Ashford University: English Proficiency Exam Exam Instructions: Select only one (1) answer per question. After you have completed the exam, save your copy and email it to Steven Salter ([email protected]). 1. Many people believe that leaders are born, not made. However, anyone can be a strong leader as long as determination, open-mindedness, and optimism are learned and developed. First, determination is the key to becoming a strong leader. Determination can be learned every day by having both small goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. A person who is willing to work hard to accomplish goals in the face of challenges would, indeed, make a great leader. Being open-minded is another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader. A person who surrounds himself or herself with new ideas and perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair leader. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points of view can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently. Furthermore, optimism provides the foundation for good leadership. Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious, and a leader who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various contexts: the workplace, school, or the larger community. It is this ability to inspire that distinguishes a strong leader from a merely competent leader. While there have been many unforgettable leaders whose abilities seem so natural to them, people must not forget that these abilities can be learned and honed over time. Identify the sentence that is a supporting detail for the following: “Being open-minded is another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader.” Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious, and a leader who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various contexts: the workplace, school, or the larger community. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points-of-view can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently. Determination can be learned every day by having both small goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. 2. Many people believe that leaders are born, not made. However, anyone can be a strong leader as long as determination, open-mindedness, and optimism are learned and developed. First, determination is the key to becoming a strong leader. Determination can be learned every day by having both small goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. A person who is willing to work hard to accomplish goals in the face of challenges would, indeed, make a great leader. Being open-minded is another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader. A person who surrounds himself or herself with new ideas and perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair leader. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points of view can help br ...

1. Ashford University: English Proficiency Exam
Exam Instructions: Select only one (1) answer per question.
After you have completed the exam, save your copy and email it
to Steven Salter ([email protected]).
1.
Many people believe that leaders are born, not made. However,
anyone can be a strong leader as long as determination, open-
mindedness, and optimism are learned and developed. First,
determination is the key to becoming a strong leader.
Determination can be learned every day by having both small
goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger
goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. A person who is willing
to work hard to accomplish goals in the face of challenges
would, indeed, make a great leader. Being open-minded is
another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader. A
person who surrounds himself or herself with new ideas and
perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair
leader. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points of
view can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently.
Furthermore, optimism provides the foundation for good
leadership. Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious,
and a leader who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various
contexts: the workplace, school, or the larger community. It is
this ability to inspire that distinguishes a strong leader from a
merely competent leader. While there have been many
unforgettable leaders whose abilities seem so natural to them,
people must not forget that these abilities can be learned and
honed over time. Identify the sentence that is a supporting
detail for the following: “Being open-minded is another quality
to learn if one wants to be an effective leader.”

2. Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious, and a leader
who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various contexts:
the workplace, school, or the larger community.
A leader who thoughtfully considers different points-of-view
can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently.
Determination can be learned every day by having both small
goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger
goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree.
2.
Many people believe that leaders are born, not made. However,
anyone can be a strong leader as long as determination, open-
mindedness, and optimism are learned and developed. First,
determination is the key to becoming a strong leader.
Determination can be learned every day by having both small
goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger
goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. A person who is willing
to work hard to accomplish goals in the face of challenges
would, indeed, make a great leader. Being open-minded is
another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader. A
person who surrounds himself or herself with new ideas and
perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair
leader. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points of
view can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently.
Furthermore, optimism provides the foundation for good
leadership. Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious,
and a leader who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various
contexts: the workplace, school, or the larger community. It is
this ability to inspire that distinguishes a strong leader from a
merely competent leader. While there have been many

3. unforgettable leaders whose abilities seem so natural to them,
people must not forget that these abilities can be learned and
honed over time. Identify the supporting detail that contains a
transitional word or phrase.
A person who surrounds oneself with new ideas and
perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair
leader.
Furthermore, optimism provides the foundation for good
leadership.
While there have been many unforgettable leaders whose
abilities seem so natural to them, people must not forget that
these abilities can be learned and honed over time.
3.
Many people believe that leaders are born, not made. However,
anyone can be a strong leader as long as determination, open-
mindedness, and optimism are learned and developed. First,
determination is the key to becoming a strong leader.
Determination can be learned every day by having both small
goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger
goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. A person who is willing
to work hard to accomplish goals in the face of challenges
would, indeed, make a great leader. Being open-minded is
another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader. A
person who surrounds himself or herself with new ideas and
perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair
leader. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points of
view can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently.
Furthermore, optimism provides the foundation for good

4. leadership. Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious,
and a leader who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various
contexts: the workplace, school, or the larger community. It is
this ability to inspire that distinguishes a strong leader from a
merely competent leader. While there have been many
unforgettable leaders whose abilities seem so natural to them,
people must not forget that these abilities can be learned and
honed over time. Identify the rhetorical strategy or writing
pattern that best describes this type of paragraph.
Examples
Narration
Compare/Contrast
4.
Many people believe that leaders are born, not made. However,
anyone can be a strong leader as long as determination, open-
mindedness, and optimism are learned and developed. First,
determination is the key to becoming a strong leader.
Determination can be learned every day by having both small
goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger
goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. A person who is willing
to work hard to accomplish goals in the face of challenges
would, indeed, make a great leader. Being open-minded is
another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader. A
person who surrounds himself or herself with new ideas and
perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair
leader. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points of
view can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently.
Furthermore, optimism provides the foundation for good

5. leadership. Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious,
and a leader who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various
contexts: the workplace, school, or the larger community. It is
this ability to inspire that distinguishes a strong leader from a
merely competent leader. While there have been many
unforgettable leaders whose abilities seem so natural to them,
people must not forget that these abilities can be learned and
honed over time. Identify the topic sentence of this paragraph.
While there have been many unforgettable leaders whose
abilities seem so natural to them, people must not forget that
these abilities can be learned and honed over time.
However, anyone can be a strong leader as long as
determination, open-mindedness, and optimism are learned and
developed
Many people believe that leaders are born, not made.
5.
Many people believe that leaders are born, not made. However,
anyone can be a strong leader as long as determination, open-
mindedness, and optimism are learned and developed. First,
determination is the key to becoming a strong leader.
Determination can be learned every day by having both small
goals, such as learning how to use the Internet, and bigger
goals, like earning a bachelor’s degree. A person who is willing
to work hard to accomplish goals in the face of challenges
would, indeed, make a great leader. Being open-minded is
another quality to learn if one wants to be an effective leader. A
person who surrounds himself or herself with new ideas and

6. perspectives can certainly learn to be a more open and fair
leader. A leader who thoughtfully considers different points of
view can help bridge divides and solve problems efficiently.
Furthermore, optimism provides the foundation for good
leadership. Simply put, a positive outlook can be contagious,
and a leader who exhibits this trait will inspire others in various
contexts: the workplace, school, or the larger community. It is
this ability to inspire that distinguishes a strong leader from a
merely competent leader. While there have been many
unforgettable leaders whose abilities seem so natural to them,
people must not forget that these abilities can be learned and
honed over time. Identify a sentence that is a main point in
support of the topic sentence.
Being open-minded is another quality to learn if one wants to be
an effective leader.
It is this ability to inspire that distinguishes a strong leader
from a merely competent leader.
However, anyone can be a strong leader as long as
determination, open-mindedness, and optimism are learned and
developed.
6.
Choose the sentence that would make the most effective thesis
statement.
Although my trip to the Philippines to visit relatives began with
anxiety, I left with a renewed sense of the importance of family
and culture.

7. I was anxious about my trip to the Philippines to visit relatives
because I had not been there in twenty years, and I did not know
what to expect
One should always strive to learn about one’s family and
culture because it is important.
7.
Choose the sentence that would make the most effective thesis
statement.
My family and I once drove through rural Kansas during a
massive tornado storm.
The most frightening experience I ever had was when my family
drove through rural Kansas during a massive tornado storm.
A tornado storm can be very frightening.
8.
Choose the sentence that would make the most effective thesis
statement.
Many eighteen-year-olds prefer to attend a local or in-state
school instead of moving away from home.

8. Although it is common for eighteen-year-olds to move away to
go to college, many prefer to attend a local or in-state school to
save money on tuition and to have a ready-made support system.
Although it is common for eighteen-year-olds to move away
from home to go to college, many prefer to attend a local or in-
state school.
9.
Choose the sentence that would make the most effective thesis
statement.
San Francisco and San Diego are both cities in California that
have many differences but also share many similarities, which
are important to know if you want to move to one of these
places.
While San Francisco and San Diego are among the most
populated and expensive cities in California, the public transit
system, the culture, and political climate are quite different in
each city.
San Francisco and San Diego are both cities in California that
are very attractive and expensive places to live in the entire
U.S.
10.
Choose the sentence that would make the most effective thesis
statement.

9. Automobile emissions cause global warming and hurt the
environment.
Even though our Mercedes Benz is over twenty-five years old
and appears to be broken down in the driveway, we love it.
Even though our Mercedes Benz is over twenty-five years old
and appears to be broken down in the driveway, it is actually
the most well-built and unique-looking car in the neighborhood.
11.
Select the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.
If a student wants to perform well on an exam, they should get
enough sleep the night before and have something to eat the
next morning.
If students want to perform well on an exam, she should get
enough sleep the night before and have something to eat the
next morning.
If students want to perform well on an exam, they should get
enough sleep the night before and have something to eat the
next morning.
12.
Select the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.

10. Nobody wanted to lose their place in line for the sold-out
concert.
Nobody wanted to lose his or her place in line for the sold-out
concert.
Nobody wanted to lose its place in line for the sold-out concert.
13.
Select the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Some of the meats were undercooked, its pink color standing
out.
Some of the meat was undercooked, their pink color standing
out.
Some of the meat was undercooked, its pink color standing out.
14.
Select the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Few realize how their votes actually matter.
Few realize how his votes actually matter.

11. Few realize how her votes actually matter.
15.
Select the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion about the new
security system.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about the new security
system.
Everyone is entitled to your own opinion about the new security
system.
16.
Select the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.
If anyone has a question about the new policy, refer him or her
to Human Resources.
If anyone has a question about the new policy, refer them to
Human Resources.
If anyone has a question about the new policy, have them refer
it to Human Resources.
17.

12. Select the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Most disciplined musicians practice their instruments every day.
Most disciplined musicians practice his instrument every day.
Most disciplined musicians practice her instrument every day.
18.
Select the sentence that has correct subject-verb agreement.
The Japanese maple on the balcony, as well as the herb garden,
need watering.
The Japanese maples on the balcony, as well as the herb garden,
needs watering.
The Japanese maple on the balcony, as well as the herb garden,
needs watering.
19.
Select the sentence that has correct subject-verb agreement.
Politics are always a controversial topic among my friends.
Politics is always a controversial topic among my friends.

13. Politics were always a controversial topic among my friends.
20.
Select the sentence that has correct subject-verb agreement.
The Pillars of the Earth was one of the must-read books on
Oprah’s list in 2007.
The Pillars of the Earth were one of the must-read books on
Oprah’s list in 2007.
The Pillars of the Earth are one of the must-read books on
Oprah’s list in 2007.
21.
Select the sentence that has correct subject-verb agreement.
My family loves to play Scrabble every Friday night.
My family love to play Scrabble every Friday night.
My families loves to play Scrabble every Friday night.
22.
Select the sentence that has correct subject-verb agreement.

14. Everyone, except for the guest of honor, was late for the
surprise party.
Everyone, except for the guest of honor, were late for the
surprise party.
Everyone, except for the guest of honor, are late for the surprise
party.
23.
Select the sentence that has correct subject-verb agreement.
One of my friends are a doctor and lieutenant commander in the
Navy.
One of my friends were a doctor and lieutenant commander in
the Navy.
One of my friends is a doctor and lieutenant commander in the
Navy.
24.
Select the sentence that has correct subject-verb agreement.
The 2008 Olympics was held in Beijing, China.

15. The 2008 Olympics were held in Beijing, China.
The 2008 Olympics are held in Beijing, China.
25.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
San Francisco was too expensive, so, Felicia decided to live in
the East Bay.
San Francisco was too expensive so Felicia decided to live in
the East Bay.
San Francisco was too expensive, so Felicia decided to live in
the East Bay.
San Francisco was too expensive so, Felicia decided to live in
the East Bay.
26.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
Although The Sopranos was the most popular television show,
on HBO I have never seen a single episode.
Although The Sopranos was the most popular television show
on HBO, I have never seen a single episode.

16. Although, The Sopranos was the most popular show on HBO I
have never seen a single episode.
Although The Sopranos, was the most popular show on HBO, I
have never seen a single episode.
27.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
Durian, a fruit commonly eaten in Southeast Asia, is pollinated
by the dawn bat.
Durian a fruit commonly eaten in Southeast Asia, is pollinated
by the dawn bat.
Durian, a fruit, commonly eaten in Southeast Asia is pollinated
by the dawn bat.
Durian a fruit commonly eaten in Southeast Asia is, pollinated
by the dawn bat.
28.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
The long cold, and bitter Midwest winters often cause delayed
or cancelled flights.

17. The long, cold, and bitter Midwest winters often cause delayed
or cancelled flights.
The long, cold, and bitter, Midwest winters often cause delayed
or cancelled flights.
The long, cold, and bitter Midwest winters, often cause delayed
or cancelled flights.
29.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
Yvette knew that she got the job because, she was introduced to
the district manager as soon as the interview ended.
Yvette knew that she got the job, because she was introduced to
the district manager as soon as the interview ended.
Yvette knew that she got the job, because, she was introduced to
the district manager as soon as the interview ended.
Yvette knew that she got the job because she was introduced to
the district manager as soon as the interview ended.
30.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.

18. This wool sweater, a gift from my favorite aunt, has survived
many washes at the Laundromat.
This wool sweater a gift from my favorite aunt has survived
many washes at the Laundromat.
This, wool sweater, a gift from my favorite aunt has survived
many washes at the Laundromat.
This wool sweater, a gift from my favorite aunt has survived
many, washes at the Laundromat.
31.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
Our new landlord promised to fix the shower on, Wednesday
morning. However he did not do it until, Friday afternoon.
Our new landlord promised to fix the shower on Wednesday
morning. However, he did not do it, until Friday afternoon.
Our new landlord promised to fix the shower on Wednesday
morning. However, he did not do it until Friday afternoon.
Our new landlord promised to fix the shower on Wednesday
morning. However he did not do it until Friday afternoon.

19. 32.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
All of my sisters—Elaine, Diana, and Claire—are full-time
professors.
All of my sisters: Elaine, Diana, and Claire are full-time
professors.
All of my sisters, Elaine, Diana, and Claire, are full-time
professors.
All of my sisters - Elaine, Diana, Claire - are full—time
professors.
33.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
I forgot to bring a lunch to work, I had to buy an expensive
sandwich at the coffee kiosk.
I forgot to bring a lunch to work; I had to buy an expensive
sandwich at the coffee kiosk.
I forgot to bring a lunch to work I had to buy an expensive
sandwich—at the coffee kiosk.

20. I forgot to bring a lunch to work; and I had to buy an expensive
sandwich at the coffee kiosk.
34.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
My favorite story in Clarice Lispector’s book “Family Ties” is
called Love.
My favorite story in Clarice Lispector’s book Family Ties is
called “Love.”
My favorite story in Clarice Lispector’s book “Family Ties” is
called Love.
My favorite story in Clarice Lispector’s book “Family Ties” is
called Love.
35.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
Carl’s beta fish stopped eating because it’s aquarium was so
filthy.
Carls’ beta fish stopped eating because its aquarium was so
filthy.

21. Carl’s beta fish stopped eating because its aquarium was so
filthy.
Carls’ beta fish stopped eating because its’ aquarium was so
filthy.
36.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
The men’s restroom on the first floor was closed for repair.
The mens restroom on the first floor was closed for repair.
The mens restroom on the first floor was closed, for repair.
The mens’ restroom on the first floor was closed for repair.
37.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
For our bosses birthday, we gave her a gift certificate to her
favorite spa.
For our bosses’ birthday, we gave her a gift certificate to her
favorite spa.

22. For our boss’es birthday, we gave her a gift certificate to her
favorite spa.
For our boss’s birthday, we gave her a gift certificate to her
favorite spa.
38.
Select the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
Uncle Ray is talented at many things. Juggling oranges, knitting
blankets, and playing tennis.
Uncle Ray is talented at many things: juggling oranges; knitting
blankets; and playing tennis.
Uncle Ray is talented at many things: juggling oranges, knitting
blankets, and playing tennis.
Uncle Ray is talented at many things—juggling oranges;
knitting blankets; playing tennis.
39.
Select the sentence that is most clear and concise.
This week’s weather forecast called for thunderstorms, high
winds, and it also mentioned hail.

23. The weather forecast for this week called for thunderstorms,
high winds, and also hail.
The weather forecast for this week called for thunderstorms,
winds that are high, and lots of hail.
This week’s weather forecast called for thunderstorms, high
winds, and hail.
40.
Select the sentence that is most clear and concise.
Due to the fact that my daughter is allergic to grass, she could
not attend the class picnic.
Because of the fact that my daughter is allergic to grass she
could not attend the class picnic.
My daughter could not attend the class picnic because she is
allergic to grass.
She is allergic to grass, so my daughter could not attend the
class picnic.
41.
Select the sentence that is most clear and concise.

24. Marcus thoroughly explained to me how to water his plants and
feed his fish while he is away.
Marcus explained to me very thoroughly to water the plants and
how to feed the fish while he is away.
Marcus was providing me with very thorough explanations for
watering his plants and feeding his fish while he is away.
Marcus provided me very thorough explanations on watering his
plants and how to feed his fish while he is away.
42.
Select the sentence that is most clear and concise.
We should go to that one restaurant we ate at when we met for
the first time.
We should go to the restaurant where we first met.
We should go to the restaurant where we met for the first time.
We should go to that restaurant where we first met at.
43.

25. Select the sentence that is most clear and concise.
Our company is about to relocate to a building bigger than the
current one.
Our company is in the process of relocating to a building bigger
than the one we are in now.
Our company is going to relocate to a bigger building.
Our company is relocating to a bigger building.
44.
Select the sentence that is most clear and concise.
We are in receipt of your resume and cover letter. We will be
contacting you soon.
We are in receipt of your resume and cover letter, and we would
contact you soon.
We have received your resume and cover letter, and we will
contact you soon.
We have received your resume and cover letter; we’re going to
contact you soon.

26. 45.
Select the sentence that is most clear and concise.
Spencer was promoted in spite of the fact that the economy is in
a recession.
Spencer was promoted, even though the economy is in a
recession.
Spencer was promoted despite that the economy’s in a
recession.
Spencer was promoted regardless of the economy being in a
recession.