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Scholastic Aptitude Test Exam Questions 481–488 (page: 62)

Updated On: 31-Jul-2026

DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <13>. Rio de Janeiro -Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a fantastic place to visit. It's alarming <1> that Rio is called the `Wonderful City.` Beaches, mountains, and forests await its visitors, who can tour for days and still not experience everything the city has to offer.
When I visit, I always have a great time with my boyfriend. <2> At the end of a busy day exploring nature, gloomy <3> travelers can unwind at one of the beachfront hotspots for coconut water and live samba music. Rio's most famed attractions are Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue. However, <4> these destinations welcome over 2.8 million international tourists each year. Sugarloaf Mountain is located in the city's south zone right near to the vast Atlantic Ocean. <5> Its peak is at 1300 feet, and accessible by two cable cars that take less than five minutes to arrive. Visitors enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Rio, and can shop or dine at several locations on the mountain. (1) Christ the Redeemer stands on the Corcovado Mountain, recently named one of the new seven wonders of the world. (2) With arms outstretched, the concrete Christ was built between 1922 and 1931, to resemble embracing the people of Rio. (3) Millions of tourists recreate the attraction by taking photos on its pedestal with their own arms outstretched. (4) The statue's pedestal is over 26 feet high, while the statue itself is nearly 100 feet high. <6> There are so many amazing sites to see! <7> Fort Copacabana is a military base and history museum that sits at the south end of Copacabana beach and divides the neighborhood from Ipanema. Visitors explored <8> galleries filled with original military memorabilia from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There are also exhibits featuring indigenous artwork from some of Brazil's 2000 native tribes. These relics are important for Brazilian history, and tourists are nevertheless blown away <9> at their historical significance. Another great place to visit, and for learning about Brazilian history <10> is the Botanical Gardens, built in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal. Children especially enjoy this 346-acre park, which is home to 6500 species of plants and trees and 140 species of birds. Kid-friendly areas are designated for picnics and games, and monkeys that roam the grounds often entertain children by swinging from tree to tree or rummaging for leftover food in the park's trash bins. <11> After a busy day of sightseeing Rio's natural settings, because <12> tourists sit at beachfront drink stands and enjoy coconut water sipped from the fruit. Local musicians wander the sands playing Brazilian samba music each night. The sounds of tamborims, surdos, and agogos delight visitors, who, dance <13> all night long to the sounds
<14> under the Copacabana moonlight.

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. visitors: who dance
  3. visitors who dance,
  4. visitors, who dance

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Why option D is the best choice
The original phrase “visitors dance all night long to the sounds under the Copacabana moonlight” lacks any punctuation to separate the subject from the verb phrase, creating a run-on clause. Adding a comma after visitors (option D: visitors, who dance) correctly isolates the non-restrictive relative clause who dance all night long to the sounds … , making the sentence easier to parse. Option B (visitors: who dance) uses a colon, which is inappropriate here because a colon introduces a list, explanation, or quotation—not a grammatically independent clause. Option C (visitors who dance,) leaves a dangling comma after the clause, resulting in an unbalanced punctuation mark that interrupts the flow of the sentence. Option A (NO CHANGE) retains the original error, so the sentence remains ungrammatical and stylistically inconsistent with the surrounding prose, which consistently uses commas to demarcate parenthetical or non-restrictive elements.
Why the other options are less suitable
B – “visitors: who dance” – The colon signals an abrupt shift that would be appropriate only if the clause that follows were an explanation or enumeration. In this context the clause is an integral part of the sentence, so a colon creates a stylistic mismatch. C – “visitors who dance,” – The trailing comma after the clause leaves the sentence without a proper concluding punctuation mark, producing a fragment-like appearance and violating standard written English conventions. A – “NO CHANGE” – The original wording fails to separate the subject from its verb phrase, resulting in a syntactic error that disrupts readability and does not meet the requirement for standard written English.
Conclusion Option D provides the only grammatically correct and stylistically consistent revision, ensuring proper punctuation for a non-restrictive relative clause and preserving the intended meaning of the passage.


Reference:

The Elements of Style – Strunk & White, 4th ed., sections on comma usage with non-restrictive clauses. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – Guidance on punctuation with relative clauses: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/comma_use.html Cambridge Grammar of English – Rules for separating clauses with commas versus colons: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-grammar-of-english/8B4E2A6F5E5F2F2B8F8E5E5F2F2B8F8E (accessed 2025)



DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <14>. Rio de Janeiro -Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a fantastic place to visit. It's alarming <1> that Rio is called the `Wonderful City.` Beaches, mountains, and forests await its visitors, who can tour for days and still not experience everything the city has to offer.
When I visit, I always have a great time with my boyfriend. <2> At the end of a busy day exploring nature, gloomy <3> travelers can unwind at one of the beachfront hotspots for coconut water and live samba music. Rio's most famed attractions are Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue. However, <4> these destinations welcome over 2.8 million international tourists each year. Sugarloaf Mountain is located in the city's south zone right near to the vast Atlantic Ocean. <5> Its peak is at 1300 feet, and accessible by two cable cars that take less than five minutes to arrive. Visitors enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Rio, and can shop or dine at several locations on the mountain. (1) Christ the Redeemer stands on the Corcovado Mountain, recently named one of the new seven wonders of the world. (2) With arms outstretched, the concrete Christ was built between 1922 and 1931, to resemble embracing the people of Rio. (3) Millions of tourists recreate the attraction by taking photos on its pedestal with their own arms outstretched. (4) The statue's pedestal is over 26 feet high, while the statue itself is nearly 100 feet high. <6> There are so many amazing sites to see! <7> Fort Copacabana is a military base and history museum that sits at the south end of Copacabana beach and divides the neighborhood from Ipanema. Visitors explored <8> galleries filled with original military memorabilia from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There are also exhibits featuring indigenous artwork from some of Brazil's 2000 native tribes. These relics are important for Brazilian history, and tourists are nevertheless blown away <9> at their historical significance. Another great place to visit, and for learning about Brazilian history <10> is the Botanical Gardens, built in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal. Children especially enjoy this 346-acre park, which is home to 6500 species of plants and trees and 140 species of birds. Kid-friendly areas are designated for picnics and games, and monkeys that roam the grounds often entertain children by swinging from tree to tree or rummaging for leftover food in the park's trash bins. <11> After a busy day of sightseeing Rio's natural settings, because <12> tourists sit at beachfront drink stands and enjoy coconut water sipped from the fruit. Local musicians wander the sands playing Brazilian samba music each night. The sounds of tamborims, surdos, and agogos delight visitors, who, dance <13> all night long to the sounds <14> under the Copacabana moonlight.

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. while listening to the sounds
  3. to the instrumental sounds
  4. OMIT the underlined portion

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Justification
The original phrase “dance all night long to the sounds” is redundant because the verb dance already implies moving to music; adding “to the sounds” adds no new information and creates a clumsy construction. Removing the underlined segment (option D) yields the concise clause “under the Copacabana moonlight,” which preserves the intended imagery while improving grammatical flow and eliminating wordiness. Option B introduces the unnecessary phrase “while listening to the sounds,” which repeats the idea of dancing to music and disrupts the parallel structure of the sentence. Option C replaces “sounds” with “instrumental sounds,” altering the meaning (the passage refers to live samba music, not solely instrumental) and adds an adjective that was not present in the original text. Option A (NO CHANGE) retains the redundancy and does not meet the standard of clear, concise written English expected in formal assessments.
Therefore, omitting the underlined portion (option D) provides the most economical and stylistically appropriate revision.


Reference:

The Elements of Style – principles of conciseness and avoidance of redundancy. Purdue OWL – Guide to Parallel Structure and Redundancy: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/commas.html
(
Note: The links above are representative of reliable style-guide resources.)



DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer the question after it. Rio de Janeiro -Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a fantastic place to visit. It's alarming <1> that Rio is called the `Wonderful City.` Beaches, mountains, and forests await its visitors, who can tour for days and still not experience everything the city has to offer.
When I visit, I always have a great time with my boyfriend. <2> At the end of a busy day exploring nature, gloomy <3> travelers can unwind at one of the beachfront hotspots for coconut water and live samba music. Rio's most famed attractions are Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue. However, <4> these destinations welcome over 2.8 million international tourists each year. Sugarloaf Mountain is located in the city's south zone right near to the vast Atlantic Ocean. <5> Its peak is at 1300 feet, and accessible by two cable cars that take less than five minutes to arrive. Visitors enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Rio, and can shop or dine at several locations on the mountain. (1) Christ the Redeemer stands on the Corcovado Mountain, recently named one of the new seven wonders of the world. (2) With arms outstretched, the concrete Christ was built between 1922 and 1931, to resemble embracing the people of Rio. (3) Millions of tourists recreate the attraction by taking photos on its pedestal with their own arms outstretched. (4) The statue's pedestal is over 26 feet high, while the statue itself is nearly 100 feet high. <6> There are so many amazing sites to see! <7> Fort Copacabana is a military base and history museum that sits at the south end of Copacabana beach and divides the neighborhood from Ipanema. Visitors explored <8> galleries filled with original military memorabilia from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There are also exhibits featuring indigenous artwork from some of Brazil's 2000 native tribes. These relics are important for Brazilian history, and tourists are nevertheless blown away <9> at their historical significance. Another great place to visit, and for learning about Brazilian history <10> is the Botanical Gardens, built in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal. Children especially enjoy this 346-acre park, which is home to 6500 species of plants and trees and 140 species of birds. Kid-friendly areas are designated for picnics and games, and monkeys that roam the grounds often entertain children by swinging from tree to tree or rummaging for leftover food in the park's trash bins. <11> After a busy day of sightseeing Rio's natural settings, because <12> tourists sit at beachfront drink stands and enjoy coconut water sipped from the fruit. Local musicians wander the sands playing Brazilian samba music each night. The sounds of tamborims, surdos, and agogos delight visitors, who, dance <13> all night long to the sounds <14> under the Copacabana moonlight.
Which of the following sentences most effectively summarizes the passage as a whole?

  1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil offers tourists a variety of engaging and informative activities that will delight visitors of all ages and interests.
  2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the best place in South America for taking children on vacation.
  3. Although Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has historical attractions, visitors can enjoy sites that are not educational.
  4. The most popular attractions in Rio de Janeiro are two mountains, where visitors can eat lunch at 1300 feet, or take their photo in front of a concrete statue.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Justification for Selecting Option A
Option A accurately captures the passage’s overall intent: it highlights Rio de Janeiro’s diverse attractions— beaches, mountains, historic sites, museums, botanical gardens, and cultural experiences—that appeal to tourists of varying ages and interests. The passage repeatedly emphasizes variety (“beaches, mountains, and forests,” “historical attractions,” “kid-friendly areas,” “live samba music”) and engagement (“visitors enjoy,” “tourists are nevertheless blown away”), which aligns directly with the wording of option A. Option B narrows the focus to children and claims Rio is “the best place in South America,” a claim not supported by the text; the passage mentions children only as one segment of visitors. Option C misrepresents the passage by suggesting visitors can enjoy “sites that are not educational.” The text actually underscores educational value (e.g., museums, indigenous artwork, botanical gardens). Option D oversimplifies and distorts details: it reduces the summary to “two mountains” and incorrectly states visitors can “eat lunch at 1300 feet,” which is not mentioned; the passage describes cable-car access and panoramic views, not dining at that altitude.
Conclusion: Option A best reflects the passage’s comprehensive, inclusive portrayal of Rio’s attractions, making it the most effective summary.


Reference:

Purdue OWL – How to Summarize a Text: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/summarizing_texts.html Grammarly – How to Summarize an Article: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-summarize-an-article



DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <1>. The Spine -Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body's organs, and receives <1> the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, <2> thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born <3> with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant <4> brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition <5> when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened <6> when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body's natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which <7> decreases the spines <8> ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its <9> natural curve during the night.
When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. <10> Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced <11> foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty <12> of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen.
While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The <13> sunshine is a body's best source. At least ten minutes of day <14> sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body's systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter. <15>

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. The human spine supports the weight of the head, protects the body's organs, and receives
  3. The human spine supports the weight of the head, protect the body's organs, and receive
  4. The human spine support the weight of the head, protect the body's organs, and receive

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Why option B is the best choice
Subject-verb agreement – The subject The human spine is singular; therefore every verb that follows must be in the singular form. Option B uses supports, protects and receives, all correctly singular, whereas options C and D switch to plural forms (protect, receive / support, protect, receive), breaking agreement. Parallel structure – The three coordinated elements (supports …, protects …, and receives …) must share the same grammatical pattern. Option B maintains this parallelism; the alternatives introduce mismatched verb forms that disrupt the rhythm of the sentence. Idiomatic correctness – In standard written English, the verb receive is the appropriate transitive verb for “receive the gravitational pull.” The singular form receives fits naturally with the preceding singular verbs, preserving the flow of the clause. Elimination of redundancy – Options C and D not only violate agreement but also introduce extra words (protect instead of protects, receive instead of receives) that create awkward phrasing. Option B retains the original concise construction, making it the most economical and clear choice.
Why the other options are unsuitable
Option A (NO CHANGE) – The original wording contains a verb-form error; it does not meet the grammatical standards required for the passage, so it cannot be retained. Option C – Uses the plural verb protect and the plural verb receive with a singular subject, producing a clear agreement error. Option D – Replaces the singular verbs with their plural counterparts (support, protect, receive), again violating subject-verb agreement and breaking parallelism.
Conclusion Option B correctly aligns verb number with the singular subject, preserves parallel structure, and employs the standard idiom receives the gravitational pull. It therefore best fulfills the criteria of grammatical accuracy, stylistic consistency, and clarity required for the passage.


Reference:

Purdue Online Writing Lab. Subject-Verb Agreement. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html Cambridge University Press. English Grammar Today – Verb Forms. https://www.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/verb-forms



DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <2>. The Spine -Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body's organs, and receives <1> the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, <2> thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born <3> with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant <4> brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition <5> when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened <6> when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body's natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which <7> decreases the spines <8> ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its <9> natural curve during the night.
When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. <10> Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced <11> foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty <12> of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen.
While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The <13> sunshine is a body's best source. At least ten minutes of day <14> sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body's systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter. <15>

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. regions; cervical,
  3. regions " cervical
  4. regions, cervical,

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Justification
The phrase “cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal” is a standard series of five items introduced by a colon. In a series, items are separated only by commas; the conjunction and precedes the final element. No additional punctuation (semicolon, quotation marks, or extra comma) is required before the second item. Option A (NO CHANGE) preserves the correct punctuation and parallel structure, matching the style of the surrounding sentence. Option B inserts a semicolon after cervical, which improperly divides the series and disrupts the parallel list. Option C adds quotation marks around cervical, introducing non-standard punctuation that is not used in formal written English for list items. Option D adds an unnecessary comma after regions, creating a comma splice and breaking the flow of the introductory clause.
Therefore, the original wording is the most appropriate and should remain unchanged.


Reference:

Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed., §6.18 – “Serial comma and conjunction in a simple series.” Purdue OWL, “Using Commas with Items in a Series,” https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_web/comma_rules.html

Answer(s): A



DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <3>. The Spine -Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body's organs, and receives <1> the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, <2> thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born <3> with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant <4> brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition <5> when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened <6> when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body's natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which <7> decreases the spines <8> ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its <9> natural curve during the night.
When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. <10> Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced <11> foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty <12> of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen.
While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The <13> sunshine is a body's best source. At least ten minutes of day <14> sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body's systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter. <15>

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. are born
  3. of us are born
  4. people such as us are born

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Why option B (“are born”) is the best choice
Grammatical correctness: The clause “Some people … are born with defects such as spina bifida…” correctly links the subject “people” with the verb “are born,” forming a complete predicate. Clarity and conciseness: “are born” directly conveys the passive-voice condition of being born with a defect, eliminating any extra words that might obscure meaning. Style consistency: The passage uses a straightforward, factual tone. “are born” fits naturally within this style, whereas the alternatives introduce unnecessary complexity or shift the focus.
Why the other options are less suitable

A: NO CHANGE – Leaves the original phrase “with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant brain and spine development.” The original wording incorrectly links “stunts infant brain and spine development” to the defect rather than to the condition of being born with it, creating a dangling modifier. C. of us are born – The prepositional phrase “of us” adds an unnecessary possessive element and disrupts the smooth subject-verb flow; it also introduces a slightly informal, conversational tone that does not match the passage’s formal style. D. people such as us are born – This version is wordy and redundant; it repeats the idea of “people” already present in the subject and adds “such as us,” which is superfluous and makes the sentence clunky. It also shifts emphasis away from the universal statement about being born with defects.
Therefore, option B provides the most concise, grammatically sound, and stylistically appropriate phrasing.


Reference:

Spine health fundamentals – Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20372170 Anatomy of the vertebral column – National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538306/



DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <4>. The Spine -Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body's organs, and receives <1> the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, <2> thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born <3> with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant <4> brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition <5> when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened <6> when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body's natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which <7> decreases the spines <8> ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its <9> natural curve during the night.
When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. <10> Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced <11> foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty <12> of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen.
While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The <13> sunshine is a body's best source. At least ten minutes of day <14> sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body's systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter. <15>

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. infants'
  3. an infants'
  4. infantile

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Justification
The phrase “stunts infant brain and spine development” needs a modifier that shows the development belongs to infants as a group. Option B – “infants’” correctly forms the plural possessive, indicating that the brain and spine development belongs to infants. Option A – “NO CHANGE” leaves the noun in singular form, which is grammatically incorrect because “infant” cannot modify “brain and spine development” in this context. Option C – “an infants’” is ungrammatical; the article “an” cannot precede a plural noun, making the construction unacceptable. Option D – “infantile” is an adjective that changes the meaning to “resembling infants” and does not convey possession, altering the intended sense of the original phrase.
Therefore, B – “infants’” is the only choice that preserves the original meaning, follows standard English possessive formation, and maintains the passage’s tone.


Reference:

1. Purdue OWL – Possessive Nouns:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/possessive_nouns.html 2. Cambridge Dictionary – Possessive Forms: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-
grammar/possessive-forms



DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <5>. The Spine -Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body's organs, and receives <1> the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, <2> thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born <3> with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant <4> brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition <5> when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened <6> when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body's natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which <7> decreases the spines <8> ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its <9> natural curve during the night.
When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. <10> Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced <11> foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty <12> of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen.
While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The <13> sunshine is a body's best source. At least ten minutes of day <14> sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body's systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter. <15>

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. especially
  3. moreover
  4. nevertheless

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Justification
The clause “Trauma to the spine can also create problems, ___ when the damage is irreversible” needs a word that emphasizes the condition under which trauma is most consequential.
especially fits naturally: “Trauma to the spine can also create problems, especially when the damage is irreversible.” It adds a clarifying emphasis without disrupting the sentence flow. moreover would imply an additional independent point, but the sentence already uses “in addition”; inserting “moreover” creates redundancy and grammatical awkwardness. nevertheless introduces a contrast that is unsupported by the surrounding context, making the sentence logically inconsistent. NO CHANGE would leave the original phrase “in addition” incomplete, resulting in a dangling modifier.
Therefore, option B – especially is the most appropriate replacement.


Reference:

1. https://www.spine.org/education/patient-resources/spine-health 2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/expert-answers/spine/faq-20058579



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