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The Grammar Exam

You will have 50 minutes to complete 40 multiple choice grammar questions. The key to preparing for and succeeding on the grammar exam rests on knowing the core concepts covered, being attentive to detail while reading the exam questions, and becoming comfortable with the testing format. When taking a multiple choice exam, you need to learn how to use the process of elimination effectively and systematically. The test covers the following concepts.

Conceptual and Organizational skills (10 Questions)

Identifies topic sentence or thesis

Recognizes adequate support provided by generalized or specific evidence

Arranges idea and supporting details in a logical pattern

Recognizes effective transitional devices within the context of a passage

Word Choice Skills(4 Questions)

Chooses appropriate word or expression in context

Recognizes commonly confused or misused words or phrases

Sentence Structure Skills (10 Questions)

Places modifiers correctly
Uses coordination and subordination effectively
Recognizes parallel structures
Avoids fragments, comma splices, and run-ons

Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, and Punctuation Skills (16 Questions)

Uses standard verb forms

Avoids inappropriate shifts in verb tense

Maintains agreement between subject and verb

Maintains agreement between pronoun and antecedent

Avoids inappropriate pronoun shifts

Maintains clear pronoun reference

Uses proper case forms

Uses adjectives and adverbs correctly

Uses appropriate degree forms

Uses standard spelling

Uses standard punctuation

Uses standard capitalization

These items are covered in the course material. In addition, you may gain extra practice by visiting the resources page where you will find additional tips, exercises, and web resources. Click here to go to the resources page.

Last Modified: 6/23/2008