Question 1: In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, claimed the English throne and launched an invasion that culminated in the Battle of Hastings. After defeating King Harold II, ________ consolidating his power over England and marking the beginning of Norman rule.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) William became King, B) the throne became his, C) the rule of William began, D) it was William who took the throne,
Answer: A) William became King.
Explanation: The convention being tested here is the proper placement of subject-modifier to avoid a dangling modifier. “William” is the subject who “consolidated his power,” so the noun “William” should follow the introductory phrase “After defeating King Harold II.” Choice B is incorrect because it creates a dangling modifier, suggesting that the throne consolidated power. Choice C is also incorrect for a similar reason; it illogically suggests that “the rule of William” consolidated power. Choice D is incorrect because it introduces “it,” which does not logically connect with the modifier.
Question 2: In 1805, Admiral Horatio Nelson led the British fleet to a decisive victory over the French and Spanish navies at the Battle of Trafalgar. Despite being mortally wounded, ________ ensuring British naval dominance for over a century.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Nelson’s fleet won, B) the fleet’s victory was certain, C) the victory of Nelson was ensured, D) Nelson ensured victory,
Answer: D) Nelson ensured victory.
Explanation: The phrase “Despite being mortally wounded” modifies the subject “Nelson.” Therefore, Nelson should be the subject of the main clause. Choice A is incorrect because it introduces a different subject, creating a dangling modifier that suggests “Nelson’s fleet” was mortally wounded. Choice B and C are incorrect because they introduce different subjects that don’t logically connect with the modifier.
Question 3: In 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Britain, sparking a war that lasted until 1783. Following their victory, ________ establishing the United States as a new nation.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) the colonies established their own nation, B) a new nation was established, C) the victory established a nation, D) the United States was founded,
Answer: A) the colonies established their own nation.
Explanation: The introductory phrase “Following their victory” should be followed by the subject that is doing the establishing, which is “the colonies.” Choice B is incorrect because it suggests the victory itself established the nation. Choice C is incorrect for the same reason as B. Choice D introduces a new subject (“the United States”), which creates a disconnection from the modifying phrase.
Question 4: In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail across the Atlantic Ocean, hoping to find a new route to Asia. Upon reaching the Caribbean, ________ which eventually led to the widespread European exploration of the Americas.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Columbus discovered new lands, B) lands were discovered by Columbus, C) the discovery of new lands was made, D) Columbus’s voyage resulted in discoveries,
Answer: A) Columbus discovered new lands.
Explanation: The introductory phrase “Upon reaching the Caribbean” modifies “Columbus,” so the subject should be “Columbus” performing the action. Choices B and C incorrectly suggest that the lands discovered themselves resulted in exploration, leading to a dangling modifier. Choice D is incorrect because it introduces a different subject.
Question 5: In 1865, the American Civil War ended with the surrender of the Confederate Army at Appomattox Court House. After the war, ________ laying the groundwork for Reconstruction.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) new policies were implemented, B) the government began new policies, C) policies were soon implemented, D) it was the government who implemented policies,
Answer: B) the government began new policies.
Explanation: “After the war” modifies “the government,” so the subject performing the action should be “the government.” Choices A and C are incorrect because they introduce an ambiguous subject. Choice D is incorrect because it introduces “it,” which does not clearly connect with the introductory phrase.
Question 6: In 1929, the stock market crash triggered the Great Depression. As a result, ________ leading to widespread economic hardship across the globe.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) economic conditions worsened, B) the economy deteriorated, C) the collapse of the stock market led to hardship, D) it was economic hardship that followed,
Answer: C) the collapse of the stock market led to hardship.
Explanation: “As a result” modifies “the collapse of the stock market,” so the action should clearly follow from that subject. Choices A and B are incorrect because they introduce new subjects or are too vague. Choice D is incorrect because it introduces “it,” which does not logically connect with the introductory phrase.
Question 7: In 1969, Apollo 11 successfully landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon. After the landing, ________ marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Armstrong and Aldrin planted the American flag, B) the flag was planted by Armstrong and Aldrin, C) the astronauts planted the flag, D) the planting of the flag occurred,
Answer: A) Armstrong and Aldrin planted the American flag.
Explanation: The introductory phrase “After the landing” modifies “Armstrong and Aldrin,” so the subjects performing the action should be “Armstrong and Aldrin.” Choices B and C introduce subjects that are not directly linked to the modifying phrase, and D is too vague.
Question 8: In 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered the outbreak of World War I. Following the assassination, ________ involving many of the world’s nations.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) a global conflict ensued, B) war was declared, C) nations entered the war, D) the conflict grew,
Answer: A) a global conflict ensued.
Explanation: “Following the assassination” modifies “a global conflict,” so the conflict itself should be the result. Choices B and C introduce different subjects that don’t directly connect with the modifying phrase. Choice D is too vague.
Question 9: In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States. During his presidency, ________ which helped establish many of the precedents for the office.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Washington set important precedents, B) important precedents were set by Washington, C) the office’s precedents were established, D) it was Washington who set precedents,
Answer: A) Washington set important precedents.
Explanation: The introductory phrase “During his presidency” modifies “Washington,” so “Washington” should be the subject performing the action. Choices B and C are incorrect because they introduce different subjects. Choice D introduces “it,” which does not logically connect with the modifying phrase.
Question 10: In 1215, King John of England signed the Magna Carta, a document limiting the powers of the monarchy. By agreeing to this charter, ________ ensuring that no one could be above the law.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) the king established legal principles, B) legal principles were established, C) the Magna Carta became a cornerstone, D) principles were established,
Answer: A) the king established legal principles.
Explanation: “By agreeing to this charter” modifies “the king,” so “the king” should be the subject performing the action. Choices B, C, and D are too vague or introduce different subjects.
Question 11: In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War. Following the fall of the wall, ________ leading to the reunification of Germany.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Germany was reunified, B) reunification occurred, C) political changes ensued, D) the two Germanys reunited,
Answer: D) the two Germanys reunited.
Explanation: “Following the fall of the wall” modifies “the two Germanys,” so “the two Germanys” should be the subject performing the action. Choices A and B are too vague or introduce new subjects. Choice C is too ambiguous.
Question 12: In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington. This speech, ________ inspiring millions with its vision of racial equality and justice.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) emphasized his vision, B) was a powerful message, C) powerfully conveyed his vision, D) delivered a powerful message,
Answer: C) powerfully conveyed his vision.
Explanation: “This speech” is the subject being modified by the phrase, so the action should relate directly to the speech. Choices A and B are too vague or introduce different subjects. Choice D is incorrect because it changes the subject.
Question 13: In 1980, the election of Ronald Reagan marked a significant shift in American politics. Following his election, ________ which influenced U.S. policies for years to come.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Reagan’s policies were enacted, B) new policies were introduced, C) a conservative agenda was pursued, D) policies changed significantly,
Answer: C) a conservative agenda was pursued.
Explanation: “Following his election” modifies “a conservative agenda,” so the agenda should be the result of the election. Choices A and B are too vague or introduce different subjects. Choice D is too general.
Question 14: In 1348, the Black Death began to ravage Europe, leading to widespread devastation. As a consequence of the plague, ________ altering the course of European history.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) significant social changes occurred, B) Europe experienced major changes, C) the social structure was disrupted, D) the plague caused societal shifts,
Answer: C) the social structure was disrupted.
Explanation: “As a consequence of the plague” modifies “the social structure,” so the social structure should be the result of the plague. Choices A, B, and D are too vague or introduce different subjects.
Question 15: In 1620, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, seeking religious freedom. After establishing their settlement, ________ which played a crucial role in American colonial history.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) they established a colony, B) the colony was founded, C) Plymouth Rock became a symbol, D) the settlement grew rapidly,
Answer: A) they established a colony.
Explanation: “After establishing their settlement” modifies “they,” so “they” should be the subject performing the action. Choices B and C introduce different subjects, and D is too vague.
Question 16: In 1815, the Battle of Waterloo ended Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule over France. Following his defeat, ________ which marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Europe saw a new era, B) the European balance of power shifted, C) the Congress of Vienna was convened, D) Napoleon’s reign ended,
Answer: D) Napoleon’s reign ended.
Explanation: “Following his defeat” modifies “Napoleon’s reign,” so the reign should be the result. Choices A, B, and C are too vague or introduce different subjects.
Question 17: In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. After this landmark decision, ________ shaping the course of the civil rights movement.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) desegregation efforts accelerated, B) new policies were implemented, C) the civil rights agenda expanded, D) educational institutions were reformed,
Answer: A) desegregation efforts accelerated.
Explanation: “After this landmark decision” modifies “desegregation efforts,” so the efforts should be the result. Choices B, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 18: In 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battles of Lexington and Concord. As the conflict escalated, ________ eventually leading to American independence.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) the colonies fought for freedom, B) the war intensified, C) the struggle continued, D) hostilities continued,
Answer: B) the war intensified.
Explanation: “As the conflict escalated” modifies “the war,” so the war should be the result of the escalation. Choices A and C introduce different subjects, and D is too vague.
Question 19: In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union, bringing significant reforms. With his policies of glasnost and perestroika, ________ which contributed to the eventual end of the Cold War.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Gorbachev sought to modernize the Soviet system, B) the Soviet system was reformed, C) Soviet policies changed dramatically, D) the Cold War was impacted,
Answer: A) Gorbachev sought to modernize the Soviet system.
Explanation: “With his policies of glasnost and perestroika” modifies “Gorbachev,” so “Gorbachev” should be the subject performing the action. Choices B and C introduce different subjects, and D is too vague.
Question 20: In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor, symbolizing freedom and democracy. Over time, ________ becoming an iconic representation of American values.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) the statue became a symbol, B) it was a symbol of freedom, C) American values were embodied, D) Liberty Island was celebrated,
Answer: A) the statue became a symbol.
Explanation: “Over time” modifies “the statue,” so “the statue” should be the subject performing the action. Choices B, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 21: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free. As a result, ________ which was a major step toward the abolition of slavery.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) the proclamation changed history, B) many slaves were freed, C) the path to freedom was paved, D) the move toward abolition intensified,
Answer: B) many slaves were freed.
Explanation: “As a result” modifies “many slaves,” so “many slaves” should be the result. Choices A, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 22: In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This landmark amendment, ________ expanding the electorate significantly.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) extended voting rights, B) was a milestone for gender equality, C) empowered women politically, D) gave women the vote,
Answer: A) extended voting rights.
Explanation: “This landmark amendment” is the subject being modified by the phrase, so the action should relate directly to the amendment. Choices B, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 23: In 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States entering World War II. Following the attack, ________ which marked a turning point in the conflict.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) American military efforts intensified, B) the U.S. joined the Allied forces, C) military strategies changed, D) the war shifted dramatically,
Answer: B) the U.S. joined the Allied forces.
Explanation: “Following the attack” modifies “the U.S.,” so “the U.S.” should be the subject performing the action. Choices A, C, and D are too vague or introduce different subjects.
Question 24: In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation, ________ advancing the cause of civil rights in America.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) represented a significant achievement, B) was a critical step forward, C) marked progress in the movement, D) had a profound impact,
Answer: A) represented a significant achievement.
Explanation: “This legislation” is the subject being modified by the phrase, so the action should relate directly to the legislation. Choices B, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 25: In 1861, the American Civil War began with the attack on Fort Sumter. As the war progressed, ________ leading to significant social and economic changes.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) the conflict intensified, B) battles spread across the country, C) both sides faced hardships, D) the nation was divided,
Answer: A) the conflict intensified.
Explanation: “As the war progressed” modifies “the conflict,” so “the conflict” should be the result. Choices B, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 26: In 1823, President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine, declaring that the Americas were off-limits to European colonization. This doctrine, ________ which shaped U.S. foreign policy for decades.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) established a key principle, B) had lasting implications, C) influenced international relations, D) marked a shift in policy,
Answer: A) established a key principle.
Explanation: “This doctrine” is the subject being modified by the phrase, so the action should relate directly to the doctrine. Choices B, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 27: In 1939, World War II began with the invasion of Poland by Germany. As the war unfolded, ________ leading to a global conflict that would last until 1945.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) military engagements spread, B) alliances were formed, C) tensions escalated worldwide, D) the Axis and Allies fought,
Answer: C) tensions escalated worldwide.
Explanation: “As the war unfolded” modifies “tensions,” so “tensions” should be the result. Choices A, B, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 28: In 1947, the Marshall Plan was implemented to aid in the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. Through this plan, ________ which contributed to the economic recovery of Western Europe.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) substantial aid was provided, B) recovery was facilitated, C) European economies were revitalized, D) the U.S. extended financial assistance,
Answer: A) substantial aid was provided.
Explanation: “Through this plan” modifies “substantial aid,” so “substantial aid” should be the result. Choices B, C, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 29: In 1903, the Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk. This historic flight, ________ revolutionizing the field of aviation.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) marked a new era, B) demonstrated their innovation, C) was a breakthrough achievement, D) changed the world,
Answer: C) was a breakthrough achievement.
Explanation: “This historic flight” is the subject being modified by the phrase, so the action should relate directly to the flight. Choices A, B, and D introduce different subjects or are too vague.
Question 30: In 1781, the British Army surrendered at Yorktown, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. Following this pivotal event, ________ which secured American independence from Britain.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) peace negotiations began, B) the Treaty of Paris was signed, C) the new nation emerged, D) independence was achieved,
Answer: D) independence was achieved.
Explanation: “Following this pivotal event” modifies “independence,” so “independence” should be the result. Choices A, B, and C introduce different subjects or are too vague.
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