English Proficiency 3Part 2

Structure

Question 1

Engraving is a process [which] the surface of metal is [first covered] with [an acid] and then inscribed with some sharp [instrument].

A. aB. bC. c d. d

Correction: in which Explanation: We need a preposition here.

Remember this tip: In an adjective clause, if we have a complete sentence after which or whom, then we probably need a preposition.

Here's another way to understand this question:

The noun that is modified by the adjective clause is process. The word process is part of the adjective clause. If we change the adjective clause to a sentence, we would have this sentence:

The surface of metal is first covered with an acid and then inscribed with some sharp instrument in this process.

You can see from this sentence that we must use a preposition.

Question 2

For many [years ago], [much of] what was possible to know was derived [from] inspiration or divination and did not involve the rational process of reasoning in [wide use] today.

A. aB. bC. c d. d

Correction: years Explanation: ago is an

adverb. For many years is an adverb phrase. We must choose one of these; we cannot use both of them together. In other words, we could say:

For many years,... or Many years ago,... but not both.

Question 3

Ayn Rand, ______ novels deal with the nature of capitalism in a democracy, is often taught in introductory courses in economics.

a) of many whose

b) whose many of

c) whose of many

d) many of whose

Explanation: The pattern we need to use is this:

quantifier + of + subordinating conjunction

If we make a sentence from the adjective clause, we would have this sentence:

Many of Ayn Rand's novels deal with the nature of capitalism in a democracy.

Question 4

The formation of a rainbow [occurs] a process in which light is diffused at [varying] rates by the surrounding atmosphere, [resulting in] the reflection of different [wavelengths] of light.

A. aB. bC. c d. d

(A) Correction: occurs in Explanation: occur is an

intransitive verb and can never have a noun as its object.

Question 5

[Though] difficult, it [possible] for an adult learner of a new language [to master] the subtleties of the grammar and syntax of [the new] language.

A. a

B. b

C. c

d. d

(b) Correction: it is possible

Explanation: We have no main verb in this sentence. Every sentence in English must have a main verb.

Question 6

When a bird molts, ______ loses its feathers, it is actually preparing itself for the regeneration of the lost feathers. a) so its b) as if c) as when it d) so that

Correction: as when itExplanation: In this

sentence, as is a preposition. All prepositions need an object. In this case, when it loses its feathers is a noun clause and can be the object of the preposition as.

Question 7

The scientific method is a system [which] a problem or challenge [is] identified and possible solutions are created and tested, [with] the final results evaluated to determine the best approach to the [resulting] theory.

A. aB. bC. c d. d

Correction: in which Explanation:  We need a preposition here. Remember

this tip: In an adjective clause, if we have a complete sentence after which or whom, then we probably need a preposition.

Here's another way to understand this question:

The noun that is modified by the adjective clause is system. The word system is part of the adjective clause. If we change the adjective clause to a sentence, we would have this sentence:

A problem or challenge is identified and possible solutions are created and tested in this system.

You can see from this sentence that we must use a preposition.

Question 8

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. is [home to] the largest [collecting] of Native American artifacts in the United States, most [of which] remain [uncatalogued] and hidden from public view.

A. aB. bC. c d. d

Correction: collection (b) Explanation: The noun

collection refers to a group of things; the noun collecting refers the action of collecting.

Question 9

• Many modern critics of American literature have called Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, ______ .

a) as America's greatest writer

b) was America's greatest writer

c) America's greatest writer

d) to have been America's greatest writer

• (c) Explanation: call is a transitive verb and can have one object and one complement, usually a noun, but sometimes an adjective. In this case, Mark Twain is the object and America's greatest writer, a noun, is the complement.

Question 10

In the modern [era], face-to-face communication is becoming [near] [as uncommon as] [hand-written] letters.

A. a

B. b

C. c

d. d

(b) Correction: nearly

Explanation: near is a preposition; nearly is an adverb. We need an adverb here to modify the comparison as uncommon as.