1. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Environmental experts warn that if ______ continue to use fossil fuels at the current rate, the consequences could be catastrophic for future generations.
A) we
B) they
C) one
D) it
Answer: A) we
Explanation: The pronoun “we” is the correct choice because it agrees with the implied subject “people” or “society” (who is using fossil fuels). Choice B (“they”) is incorrect because it could cause ambiguity about who is being referred to. Choice C (“one”) is incorrect as it does not match the plural or collective nature of the subject. Choice D (“it”) is incorrect because it is singular and would not match the plural antecedent.
2. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The teachers agreed that ______ should focus on improving their communication with students and parents.
A) they
B) it
C) we
D) one
Answer: A) they
Explanation: The pronoun “they” is the correct answer because it agrees with the plural subject “teachers.” Choice B (“it”) is incorrect because it is singular. Choice C (“we”) is incorrect because it changes the subject from third-person to first-person. Choice D (“one”) is incorrect because it is singular and would not agree with the plural “teachers.”
3. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The company implemented a new policy requiring employees to log ______ hours daily.
A) their
B) its
C) his
D) your
Answer: A) their
Explanation: The pronoun “their” is correct because it agrees with the plural antecedent “employees.” Choice B (“its”) is incorrect because it refers to a singular subject, while “employees” is plural. Choice C (“his”) is incorrect because it assumes the gender of the employees, which is not necessary. Choice D (“your”) is incorrect because it changes the perspective from third-person to second-person.
4. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Scientists have developed new technology that allows ______ to monitor wildlife habitats more effectively.
A) them
B) us
C) you
D) it
Answer: A) them
Explanation: The pronoun “them” is correct because it agrees with the implied plural subject “scientists” or “researchers.” Choice B (“us”) is incorrect because it changes the perspective from third-person to first-person. Choice C (“you”) is incorrect because it changes the perspective from third-person to second-person. Choice D (“it”) is incorrect because it is singular and does not agree with the implied plural subject.5. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Each of the students who participated in the science fair expressed ______ satisfaction with the event’s organization.
A) their
B) his
C) its
D) their or her
Answer: D) their or her
Explanation: The phrase “Each of the students” is singular, so the pronoun should also be singular. “Their or her” is correct to account for both genders. Option A (“their”) would be incorrect if strictly following traditional rules, although it is sometimes accepted in modern usage. Option B (“his”) excludes female students, and Option C (“its”) is incorrect because “its” is used for non-human entities.
6. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Neither of the candidates has revealed ______ plan for economic reform in sufficient detail.
A) their
B) his or her
C) his
D) its
Answer: B) his or her
Explanation: The subject “Neither of the candidates” is singular, requiring a singular pronoun. “His or her” is correct to cover both genders. Option A (“their”) is increasingly common but traditionally incorrect. Option C (“his”) is not inclusive, and Option D (“its”) is incorrect because “its” does not refer to people.
7. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The committee decided that ______ needed more time to review the proposal before making a decision.
A) they
B) it
C) its
D) we
Answer: B) it
Explanation: “The committee” is a collective noun, typically treated as singular in American English. Therefore, “it” is the correct pronoun. Option A (“they”) could be correct if the committee is considered as individual members, but that usage is less common. Option C (“its”) is incorrect because “its” is a possessive pronoun. Option D (“we”) would change the subject.
8. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The organization requires that all employees submit ______ timesheets by the end of the month.
A) their
B) its
C) his
D) one’s
Answer: A) their
Explanation: The correct pronoun “their” agrees with the plural noun “employees.” Option B (“its”) is incorrect because it is singular, and “organization” is not the subject here. Option C (“his”) is incorrect because it is not gender-neutral. Option D (“one’s”) is incorrect because “one” doesn’t agree with “employees.”
9. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Anyone who wants to participate in the workshop must bring ______ own materials.
A) their
B) his or her
C) their or her
D) his
Answer: B) his or her
Explanation: The pronoun “anyone” is singular, so the correct answer is “his or her” to ensure gender inclusivity. Option A (“their”) is becoming more accepted but is traditionally incorrect. Option C (“their or her”) is incorrect because it is ungrammatical. Option D (“his”) excludes female participants.
10. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The jury was divided in ______ opinion about the defendant’s guilt.
A) its
B) their
C) his or her
D) their or her
Answer: A) its
Explanation: In American English, “jury” as a collective noun is typically singular, so “its” is correct. Option B (“their”) could be used if the jury members are considered individually, but that usage is less common. Option C (“his or her”) and D (“their or her”) are incorrect because they are not appropriate for a collective noun.
11. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Each of the companies in the merger maintained ______ original branding strategy.
A) their
B) its
C) his or her
D) its or their
Answer: B) its
Explanation: “Each” is singular, so the pronoun must also be singular. “Its” correctly refers to the singular “company” within “each of the companies.” Option A (“their”) is incorrect because “their” is plural. Option C (“his or her”) is incorrect because the companies are not people. Option D (“its or their”) introduces unnecessary complexity.
12. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
When someone enters the room, ______ should introduce themselves.
A) they
B) he or she
C) one
D) him or her
Answer: B) he or she
Explanation: “Someone” is singular, so the correct pronoun is “he or she.” Option A (“they”) is increasingly accepted but not traditionally correct. Option C (“one”) is overly formal and not suitable in this context. Option D (“him or her”) is incorrect because “him or her” is an object pronoun, not a subject pronoun.
13. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The data presented in the report was incomplete, so ______ conclusions cannot be fully trusted.
A) its
B) their
C) one’s
D) it’s
Answer: A) its
Explanation: “Data” can be treated as singular or plural depending on context, but in this case, it’s singular (a dataset). Therefore, “its” is the correct pronoun. Option B (“their”) would be correct if “data” were considered plural, but that’s not the case here. Option C (“one’s”) does not agree with “data,” and D (“it’s”) is incorrect because “it’s” is a contraction, not a possessive pronoun.
14. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Every student must submit ______ project proposal by the deadline.
A) their
B) his or her
C) their or her
D) his
Answer: B) his or her
Explanation: “Every student” is singular, so the pronoun must also be singular. “His or her” ensures gender inclusivity. Option A (“their”) is becoming more accepted but is traditionally incorrect. Option C (“their or her”) is incorrect because it is ungrammatical. Option D (“his”) is not inclusive.
15. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The panel of judges will announce ______ decision at the end of the competition.
A) their
B) its
C) his or her
D) one’s
Answer: B) its
Explanation: “Panel” is a collective noun typically treated as singular, so “its” is the correct pronoun. Option A (“their”) might be correct if the panel members are considered individually, but that’s less common. Option C (“his or her”) is incorrect because the panel is not made up of individuals in this context. Option D (“one’s”) is incorrect because it doesn’t agree with “panel.”
16. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
If anyone on the team needs assistance, ______ should contact the support desk immediately.
A) they
B) he or she
C) one
D) him or her
Answer: B) he or she
Explanation: “Anyone” is singular, so “he or she” is the correct pronoun. Option A (“they”) is becoming more common but is not traditionally correct. Option C (“one”) is overly formal. Option D (“him or her”) is incorrect because it is an object pronoun, not a subject pronoun.
17. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The orchestra played so well that ______ received a standing ovation.
A) it
B) they
C) its
D) he or she
Answer: A) it
Explanation: “Orchestra” is a collective noun, typically treated as singular, so “it” is the correct pronoun. Option B (“they”) could be correct if the orchestra members are considered individually, but that’s less common. Option C (“its”) is incorrect because “its” is a possessive pronoun. Option D (“he or she”) does not agree with “orchestra.”
18. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
None of the athletes had packed ______ equipment before the tournament began.
A) their
B) his or her
C) his
D) its
Answer: A) their
Explanation: “None” can be singular or plural, but in this case, it refers to “athletes,” making “their” the correct choice. Option B (“his or her”) is overly specific and would be awkward in this context. Option C (“his”) is not inclusive, and D (“its”) is incorrect because “its” is used for non-human entities.
19. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Each of the artists presented ______ work in a unique and engaging manner.
A) their
B) his or her
C) his
D) one’s
Answer: B) his or her
Explanation: “Each” is singular, so “his or her” is correct to ensure gender inclusivity. Option A (“their”) is becoming more accepted but traditionally incorrect. Option C (“his”) is not inclusive, and D (“one’s”) is incorrect because “one” doesn’t agree with “artists.”
20. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A person who wants to succeed in this field must constantly update ______ knowledge.
A) their
B) his or her
C) his
D) one’s
Answer: B) his or her
Explanation: “A person” is singular, so “his or her” is correct to be gender-neutral. Option A (“their”) is increasingly accepted but not traditionally correct. Option C (“his”) is not inclusive, and D (“one’s”) is overly formal and awkward.
21. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
When the board of directors meets, ______ discusses the company’s financial strategies.
A) it
B) they
C) their
D) he or she
Answer: A) it
Explanation: “Board of directors” is a collective noun, treated as singular, so “it” is the correct pronoun. Option B (“they”) could be used if the board members are considered individually, but that’s less common. Option C (“their”) is a possessive pronoun and does not fit here. Option D (“he or she”) does not match the collective noun.
22. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The new software update promises to improve ______ performance and user experience.
A) their
B) its
C) one’s
D) they’re
Answer: B) its
Explanation: “Software update” is singular, so “its” is the correct pronoun. Option A (“their”) is incorrect because “their” is plural. Option C (“one’s”) is incorrect because it doesn’t agree with “software update,” and D (“they’re”) is incorrect because it is a contraction for “they are.”
23. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
None of the passengers on the flight seemed to mind ______ delay.
A) their
B) his or her
C) its
D) their or her
Answer: A) their
Explanation: “None” refers to “passengers,” making “their” the correct pronoun. Option B (“his or her”) is not needed and is awkward in this context. Option C (“its”) is incorrect because it is singular, and D (“their or her”) is ungrammatical.
24. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
If everyone does ______ part, the project will be a success.
A) their
B) his or her
C) his
D) one’s
Answer: B) his or her
Explanation: “Everyone” is singular, so “his or her” is the correct pronoun for gender inclusivity. Option A (“their”) is increasingly accepted but traditionally incorrect. Option C (“his”) is not inclusive, and D (“one’s”) is overly formal and awkward.
25. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
If a student forgets to bring ______ textbook, they will not be allowed to participate in the class.
A) their
B) his or her
C) his
D) its
Answer: B) his or her
Explanation: “A student” is singular, so “his or her” is correct for gender neutrality. Option A (“their”) is increasingly accepted but not traditionally correct. Option C (“his”) is not inclusive, and D (“its”) is incorrect because it is not a human pronoun.
26. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The team decided to change ______ strategy after losing the first two games.
A) their
B) its
C) his
D) they’re
Answer: B) its
Explanation: “Team” is a collective noun, typically treated as singular, so “its” is correct. Option A (“their”) might be used if the team members are considered individually, but that’s less common. Option C (“his”) is incorrect because “team” is not an individual. Option D (“they’re”) is incorrect because it’s a contraction for “they are.”
27. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
After the group finished ______ presentation, they received feedback from the audience.
A) their
B) its
C) his
D) they’re
Answer: B) its
Explanation: “Group” is a collective noun, typically treated as singular, so “its” is correct. Option A (“their”) could be used if the group members are considered individually, but that’s less common. Option C (“his”) is incorrect because “group” is not an individual. Option D (“they’re”) is incorrect because it’s a contraction for “they are.”
28. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
When anyone in the office needs help, ______ should ask a colleague.
A) they
B) he or she
C) his
D) one’s
Answer: B) he or she
Explanation: “Anyone” is singular, so “he or she” is correct. Option A (“they”) is increasingly accepted but not traditionally correct. Option C (“his”) is not inclusive, and D (“one’s”) is overly formal.
29. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The department will announce ______ new policy next week.
A) their
B) its
C) his
D) its or their
Answer: B) its
Explanation: “Department” is a singular collective noun, so “its” is the correct pronoun. Option A (“their”) could be used if referring to members individually, but that’s less common. Option C (“his”) is incorrect because the department is not an individual. Option D (“its or their”) is unnecessarily complex.
30. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The company prides itself on ______ commitment to customer satisfaction.
A) its
B) their
C) it’s
D) their or its
Answer: A) its
Explanation: “Company” is a singular noun, so “its” is correct. Option B (“their”) could be used if the company is considered as people, but that’s less common. Option C (“it’s”) is incorrect because it is a contraction for “it is.” Option D (“their or its”) is unnecessarily complex.
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