choose the sentence that most effectively follows the conventions of standard written english

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 English Practice Test

1. Choose the sentence that most effectively follows the conventions of standard written English:

A. Wilbur and Orville Wright were two brothers who tested their prototype airplane on a beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
B. The two brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, tested their prototype airplane on a beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
C. The two brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, were testing their prototype airplane on a beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
D. The beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina was where the two brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, came to test their prototype airplane.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. This sentence effectively follows the conventions of standard written English by clearly presenting the subject ('The two brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright') and the verb ('tested') with appropriate punctuation. Choice A introduces an unnecessary comma and could be more concise. Choice C changes the tense of the verb to 'were testing,' which is not required for the context provided. Choice D creates a more awkward sentence structure by placing the location at the beginning and using 'came and tested,' which is less direct than 'tested'. Thus, Choice B is the most effective and grammatically correct option.

2. Where should a semicolon be placed in the following sentence: 'He loves reading comics, playing video games, and spending time with friends'?

A. He loves reading comics; playing video games, and spending time with friends.
B. He loves reading comics, playing video games; and spending time with friends.
C. He loves reading comics, playing video games, and spending time with friends.
D. No semicolon needed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A semicolon is used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. In the sentence provided, 'playing video games' and 'spending time with friends' are the items that contain commas. Therefore, the correct placement of the semicolon is before the conjunction 'and,' as shown in option (B). Choice (A) incorrectly places the semicolon after 'comics,' disrupting the parallel structure. Choice (C) does not use a semicolon where needed. Choice (D) is incorrect as a semicolon is required in this context to maintain proper punctuation in the list.

3. What does the underlined word in the following sentence mean? 'The students’ excitement about the beginning of summer vacation pervaded the whole classroom.'

A. stood at attention
B. spread throughout
C. explained
D. took note

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The underlined word 'pervaded' in the sentence means 'spread throughout.' In this context, it conveys that the excitement of the students was felt and noticed everywhere in the classroom. Choice A, 'stood at attention,' does not align with the meaning of 'pervaded.' Choice C, 'explained,' and choice D, 'took note,' are also unrelated to the concept of the excitement spreading throughout the entire classroom.

4. Which of the following sentences contains a colloquialism?

A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pretty sure that the Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites.
B. Travelers who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should consult a doctor.
C. Some theories on the Zika virus are difficult to understand.
D. In response, the U.S. has taken steps to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the phrase 'pretty sure' is a colloquialism, making the sentence less formal. Choice B is incorrect as it is a formal recommendation. Choice C is incorrect as it contains no colloquial expressions. Choice D is incorrect as it is a straightforward statement without colloquial language.

5. Which of the following sentences is correct?

A. I asked Scott, 'How was your day?'
B. Scott said, 'It was awesome.'
C. He claimed, "My history presentation was great!"
D. I said, 'That's wonderful!'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 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.