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. Which of the following is a correctly punctuated complex sentence?

• A. Mary-Louise put on her softball jersey, and then she grabbed her bat.
• B. Before finishing her walk home, Raina stopped to watch the sunset.
• C. When Greta ran around third base, she noticed her cheering teammates.
• D. After we eat dinner, Marvin will do the dishes, and I will clean the counters.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('Before finishing her walk home') followed by an independent clause. In this sentence, 'Before finishing her walk home' acts as the dependent clause that sets the context for the main action, which is 'Raina stopped to watch the sunset.' Option A features two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, making it a compound sentence. Option C also has two independent clauses separated by a semicolon, which is incorrect punctuation for a complex sentence. Option D consists of two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, forming a compound sentence rather than a complex sentence.

3. Which of the following is NOT a prewriting strategy?

• A. Brainstorming
• B. Visual mapping of ideas
• C. Asking questions
• D. Organizing writing into paragraphs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Organizing writing into paragraphs is a component of drafting, which occurs after prewriting. Prewriting involves generating ideas, organizing thoughts, and outlining content before beginning the actual writing process. Choices A, B, and C are all prewriting strategies. Brainstorming helps in generating ideas, visual mapping assists in organizing thoughts spatially, and asking questions helps in exploring different angles of the topic before structuring the content. Therefore, organizing writing into paragraphs is the only option that does not directly relate to prewriting.

4. Which of the following sentences contains an incorrect use of capitalization?

• A. For Christmas, we are driving to the South to visit my grandmother in Mississippi.
• B. Last year, we went to East Texas to go camping in Piney Woods.
• C. Next month, we will visit my Aunt Darla, who lives just east of us.
• D. When my sister-in-law Susan has her baby, I will take the train north to see her.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In this sentence, 'East' should not be capitalized because it is not part of a proper noun. Choices A, B, and D use capitalization correctly. In option A, 'South' and 'Mississippi' are capitalized as they are referring to specific regions. In option B, 'East Texas' and 'Piney Woods' are proper nouns and correctly capitalized. In option D, 'Susan' is a proper noun and capitalized appropriately.

5. When proofreading your writing, what should be your primary focus?

• A. Changing the wording to enhance originality.
• B. Avoiding minor grammatical errors like typos.
• C. Checking for clarity, consistency, and overall flow.
• D. Avoiding replacing common words with thesaurus alternatives.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When proofreading your writing, the primary focus should be on checking for clarity, consistency, and overall flow. This involves ensuring that the content is clear, logical, and flows smoothly from one point to the next. While enhancing originality can be important, it is secondary to ensuring that the writing effectively communicates its message. Ignoring minor grammatical errors like typos can detract from the professionalism and impact of the writing. Replacing common words with thesaurus alternatives should be done sparingly and only when it enhances the clarity or impact of the text, rather than as a routine practice during proofreading.

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