Reading and Writing 

54 SAT Reading & Writing Practice Questions with Answers & Explanations - Part 1


Passage 1:
In the late 19th century, reformers argued that improving housing and sanitation was essential for democracy.

Q1. The main purpose of the passage is to:
A) Describe reformers’ goals
B) Criticize democracy
C) Entertain readers
D) Argue against immigration

Answer: A) Describe reformers’ goals
Explanation: The passage highlights reformers’ belief in housing and sanitation improvements as vital for democracy. It does not criticize democracy or discuss immigration.

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Passage 2:
The scientist noted that the reaction absorbed heat, classifying it as endothermic.

Q2. In line 1, “endothermic” most nearly means:
A) Producing heat
B) Absorbing heat
C) Preventing heat
D) Neutralizing heat

Answer: B) Absorbing heat
Explanation: “Endothermic” refers to a process that takes in heat from its surroundings, not producing or preventing it.

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Passage 3:
During the Renaissance, artists emphasized perspective to create realistic depictions of space.

Q3. The passage implies that perspective:
A) Reduced realism
B) Helped depict depth
C) Was rejected
D) Was unrelated to art

Answer: B) Helped depict depth
Explanation: Perspective allowed Renaissance artists to show space and depth more realistically, making their art more lifelike.

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Passage 4:
The author claims renewable energy is vital for reducing fossil fuel dependence.

Q4. The tone of the passage is:
A) Skeptical
B) Supportive
C) Humorous
D) Indifferent

Answer: B) Supportive
Explanation: The author presents renewable energy positively, emphasizing its importance, which reflects a supportive tone.

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Passage 5:
In the novel, the protagonist struggles between ambition and family expectations. This conflict drives much of the narrative tension.

Q5. The phrase “narrative tension” most nearly means:
A) A humorous subplot
B) A conflict driving the story
C) A peaceful resolution
D) A description of setting

Answer: B) A conflict driving the story
Explanation: “Narrative tension” refers to the central conflict that keeps the story engaging and moving forward.

Passage 6:
The historian describes the Great Depression as a turning point in U.S. economic policy, leading to greater government involvement in the economy.

Q6. The passage suggests the Great Depression was:
A) A minor event
B) A transformative period
C) A temporary setback
D) A humorous episode

Answer: B) A transformative period
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that the Depression changed U.S. economic policy significantly, making it a transformative period rather than minor or temporary.

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Passage 7:
The student revised her essay to improve clarity and logical flow, ensuring that her ideas were presented in a more organized manner.

Q7. Which revision best improves clarity?
A) “She essay revised clarity improve.”
B) “She revised her essay for clarity.”
C) “Clarity she essay revised.”
D) “Essay revised clarity she.”

Answer: B) “She revised her essay for clarity.”
Explanation: Option B is grammatically correct and concise, directly expressing the intended meaning.

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Passage 8:
The author includes statistics about literacy rates to strengthen the argument that education reform was necessary.

Q8. The statistics serve primarily to:
A) Provide factual support
B) Entertain readers
C) Confuse the audience
D) Fill space

Answer: A) Provide factual support
Explanation: Statistics are used to support the author’s claim about education reform, not to entertain or confuse.

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Passage 9:
The biologist observed that species adapt to environmental changes gradually over generations, rather than immediately.

Q9. The passage implies adaptation is:
A) Immediate
B) Gradual
C) Impossible
D) Random

Answer: B) Gradual
Explanation: The passage clearly states adaptation occurs over generations, which means it is gradual.

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Passage 10:
Sentence: “He wanted to learn three subjects ___ math, science, and history.”

Q10. Which punctuation correctly completes the sentence?
A) ,
B) ;
C) :
D) .

Answer: C) :
Explanation: A colon is used to introduce a list (“three subjects: math, science, and history”), making option C correct.

Passage 11:
The author describes the invention of the printing press as revolutionary, noting that it transformed communication and made knowledge more widely accessible.

Q11. The word “revolutionary” most nearly means:
A) Violent
B) Radical
C) Temporary
D) Ordinary

Answer: B) Radical
Explanation: In this context, “revolutionary” refers to a major, radical change in communication, not violence or something ordinary.

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Passage 12:
The economist argued that free markets encourage innovation but require regulation to prevent abuse and protect consumers.

Q12. The passage suggests the economist believed:
A) Regulation was unnecessary
B) Innovation depended on markets
C) Markets discouraged progress
D) Regulation prevented growth

Answer: B) Innovation depended on markets
Explanation: The economist supports free markets for innovation but also acknowledges regulation is needed, so option B is correct.

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Passage 13:
Sentence: “Each student must bring ___ pencil.”

Q13. Which option avoids pronoun error?
A) Their
B) His or her
C) They
D) Them

Answer: B) His or her
Explanation: “Each student” is singular, so the correct pronoun is “his or her.” “Their” is plural and grammatically incorrect in this context.

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Passage 14:
The author describes climate change as a global challenge requiring cooperation among nations to reduce emissions and protect ecosystems.

Q14. The tone of the passage is:
A) Humorous
B) Serious
C) Indifferent
D) Skeptical

Answer: B) Serious
Explanation: The passage treats climate change as a significant global issue, making the tone serious rather than humorous or indifferent.

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Passage 15:
The scientist repeated the experiment several times to confirm the consistency of her results.

Q15. The repetition serves primarily to:
A) Entertain
B) Ensure reliability
C) Waste time
D) Confuse readers

Answer: B) Ensure reliability
Explanation: Repeating experiments is a standard scientific practice to ensure results are reliable and consistent.

Passage 16:
Sentence: “Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by the athlete.”

Q16. Which revision avoids a misplaced modifier?
A) Running quickly, the finish line was crossed.
B) The athlete, running quickly, crossed the finish line.
C) Quickly running, the finish line was crossed.
D) The finish line was crossed quickly by running.

Answer: B) The athlete, running quickly, crossed the finish line.
Explanation: In the original sentence, the modifier “Running quickly” incorrectly describes the finish line. Option B correctly attaches the modifier to “the athlete.”

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Passage 17:
The historian notes that civil rights activists demanded equal treatment under the law, believing that justice required fairness for all citizens.

Q17. The passage implies activists believed:
A) Equality was essential
B) Law was irrelevant
C) Rights were unnecessary
D) Activism was harmful

Answer: A) Equality was essential
Explanation: The passage emphasizes activists’ demand for equal treatment, showing they valued equality as fundamental.

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Passage 18:
Sentence: “She likes swimming, to run, and biking.”

Q18. Which option uses parallel structure?
A) Swimming, to run, biking
B) Swimming, running, biking
C) To swim, running, biking
D) Swimming, running, to bike

Answer: B) Swimming, running, biking
Explanation: Parallel structure requires consistent grammatical forms. Option B uses three gerunds, making it correct.

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Passage 19:
The author describes the Industrial Revolution as both beneficial and disruptive, noting that it created new opportunities but also social challenges.

Q19. The passage suggests industrialization was:
A) Entirely harmful
B) Mixed in impact
C) Irrelevant
D) Always beneficial

Answer: B) Mixed in impact
Explanation: The passage highlights both benefits and challenges, showing industrialization had a mixed effect.

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Passage 20:
Sentence: “Many students enjoy reading ___ however, few enjoy writing.”

Q20. Which punctuation correctly completes the sentence?
A) ,
B) ;
C) :
D) .

Answer: B) ;
Explanation: A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses closely related in meaning. Option B is correct.

Passage 21:
The scientist concluded that most researchers agreed on the findings, noting that the results were widely accepted in the field.

Q21. The phrase “scientific consensus” most nearly means:
A) Disagreement
B) General agreement
C) One opinion
D) Temporary idea

Answer: B) General agreement
Explanation: “Scientific consensus” refers to the broad agreement among scientists on a particular issue, not disagreement or a single opinion.

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Passage 22:
Sentence: “At this point in time, we are currently considering options.”

Q22. Which revision best improves conciseness?
A) “We are considering options.”
B) “Currently, at this point, we are considering.”
C) “We are at this time considering.”
D) “Options we are considering currently.”

Answer: A) “We are considering options.”
Explanation: Option A eliminates redundancy (“at this point in time” and “currently”) while keeping the meaning clear.

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Passage 23:
The author describes Shakespeare’s plays as timeless explorations of human nature, still relevant to audiences today.

Q23. The passage implies Shakespeare’s works are:
A) Outdated
B) Universally relevant
C) Irrelevant
D) Temporary

Answer: B) Universally relevant
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that Shakespeare’s plays remain meaningful and applicable, showing their universal relevance.

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Passage 24:
Sentence: “The reason is because the sky is blue.”

Q24. Which option avoids redundancy?
A) “The reason is that the sky is blue.”
B) “Because the reason is the sky is blue.”
C) “The sky is blue because of the reason.”
D) “Reason because sky is blue.”

Answer: A) “The reason is that the sky is blue.”
Explanation: Option A removes the redundant phrase “is because” while maintaining grammatical correctness.

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Passage 25:
The author notes that reformers believed labor protections strengthened democracy by ensuring fair treatment of workers.

Q25. The passage implies reformers thought:
A) Labor laws weakened democracy
B) Labor laws supported democracy
C) Democracy was irrelevant
D) Labor laws were unnecessary

Answer: B) Labor laws supported democracy
Explanation: The passage clearly states reformers believed protections for workers made democracy stronger, not weaker.

Passage 26:
Sentence: “The experiment failed. Therefore, the hypothesis was supported.”

Q26. Which revision improves logical flow?
A) “The experiment failed. Consequently, the hypothesis was rejected.”
B) “The experiment failed. However, the hypothesis was rejected.”
C) “The experiment failed. The hypothesis was rejected consequently.”
D) “The experiment failed. Therefore, the hypothesis was rejected.”

Answer: A) “The experiment failed. Consequently, the hypothesis was rejected.”
Explanation: If an experiment fails, the logical conclusion is to reject the hypothesis. Option A shows correct cause-effect flow.

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Passage 27:
The author describes urban overcrowding as a challenge reformers sought to solve through better housing and sanitation.

Q27. The passage implies reformers believed:
A) Overcrowding required solutions
B) Overcrowding was irrelevant
C) Overcrowding was humorous
D) Overcrowding was temporary

Answer: A) Overcrowding required solutions
Explanation: The passage clearly states reformers worked to address overcrowding, showing they saw it as a problem needing solutions.

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Passage 28:
The scientist observed that plants grew faster when exposed to more sunlight, suggesting a direct relationship between light and growth.

Q28. The passage implies sunlight:
A) Hinders plant growth
B) Promotes plant growth
C) Is irrelevant to growth
D) Causes plants to die

Answer: B) Promotes plant growth
Explanation: The passage states plants grew faster with more sunlight, showing sunlight promotes growth.

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Passage 29:
Sentence: “She wanted to learn three skills ___ cooking, painting, and writing.”

Q29. Which punctuation correctly completes the sentence?
A) ,
B) ;
C) :
D) .

Answer: C) :
Explanation: A colon is used to introduce a list after a complete sentence. Option C is correct.

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Passage 30:
The author describes the invention of electricity as transformative, changing industries and daily life across the world.

Q30. The word “transformative” most nearly means:
A) Ordinary
B) Revolutionary
C) Temporary
D) Harmful

Answer: B) Revolutionary
Explanation: “Transformative” means causing major change. In this context, electricity revolutionized industries and life.

Passage 31:
The author describes the discovery of DNA’s structure as a milestone in science, opening the door to modern genetics.

Q31. The word “milestone” most nearly means:
A) A minor detail
B) An important achievement
C) A temporary setback
D) A humorous event

Answer: B) An important achievement
Explanation: “Milestone” refers to a significant accomplishment or turning point, not a minor detail or setback.

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Passage 32:
Sentence: “The committee debated the proposal, they could not reach a decision.”

Q32. Which revision corrects the run-on sentence?
A) “The committee debated the proposal, they could not reach a decision.”
B) “The committee debated the proposal. They could not reach a decision.”
C) “The committee debated the proposal, could not reach a decision.”
D) “The committee debated, proposal they could not reach a decision.”

Answer: B) “The committee debated the proposal. They could not reach a decision.”
Explanation: Option B separates the two independent clauses correctly with a period, fixing the run-on.

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Passage 33:
The historian notes that women’s suffrage movements emphasized equality and the right to participate in democracy.

Q33. The passage implies suffragists believed:
A) Women should have equal voting rights
B) Democracy excluded equality
C) Voting was unnecessary
D) Equality was irrelevant

Answer: A) Women should have equal voting rights
Explanation: The passage highlights suffragists’ demand for equality and participation, showing they wanted equal voting rights.

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Passage 34:
Sentence: “He enjoys reading novels, writing essays, and to paint.”

Q34. Which option corrects the parallelism error?
A) “Reading novels, writing essays, and to paint.”
B) “He enjoys reading novels, writing essays, and painting.”
C) “He enjoys novels reading, essays writing, and painting.”
D) “He enjoys reading novels, writing essays, and paint.”

Answer: B) He enjoys reading novels, writing essays, and painting.
Explanation: Parallel structure requires consistent verb forms. Option B uses three gerunds, making it correct.

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Passage 35:
The scientist concluded that the data supported the hypothesis, noting that the results matched predictions.

Q35. The passage implies the scientist believed:
A) The hypothesis was confirmed
B) The hypothesis was rejected
C) The data was irrelevant
D) The predictions were incorrect

Answer: A) The hypothesis was confirmed
Explanation: The passage states the data supported the hypothesis, meaning the scientist accepted it as correct.

Passage 36:
The author describes the invention of the telephone as a breakthrough that transformed communication across distances.

Q36. The word “breakthrough” most nearly means:
A) A minor improvement
B) A significant advance
C) A temporary setback
D) A humorous event

Answer: B) A significant advance
Explanation: “Breakthrough” refers to a major achievement or discovery that changes the field, not a minor improvement or setback.

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Passage 37:
Sentence: “The teacher explained the lesson, the students understood the concept.”

Q37. Which revision corrects the run-on sentence?
A) “The teacher explained the lesson, the students understood the concept.”
B) “The teacher explained the lesson, and the students understood the concept.”
C) “The teacher explained lesson, students understood concept.”
D) “The teacher explained, students understood.”

Answer: B) “The teacher explained the lesson, and the students understood the concept.”
Explanation: Option B correctly joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, fixing the run-on.

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Passage 38:
The historian notes that the abolitionist movement sought to end slavery, emphasizing moral and human rights arguments.

Q38. The passage implies abolitionists believed:
A) Slavery was morally wrong
B) Slavery was necessary
C) Slavery was irrelevant
D) Slavery was temporary

Answer: A) Slavery was morally wrong
Explanation: The passage highlights abolitionists’ moral and human rights arguments, showing they opposed slavery on ethical grounds.

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Passage 39:
Sentence: “He enjoys hiking, swimming, and to cycle.”

Q39. Which option corrects the parallelism error?
A) Hiking, swimming, to cycle
B) Hiking, swimming, cycling
C) Hiking, swim, cycling
D) Hiking, swimming, and cycle

Answer: B) Hiking, swimming, cycling
Explanation: Parallel structure requires consistent verb forms. Option B uses three gerunds, making it correct.

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Passage 40:
The scientist concluded that the experiment confirmed the prediction, noting that the results matched expectations.

Q40. The passage implies the scientist believed:
A) The prediction was correct
B) The prediction was rejected
C) The results were irrelevant
D) The experiment failed

Answer: A) The prediction was correct
Explanation: The passage states the results matched expectations, meaning the prediction was confirmed.

Passage 41:
The author describes the invention of the internet as a development that reshaped communication, commerce, and education worldwide.

Q41. The word “reshaped” most nearly means:
A) Destroyed
B) Altered significantly
C) Temporarily changed
D) Ignored

Answer: B) Altered significantly
Explanation: “Reshaped” means to change the form or structure in a major way. The internet altered communication and commerce significantly.

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Passage 42:
Sentence: “The company launched a new product, it became popular quickly.”

Q42. Which revision corrects the run-on sentence?
A) “The company launched a new product, it became popular quickly.”
B) “The company launched a new product. It became popular quickly.”
C) “The company launched product, became popular quickly.”
D) “Company launched, product became popular.”

Answer: B) “The company launched a new product. It became popular quickly.”
Explanation: Option B separates the two independent clauses with a period, fixing the run-on error.

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Passage 43:
The historian notes that the Enlightenment emphasized reason and scientific inquiry as guiding principles for society.

Q43. The passage implies Enlightenment thinkers believed:
A) Reason and science should guide society
B) Tradition was more important than reason
C) Inquiry was unnecessary
D) Science was irrelevant

Answer: A) Reason and science should guide society
Explanation: The passage highlights the Enlightenment’s focus on reason and science, showing they valued these as foundations for progress.

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Passage 44:
Sentence: “She likes to dance, singing, and to travel.”

Q44. Which option corrects the parallelism error?
A) To dance, singing, to travel
B) Dancing, singing, traveling
C) Dance, sing, travel
D) To dance, sing, travel

Answer: B) Dancing, singing, traveling
Explanation: Parallel structure requires consistent verb forms. Option B uses three gerunds, making it correct.

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Passage 45:
The scientist concluded that the experiment supported the theory, noting that the data aligned with predictions.

Q45. The passage implies the scientist believed:
A) The theory was correct
B) The theory was rejected
C) The data was irrelevant
D) The experiment failed

Answer: A) The theory was correct
Explanation: The passage states the data aligned with predictions, meaning the theory was supported.

Passage 46:
The author describes the discovery of penicillin as a medical breakthrough that saved millions of lives by treating bacterial infections.

Q46. The word “breakthrough” most nearly means:
A) A minor improvement
B) A significant advance
C) A temporary setback
D) A humorous event

Answer: B) A significant advance
Explanation: “Breakthrough” refers to a major achievement that changes the field. Penicillin was a significant advance in medicine.

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Passage 47:
Sentence: “The students studied hard, they passed the exam with ease.”

Q47. Which revision corrects the run-on sentence?
A) “The students studied hard, they passed the exam with ease.”
B) “The students studied hard, and they passed the exam with ease.”
C) “The students studied hard, passed exam ease.”
D) “Students studied, exam passed ease.”

Answer: B) “The students studied hard, and they passed the exam with ease.”
Explanation: Option B correctly joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, fixing the run-on.

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Passage 48:
The historian notes that the American Revolution was driven by colonists’ desire for independence and self-governance.

Q48. The passage implies colonists believed:
A) Independence was essential
B) Governance was irrelevant
C) Freedom was unnecessary
D) Revolution was harmful

Answer: A) Independence was essential
Explanation: The passage highlights colonists’ desire for independence, showing they valued self-governance as essential.

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Passage 49:
Sentence: “He enjoys reading, writing, and to draw.”

Q49. Which option corrects the parallelism error?
A) Reading, writing, to draw
B) Reading, writing, drawing
C) Read, write, draw
D) Reading, writing, and draw

Answer: B) Reading, writing, drawing
Explanation: Parallel structure requires consistent verb forms. Option B uses three gerunds, making it correct.

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Passage 50:
The scientist concluded that the experiment confirmed the hypothesis, noting that the data matched predictions.

Q50. The passage implies the scientist believed:
A) The hypothesis was correct
B) The hypothesis was rejected
C) The data was irrelevant
D) The experiment failed

Answer: A) The hypothesis was correct
Explanation: The passage states the data matched predictions, meaning the hypothesis was confirmed.

Passage 51:
The author describes the discovery of vaccines as a turning point in medicine, preventing diseases that once caused widespread mortality.

Q51. The word “turning point” most nearly means:
A) A minor event
B) A decisive change
C) A temporary setback
D) A humorous incident

Answer: B) A decisive change
Explanation: “Turning point” refers to a critical moment that leads to significant change. Vaccines transformed medicine by preventing deadly diseases.

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Passage 52:
Sentence: “The workers protested unsafe conditions, they demanded better protections.”

Q52. Which revision corrects the run-on sentence?
A) “The workers protested unsafe conditions, they demanded better protections.”
B) “The workers protested unsafe conditions, and they demanded better protections.”
C) “Workers protested, demanded protections.”
D) “The workers protested unsafe conditions. Demanded better protections.”

Answer: B) “The workers protested unsafe conditions, and they demanded better protections.”
Explanation: Option B correctly joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, fixing the run-on.

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Passage 53:
The historian notes that the Civil War was fought over issues of slavery and states’ rights, reshaping the nation’s future.

Q53. The passage implies the Civil War:
A) Had no lasting impact
B) Reshaped the nation
C) Was irrelevant
D) Was humorous

Answer: B) Reshaped the nation
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that the Civil War changed the nation’s future, showing it had a lasting impact.

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Passage 54:
Sentence: “She enjoys reading novels, writing essays, and to compose music.”

Q54. Which option corrects the parallelism error?
A) Reading novels, writing essays, to compose music
B) Reading novels, writing essays, composing music
C) Read novels, write essays, compose music
D) Reading novels, writing essays, and compose music

Answer: B) Reading novels, writing essays, composing music
Explanation: Parallel structure requires consistent verb forms. Option B uses three gerunds, making it correct.