English Proficiency 3 Part 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. a B. b C. 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. a B. b C. 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: quantifierquantifier + of + subordinating conjunction 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. a B. b C. 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 it Explanation: 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. a B. b C. 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. a B. b C. 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. preposition