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. In the sentence 'The very lively lady was riding a beautiful parade float,' what part of speech is 'lively'?

A. Verb
B. Adverb
C. Adjective
D. Noun

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'Lively' is an adjective in this sentence as it describes the noun 'lady.' It is used to provide more information about the characteristics of the lady, indicating how she is lively. This makes 'adjective' the correct answer. The other options are incorrect: 'Verb' is a word that expresses an action or state of being, 'Adverb' modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, and 'Noun' is a person, place, thing, or idea.

3. In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

A. In a seminar
B. Writing a postcard
C. Talking to your boss
D. Participating in a professional conference

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is writing a postcard (Choice B). A postcard is a casual form of communication, typically sent to friends or family, making it a suitable context for informal language. Using informal language in a seminar (Choice A) would be inappropriate as it is a formal setting where professional language is expected. Talking to your boss (Choice C) and participating in a professional conference (Choice D) also require formal language to maintain professionalism and respect for the workplace environment.

4. Which of the following is correctly punctuated?

A. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
B. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
C. The artist Prince—whose death shocked America in April of 2016—was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
D. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct punctuation in this case is to use a comma (,) to set off the nonrestrictive clause 'whose death shocked America in April of 2016.' This clause provides additional information about the artist Prince without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. Choice A has a semicolon (;) which is incorrect as it separates two closely related independent clauses. Choice C uses em dashes (—) which are incorrect as they should be used for emphasis or to set off information. Choice D uses a colon (:) which is incorrect as it introduces a list or an explanation, not additional information about the artist Prince. Therefore, the correctly punctuated sentence is: 'The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.'

5. Which word is most closely associated with the adjective 'meticulous'?

A. careless
B. precise
C. indifferent
D. enthusiastic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'meticulous' is synonymous with being very careful and detail-oriented. It describes someone who pays close attention to detail and is thorough in their work. 'Precise' is the best choice among the options as it conveys accuracy and exactness, which align with the nature of someone who is meticulous. Choice A, 'careless,' is the opposite of meticulous, indicating a lack of attention to detail. Choice C, 'indifferent,' suggests a lack of interest or concern, which is not related to being meticulous. Choice D, 'enthusiastic,' conveys a sense of excitement and passion rather than the precision and carefulness associated with being meticulous.