Mastering Grammar: The Key to Acing the PERT

When you think about the fundamentals of effective communication, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s clarity, precision, or perhaps even grammar? If you’re gearing up for the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), understanding grammar isn’t just a matter of academic necessity; it’s one of the levers you can pull to help you glide through not just the PERT, but also other communication challenges you’ll face in your academic journey.

Let’s take a very specific example related to grammar that might just show up in your PERT preparation: the use of adverbs and adjectives. Picture this sentence: “Due to library policy, patrons must set cell phones to vibrate and speak ______ in conversation.” Now, what word do you think best completes that?

A. quieter
B. quietly
C. more quiet
D. more quieter

If you answered “quietly,” give yourself a little pat on the back! Why? Well, “quietly” is an adverb here, and it modifies the verb “speak.” In essence, you’re indicating how the action of speaking should be performed. The same way a gentle breeze flows through the leaves, a conversation in a library should echo softly, right?

On the flip side, the option “quieter” shows up as a comparative adjective, which, although common in conversation, doesn’t quite fit the grammatical structure we need here. It suggests comparing two things—like saying, “He is quieter than she is”—but that’s not what we’re after when we’re directing library patrons.

Let’s talk about “more quiet” for a second. It’s another comparative form, yet using it sounds less polished than saying “quietly.” You wouldn’t typically hear someone say, “Please be more quiet in the library.” They’d likely opt for “quiet” or, even better for our example, “quietly.”

And then there’s “more quieter.” If anything screams “wrong answer,” it’s this one! Why? It’s redundant because it uses both “more” and the comparative ending “-er.” It’s like saying “more better,” which just doesn’t check out.

Now, why does any of this matter to you? Beyond acing the PERT—although that’s a huge part of it—these grammar skills will stick with you. They’ll flow into your essays, your emails to professors, and even those dreaded group projects where clear communication is key. Ultimately, understanding how words work together can help you express your thoughts more artfully and effectively.

So, if you’re preparing for the PERT, here’s a little tip: take some time to practice identifying adverbs and adjectives. Plus, consider how they impact sentence structure and clarity. The more comfortable you become with these linguistic elements, the more confident you’ll feel when it comes time to tackle your test.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t! Start with small bites—choose a few concepts each day to explore. Construct sentences. Practice speaking with clarity. Before you know it, you’ll be mastering grammar in ways you didn’t think possible!

For those of you who might be thinking about resources, there are plenty of great grammar-focused tools online. Websites, apps, and even quiz formats can help you reinforce these concepts. Look for platforms that focus on your specific needs as a PERT test-taker. Remember, each little bit contributes to your overall success.

In conclusion, being mindful of how you frame your language can make a world of difference—not just on exams like the PERT, but also in how you communicate daily. Embrace it, practice it, and watch as it transforms the way you express yourself!