MASSACHUSETTS TESTS FOR EDUCATOR LICENSURE (MTEL) :
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Response and Rationale for Writing Subtest Sample Question #45

Answer: Thoreau wrote beautifully about his experiences in the woods.

 

Rationale: “Beautifully” modifies the verb “wrote,” and therefore should be an adverb. “Beautiful” is an adjective. It would be correctly used if the sentence were “Thoreau wrote beautiful words about his experiences in the woods.” In that case, “beautiful” modifies the noun “words” and would be an adjective.

 

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