Border Patrol Practice Exam

Which sentence exemplifies the correct use of a participle?

1. Sailing on the open sea, we spotted many dolphins

2. We spotted many dolphins sailing on the open sea

3. We were sailing on the open sea when many dolphins were spotted

4. Many dolphins were spotted sailing on the open sea

The correct answer is: Sailing on the open sea, we spotted many dolphins

The chosen sentence effectively demonstrates the correct use of a participle by starting with the participial phrase "Sailing on the open sea." This phrase describes the subject "we," indicating what the subject was doing at the time they spotted the dolphins. The participle "Sailing" creates an engaging image that sets the scene for the action. In contrast, the other sentences do not utilize a participle in a way that enhances the main action or creates a vivid description. The second option places "sailing" as part of the main clause but does not clearly connect it to the subject performing an action simultaneously. The third option avoids using a participial phrase and instead constructs a more complicated sentence that lacks the immediacy and vividness of the action. The fourth option, while it includes the participle "sailing," places it in a way that could lead to ambiguity about what is being described. Overall, the correct sentence not only uses a participle but does so in a way that adds clarity and context to the action being described.