Writing correct sentences - multiple choice test
Dahlia Bartley, Contributor

Jamaican WNBA basketball star, Simone Edwards, gives some pointers to young basketballers and netballers attending a netball rally at St. Andrew High School, Friday, October 7. - Ian Allen Photo

YOU MUST have noticed that our lessons, so far, have been dealing with how to write correct sentences, using a variety of structures. In today's lesson, you will do a multiple choice test, which will incorporate aspects of what we have done. This is necessary, as I want you to have an idea of the type of questions which may be set on the multiple choice paper, paper 1. The first set of exercises requires that you use your knowledge of the subject and predicate.

Directions: Choose from the four options given below each sentence the one which will make it correct.

1. I, along with Merle and Dimples, going to the meeting on Saturday.

(A) am (B) are (C) is (D) were

2. Most of the eggs in the box broken when Mary fell.

(A) has been (B) are (C) was (D) were

3. One of the boys an interesting story.

(A) has written (B) writing (C) have written (D) were writing

Directions: Some of the following sentences are unacceptable because of inappropriate grammar, idiom or vocabulary. Some sentences are acceptable as they stand. Select the one underlined part that you feel is incorrect. If the sentence has no error, choose NE.

4. Whenever the footballers play a match the students show it's support. NE
A- play; B - match; C - it's; D - NE

5. Each of the boys had to decide whether he would accept the coach's decision even if it meant losing his place on the team. NE
A - Each of; B - he; C - his; D - NE

6. This group of girls have decided to undertake a difficult but meaningful project. NE
A - have; B - to undertake; C - but; D - NE

7. One of the ceiling fans were defective and mother promptly returned it to the store. NE
A - One; B - were; C - promptly; D - NE

8. Mrs. Brown, as well as Mrs. Parkins, were at the meeting which was held in the office. NE
A - as well as; B - were; C - was; D - NE

9. At the end of the year, each group was instructed to keep a record of their meetings. NE
A - At the end of the year; B - was; C - their; D - NE

10. Neither Joy's appeal nor the stringency of the laws were able to quell the rioters. NE
A- nor; B - were; C - quell; D - NE

Directions: Reconstruct each of the following sentences according to the directions which follow it.

11. When he had ploughed the land, he scattered the seeds in rows.

Begin with: "After"

A. ploughing B. being ploughed C. has ploughed D. having been ploughed

12. I think that John should sell his car and buy a house.

Begin with: "If I were John"

A. I should B. I would C. I will D. I might

13. George studied all night, but he still failed the examination.

Begin with: "George failed the examination"

A. in spite of studying B. although he study C. in spite of his studies D. and he studied

14. As soon as he entered the bus, it started on its journey.

Begin with: "No sooner"

A. than he entered B. had he entered C. that he entered D. when he entered

15. When the raging storm had ruined their shelter, they sought refuge in an old dilapidated boat that lay on the shore.

Begin with: "When their shelter"

A. had been ruined B. having been ruined C. was being ruined D. had ruined

Directions: Reconstruct each of the following sentences without changing the meaning. Follow the instructions below each sentence.

16. The captain summoned all his soldiers to a meeting in his office.

Replace the soldiers with them.

17. Can all of us fit into this room?

Begin with: I doubt that we

18. Before we left the house, we turned on the alarm.

Begin with: Leaving

19. The girl can attend the party this weekend only if she is accompanied by her parents.

Begin with: Unless

Next time, I will give you the answers. Have a very good week.

* Dahlia Bartley teaches English language at Glenmuir High School in Clarendon.