The report draws a useful ______ between the two training programs: one ends in a state license, the other…
Vocabulary and Grammar in Context · ELPAC Grades 11–12 reading. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Extra practice, not a separate task on the real test: a sentence with one word missing, testing the vocabulary and grammar the passages assume.
The question
Read the sentence. Choose the word that best completes it.
The report draws a useful ______ between the two training programs: one ends in a state license, the other in a certificate of completion.
- decision
- distinctionCorrect answer
- description
Why “distinction” is correct
This tests precise academic noun choice where all three options are common words and none is nonsense. The colon introduces two things being told apart, and 'distinction' is the noun for a difference that has been drawn. Have the student read past the blank first: the structure after the colon tells them what kind of word the sentence needs.
Why the other answers are wrong
- decision — A 'decision' is a choice someone makes, and the report is comparing the two programs rather than choosing between them.
- description — A 'description' tells what something is like; it does not carry the sense of setting two things apart.
Practice more of this
More reading practice for Grades 11–12, or see the ELPAC practice test for grades 11–12. For other grades, see free ELPAC practice tests by grade.
This is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the California Department of Education or the official ELPAC program. All questions here are original practice material written to match the published task formats.