Nursing Elites

1. Here's what I'd like you to bring tomorrow: two dozen cupcakes, a carton of milk, and party napkins. Which of the following punctuation marks best completes the sentence above?

• A. ;
• B. .
• C. :
• D. ,

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is a colon (C). In this sentence, the colon is used to introduce a list of items that the speaker wants you to bring. The colon is the most suitable punctuation mark in this context. Choice A (;) is incorrect because a semicolon is used to connect independent clauses or items in a list when those items contain commas. Choice B (.) is incorrect because a period ends a sentence and does not fit here as the sentence continues. Choice D (,) is incorrect because a comma is used to separate items in a list, but the sentence needs a punctuation mark that introduces the list.

2. What is the best way to revise the sentence: 'Her eyes glistened with tears in the moonlight'?

• A. Her eyes glistened in the moonlight, with tears.
• B. Tears glistened in her eyes with moonlight.
• C. Her eyes, in the moonlight, glistened with tears.
• D. Tears made her eyes glisten in the moonlight.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 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.

3. Which of the following is essential in the concluding statement of an argument?

• A. The introduction of new points that might lead to future arguments
• B. A summary of the argument that clearly reinforces its main points
• C. A brief explanation of other perspectives on the topic
• D. A short metaphor to help the main idea be more memorable to the audience

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A summary of the argument that clearly reinforces its main points.' In a concluding statement of an argument, it is crucial to provide a concise summary that reinforces the main points presented throughout the argument. Option A is incorrect because introducing new points in the conclusion can confuse the audience and detract from the coherence of the argument. Option C is incorrect as the conclusion should focus on summarizing the main argument rather than delving into other perspectives. Option D is incorrect because while metaphors can be useful in enhancing understanding, they are not essential in the concluding statement of an argument, which should primarily focus on summarizing the key points.

4. In which of the following situations is a citation needed?

• A. A professor teaches a concept from a book she wrote.
• B. A speaker recites an original poem.
• C. A student quotes song lyrics to support his point.
• D. A writer states a well-known and accepted fact.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A citation is necessary when using someone else's work, such as song lyrics, to support an argument in academic writing. In options A, B, and D, there is no need for a citation. Option A involves the professor teaching her own work, so no external citation is required. Option B refers to an original work by the speaker, which does not require citation. Option D mentions a well-known and accepted fact, which generally does not need a citation in academic writing.

5. 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."

• A. The comma after "somewhat"
• B. The comma after "Otto"
• C. The semicolon after "that"
• D. The comma after "chair"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 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.

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