Standard English Conventions

Chief Editor

Mar 17, 2024

Take all 3 MCQs in interactive quiz mode with timer and progress tracking

After the United Kingdom began rolling out taxes equivalent to a few cents on single-use plastic grocery bags in 2011, plastic-bag consumption decreased by up to ninety ________ taxes are subject to what economists call the "rebound effect": as the change became normalized, plastic-bag use started to creep back up. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Difficulty: Easy

percent, such

percent and such

percent. Such

percent such

Known as Earth's "living skin," biocrusts are thin layers of soil held together by surface-dwelling microorganisms such as fungi, lichens, and cyanobacteria. Fortifying soil in arid ecosystems against erosion, ________Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Difficulty: Hard

a recent study's estimate is that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.

an estimated 60 percent reduction in global dust emissions each year is due to these crusts, according to a recent study.

these crusts reduce global dust emissions by an estimated 60 percent each year, according to a recent study.

a recent study has estimated that these crusts reduce global dust emissions by 60 percent each year.

In order to prevent nonnative fish species from moving freely between the Mediterranean and Red Seas, marine biologist Bella Galil has proposed that a saline lock system be installed along the Suez Canal in Egypt’s Great Bitter Lakes. The lock would increase the salinity of the lakes and ________ a natural barrier of water most marine creatures would be unable to cross. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Difficulty: Easy

creates

create

creating

created