist groups gathered for a Unite the Right rally that was designed to take place on August 11 and 12 of 2017. (4) Many individuals and groups showed up to counter-protest as well, angry that racist groups were marching for hate in their community. (5) At its most basic level, two groups peacefully protesting against each other is a cornerstone of American democracy.

(6) Things weren’t peaceful, though, as tension between the groups built and the protestors from Unite the Right became violent. (7) In the midst of a tense atmosphere among protestors and counter-protestors, a man with a history of promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors: injuring 28 people and killing 1 person, 32-year old Heather Heyer. (8) At around 1:45 pm on August 12, 2017, the Dodge Challenger drove down a road that had earlier been blocked by a police barricade, and sped up to about 28 mph to ram through the crown of protestors. (9) After running down a large group of people, the Challenger collided with a white sedan, and the driver began to go in reverse at high speeds, hitting more counter-protestors.

(10) The violent act was caught on video and left many Americans stunned; stunned by both the violence of the terrorist act, but also at the openly racist and hateful displays of white supremacist groups that many Americans thought was a thing of the past. (11) Many southern cities remain dedicated to removing offensive statues, and some were even inspired by the events of Charlottesville to expediate the process. (12) Many cities, however, have chosen to remove these statues with as little fanfare and pomp as possible in an attempt to avoid a repetition of the hateful attack in Charlottesville, Va.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 10 (reproduced below)?

The violent act was caught on video and left many Americans stunned; stunned by both the violence of the terrorist act, but also at the openly racist and hateful displays of white supremacist groups that many Americans thought was a thing of the past.

A
(as it is now)
B
was things
C
were a thing
D
were thing
Question 4 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because the verb is referring to “displays” and “white supremacist groups,” so it needs to be plural. That leaves only answer choices (C) and (D). Answer choice (D) does not work because the singular word “thing” needs the article “a” in front of it to make sense grammatically.
Question 5
(1) Many southern cities are beginning to question the message behind statues memorializing rebel fighters in the Civil War, but their decisions to remove some of these statues are not supported by everyone. (2) In 2017, the city government of Charlottesville, VA began discussing the prospect of removing a statue of Robert E. Lee, the famous southern general, from Emancipation Park. (3) In response, white nationalist and supremacist groups gathered for a Unite the Right rally that was designed to take place on August 11 and 12 of 2017. (4) Many individuals and groups showed up to counter-protest as well, angry that racist groups were marching for hate in their community. (5) At its most basic level, two groups peacefully protesting against each other is a cornerstone of American democracy.

(6) Things weren’t peaceful, though, as tension between the groups built and the protestors from Unite the Right became violent. (7) In the midst of a tense atmosphere among protestors and counter-protestors, a man with a history of promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors: injuring 28 people and killing 1 person, 32-year old Heather Heyer. (8) At around 1:45 pm on August 12, 2017, the Dodge Challenger drove down a road that had earlier been blocked by a police barricade, and sped up to about 28 mph to ram through the crown of protestors. (9) After running down a large group of people, the Challenger collided with a white sedan, and the driver began to go in reverse at high speeds, hitting more counter-protestors.

(10) The violent act was caught on video and left many Americans stunned; stunned by both the violence of the terrorist act, but also at the openly racist and hateful displays of white supremacist groups that many Americans thought was a thing of the past. (11) Many southern cities remain dedicated to removing offensive statues, and some were even inspired by the events of Charlottesville to expediate the process. (12) Many cities, however, have chosen to remove these statues with as little fanfare and pomp as possible in an attempt to avoid a repetition of the hateful attack in Charlottesville, Va.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)?

Many cities, however, have chosen to remove these statues with as little fanfare and pomp as possible in an attempt to avoid a repetition of the hateful attack in Charlottesville, Va.

A
(as it is now)
B
with as little fanfare and pomp as is possible
C
with as little fanfare as possible
D
with, as little fanfare and pomp, as possible
Question 5 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because “fanfare” and “pomp” are very similar words and are therefore redundant. Removing one of these words is the best way to fix the sentence.
Question 6
(1) America has long been the global epicenter for entertainment, but technology’s globalizing effect is giving other countries the ability to challenge America for the throne. (2) Hollywood has recognized the importance of the global market over the last 20 years, and many production companies have shifted the way they make movies to better accommodate non-American audiences. (3) Have you noticed that big blockbuster movies tend to have large set pieces that take place in China or other parts of eastern Asia? (4) That is a direct result of movie producers trying to tap in to a global market. (5) Non-American countries are taking advantage of this globalization of entertainment as well, and there’s no better example of this than K-Pop, or Korean pop music. (6) American movie producers are making a lot more money by creating films that reach out to other parts of the globe.

(7) K-Pop originated in South Korea in the early 90’s, but have recently became incredibly popular, especially with young American fans. (8) K-Pop began rising to prominence during the era of boy bands in America, and while most American boy bands were losing traction by the mid-00’s, K-Pop was only beginning. (9) Many argue that K-Pop has become so popular across the globe because of its often-transnational composition. (10) K-Pop songs merge different types of popular music, including hip-hop, funk, soul, techno, and house into something that can attract a wide audience. (11) K-Pop artists will also often infuse phrases in other languages, especially English phrases, into his lyrics to add to the music’s appeal across the globe.

(12) K-Pop artists and producers are also very smooth at marketing their music. (13) In addition to creating music with eclectic appeal, K-Pop music cultivates a passion in their fans that is similar to what American boy bands were able to accomplish. (14) Fans of a K-Pop group don’t just listen to a band’s music, they immerse themselves in the public life of the band. (15) And most amazingly, K-Pop has reached an insane amount of success with most older Americans not even knowing about it. (16) Even now, it’s unlikely that you will hear a K-Pop song on American radio stations. (17) But younger American fans are online, obsessively watching their videos and clinging to every appearance these bands make.
 

Which sentence blurs the focus of the first paragraph and therefore should be deleted?

A
Sentence 3
B
Sentence 4
C
Sentence 5
D
Sentence 6
Question 6 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because sentence 6 interrupts the first paragraph’s transition into the second paragraph. The writer has moved on from discussing movies to discussing music, which is the focus of the rest of the passage. When sentence 6 returns to a discussion of movies, it breaks up the flow and disorients the reader.
Question 7
(1) America has long been the global epicenter for entertainment, but technology’s globalizing effect is giving other countries the ability to challenge America for the throne. (2) Hollywood has recognized the importance of the global market over the last 20 years, and many production companies have shifted the way they make movies to better accommodate non-American audiences. (3) Have you noticed that big blockbuster movies tend to have large set pieces that take place in China or other parts of eastern Asia? (4) That is a direct result of movie producers trying to tap in to a global market. (5) Non-American countries are taking advantage of this globalization of entertainment as well, and there’s no better example of this than K-Pop, or Korean pop music. (6) American movie producers are making a lot more money by creating films that reach out to other parts of the globe.

(7) K-Pop originated in South Korea in the early 90’s, but have recently became incredibly popular, especially with young American fans. (8) K-Pop began rising to prominence during the era of boy bands in America, and while most American boy bands were losing traction by the mid-00’s, K-Pop was only beginning. (9) Many argue that K-Pop has become so popular across the globe because of its often-transnational composition. (10) K-Pop songs merge different types of popular music, including hip-hop, funk, soul, techno, and house into something that can attract a wide audience. (11) K-Pop artists will also often infuse phrases in other languages, especially English phrases, into his lyrics to add to the music’s appeal across the globe.

(12) K-Pop artists and producers are also very smooth at marketing their music. (13) In addition to creating music with eclectic appeal, K-Pop music cultivates a passion in their fans that is similar to what American boy bands were able to accomplish. (14) Fans of a K-Pop group don’t just listen to a band’s music, they immerse themselves in the public life of the band. (15) And most amazingly, K-Pop has reached an insane amount of success with most older Americans not even knowing about it. (16) Even now, it’s unlikely that you will hear a K-Pop song on American radio stations. (17) But younger American fans are online, obsessively watching their videos and clinging to every appearance these bands make.
 

In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 7 (reproduced below)?

K-Pop originated in South Korea in the early 90’s, but have recently became incredibly popular, especially with young American fans.

A
(as it is now)
B
early 90's, but has recently become
C
early 90's, but recently became
D
early 90's; but have recently became
Question 7 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because the proper verb tense to use is past perfect, because the sentence bridges the gap between where K-Pop originated and what it “has become.” Answer choice (C) might be tempting, but the past tense “became” implies that the popularity is static and no longer rising or falling. This is not consistent with the rest of the passage.
Question 8
(1) America has long been the global epicenter for entertainment, but technology’s globalizing effect is giving other countries the ability to challenge America for the throne. (2) Hollywood has recognized the importance of the global market over the last 20 years, and many production companies have shifted the way they make movies to better accommodate non-American audiences. (3) Have you noticed that big blockbuster movies tend to have large set pieces that take place in China or other parts of eastern Asia? (4) That is a direct result of movie producers trying to tap in to a global market. (5) Non-American countries are taking advantage of this globalization of entertainment as well, and there’s no better example of this than K-Pop, or Korean pop music. (6) American movie producers are making a lot more money by creating films that reach out to other parts of the globe.

(7) K-Pop originated in South Korea in the early 90’s, but have recently became incredibly popular, especially with young American fans. (8) K-Pop began rising to prominence during the era of boy bands in America, and while most American boy bands were losing traction by the mid-00’s, K-Pop was only beginning. (9) Many argue that K-Pop has become so popular across the globe because of its often-transnational composition. (10) K-Pop songs merge different types of popular music, including hip-hop, funk, soul, techno, and house into something that can attract a wide audience. (11) K-Pop artists will also often infuse phrases in other languages, especially English phrases, into his lyrics to add to the music’s appeal across the globe.

(12) K-Pop artists and producers are also very smooth at marketing their music. (13) In addition to creating music with eclectic appeal, K-Pop music cultivates a passion in their fans that is similar to what American boy bands were able to accomplish. (14) Fans of a K-Pop group don’t just listen to a band’s music, they immerse themselves in the public life of the band. (15) And most amazingly, K-Pop has reached an insane amount of success with most older Americans not even knowing about it. (16) Even now, it’s unlikely that you will hear a K-Pop song on American radio stations. (17) But younger American fans are online, obsessively watching their videos and clinging to every appearance these bands make.
 

In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 11 (reproduced below)?

K-Pop artists will also often infuse phrases in other languages, especially English phrases, into his lyrics to add to the music's appeal across the globe.

A
(as it is now)
B
phrases into his lyrics to add
C
phrases, into their lyrics to add
D
phrases, into his lyrics added
Question 8 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because “their” is the correct pronoun to use in order to refer to the antecedent “K-Pop artists.” The antecedent is plural and gender non-specific, so it needs a plural, gender non-specific pronoun. Answer choice (B) might be tempting if you’re not paying attention to the whole sentence. The comma in the beginning of the underlined portion completes a parenthesis, and is therefore necessary.
Question 9
(1) America has long been the global epicenter for entertainment, but technology’s globalizing effect is giving other countries the ability to challenge America for the throne. (2) Hollywood has recognized the importance of the global market over the last 20 years, and many production companies have shifted the way they make movies to better accommodate non-American audiences. (3) Have you noticed that big blockbuster movies tend to have large set pieces that take place in China or other parts of eastern Asia? (4) That is a direct result of movie producers trying to tap in to a global market. (5) Non-American countries are taking advantage of this globalization of entertainment as well, and there’s no better example of this than K-Pop, or Korean pop music. (6) American movie producers are making a lot more money by creating films that reach out to other parts of the globe.

(7) K-Pop originated in South Korea in the early 90’s, but have recently became incredibly popular, especially with young American fans. (8) K-Pop began rising to prominence during the era of boy bands in America, and while most American boy bands were losing traction by the mid-00’s, K-Pop was only beginning. (9) Many argue that K-Pop has become so popular across the globe because of its often-transnational composition. (10) K-Pop songs merge different types of popular music, including hip-hop, funk, soul, techno, and house into something that can attract a wide audience. (11) K-Pop artists will also often infuse phrases in other languages, especially English phrases, into his lyrics to add to the music’s appeal across the globe.

(12) K-Pop artists and producers are also very smooth at marketing their music. (13) In addition to creating music with eclectic appeal, K-Pop music cultivates a passion in their fans that is similar to what American boy bands were able to accomplish. (14) Fans of a K-Pop group don’t just listen to a band’s music, they immerse themselves in the public life of the band. (15) And most amazingly, K-Pop has reached an insane amount of success with most older Americans not even knowing about it. (16) Even now, it’s unlikely that you will hear a K-Pop song on American radio stations. (17) But younger American fans are online, obsessively watching their videos and clinging to every appearance these bands make.
 

In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)?

K-Pop artists and producers are also very smooth at marketing their music.

A
(as it is now)
B
adept
C
unskilled
D
capable
Question 9 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is the correct answer because the writer wants to convey that these artists and producers really know what they’re doing. While “smooth” has a positive connotation, it doesn’t fit the tone of the piece and implies that the subjects are trying to trick people. Answer choice (D) also denotes proficiency, but to be capable of something is to be merely adequate, which is not the image that the writer is trying to craft when discussing these artists and producers. Adept (B) conveys the more skillful, expert ability that the writer wants to convey in the sentence.
Question 10
(1) America has long been the global epicenter for entertainment, but technology’s globalizing effect is giving other countries the ability to challenge America for the throne. (2) Hollywood has recognized the importance of the global market over the last 20 years, and many production companies have shifted the way they make movies to better accommodate non-American audiences. (3) Have you noticed that big blockbuster movies tend to have large set pieces that take place in China or other parts of eastern Asia? (4) That is a direct result of movie producers trying to tap in to a global market. (5) Non-American countries are taking advantage of this globalization of entertainment as well, and there’s no better example of this than K-Pop, or Korean pop music. (6) American movie producers are making a lot more money by creating films that reach out to other parts of the globe.

(7) K-Pop originated in South Korea in the early 90’s, but have recently became incredibly popular, especially with young American fans. (8) K-Pop began rising to prominence during the era of boy bands in America, and while most American boy bands were losing traction by the mid-00’s, K-Pop was only beginning. (9) Many argue that K-Pop has become so popular across the globe because of its often-transnational composition. (10) K-Pop songs merge different types of popular music, including hip-hop, funk, soul, techno, and house into something that can attract a wide audience. (11) K-Pop artists will also often infuse phrases in other languages, especially English phrases, into his lyrics to add to the music’s appeal across the globe.

(12) K-Pop artists and producers are also very smooth at marketing their music. (13) In addition to creating music with eclectic appeal, K-Pop music cultivates a passion in their fans that is similar to what American boy bands were able to accomplish. (14) Fans of a K-Pop group don’t just listen to a band’s music, they immerse themselves in the public life of the band. (15) And most amazingly, K-Pop has reached an insane amount of success with most older Americans not even knowing about it. (16) Even now, it’s unlikely that you will hear a K-Pop song on American radio stations. (17) But younger American fans are online, obsessively watching their videos and clinging to every appearance these bands make.
 

Which of the following sentences, if inserted at the end of the third paragraph, best concludes the main ideas of the passage?

A
Regardless of who is taking notice, foreign entertainment industries are growing, and using digital globalization to become a force around the globe.
B
K-Pop artists and producers are doing something that no other non-American entertainers or producers are doing.
C
Because they are only popular with young Americans, K-Pop will likely die out soon, as younger listeners lose interest.
D
The American film industry should learn a lesson from K-Pop and try to appeal to a more global market.
Question 10 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because it connects K-Pop back to the topic of the passage, the growth of non-American entertainment in a digitally globalized world. Answer choice (B) refutes the claim made in the beginning of the passage, that “non-American countries are taking advantage…”. There is no evidence in the passage to suggest that answer choice (C) is accurate. Answer choice (D) suggests that the American film industry isn’t already trying to appeal to a global market, and idea refuted in the first paragraph of the passage.
Question 11
(1) In 1845, Frederick Douglass published a book called, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass that brought a new and fresh perspective to the evils of slavery. (2) Never before had a former slave had the proper platform to truly illuminate what life as a slave was like. (3) One of the main reasons for this was that most slaves were not able to read or write because slave owners knew that it was easy to keep people in chains if they were uneducated. (4) According to his memoir, Frederick Douglass learned to read and write, against the wishes of his oppressors, in bits and pieces. (5) It was only through incredible perseverance and work that Douglass was able to learn what his masters didn’t want him learning. (6) In his book, he discusses how important knowledge was to him, and knowledge also took things away from him.

(7) While educating himself opened a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass, in his future as a free man, he wrote about how it made life as a slave even harder. (8) In his memoir, he discusses perspective and how although he never liked being uneducated, slavery was easier to endure when he was uneducated. (9) Being enslaved was clearly torturous regardless of his education, but it became even more insufferable once Douglass began to learn more about the world around him. (10) Ignorance was bliss for Douglass, who now understood exactly how terrible his situation was because he knew what was out of his reach on the other side.

(11) What made this memoir so crazy and awesome when it was published is that no longer were people hearing about slavery second-hand from northern abolitionists. (12) Here was a freed slave risking his livelihood to give a true, first-hand accounting of how he was treated as a slave. (13) It’s hard to say what kind of historical impact this book had on America, but Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass remains one of the most authentic and harrowing condemnations of slavery that our country has.
 

Which of the following sentences would best support one of the main ideas presented in the first paragraph?

A
One of the ways he learned was by bringing bread to poor white children in the neighborhood and exchanging the bread for lessons.
B
Douglass’ book sold 30,000 copies between 1845 and 1860.
C
Many of the slave narratives written in the late 1700’s were written about slaves finding spiritual salvation through Christianity.
D
The Civil War ended in 1845, and America was officially on the long journey towards the complete abolition of slavery.
Question 11 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because it supports the idea that Douglass had to learn to read and write in “bits and pieces” whenever he was able to. Answer choice (B) might be tempting, but the first paragraph makes no claims about the popularity of Douglass’s book. This detail might fit in the paragraph, but it doesn’t directly support any of the claims made by it. Answer choice (D) is similarly a statement that wouldn’t be out of place in the first paragraph, but it also doesn’t directly support any of the claims made in the paragraph. Answer choice (C) goes against the writer’s point that Douglass’ narrative was the first, so it would detract from the writer’s purpose.
Question 12
(1) In 1845, Frederick Douglass published a book called, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass that brought a new and fresh perspective to the evils of slavery. (2) Never before had a former slave had the proper platform to truly illuminate what life as a slave was like. (3) One of the main reasons for this was that most slaves were not able to read or write because slave owners knew that it was easy to keep people in chains if they were uneducated. (4) According to his memoir, Frederick Douglass learned to read and write, against the wishes of his oppressors, in bits and pieces. (5) It was only through incredible perseverance and work that Douglass was able to learn what his masters didn’t want him learning. (6) In his book, he discusses how important knowledge was to him, and knowledge also took things away from him.

(7) While educating himself opened a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass, in his future as a free man, he wrote about how it made life as a slave even harder. (8) In his memoir, he discusses perspective and how although he never liked being uneducated, slavery was easier to endure when he was uneducated. (9) Being enslaved was clearly torturous regardless of his education, but it became even more insufferable once Douglass began to learn more about the world around him. (10) Ignorance was bliss for Douglass, who now understood exactly how terrible his situation was because he knew what was out of his reach on the other side.

(11) What made this memoir so crazy and awesome when it was published is that no longer were people hearing about slavery second-hand from northern abolitionists. (12) Here was a freed slave risking his livelihood to give a true, first-hand accounting of how he was treated as a slave. (13) It’s hard to say what kind of historical impact this book had on America, but Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass remains one of the most authentic and harrowing condemnations of slavery that our country has.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6 (reproduced below)?

In his book, he discusses how important knowledge was to him, and knowledge also took things away from him.

A
(as it is now)
B
him, and he argued that knowledge took things from him.
C
him, but what knowledge took away from him.
D
him, but also what knowledge took away from him.
Question 12 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because it adds parallel structure to the sentence and makes it more fluid. Answer choice (B) is grammatically correct, but it makes the sentence clunky and less clear.
Question 13
(1) In 1845, Frederick Douglass published a book called, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass that brought a new and fresh perspective to the evils of slavery. (2) Never before had a former slave had the proper platform to truly illuminate what life as a slave was like. (3) One of the main reasons for this was that most slaves were not able to read or write because slave owners knew that it was easy to keep people in chains if they were uneducated. (4) According to his memoir, Frederick Douglass learned to read and write, against the wishes of his oppressors, in bits and pieces. (5) It was only through incredible perseverance and work that Douglass was able to learn what his masters didn’t want him learning. (6) In his book, he discusses how important knowledge was to him, and knowledge also took things away from him.

(7) While educating himself opened a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass, in his future as a free man, he wrote about how it made life as a slave even harder. (8) In his memoir, he discusses perspective and how although he never liked being uneducated, slavery was easier to endure when he was uneducated. (9) Being enslaved was clearly torturous regardless of his education, but it became even more insufferable once Douglass began to learn more about the world around him. (10) Ignorance was bliss for Douglass, who now understood exactly how terrible his situation was because he knew what was out of his reach on the other side.

(11) What made this memoir so crazy and awesome when it was published is that no longer were people hearing about slavery second-hand from northern abolitionists. (12) Here was a freed slave risking his livelihood to give a true, first-hand accounting of how he was treated as a slave. (13) It’s hard to say what kind of historical impact this book had on America, but Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass remains one of the most authentic and harrowing condemnations of slavery that our country has.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 7 (reproduced below)?

While educating himself opened a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass, in his future as a free man, he wrote about how it made his life as a slave even harder.

A
(as it is now)
B
a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass in his future
C
a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass; in his future
D
a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass. In his future
Question 13 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because the original sentence includes an unnecessary comma, which needs to be removed. The phrase “for Frederick Douglass in his future life as a free man” should not be broken up by any punctuation.
Question 14
(1) In 1845, Frederick Douglass published a book called, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass that brought a new and fresh perspective to the evils of slavery. (2) Never before had a former slave had the proper platform to truly illuminate what life as a slave was like. (3) One of the main reasons for this was that most slaves were not able to read or write because slave owners knew that it was easy to keep people in chains if they were uneducated. (4) According to his memoir, Frederick Douglass learned to read and write, against the wishes of his oppressors, in bits and pieces. (5) It was only through incredible perseverance and work that Douglass was able to learn what his masters didn’t want him learning. (6) In his book, he discusses how important knowledge was to him, and knowledge also took things away from him.

(7) While educating himself opened a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass, in his future as a free man, he wrote about how it made life as a slave even harder. (8) In his memoir, he discusses perspective and how although he never liked being uneducated, slavery was easier to endure when he was uneducated. (9) Being enslaved was clearly torturous regardless of his education, but it became even more insufferable once Douglass began to learn more about the world around him. (10) Ignorance was bliss for Douglass, who now understood exactly how terrible his situation was because he knew what was out of his reach on the other side.

(11) What made this memoir so crazy and awesome when it was published is that no longer were people hearing about slavery second-hand from northern abolitionists. (12) Here was a freed slave risking his livelihood to give a true, first-hand accounting of how he was treated as a slave. (13) It’s hard to say what kind of historical impact this book had on America, but Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass remains one of the most authentic and harrowing condemnations of slavery that our country has.
 

In context, which is the best transition to use at the beginning of sentence 10 (reproduced below)?

Ignorance was bliss for Douglass, who now understood exactly how terrible his situation was because he knew what was out of his reach on the other side.

A
In a way,
B
However,
C
Subsequently,
D
Although,
Question 14 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because the writer uses sentence 11 to make a conclusion on what she discussed in the previous sentence, so “in a way” would work best. While subsequently has a similar connotation to “in a way,” “subsequently” is firmer and more unmoving, and doesn’t fit the tone of the paragraph.
Question 15
(1) In 1845, Frederick Douglass published a book called, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass that brought a new and fresh perspective to the evils of slavery. (2) Never before had a former slave had the proper platform to truly illuminate what life as a slave was like. (3) One of the main reasons for this was that most slaves were not able to read or write because slave owners knew that it was easy to keep people in chains if they were uneducated. (4) According to his memoir, Frederick Douglass learned to read and write, against the wishes of his oppressors, in bits and pieces. (5) It was only through incredible perseverance and work that Douglass was able to learn what his masters didn’t want him learning. (6) In his book, he discusses how important knowledge was to him, and knowledge also took things away from him.

(7) While educating himself opened a lot of doors for Frederick Douglass, in his future as a free man, he wrote about how it made life as a slave even harder. (8) In his memoir, he discusses perspective and how although he never liked being uneducated, slavery was easier to endure when he was uneducated. (9) Being enslaved was clearly torturous regardless of his education, but it became even more insufferable once Douglass began to learn more about the world around him. (10) Ignorance was bliss for Douglass, who now understood exactly how terrible his situation was because he knew what was out of his reach on the other side.

(11) What made this memoir so crazy and awesome when it was published is that no longer were people hearing about slavery second-hand from northern abolitionists. (12) Here was a freed slave risking his livelihood to give a true, first-hand accounting of how he was treated as a slave. (13) It’s hard to say what kind of historical impact this book had on America, but Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass remains one of the most authentic and harrowing condemnations of slavery that our country has.
 

In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 11 (reproduced below)?

What made this memoir so crazy and awesome when it was published is that no longer were people hearing about slavery second-hand from northern abolitionists.

A
(as it is now)
B
new and impressive
C
powerful and influential
D
surprising and cool
Question 15 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because it best fits the tone of the passage, which is serious and reverent. Answer choice (D) is too casual to work properly, and “impressive” in answer choice (B) would make the sentence condescending and pompous.
Question 16
(1) In recent years, companies have started putting more emphasis on making sure their employees are happy than they ever have before. (2) Companies who are choosing to shift their office dynamics are taking lessons from young tech companies, like Google, who have tried to separate themselves from traditional offices since their inception. (3) Their efforts show, too, as the percentage of Google employees who report that they are “satisfied” with their job is higher than most companies. (4) All companies should follow Googles model and realize that when their employees are happy, they are more productive, more proactive, and more invested in the company.

(5) One of the most ingenious ways that Google encourages their employees to invest in their work. (6) Google offers employees gourmet meals, areas to sleep, access to fitness equipment, on-site child care, and a generally fun environment. (7) In addition to making work more enjoyable for employees, Google is making them feel more at home in the office, which in turn incites them to work longer hours. (8) Juxtapose these accommodations with a traditional office with terrible lighting, no fresh air, and uncomfortable seating and it’s a wonder that employees are able to endure work even for their minimum contracted time.

(9) By creating a welcoming environment, Google makes its employees feel wanted, valued, and important. (10) Combine that with higher-than-average pay, great benefits, and extended maternity/paternity leave, and Google has a workforce that wants to help the company. (11) Are traditional companies with strict rules, uncreative conditions, and penny-pinching benefit packages just looking for employees to comply? (12) If these traditional companies begin to adapt a more creative, welcoming, and supportive working environment, they’ll have employees who care about helping the company rather than employees who just care about not losing their jobs.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 1 (reproduced below)?

In recent years, companies have started putting more emphasis on making sure their employees are happy than they ever have before.

A
(as it is now)
B
making sure they’re employees
C
making sure there employees
D
making sure their employee
Question 16 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because “their” is a possessive pronoun referring to “companies.” “They’re” means “they are,” which doesn’t fit in the sentence. Neither does “there,” which refers to a direction or location.
Question 17
(1) In recent years, companies have started putting more emphasis on making sure their employees are happy than they ever have before. (2) Companies who are choosing to shift their office dynamics are taking lessons from young tech companies, like Google, who have tried to separate themselves from traditional offices since their inception. (3) Their efforts show, too, as the percentage of Google employees who report that they are “satisfied” with their job is higher than most companies. (4) All companies should follow Googles model and realize that when their employees are happy, they are more productive, more proactive, and more invested in the company.

(5) One of the most ingenious ways that Google encourages their employees to invest in their work. (6) Google offers employees gourmet meals, areas to sleep, access to fitness equipment, on-site child care, and a generally fun environment. (7) In addition to making work more enjoyable for employees, Google is making them feel more at home in the office, which in turn incites them to work longer hours. (8) Juxtapose these accommodations with a traditional office with terrible lighting, no fresh air, and uncomfortable seating and it’s a wonder that employees are able to endure work even for their minimum contracted time.

(9) By creating a welcoming environment, Google makes its employees feel wanted, valued, and important. (10) Combine that with higher-than-average pay, great benefits, and extended maternity/paternity leave, and Google has a workforce that wants to help the company. (11) Are traditional companies with strict rules, uncreative conditions, and penny-pinching benefit packages just looking for employees to comply? (12) If these traditional companies begin to adapt a more creative, welcoming, and supportive working environment, they’ll have employees who care about helping the company rather than employees who just care about not losing their jobs.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 4 (reproduced below)?

All companies should follow Googles model and realize that when their employees are happy, they are more productive, more proactive, and more invested in the company.

A
(as it is now)
B
should follow Google’s model and realize
C
should follow Googles model, and realize
D
should follow Googles model and realizing
Question 17 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because “Google’s” is a possessive noun in the sentence, not a plural noun. Therefore, the writer needs to place an apostrophe in between the “e” and the “s” in the word. Answer choice (C) might be tempting, but a comma at that point in the sentence would be superfluous.
Question 18
(1) In recent years, companies have started putting more emphasis on making sure their employees are happy than they ever have before. (2) Companies who are choosing to shift their office dynamics are taking lessons from young tech companies, like Google, who have tried to separate themselves from traditional offices since their inception. (3) Their efforts show, too, as the percentage of Google employees who report that they are “satisfied” with their job is higher than most companies. (4) All companies should follow Googles model and realize that when their employees are happy, they are more productive, more proactive, and more invested in the company.

(5) One of the most ingenious ways that Google encourages their employees to invest in their work. (6) Google offers employees gourmet meals, areas to sleep, access to fitness equipment, on-site child care, and a generally fun environment. (7) In addition to making work more enjoyable for employees, Google is making them feel more at home in the office, which in turn incites them to work longer hours. (8) Juxtapose these accommodations with a traditional office with terrible lighting, no fresh air, and uncomfortable seating and it’s a wonder that employees are able to endure work even for their minimum contracted time.

(9) By creating a welcoming environment, Google makes its employees feel wanted, valued, and important. (10) Combine that with higher-than-average pay, great benefits, and extended maternity/paternity leave, and Google has a workforce that wants to help the company. (11) Are traditional companies with strict rules, uncreative conditions, and penny-pinching benefit packages just looking for employees to comply? (12) If these traditional companies begin to adapt a more creative, welcoming, and supportive working environment, they’ll have employees who care about helping the company rather than employees who just care about not losing their jobs.
 

Sentence 5 is reproduced below.

One of the most ingenious ways that Google encourages their employees to invest in their work.

The writer is considering adding the following text at the end of the sentence.

is by creating an environment that is fun and accommodating

Should the writer make the addition there?

A
Yes, because it provides specific support for a claim made in the beginning of the sentence.
B
Yes, because it fixes a sentence fragment and effectively completes the writer’s thought.
C
No, because it creates a run-on sentence that now needs to be broken up by punctuation.
D
No, because the addition isn’t directly related to the beginning of the sentence.
Question 18 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because the sentence is a fragment unless the writer makes this addition. Additionally, it fits well with the first part of the sentence. Answer choice (A) is incorrect because the addition does not add specific support for the beginning of the sentence, it just completes the writer’s thought.
Question 19
(1) In recent years, companies have started putting more emphasis on making sure their employees are happy than they ever have before. (2) Companies who are choosing to shift their office dynamics are taking lessons from young tech companies, like Google, who have tried to separate themselves from traditional offices since their inception. (3) Their efforts show, too, as the percentage of Google employees who report that they are “satisfied” with their job is higher than most companies. (4) All companies should follow Googles model and realize that when their employees are happy, they are more productive, more proactive, and more invested in the company.

(5) One of the most ingenious ways that Google encourages their employees to invest in their work. (6) Google offers employees gourmet meals, areas to sleep, access to fitness equipment, on-site child care, and a generally fun environment. (7) In addition to making work more enjoyable for employees, Google is making them feel more at home in the office, which in turn incites them to work longer hours. (8) Juxtapose these accommodations with a traditional office with terrible lighting, no fresh air, and uncomfortable seating and it’s a wonder that employees are able to endure work even for their minimum contracted time.

(9) By creating a welcoming environment, Google makes its employees feel wanted, valued, and important. (10) Combine that with higher-than-average pay, great benefits, and extended maternity/paternity leave, and Google has a workforce that wants to help the company. (11) Are traditional companies with strict rules, uncreative conditions, and penny-pinching benefit packages just looking for employees to comply? (12) If these traditional companies begin to adapt a more creative, welcoming, and supportive working environment, they’ll have employees who care about helping the company rather than employees who just care about not losing their jobs.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 7 (reproduced below)?

In addition to making work more enjoyable for employees, Google is making them feel more at home in the office, which in turn incites them to work longer hours.

A
(as it is now)
B
stimulates
C
provokes
D
encourages
Question 19 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because “incites” has a negative connotation, and is usually used to describe violence, arguments, or other negative things. Since the writer is discussing a positive, “encourages,” works best. Answer choice (C) has a negative connotation just like the original word, and answer choice (B) just doesn’t fit the tone and purpose of the sentence.
Question 20
(1) In recent years, companies have started putting more emphasis on making sure their employees are happy than they ever have before. (2) Companies who are choosing to shift their office dynamics are taking lessons from young tech companies, like Google, who have tried to separate themselves from traditional offices since their inception. (3) Their efforts show, too, as the percentage of Google employees who report that they are “satisfied” with their job is higher than most companies. (4) All companies should follow Googles model and realize that when their employees are happy, they are more productive, more proactive, and more invested in the company.

(5) One of the most ingenious ways that Google encourages their employees to invest in their work. (6) Google offers employees gourmet meals, areas to sleep, access to fitness equipment, on-site child care, and a generally fun environment. (7) In addition to making work more enjoyable for employees, Google is making them feel more at home in the office, which in turn incites them to work longer hours. (8) Juxtapose these accommodations with a traditional office with terrible lighting, no fresh air, and uncomfortable seating and it’s a wonder that employees are able to endure work even for their minimum contracted time.

(9) By creating a welcoming environment, Google makes its employees feel wanted, valued, and important. (10) Combine that with higher-than-average pay, great benefits, and extended maternity/paternity leave, and Google has a workforce that wants to help the company. (11) Are traditional companies with strict rules, uncreative conditions, and penny-pinching benefit packages just looking for employees to comply? (12) If these traditional companies begin to adapt a more creative, welcoming, and supportive working environment, they’ll have employees who care about helping the company rather than employees who just care about not losing their jobs.
 

Considering the writer’s rhetorical purpose, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 11 (reproduced below)?

Are traditional companies with strict rules, uncreative conditions, and penny-pinching benefit packages just looking for employees to comply?

A
(as it is now)
B
Traditional companies are good at getting their employees to comply with their strict rules, but without creative conditions and better benefits they can’t get much more out of their employees.
C
Employees are not going to do more than comply with the strict rules that traditional companies impose without feeling valued and compliance isn’t the best thing.
D
Traditional companies with strict rules, uncreative conditions, and penny-pinching benefit packages may be good at getting their employees to comply, but is compliance all we’re shooting for?
Question 20 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because it represents the most clear and effective version of the sentence. The varied sentence structure makes this sentence much more effective in convincing readers. Each of the other options provides a more muddled, confusing version of answer choice (D).
Question 21
(1) It’s easy for people to demonize bees, an insect that wants to hurt you so bad that it’s willing to die just to give you a little bit of discomfort. (2) If you’re allergic to them, they’re suicide bombers trying to take you down with them. (3) But bees are dying out.

(4) In 2017, the rusty patched bumble bee became the first wild bee in the continental United States to be listed as an endangered species by the ESA—Endangered Species Act. (5) A year earlier, seven species of Hawaiian bees were also labeled as endangered. (6) So, why does this matter? (7) Most people know that bees pollinate flowers, but we don’t often think about how important this process with flowers is. (8) Flowers rely on pollination to create offspring, which means that lots of flowers will go extinct if bees are not around to pollinate them. (9) The extinction of bees doesn’t just mean the end of honey and bee stings, it means the extinction of many flowers and plants, the extinction of many of the animals that eat those flowers and plants, and a monumental change to the nature of our world.

(10) Since the 1990’s the bee population has plummeted almost 90%, and humans are largely responsible. (11) While there are many factors contributing to this sharp decrease in the bee population, many of the factors are interrelated, and either directly or indirectly our fault. (12) The two main reasons the bee population is decreasing are pesticides and loss of habitat. (13) We need to change the way we act in order to preserve the bee population. (14) Humans are killing bees by indiscriminately spraying dangerous pesticides, and by destroying their habitats. (15) This negligence is unacceptable. (16) If humans were just a little more careful, by banning dangerous pesticides and preserving wild habitats, we could significantly increase the bee population and avoid the potentially catastrophic reality of a world without bees.
 

Sentence 3 is reproduced below.

But bees are dying out.

The writer is considering adding to the sentence. Considering the writer's tone and purpose, which of the following, if any, should the writer add to sentence 3?

A
(as it is now)
B
and that’s a real problem for the globe and for our way of life.
C
and the only thing bees do to us is sting us every once in a while.
D
and no one seems to care.
Question 21 Explanation: 
Answer choice (B) is correct because it presents a strong transition into the next paragraph, in which the writer will discuss the consequences of bees going extinct. Although the paragraph does discuss people’s perception of bees, answer choice (C) is too glib for the end of the paragraph; it would undercut the message that the writer is working towards. While it’s possible that the writer would agree with answer choice (D), it doesn’t fit into this part of the passage.
Question 22
(1) It’s easy for people to demonize bees, an insect that wants to hurt you so bad that it’s willing to die just to give you a little bit of discomfort. (2) If you’re allergic to them, they’re suicide bombers trying to take you down with them. (3) But bees are dying out.

(4) In 2017, the rusty patched bumble bee became the first wild bee in the continental United States to be listed as an endangered species by the ESA—Endangered Species Act. (5) A year earlier, seven species of Hawaiian bees were also labeled as endangered. (6) So, why does this matter? (7) Most people know that bees pollinate flowers, but we don’t often think about how important this process with flowers is. (8) Flowers rely on pollination to create offspring, which means that lots of flowers will go extinct if bees are not around to pollinate them. (9) The extinction of bees doesn’t just mean the end of honey and bee stings, it means the extinction of many flowers and plants, the extinction of many of the animals that eat those flowers and plants, and a monumental change to the nature of our world.

(10) Since the 1990’s the bee population has plummeted almost 90%, and humans are largely responsible. (11) While there are many factors contributing to this sharp decrease in the bee population, many of the factors are interrelated, and either directly or indirectly our fault. (12) The two main reasons the bee population is decreasing are pesticides and loss of habitat. (13) We need to change the way we act in order to preserve the bee population. (14) Humans are killing bees by indiscriminately spraying dangerous pesticides, and by destroying their habitats. (15) This negligence is unacceptable. (16) If humans were just a little more careful, by banning dangerous pesticides and preserving wild habitats, we could significantly increase the bee population and avoid the potentially catastrophic reality of a world without bees.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 4 (reproduced below)?

In 2017, the rusty patched bumble bee became the first wild bee in the continental United States to be listed as an endangered species by the ESA—Endangered Species Act.

A
(as it is now)
B
by the ESA; Endangered Species Act.
C
by the ESA (Endangered Species Act).
D
by the Endangered Species Act—ESA.
Question 22 Explanation: 
Answer choice (C) is correct because parentheses are the appropriate punctuation to use when you want to add helpful information that doesn’t fit in the sentence. Dashes are used when a writer wants to emphasize a point, often with irony, humor, or a sharp criticism. Since the information added is just an explanation of the acronym, parentheses are most appropriate.
Question 23
(1) It’s easy for people to demonize bees, an insect that wants to hurt you so bad that it’s willing to die just to give you a little bit of discomfort. (2) If you’re allergic to them, they’re suicide bombers trying to take you down with them. (3) But bees are dying out.

(4) In 2017, the rusty patched bumble bee became the first wild bee in the continental United States to be listed as an endangered species by the ESA—Endangered Species Act. (5) A year earlier, seven species of Hawaiian bees were also labeled as endangered. (6) So, why does this matter? (7) Most people know that bees pollinate flowers, but we don’t often think about how important this process with flowers is. (8) Flowers rely on pollination to create offspring, which means that lots of flowers will go extinct if bees are not around to pollinate them. (9) The extinction of bees doesn’t just mean the end of honey and bee stings, it means the extinction of many flowers and plants, the extinction of many of the animals that eat those flowers and plants, and a monumental change to the nature of our world.

(10) Since the 1990’s the bee population has plummeted almost 90%, and humans are largely responsible. (11) While there are many factors contributing to this sharp decrease in the bee population, many of the factors are interrelated, and either directly or indirectly our fault. (12) The two main reasons the bee population is decreasing are pesticides and loss of habitat. (13) We need to change the way we act in order to preserve the bee population. (14) Humans are killing bees by indiscriminately spraying dangerous pesticides, and by destroying their habitats. (15) This negligence is unacceptable. (16) If humans were just a little more careful, by banning dangerous pesticides and preserving wild habitats, we could significantly increase the bee population and avoid the potentially catastrophic reality of a world without bees.
 

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 7 (reproduced below)?

Most people know that bees pollinate flowers, but we don’t often think about how important this process with flowers is.

A
(as it is now)
B
the flower process is.
C
this flower process is.
D
this process is.
Question 23 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because it gets rid of a redundancy. The writer mentions flower pollination in the beginning of the sentence, so using the phrase “with flowers” is redundant. Removing it will make the passage more fluid and effective.
Question 24
(1) It’s easy for people to demonize bees, an insect that wants to hurt you so bad that it’s willing to die just to give you a little bit of discomfort. (2) If you’re allergic to them, they’re suicide bombers trying to take you down with them. (3) But bees are dying out.

(4) In 2017, the rusty patched bumble bee became the first wild bee in the continental United States to be listed as an endangered species by the ESA—Endangered Species Act. (5) A year earlier, seven species of Hawaiian bees were also labeled as endangered. (6) So, why does this matter? (7) Most people know that bees pollinate flowers, but we don’t often think about how important this process with flowers is. (8) Flowers rely on pollination to create offspring, which means that lots of flowers will go extinct if bees are not around to pollinate them. (9) The extinction of bees doesn’t just mean the end of honey and bee stings, it means the extinction of many flowers and plants, the extinction of many of the animals that eat those flowers and plants, and a monumental change to the nature of our world.

(10) Since the 1990’s the bee population has plummeted almost 90%, and humans are largely responsible. (11) While there are many factors contributing to this sharp decrease in the bee population, many of the factors are interrelated, and either directly or indirectly our fault. (12) The two main reasons the bee population is decreasing are pesticides and loss of habitat. (13) We need to change the way we act in order to preserve the bee population. (14) Humans are killing bees by indiscriminately spraying dangerous pesticides, and by destroying their habitats. (15) This negligence is unacceptable. (16) If humans were just a little more careful, by banning dangerous pesticides and preserving wild habitats, we could significantly increase the bee population and avoid the potentially catastrophic reality of a world without bees.
 

The writer is considering adding a sentence to support one of their claims in the third paragraph of the passage. Which of the following sentences would best support one of the writer’s claims in the third paragraph?

A
According to a 2017 study, 75 percent of honey contains traces of bee-harming pesticides.
B
The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973 as a measure to preserve endangered animals across the country.
C
Hawaii, while part of the United States, is almost 3,000 miles away from California, the closest state.
D
In the wild, bees typically prefer to live in orchards, meadows, and gardens; places with a lot of plant life.
Question 24 Explanation: 
Answer choice (A) is correct because it is the only statement that directly supports a claim made in the paragraph, the claim that pesticides are hurting bees. Answer choice (B) and (C) might be tempting because they refer to things mentioned in the passage, but they do not support any claims, and they also refer to the second paragraph. Answer choice (D) might be a relevant fact to include, but does not act as support to a claim as it is written.
Question 25
(1) It’s easy for people to demonize bees, an insect that wants to hurt you so bad that it’s willing to die just to give you a little bit of discomfort. (2) If you’re allergic to them, they’re suicide bombers trying to take you down with them. (3) But bees are dying out.

(4) In 2017, the rusty patched bumble bee became the first wild bee in the continental United States to be listed as an endangered species by the ESA—Endangered Species Act. (5) A year earlier, seven species of Hawaiian bees were also labeled as endangered. (6) So, why does this matter? (7) Most people know that bees pollinate flowers, but we don’t often think about how important this process with flowers is. (8) Flowers rely on pollination to create offspring, which means that lots of flowers will go extinct if bees are not around to pollinate them. (9) The extinction of bees doesn’t just mean the end of honey and bee stings, it means the extinction of many flowers and plants, the extinction of many of the animals that eat those flowers and plants, and a monumental change to the nature of our world.

(10) Since the 1990’s the bee population has plummeted almost 90%, and humans are largely responsible. (11) While there are many factors contributing to this sharp decrease in the bee population, many of the factors are interrelated, and either directly or indirectly our fault. (12) The two main reasons the bee population is decreasing are pesticides and loss of habitat. (13) We need to change the way we act in order to preserve the bee population. (14) Humans are killing bees by indiscriminately spraying dangerous pesticides, and by destroying their habitats. (15) This negligence is unacceptable. (16) If humans were just a little more careful, by banning dangerous pesticides and preserving wild habitats, we could significantly increase the bee population and avoid the potentially catastrophic reality of a world without bees.
 

Which sentence blurs the focus of the third paragraph and therefore should be deleted?

A
Sentence 10
B
Sentence 11
C
Sentence 12
D
Sentence 13
Question 25 Explanation: 
Answer choice (D) is correct because even though sentence 13 is on-topic, it interrupts the writer’s train of thought. Sentence 12 mentions the two biggest factors affecting bees, and sentence 14 discusses those factors in detail. The interruption hurts the flow of the passage and distracts readers from the writer’s point.
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