Free English & Language Usage practice for ATI TEAS English and Language Usage (ATI TEAS 7). Answer 40 nursing exam-style questions with rationales, exam mode,
Which word is spelled correctly?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct spelling for the word 'to submit or agree without protest' is 'acquiesce,' making option B the correct choice. Choice A, 'Accommodate,' refers to providing lodging or fitting in with someone's needs. Choice C, 'Perceive,' means to become aware or conscious of something. Choice D, 'Dilemma,' is a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives. Therefore, options A, C, and D are spelled correctly but are not the correct answer based on the definition provided in the question.
Identify the type of error in the sentence, 'They went to the store, bought groceries, then went home.'
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The given sentence combines multiple independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, creating a run-on sentence. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without the necessary punctuation or coordination. In this case, the sentence lacks the proper conjunction or punctuation between 'store' and 'bought,' resulting in a run-on sentence. Choice B, 'Comma splice,' is incorrect because a comma splice involves joining two independent clauses with just a comma, which is not the case in the given sentence. Choice C, 'Dangling modifier,' is incorrect as there are no misplaced modifiers in the sentence. Choice D, 'Subject-verb agreement,' is also incorrect as the error in the sentence does not involve subject-verb agreement but rather the incorrect combination of independent clauses.
Which word is misspelled?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is C. The word 'circumstance' is misspelled in the given choices. 'Accommodate,' 'acquiesce,' and 'indelible' are spelled correctly. It is important to pay attention to the spelling of words to ensure clear and accurate communication. 'Circumstance' is a common word, but in this context, it is intentionally misspelled to test your attention to detail.
Identify the verb in the following sentence: The dog chased the fluffy squirrel around the oak tree.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
A verb is a word that expresses an action or state of being. In this sentence, 'chased' is the verb as it describes the action the dog is performing - chasing the fluffy squirrel. 'Around' is a preposition indicating location, 'squirrel' is a noun referring to the animal being chased, and 'the' is an article used to specify the squirrel. Therefore, the correct answer is 'chased.'
Identify the participial phrase in the following sentence: 'Running through the park, she spotted a squirrel.'
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'B: Through the park.' A participial phrase acts as an adjective and is formed from a verb. In this sentence, 'Running through the park' describes 'she' and functions as an adjective modifying the subject. Choice A 'Running' is incorrect because it is just the present participle without additional context to form a phrase. Choice C 'She spotted' is incorrect as it is a subject and a verb, not a participial phrase. Choice D 'A squirrel' is incorrect as it is a noun phrase, not a participial phrase.
Identify the type of clause in the sentence 'When the clock struck midnight, the magic began.'
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The clause 'When the clock struck midnight' is a subordinate clause because it does not express a complete thought on its own and depends on the main clause 'the magic began' to form a complete sentence. Subordinate clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'when,' 'if,' 'because,' etc., and serve to provide additional information or context to the main clause. Choice A, 'Main clause,' is incorrect because the highlighted clause is not the primary clause that provides the main idea. Choice C, 'Appositive clause,' is incorrect as an appositive clause renames or explains a noun in the sentence, which is not the case here. Choice D, 'Noun clause,' is incorrect as a noun clause functions as a noun within a sentence, and the highlighted clause does not act as a noun but rather as a dependent clause providing contextual information.
What is the best way to revise the sentence: 'Her eyes glistened with tears in the moonlight'?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is D, 'Tears made her eyes glisten in the moonlight.' This revision is clear and concise, emphasizing the cause (tears) and the effect (glistening eyes) in the moonlight, while maintaining the original meaning. Choices A, B, and C either change the original meaning, alter the cause-effect relationship, or introduce awkward phrasing, making them incorrect.
Which sentence uses comma splices incorrectly?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Option (C) incorrectly combines two independent clauses with only a comma, resulting in a comma splice. A comma should not be used to connect independent clauses; instead, a semicolon, conjunction, or period is needed to properly separate the ideas in the sentence. Choices (A), (B), and (D) do not contain comma splices and present their ideas in a grammatically correct manner.
Identify the article in the following sentence: The delicious cake was enjoyed by everyone at the party.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'C - the.' Articles ('a,' 'an,' and 'the') indicate specificity of a noun. In this sentence, 'the' specifies that there is one particular cake being discussed. Choice A ('cake') is incorrect as it is the noun being modified by the article. Choice B ('was') is a verb and not an article. Choice D ('enjoyed') is also a verb and not an article.
Which sentence uses strong verbs to create a more vivid image?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is option C: 'The car inched down the avenue.' The verb 'inched' in this sentence creates a more vivid image of the car's slow movement compared to the other choices. 'Inched' conveys a slower and more deliberate movement, enhancing the descriptive quality of the sentence. Choices A, B, and D lack the strong and vivid verb 'inched' present in option C, making them less effective in painting a clear picture of the car's movement.
Which of the following provides the best definition for the prefix trans- as used in the sentence?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The prefix trans- means 'across,' as in words like translucent, which allows light to pass through. 'Beautiful' (Choice B), 'Change' (Choice C), and 'Different' (Choice D) do not accurately capture the meaning of the prefix trans- in this context. Therefore, 'Across' is the correct definition.
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct structure is 'whom to hold responsible' as 'whom' is the object of the verb 'to hold.' In choice A, 'who' should be 'whom' to indicate the object of the verb. Choice B is incorrect as 'whom' is incorrectly placed before 'was responsible.' Choice D is also incorrect due to the awkward phrasing and the use of 'on' which is unnecessary.
Which of the answer choices best combines the following four sentences into two sentences? I'm usually good about keeping track of my keys. I lost them. I spent hours looking for them. I found them in the freezer.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Combining the sentences is most effective when using 'but' to contrast the two ideas. Option C is concise, clear, and provides the best flow, accurately capturing both the contrast 'but I lost them' and the sequence of events 'After spending hours looking for them, I found them in the freezer.' Options A, B, and D do not effectively combine the sentences or maintain the sequence of events and contrast between keeping track of the keys and losing them.
Which of the following is a dependent clause?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'After I finish my homework.' This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on the rest of the sentence for context and meaning. Choice A, 'Over the course of the day,' is a prepositional phrase, not a dependent clause. Choice C, 'I can't use my mother's car,' is an independent clause as it can function as a complete sentence on its own. Choice D, 'Through the tunnel,' is also a prepositional phrase and not a dependent clause.
Which example uses correct punctuation?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Choice A uses proper dialogue punctuation. The comma appears inside the closing quotation mark after 'make it,' and 'you' remains lowercase because it continues the same sentence. In Choice B, there is a period instead of a comma after 'answered,' breaking the sentence incorrectly. Choice C incorrectly places the comma outside the quotation mark after 'make it.' Choice D, similar to Choice B, uses a period instead of a comma after 'answered,' leading to incorrect punctuation.
Which of the following words is a synonym for 'happy'?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'B: Joyful.' 'Joyful' is a synonym for 'happy' as both words convey feelings of pleasure, contentment, and delight. Choice 'A: Sad' is incorrect as it is an antonym of 'happy,' representing feelings of sorrow or unhappiness. 'Angry' in choice 'C' and 'Tired' in choice 'D' are also incorrect as they represent different emotional states and do not share the same meaning as 'happy.'
Which of the following examples is the correct way for punctuating this quotation?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Option D correctly punctuates the quotation with commas separating the dialogue from the tag and action.
In which of the following words does the suffix make the root word an adjective?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Childlike' is an adjective formed by adding the suffix '-like' to the noun 'child.' The suffix '-like' is commonly used to transform a noun into an adjective by indicating a resemblance or characteristic associated with the root noun. Choices A, B, and D do not follow the same pattern. 'Created' is a past participle, 'pointing' is a present participle, and 'suburbanite' is a noun derived from 'suburban.' Therefore, 'Childlike' is the only word where the suffix directly converts the root word into an adjective.
Based on the following passage, which of the following scenarios is correct?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The passage uses precise, technical language typical of scientific writing, indicating the writer is a researcher. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not reflect a business context. Choice C is incorrect as there is no indication that the writer is a student or in an academic setting. Choice D is incorrect as the content of the passage does not align with literature or creative writing.
Select the meaning of the highlighted word in the sentence based on the context clues: If you wake up outside in your pajamas in the middle of the night, you may be a 'somnambulist'.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is D: 'Sleepwalker'. The word 'somnambulist' refers to a sleepwalker, as indicated by the context of waking up outside in pajamas in the middle of the night. A sleepwalker is someone who walks while asleep, and this matches the situation described in the sentence. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the behavior of walking during sleep, which is characteristic of a somnambulist/sleepwalker.
What is the part of speech of the word 'exhaustive' in the sentence: 'Investigators conducted an exhaustive inquiry into the accusations of corruption'?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The word 'exhaustive' is an adjective in this sentence. Adjectives modify nouns, and in this case, 'exhaustive' is describing the noun 'inquiry.' A noun, verb, or adverb would not be appropriate here. A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea, which 'exhaustive' is not. A verb is an action word, and 'exhaustive' is not functioning as a verb in this sentence. An adverb typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, but 'exhaustive' is not serving this function in the sentence provided. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Adjective.'
Which of the following words is hyphenated correctly?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'Mid-America.' It is correctly hyphenated as it combines 'Mid' and 'America' to form a compound noun. Choice A, 'Ex-president,' should be hyphenated to show the prefix 'Ex-' before 'president.' Choice B, 'Hyperactive,' should not be hyphenated as 'hyper' is a prefix. Choice C, 'Self-made,' should be hyphenated to connect 'self' and 'made' in this compound adjective.
Which example shows correct comma usage for dates?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A because it uses a comma to separate the day of the week from the date, as well as a comma after the month when the date is included in a sentence. In choice B, there should be commas after both the day of the week and the date. Choice C correctly uses commas after the day of the week and the date. Choice D incorrectly places the comma before the date instead of after the month.
A student reads the following sentence: A hundred years ago, automobiles were rare, but now cars are ubiquitous. However, she doesn't know what the word ubiquitous means. Which key context clue is essential to decipher the word's meaning?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The key context clue essential to decipher the word 'ubiquitous' is the word 'now.' By comparing the rarity of automobiles a hundred years ago to their ubiquity now, the student can infer that 'ubiquitous' means something that is commonplace or found everywhere. Choice A ('Ago') refers to the past and does not provide information about the current state of cars. Choice B ('Cars') only contrasts rare and ubiquitous without indicating the change over time. Choice D ('Rare') simply contrasts with 'ubiquitous' without showing the transition from rarity to ubiquity.
It was not a compact city but was instead divided into separate districts. What is the meaning of the homograph 'compact' in the sentence above?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In this context, the term 'compact' refers to things being 'closely packed together.' The city was not compact in the sense of being closely packed together, but rather divided into separate districts. Choice A, 'A small case for holding makeup,' is not relevant to the context of the sentence. Choice B, 'To compress,' does not fit the sentence's context as it refers to the action of pressing things together. Choice D, 'Very tidy,' is also unrelated to the meaning of 'compact' in the sentence.
What type of sentence is the following: 'If it rains tomorrow, the picnic will be canceled'?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The given sentence, 'If it rains tomorrow, the picnic will be canceled,' is a complex sentence. It consists of an independent clause 'the picnic will be canceled' and a dependent clause 'If it rains tomorrow.' A simple sentence contains just one independent clause, a compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses, and a compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect for this sentence.
What part of speech is the word 'silently' in the sentence 'The masked villain silently laughed while watching the hero struggle to escape'?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Silently' is an adverb in this sentence as it describes how the villain laughed. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In this case, 'silently' is modifying the verb 'laughed,' indicating the manner in which the action was performed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Silently' is not a preposition (A) as it doesn't show a relationship between nouns or pronouns. It is not a verb (C) because it doesn't express an action or state of being. Additionally, it is not an adjective (D) since it does not describe a noun or pronoun.
In which of the following word pairs does the noun become a verb when the suffix is added?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is B. 'Apology' transforms into 'apologize' when the suffix is added, changing the word from a noun to a verb. In this case, the suffix '-ize' is added to the noun 'apology' to form the verb 'apologize.' Choices A, C, and D do not involve a transformation from a noun to a verb when a suffix is added. 'Biology' and 'biologist' are related but not in a noun-to-verb transformation. 'Happy' and 'happily' involve an adjective-to-adverb transformation. 'Mineral' and 'mineralogy' are related terms in the same field but do not show a noun-to-verb change.
In the given scenario, what type of language should the student use when requesting an appointment with the instructor to discuss the research paper?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'C: Email message starting with 'Dear Professor:'. In academic settings, it is essential to use formal and respectful language when addressing instructors. Starting the email with 'Dear Professor:' demonstrates professionalism and respect. Choice A is too informal for a professional setting. Choice B is vague and lacks the necessary level of formality. Choice D showcases unprofessional behavior by not acknowledging missing the appointment until later.
Arrange the following sentences into a chronological paragraph on preparing for the basketball season: There is a myriad of preparation to be completed before the basketball season begins. First, a player must ensure they are in the physical shape required to play an aerobic game such as basketball. This could include lifting weights, short- and long-distance running, and completing ball-handling drills. Additionally, players must ensure they are in good academic standing. Lastly, players can prepare for the basketball season by purchasing the necessary equipment, including proper shoes and socks.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct chronological order for the sentences is as follows: First, a player must ensure they are in the physical shape required for basketball. Next, they should engage in physical activities like lifting weights, running, and completing drills. Then, players need to ensure they are in good academic standing to participate. Finally, players can prepare by purchasing the necessary equipment. Choice C, 'Then, players should ensure they are in good academic standing,' is the correct answer as it aligns with the sequence of steps required for preparing for the basketball season. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the chronological order presented in the paragraph.
What is the structure of the following sentence: The restaurant is unconventional because it serves both Chicago-style pizza and New York-style pizza?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The sentence is a complex sentence because it consists of an independent clause 'The restaurant is unconventional' and a dependent clause 'because it serves both Chicago-style pizza and New York-style pizza.' In a complex sentence, an independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, but a dependent clause cannot. Choice A is incorrect because a simple sentence contains just one independent clause. Choice B is incorrect as a compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Choice D is incorrect as a compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
We rejoiced as 'hackers.' Which of the following is the best revision of the sentence?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Option C is the best revision as it provides clarity and context to the sentence. It conveys the idea that the individuals rejoiced after successfully finding a creative solution to a persistent technological issue. Choice A is incorrect as it leaves the sentence unchanged without adding any context. Choice B introduces the phrase 'nagging technology problem,' which alters the original meaning and is not as concise as the correct answer. Choice D alters the sentence structure and does not effectively convey the intended meaning of rejoicing after finding a solution.
How should the following clauses be connected: 'He ate a lot on vacation. He did not gain any weight.'
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is B, 'He ate a lot on vacation, but he did not gain any weight.' The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contrast between the two clauses. Choices A, C, and D do not effectively demonstrate the contrast between eating a lot and not gaining weight, making them incorrect. Choice A introduces a conditional relationship that is not present in the original sentences. Choice C implies a causal relationship that is not intended. Choice D also suggests a causal link that is not appropriate given the context.
Select the context clue from the following sentence that helps you define the multiple meaning word formula: 'The mother gave her baby his formula after he woke up from his nap in the car.'
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'B: baby.' In the sentence, 'baby' is the context clue that helps define the multiple meaning word 'formula.' Here, 'formula' refers to baby food, as babies typically consume formula. The word 'baby' directly relates to the context of feeding a baby with formula. Choice A, 'mother,' is not directly related to the meaning of 'formula' in this context. Choices C and D, 'nap' and 'car,' are also not directly connected to the meaning of 'formula' as they do not provide any relevant information about the word's meaning in this sentence.
Tanya told her sister to tell her boyfriend Joe to call her as soon as he got home. Which of the following is a correct revision of the ambiguous sentence above?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Option D provides a clear and concise revision of the ambiguous sentence with a straightforward instruction. Tanya asks her sister to relay a message to Joe, instructing him to call her immediately upon arriving home. The direct speech used in Option D clarifies the relationships and actions involved in the communication. Choices A, B, and C introduce confusion by altering the relationships and instructions given in the original sentence, making them incorrect.
Which of the following answer choices is spelled correctly?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct spelling is 'intrude,' which means to enter a place or situation where one is unwelcome or not invited. The other answer choices, 'aclimate,' 'wisen,' and 'alude,' are misspelled. 'Aclimate' should be spelled as 'acclimate,' meaning to become accustomed to a new climate or environment. 'Wisen' is likely intended to be 'wisen' but is not a recognized word. 'Alude' should be spelled as 'allude,' meaning to suggest or call attention to indirectly.
Which of the following steps occurs last in the writing process?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is to 'Revise the content.' This step occurs last in the writing process as it involves reviewing the entire work to ensure clarity, coherence, and error-free writing. Choice B, 'Plan and conduct research,' typically takes place at the beginning of the writing process to gather information. Choice C, 'Select the topic and write the thesis statement,' is an early step to define the focus of the writing. Choice D, 'Organize the material into a logical format,' usually occurs after researching and outlining the content but before the final revision stage.
Which of the following punctuation marks is used incorrectly in the sentence? "Otto, somewhat abruptly, got up out of his chair, and just like that, headed into the next room."
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The semicolon after "that" is used incorrectly; a comma should be used instead. Semicolons are typically used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. In this sentence, the phrase "just like that" is not an independent clause, so a comma is more appropriate for separating it from the rest of the sentence. Choices A, B, and D all use commas correctly within the sentence.
A student is writing a paper for their basic anatomy class and is unsure how they should cite their sources. What should the student do?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is to find out from the instructor what citation style to use. In academic writing, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by the instructor to ensure consistency and correctness. Option A is not recommended as different disciplines may have different citation requirements. Option C is not advisable as citation styles can vary between different fields even within the broader category of science. Option D is incorrect as using multiple citation styles in the same paper can lead to confusion and lack of clarity.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Choice C is the correct answer because it properly uses quotation marks to indicate a direct quote within the sentence ('My history presentation was great!'). Choices A, B, and D contain direct quotes but fail to use quotation marks, making them incorrect. In choice A, the direct question 'How was your day?' should be enclosed in quotation marks. In choice B, the direct quote 'It was awesome.' should also be enclosed in quotation marks. In choice D, the direct statement 'That's wonderful!' should be enclosed in quotation marks.
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