English Diagnostic Test

Mechanics:

Each of the underlined portions in the following sentences may or may not be punctuated correctly. If the underlined portion is not punctuated correctly, identify the punctuation that is needed to make it correct and fill in the correct number. If the underlined portion is punctuated correctly, use the number 6 to indicate that it is correct.

Scientists do not know the cause of rheumatoid arthritis therefore, they cannot develop a cure.

The Spartans were an austere warlike breed of men.

Do you know where ​its​ ears are located?

Frank went to the ​ranch Sandra​ stayed home to finish knitting an afghan.

Several of the ​girls Julie, Dana, and Renee visited​ the shut-ins at the rest home.

Every ​person who commits murder should​ be put to death.

A wise son heareth his ​fathers​ instruction, but a scorner heareth not rebuke. -​Prov. 13:1

A continual dropping in a very rainy ​day and​ a contentious woman are alike. ​-Prov. 27:15

These small rodents are often used in science fair ​projects gerbils​, hampsters, and white mice.

A dictionary, a thesaurus, and a usage ​guide these​ are essential to a writer.

The Bible does not tell ​us when​ the Lord will come again.

Because we have but one life to ​live we​ need to make it count.

The ​inventor Elias Howe began​ selling his patented sewing machines in 1846.

A talebearer revealeth ​secrets but​ he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. ​-Prov. 11:13

In Isaiah 40:29, we find these comforting ​words “He​ giveth power to the faint; and to the that have no might, He increaseth strength.”

Parts of Speech

Identify the parts of speech of the ​boldface​ words by choosing the correct answer.

If​ we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. – John 4:12

If we love one another, God dwelleth in ​us​, and his love is perfected in us. – John 4:12

Behold​, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow. – Job 8:19

Behold, this is the joy of his way, ​and ​out of the earth shall others grow. – Job 8:19

A ​time​ of adversity may be the time when God speaks most clearly.

I have always ​thought​ the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts. – Locke

I have always thought the actions of men the ​best​ interpreters of their thoughts. – Locke

We think ​very​ few people sensible, except those who are of our opinion. – Rochefoucauld

We think very few people sensible, ​except​ those who are of our opinion. – Rochefoucauld

Phrases and Clauses

Identify the ​boldface​ phrases and clauses by writing the appropriate number in the blank provided. (Note: Clauses contain subjects and verbs; phrases do not.)

The price ​of greatness​ is responsibility. – Churchill

He is a freeman ​whom truth makes free​, and all are slaves beside. – Cowper

Water is necessary ​to sustain life.

A word ​spoken in season​, at the right moment, is the matter of ages. – Carlyle

If I take care of my character, ​my reputation will take care of itself.​ – Moody

What we get out of life​ is in direct proportion to what we put into it. – Herbert H. Lehman

Part of Christ’s earthly ministry was ​healing the afflicted.

Grammar and Usage

Each of the underlined portions in the following sentences may or may not be grammatically correct. If the underlined portion is grammatically correct, answer ​True​. If the underlined portion is not grammatically correct, answer ​False​.

He ​don’t​ know whether to leave now or later.

Keith came in after the teacher ​had​ already ​gave​ the instructions.

His organization supported ​we​ amateurs for two years.

Of the two cars, the subcompact gets the ​best​ mileage.

A stately row of elm trees ​stands​ along Willow Avenue.

At the new garage, everyone must park ​their​ own car.

He ​seen​ us standing on the library steps and waved.

We could not find a seat ​nowhere​.

Neither John nor Shirley ​were​ at the game Friday.

Fred is ​lying​ on the front porch, taking a nap.

If I ​was​ you, I would accept the offer.