I. The following paragraph contains sentences that are irrelevant or unnecessary to the main point of the paragraph. The sentences do not support the opening point, and so the paragraphs are not unified. In the interest of paragraph UNITY, such sentences must be omitted. Identify those irrelevant sentences.

Why Adults Visit Amusement Parks 

(1) Adults visit amusement parks for several reasons. (2)

For one thing, an amusement park is a place where it is

acceptable to “pig-out” on junk food. (3) At the park, everyone

is drinking soda and eating popcorn, ice-cream, or hot dogs. (4)

No one seems to be on a diet, and so buying all the junk food you

can eat is a guilt-free experience. (5) Parks should provide

stands where healthier food, such as salads or cold chicken,

would be sold. (6) Another reason people visit amusement parks is

to prove themselves. (7) They want to visit the park that has the

newest, scariest ride in order to say that they went on the

Parachute Drop, the seven-story Elevator, the Water Chute, or the

Death Slide. (8) Going on a scary ride is a way to feel

courageous and adventurous without taking much of a risk. (9)

Some rides, however, can be dangerous. (10) Rides that are not

properly inspected or maintained have killed people all over the

country. (11) A final reason people visit amusement parks is to

escape from everyday pressures. (12) When people are poised at

the top of a gigantic roller coaster, they are not thinking of

bills, work, or personal problems. (13) A scary ride empties the

mind of all worries–except making it to the bottom alive. (14)

Adults at an amusement park may claim they have come for their

children, but they are there for themselves as well.

1) The numbers of the irrelevant sentences are ___ ___ ___ 

II. Sample Student Essay: All parts of the passage are identified by number. The questions refer to parts of the passage. After the passage are several questions related to the passage. Read each question carefully and choose the ONE best answer.

1As federal budget deficits have grown in recent years, there have been increasing calls for a constitutional amendment that would require Congress to balance the budget each year. 2Congress has added only 26 amendments to the Constitution since it was ratified in 1788. 3Supporters of the amendment contend that federal spending is now out of control. 4They further insist that there is little likelihood that the budget will be balanced at any point in the foreseeable future. 5These people argue that legislators invariably find it easier to spend money than raise taxes; they say that Congress will continue to spend unchecked unless it is pressured to do otherwise. 6If something is not done soon, they warn, such uncontrolled spending will do serious long-term damage to the economy.

7Although no one defends huge budget deficits, many economists believe that a balanced budget amendment would create more problems than it would solve. 8For example, such an amendment would prevent Congress from creating jobs or reducing taxes in response to an economic slowdown. 9The result might be a depression comparable to the Great Depression of the 1930s. 10These are seriously concerns, and they should be given careful consideration by anyone who believes that a balanced budget amendment is a cure-all for the nation’s current economic woes.

20. Which of the sentences, if added between Parts 9 and 10 of the second paragraph, would be most consistent with the writer’s purpose and intended audience?

A. Does that sound like a very smart idea?

B. Some question the fiscal wisdom of instituting a macroeconomic policy that reduces the national debt but negates federal social responsibility.

C. Personally, I think a balanced budget amendment would really help this country by forcing Congress to get its act together.

D. Other economists worry that a balanced budget amendment would prompt Congress to shift responsibility for public service programs to state and local governments that lack the money to pay for them.

21. Which of the following numbered parts draws attention away from the main idea of the first paragraph?

A. Part 1

B. Part 2

C. Part 3

D. Part 4

22. Which of the following changes is needed in the above passage?

A. Part 5: Change “than” to “then.”

B. Part 6: Change “soon” to “sooner.”

C. Part 7: Change “Although” to “Because.”

D. Part 10: Change “seriously” to “serious.”

III. Dangling Modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though they can also appear at a sentence’s end. They frequently include an –ing word (gerund) and to + verb (infinitive) phrase near the start of a sentence. 

Misplaced Modifiers are words or phrases that do not clearly point to the word or phrase they modify, in this way obscuring meaning. 

Directions: In the blank beside each sentence, indicate whether that sentence contains a dangling modifier (DM) or a misplaced modifier (MM).

23) The car on the bridge which is green is mine.  _____

24). Expecting confusion, our plans were made.    _____

25). Feeling hot, sweaters were taken off.  _____

26). I showed my dog to the veterinarian with the fleas.   _____

27). Larry told me he was getting married that afternoon at night.   _____

28). This typewriter is used by a secretary with a wide carriage.   _____