The University of Rhode Island
Department of Journalism
JOR 220 Exam Practice Exercises

Print Practice Exercises, complete, then check Answers.

I. Number -- Identify whether the following are singular, plural or can be both.

II. Parts of Speech -- Identify the part of speech of each word: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, conjunction, pronoun, preposition or interjection.

III. Possessives vs. Plurals -- Correct the following sentences for errors with plurals and possessives:

Its not it's fault.

Who's book is this?

Is this your's?

That car is there's.

Everybodys' here now.

Whose been knocking on my door?

Your in my way.

Its a great day to have you're birthday!

Theyre one great couple!

Boy, your one great friend, Sue.

IV. Subject-Verb Agreement -- Correct the following sentences for subject-verb agreement.

The panel are Kelly, Joan and Barbara.

The committee are agreed.

The media is wrong about O.J. Simpson.

Measles are seldom a fatal illness.

Each are going by train.

The jury look like it's been a long day.

Mashed potato and gravy are a favorite dish of mine.

The number of people going on the trip are small.

All of the buildings was destroyed by the tornado.

Both Susan and Joe is qualified for the job.

The audience want the show to begin.

Neither have decided whether to go to the party.

Politics are confusing sometimes.

V. Passive voice -- Rewrite the following sentences so they are in active voice.

The story was written by our star reporter.

Was this story edited?

Too many papers were assigned by the teacher at once.

The mayor was arrested by police and charged with theft.

His birthday was celebrated at the Capital Grille.

The exam was handed out by the professor at noon.

The child was not hurt by the fall from the tree.

The medicine was proved by researchers to be safe.

The girl was attacked in her yard by the dogs.

VI. More subject-verb agreement -- Choose the correct verb in the following sentences.

None of us were/was invited.

He, as well as they, know/knows.

Lisa is one of the women who was/were nominated.

There isn't/aren't enough data.

One to three inches of snow is/are possible.

Here is/are a few of the books you need for the paper.

Peas and carrots is/are not my favorite vegetable dish.

A number of researchers was/were shocked by the results.

VII. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement -- Rewrite the following sentences for correct pronoun-antecedent agreement and for clear pronoun reference.

A student should check their entrance exam before turning it in.

The School Committee said they would consider the issue tonight.

Everyone deserves to get their wish during the holidays.

One can accomplish anything she sets out to.

Neither Joe nor Sue would do their part in the ceremony.

The jury had to consider the facts, and not their own opinion.

The student judiciary board will hold their next meeting Monday.

All have done his part in helping rehearse for the play.

Each of Sue's triplets had their own personality.

The committee is split in their political affiliations.

If she loses the spelling bee, Jen will be devastated.

Josie's mother died when she was 35.

The legislature finally passed a bill they had been working on for years.

Neither the girls nor Tommy would clean their rooms.

Everyone has had their feelings hurt sometimes.