On the SHSAT Revising/Editing — Stand-Alone section, Adjectives, adverbs, and modifiers covers form and placement of describing words.
A student must distinguish an adjective from an adverb, attach a modifier to the intended word, and catch dangling or misplaced phrases. Items usually ask which numbered sentence should be revised, which edit corrects a given sentence, or which revision fixes sentence structure in a short paragraph.
Choices are rival edits or full sentences, and a frequent trap is an informal wording that still uses the wrong form or points the modifier at the wrong noun.
Sample questions
Pick an answer to see whether it is right — nothing is saved, and nothing needs an account.
Question 1Mid
Which sentence contains an error in its construction and should be revised?
(1) The science fair committee posted the judging rubric on the classroom door. (2) Students who practice their demos in advance usually answer judges’ questions more calmly. (3) Hoping to invite finalists to the evening showcase after school, invitations were sent by the club. (4) Several teachers volunteered to help set up tables in the gym.
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Answer: C — sentence 3
In “sentence 3,” the opening phrase “Hoping to invite finalists” illogically modifies “invitations,” which cannot hope; the phrase should modify the club. The choices “sentence 1,” “sentence 2,” and “sentence 4” identify sentences with correctly placed modifiers and therefore do not fix the paragraph’s single error.
Question 2Easier
Which edit should be made to correct the sentence?
The stage crew moved the propsquick so the next cast could rehearse without delay.
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Answer: D — Change quick to quickly.
The adverb “quickly” is needed to modify the verb “moved,” so “Change quick to quickly.” corrects the error. “Change moved to moves.” changes a correct past-tense verb and leaves the adjective “quick” uncorrected. “Insert a comma after props.” unnecessarily separates the object from the modifier “quick.” “Change cast to casts.” changes how many groups rehearse but leaves the adjective “quick” in place.
Question 3Mid
Which sentence contains an error in its construction and should be revised?
(1) After reviewing Saturday’s inventory report, several empty shelves worried the food pantry’s director. (2) Working at the pantry gives teens who care about community service a chance to learn logistics. (3) Helpers also practice professional habits such as arriving on time and following safety rules. (4) Greeting families politely can help volunteers build confidence during each busy shift.
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Answer: A — sentence 1
The opening modifier illogically describes the shelves as reviewing the report; it should modify the director. Sentences 2, 3, and 4 use modifiers correctly and contain no construction error.
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