Red Oak Academy

    English

    Diagnostic Test (ENG 800)

    Copyright © 2002 Red Oak Academy

    Instructions to the Parents:
    This test covers materials typically presented through the end of the eighth grade.  It is recommended that you print a copy of this test. Then read each item to your child. Record their responses on paper then submit the student responses when the test is completed.   This is not a timed test. 

    SECTION 1          _______________________________________

    Write a topic sentence for each of the following subjects.  Make sure the sentence narrows the topic enough for it to be told all about in just one paragraph.

    1. Pick Up Trucks

    2. Jet Skis
    3. Infant Care
    4. Music
    5. Caring for a Pet
    6. Well Balanced Meals
    7. Insects
    8. Gardening

    SECTION 2          _______________________________________

    Decide if any of the following sentences is a sentence fragment, a run-on sentence or a correct sentence . Write "F" for your answer if it is a sentence fragment. Write "R" for your answer if it is a run-on sentence. Write "C" if it is a correct sentence.

    1. The plane had trouble landing, the pilot couldn't see the runway.

    2. My Aunt Mary came for a visit she was very tired from the trip.
    3. Chased the cat from the back yard to the front.
    4. The students finished their test and were given a break.
    5. In the event you can not find a policeman.
    6. Each of the freshman in the dormitory.
    7. Leave this place!
    8. Martha typed all night, but was unable to finish.
    9. I hate hot oatmeal.
    10. The water pump was leaking!

    SECTION 3          _______________________________________

    The following five topic sentences are poorly written.  Rewrite each one, improving it.  Make sure you state the topic directly and that you provide enough information to make it interesting.

    1. I want to tell you about how to find a job.

    2. When you are a twin, a lot of funny things happen.
    3. Let me tell you how to bake a cake.
    4. This paragraph is about building model airplanes.
    5. If you ever go to the Grand Canyon, here is what you will see.
     

    SECTION 4          _______________________________________

    Make the sentences below more interesting and vivid. Fill in the blanks with adjectives, adverbs and prepositional phrases as indicated.

    1. The _______ (adj.) student was __________ (adv.) late turning in his book report ________ (prep. phrase).

    2. The ________(adj.) store advertised a sale on __________(adj.) pies.
    3. All of the kids ______________(prep.phrase) were late getting into the pool.
    4. The _______(adj.) oysters made him ________ (adv.) sick.
    5. Without her ________(adj.) makeup, my sister looked __________(adv.) plain.
    Replace each of the underlined words with a word that creates a more vivid image.
    6. The puppy walked  across the carpet.
    7. The new girl was very nice!
    8. The fresh pies smelled good!
    9. "Don't ever do that again!" said Mary.
    10. Dave would have had a better time at the dance, but he was sleepy.

    SECTION 5          _______________________________________

    There is a writing error in each of the following sentences.  The error is in noun verb agreement or in pronoun usage.  Find the error and write the correction only.

    1. CD's is on sale at the discount store.

    2. I sent Sue me address.
    3. One of the tires have a flat.
    4. After my sister Sue went shopping, her picked up the baby.
    5. You always was my best friend!
    6. The books were left on the train, it would be hard to find.
    7. Can you give this message to him girlfriend?
    8. Jim and me are going fishing.
    9. Will you pass the butter to Jim and me?.
    10. Tell my how to fix my computer.

    SECTION 6          _______________________________________
    Read the following paragraphs and answer the questions at the end.
    A.
    A stone had smashed into Jimmie's mouth.  Blood was bubbling
    over his chin and down upon his ragged shirt.  Tears made furrows
    on his dirt-stained cheeks.  His thin legs had begun to tremble and
    turn weak, causing his small body to reel.  His roaring curses of
    the first part of the fight had changed to a blasphemous chatter.
    B.
    On the east edge of the Land of Oz, in the Munchkin Country, is a
    big, tall hill called Mount Munch.  One one side, the bottom of this
    hill just touches the Deadly Sandy Desert that separates the
    Fairyland of Oz from all the rest of the world, but on the other
    side, the hill touches the beautiful, fertile Country of the Munchkins.
    C.
    It would appear as though October is the correct month for John Paul's
    birth date as all reliable documents mention it. The year 1912 which
    appears on John Paul's first marriage certificate and on his delayed birth
    certificate, however, cannot be substantiated because the birth record for John Paul in Paducah, Kentucky (his place of birth), was compiled three decades later. Moreover, Twitchell's eating habits left much to be desired.  Nevertheless, these two documents do summarily indicate that the "1922" birth date was a fabrication made years later by Paul, presumably to convince his young wife, Gail, that he was not too much older than herself.

    1.  What is the topic sentence of paragraph A?
    2.  What is the topic sentence of paragraph B?
    3.  What is the topic sentence of paragraph C?
    4.  What is the sentence that does not belong in paragraph C?
    5.  What is the concluding paragraph of paragraph A?