Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The interns were asked (1)/ to complete the assignment quickly (2)/ and submit it (3)/ with neat handwriting. (4)/

Correct — D.
The error is the preposition with in part (4).

The form a piece of writing takes is introduced by in: in ink, in capitals, in neat handwriting. The handwriting here belongs to the assignment, so the sentence needs "submit it in neat handwriting".

Parts (1) to (3) are sound, so the key takes option (d).

Why the others are wrong

• (a)
  (1) — The interns were asked is a correct passive: the interns receive the request, and asked leads naturally into the to-infinitive in part (2).
• (b)
  (2) — to complete the assignment quickly is sound: a to-infinitive after asked, with the adverb quickly placed after its object.
• (c)
  (3) — and submit it continues the infinitive (to complete ... and submit), and it correctly points back to the assignment.

In a spot-the-error item, test each preposition against the word it attaches to. Handwriting, like ink, pencil or capital letters, names the form of the writing, and English introduces that with in: "She wrote it in neat handwriting."

With neat handwriting describes a person who has it: "a clerk with neat handwriting". Attached to submit, it has no person to describe.

Key facts

• in introduces the form of writing: in ink, in pencil, in capitals, in neat handwriting.
• with neat handwriting describes a person: a student with neat handwriting.
• Two infinitives joined by and may share one to: asked to complete and submit.

Common traps

• Marking part (2) because quickly follows the object instead of the verb
• Reading "with neat handwriting" as acceptable because with can mean using

No directly related past PYQ was found.