Exercise 51: Sentences – Introductory Verbal Modifiers

BARON TOEFL PRACTICE EXERCISES

Exercise 51: Sentences – Introductory Verbal Modifiers

In some sentences in the Structure Section of the Paper-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to identify errors in introductory verbal modifiers and the subjects that they modify. Introductory verbal modifiers are -ing forms, participles, and infinitives. A phrase with an introductory verbal modifier occurs at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a comma. The subject modified by an introductory verbal modifier must follow the comma. If the correct subject does not follow the comma, then the meaning of the sentence is changed. Often the changed meaning is not logical. Choose the correct answer in the incomplete sentences. Choose the incorrect word or phrase in the underlined choices.

1	After finishing (A) Roots, the one-hundred-year (B) history of an African-American family, the Nobel Prize committee awarded (C) author Alex Haley a special citation for (D) literary excellence.	11	One of the world's greatest rivers, __. A.        one third of North America is linked by the water of the Mississippi B.        the Mississippi links one third of North America by water C.        North America is linked by the Mississippi in one third of the water D.        the water is linked in North America by one third of the Mississippi
2	A competitive sport, (A) gymnasts perform before officials who (B) must use their judgment along with (C) their knowledge of the rules to determine (D) the relative skill of each participant.	12	After reviewing the curriculum (A), several (B) significant changes were (C) made by the faculty in (D) traditional business programs at Harvard University.
3	To remove stains from (A) permanent press clothing, carefully soaking (B) in cold water before washing (C) with a (D) regular detergent.	13	Having hit (A) more home runs in one season than (B) any other player (C) in the history of baseball, Mark McGwire's record (D) is famous.
4	An abstract painter and pioneer of Surrealism, ________ and symbolic images. A.       Miro's works are characterized by bright colors B.       the works of Miro are characterized by bright colors C.       Miro is famous for works characterized by bright colors D.       bright colors characterize the works of Miro	14	Banned in the U.S.(A), the effect of fluorocarbons continues (B) at a level that could eventually (C) damage the ozone layer, and bring about such (D) serious results as high risk of skin cancer and global climate changes.
5	Found in Tanzania by Mary Leakey, (A) some archeologists estimated that the three-million-year-old (B) fossils were the oldest (C) human remains to be discovered (D).	15	While trying to build a tunnel through the Blue Ridge Mountains, ___. A.        coal was discovered by workmen at the construction site B.        workmen discovered coal at the construction site C.        the construction site was where coal was discovered by workmen D.        it was the construction site where workmen discovered coal
6	Originally (A) having been (B) buried in Spain (C), and later moved to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Columbus's final resting place is (D) in Andalucía, Spain.	16	To avoid jet lag (A) , many doctors recommend that their patients begin (B) adjusting one week before departure time by shifting (C) one hour each day toward the new time schedule (D).
7	The largest hotel on Earth, __. A.       the MGM Grand has 91 elevators and 5005 rooms B.       there are 91 elevators and 5005 rooms in the MGM Grand C.       91 elevators and 5005 rooms are in the MGM Grand D.       it is the MGM Grand that has 91 elevators and 5005 rooms	17	Traditionally (A) named for women (B), Bob was chosen (C) as the first (D) male name for a hurricane.
8	Written by (A) Neil Simon, New York audiences received the new play (B) enthusiastically (C) at the world premiere Saturday evening (D).	18	Published by Penguin Press almost eighty years ago, __ offered to the public. A.       Ernest Hemingway wrote A Farewell to Arms as the first paperback book B.       A Farewell to Arms was the first paperback book by Ernest Hemingway that it was C.       Ernest Hemingway's book A Farewell to Arms was the first paperback book D.       it was A Farewell to Arms that was the first paperback by Ernest Hemingway
9	To prevent cavities, dental floss should be used (A) daily (B) after brushing (C) one's (D) teeth.	19	Born in 1892, while he wrote the poems and plays that made him famous. A.        the Library of Congress is where Archibald MacLeish worked as a librarian B.        Archibald MacLeish worked as a librarian at the Library of Congress C.        a librarian at the Library of Congress, Archibald MacLeish worked D.        at the Library of Congress, Archibald MacLeish worked as a librarian
10	While researching the problem of violent crime, the Senate committee's discovery (A) that handguns were used (B) to commit (C) 64 percent of all murders (D) in the United States.	20	Founded in 1919 (A), students and teachers who (B) are interested in spending several months abroad may benefit (C) from educational programs administered by (D) the Institute for International Education

ANSWER KEY

1	A	11	B
2	A	12	A
3	B	13	D
4	C	14	A
5	A	15	B
6	D	16	A
7	A	17	B
8	B	18	C
9	A	19	B
10	A	20	A

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EXPLANATION