MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

What question would you ask to identify a direct object in a sentence?

1. Who is performing the action?

2. What is being discussed?

3. What or whom is being acted upon?

4. How did the action take place?

The correct answer is: What or whom is being acted upon?

To identify a direct object in a sentence, one would ask, "What or whom is being acted upon?" This question directly targets the recipient of the action in a verb-transitive construction. The direct object is typically the noun or noun phrase that receives the action of the verb, providing clarity on what the action is impacting. In contrast, asking about who is performing the action focuses on the subject of the sentence rather than the recipient, thereby not leading to the identification of a direct object. The question about what is being discussed refers more to the subject matter rather than pinpointing an object that is directly acted upon. Lastly, inquiring how the action took place emphasizes the manner of the action rather than identifying what the action affects. Thus, focusing on what or whom is being acted upon is crucial for locating the direct object effectively.