Preparing for college entrance exams, job applications, or simply want to test your English skills? This comprehensive practice test covers essential areas every high school graduate should master.
Part 1: Reading Comprehension (20 minutes)
Passage 1: Technology and Society
The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how we communicate, learn, and work. While previous generations relied on face-to-face interactions and physical media, today’s society operates largely through digital platforms. This shift has created both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, information is more accessible than ever before, enabling rapid learning and global collaboration. On the other hand, concerns about privacy, digital addiction, and the authenticity of online relationships have emerged. As we navigate this new landscape, it becomes crucial to develop digital literacy skills while maintaining meaningful human connections.
Questions:
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
- The digital revolution has only negative effects
- Technology has changed society in complex ways
- Face-to-face communication is superior to digital
- Digital platforms should be avoided
2. According to the passage, what is one positive aspect of the digital revolution?
- Increased privacy protection
- Less need for human interaction
- Greater access to information
- Reduced screen time
3. The phrase “navigate this new landscape” most likely means:
- Travel to new places
- Learn to use GPS technology
- Successfully manage digital life
- Avoid using technology
Part 2: Grammar and Usage (15 minutes)
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence:
4. Neither the students nor the teacher _ aware of the schedule change.
- were
- was
- are being
- have been
5. By next summer, she _ her degree for two years.
- will have completed
- will have been completing
- will complete
- would complete
6. The committee has decided to postpone _ decision until next week.
- it’s
- its
- their
- there
7. _ studying all night, he still failed the exam.
- Despite
- Although
- Because
- While
8. The scientist, along with her assistants, _ working on the project.
- are
- is
- were
- have been
Part 3: Vocabulary in Context (10 minutes)
Select the word that best fits the context:
9. The speaker’s _ argument convinced even the skeptics.
- dubious
- compelling
- ambiguous
- superficial
10. Her _ approach to problem-solving often led to innovative solutions.
- conventional
- orthodox
- unconventional
- redundant
11. The evidence was _, leaving no doubt about the defendant’s innocence.
- inconclusive
- irrefutable
- questionable
- vague
12. The company’s _ growth surprised industry analysts.
- stagnant
- exponential
- negligible
- moderate
Part 4: Writing Mechanics (10 minutes)
Identify the error in each sentence:
13. Walking down the street the old bookstore caught my attention with its vintage sign.
- Comma splice
- Dangling modifier
- Run-on sentence
- Fragment
14. The team won the championship, they celebrated all night.
- Comma splice
- Dangling modifier
- Incorrect verb tense
- Subject-verb disagreement
15. Each of the students have submitted their research papers.
- Subject-verb disagreement
- Pronoun error
- Incorrect tense
- No error
Part 5: Critical Thinking & Analysis (15 minutes)
Passage 2: The Value of Failure
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote, often attributed to Winston Churchill, encapsulates a fundamental truth about human achievement. Throughout history, many of the world’s greatest innovations and discoveries emerged from initial failures. Thomas Edison famously conducted thousands of unsuccessful experiments before inventing the light bulb. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by twelve publishers before finding success. These examples illustrate that failure often serves as a stepping stone to success rather than an endpoint.
16. What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?
- To discourage people from trying new things
- To argue that failure is essential for success
- To provide biographical information about famous people
- To suggest that success is impossible
17. The examples of Edison and Rowling are used to:
- Show that famous people never fail
- Illustrate that persistence through failure can lead to success
- Prove that failure is always permanent
- Demonstrate that success comes easily
18. What can be inferred about the author’s view on failure?
- It should be avoided at all costs
- It is a natural part of the achievement process
- It only happens to unsuccessful people
- It is more important than success
Part 6: Essay Writing Prompt (30 minutes)
Choose ONE of the following prompts and write a 300-400 word essay:
Option A: “Social media has made us more connected yet more isolated than ever before.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Support your position with specific examples and reasoning.
Option B: Describe a challenge you’ve overcome and explain what you learned from the experience. How has this shaped who you are today?
Essay Requirements:
- Clear thesis statement
- At least three supporting paragraphs
- Proper grammar and punctuation
- Logical organization
- Conclusion that reinforces your main point
Answer Key
Reading Comprehension
- B – Technology has changed society in complex ways
- C – Greater access to information
- C – Successfully manage digital life
Grammar and Usage
- B – was (The subject closest to the verb determines agreement)
- A – will have completed (Future perfect for completed action)
- B – its (Possessive pronoun for “committee”)
- A – Despite (Shows contrast)
- B – is (Subject is “scientist,” not “assistants”)
Vocabulary in Context
- B – compelling (persuasive and convincing)
- C – unconventional (not traditional)
- B – irrefutable (impossible to deny)
- B – exponential (rapid growth)
Writing Mechanics
- B – Dangling modifier (Who was walking?)
- A – Comma splice (Two independent clauses joined by comma)
- A – Subject-verb disagreement (“Each” is singular)
Critical Thinking
- B – To argue that failure is essential for success
- B – Illustrate that persistence through failure can lead to success
- B – It is a natural part of the achievement process
Scoring Guide
- 16-18 correct: Excellent! College-ready English skills
- 13-15 correct: Good performance with room for improvement
- 10-12 correct: Average – consider additional practice
- Below 10: Significant review recommended
Study Tips for Improvement
- Reading: Read diverse materials daily (news articles, fiction, academic texts)
- Grammar: Use online grammar checkers but understand WHY corrections are made
- Vocabulary: Keep a vocabulary journal; learn 5 new words daily
- Writing: Practice timed essays weekly; get feedback when possible
Additional Resources
- Free Online Tools: Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, Vocabulary.com
- Practice Sites: Khan Academy, Purdue OWL, College Board
- Reading Materials: The New York Times Learning Network, CommonLit
Remember: This practice test is designed to identify areas for improvement. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes – they’re opportunities to learn and grow!
Share this test with classmates preparing for college or job applications. What questions did you find most challenging? Let us know in the comments below!