Sentence Improvement — Set 3
Questions 21–30 of 120
Identify the correct infinitive usage:
Correct Answer: B. I would like you to help me with this project.
After 'would like', use the structure 'object + infinitive' directly without 'for'. The correct sentence is 'I would like you to help me with this project.' The word 'for' is unnecessary and creates awkward phrasing.
Choose the correct use of articles:
Correct Answer: B. He is an honest man who helps the poor.
Use 'an' before words beginning with a vowel sound (honest), and 'the poor' is used as a collective noun. The correct sentence is 'He is an honest man who helps the poor.' 'Poor' as an adjective describing a group needs no additional article.
Choose the word that best completes the sentence:
Correct Answer: B. controversial
The context suggests a decision that was unexpected or disputed. 'Controversial' means causing disagreement or argument, which fits the meaning that the decision surprised everyone. 'Significant' means important but not necessarily unexpected; 'definitive' means final but not necessarily surprising; 'substantial' means considerable in size or importance.
Select the most appropriate word:
Correct Answer: B. substantial
'Substantial' means considerable in amount or importance, which pairs logically with 'convincing'. If evidence is convincing, it is typically substantial or significant. 'Meager' means scarce; 'fragmented' means scattered; 'obscure' means unclear—none fit the positive sense needed here.
Choose the better word choice:
Correct Answer: B. eliminate
'Eliminate' is the most professional and appropriate term in a business context. It means to remove or get rid of something efficiently. 'Eradicate' suggests complete removal of something widespread; 'annihilate' and 'destroy' are too extreme and harsh for closing a business department.
Which word best fits the context:
Correct Answer: A. displeased
'Displeased' means dissatisfied or unhappy, which matches the negative context of poor performance. 'Indifferent' means not caring; 'satisfied' is the opposite of what's implied; 'amused' is inappropriate. The teacher's disappointment is clearly conveyed by 'displeased'.
Select the most suitable word:
Correct Answer: C. radiant
'Radiant' means shining or glowing brightly, which fits perfectly with the positive suggestion of good news. A smile that suggests happiness and good news would be radiant. 'Cryptic' and 'enigmatic' mean mysterious; 'subtle' means not obvious, which doesn't convey the clear joy implied.
Choose the word that best enhances the sentence:
Correct Answer: B. caustic
'Caustic' means harsh, biting, or sarcastic—perfectly describing remarks that would offend people. 'Benign' means harmless; 'innocuous' means not harmful; 'cordial' means warm and friendly—none of these would logically offend an audience. 'Caustic' is the only word that fits the context of offensive remarks.
Which word best completes the meaning:
Correct Answer: C. precipitous
'Precipitous' means steep or sudden, suggesting a dramatic rise that would alarm experts. 'Gradual' implies slow change; 'negligible' means insignificant; 'marginal' means minor. Only 'precipitous' conveys the severity that would alarm environmental experts.
The professor's lecture was so _____ that many students fell asleep midway.
Correct Answer: A. tedious
'Tedious' meaning boring and long is the correct choice. Students falling asleep indicates the lecture was dull and uninteresting. 'Coherent' means logical and clear (positive), 'vibrant' means lively and energetic (positive), and 'contradictory' means inconsistent — none of these would cause students to fall asleep.