Nursing Elites

1. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this essay?

• A. To explain how the markings on a snake are related to its venomous nature.
• B. To teach readers the difference between coral snakes and kingsnakes.
• C. To illustrate why snakes are dangerous.
• D. To demonstrate how animals adapt to difficult environments.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The author's primary purpose in writing this essay is to teach readers the difference between coral snakes and kingsnakes. The essay discusses how skin coloration and markings help snakes hide from predators and indicate whether a snake is venomous. By comparing the physical characteristics and behaviors of coral snakes and kingsnakes, the author helps readers understand how to distinguish between the two species to avoid potential dangers. Choice A is incorrect because the essay focuses more on distinguishing between snake species rather than solely on the relationship between markings and venom. Choice C is incorrect as the essay does not aim to illustrate why snakes are dangerous but rather to educate about the differences between specific snake types. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not discuss how animals survive in difficult environments, but instead focuses on snake markings and behaviors.

2. Which option best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification?

• A. Her mood hung about her like a weary cape, very dull from wear.
• B. It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames.
• C. The house was a starch sentry, warning visitors away.
• D. At its shoreline, visitors swore they heard the siren call of the cliffs above.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B, 'It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames,' best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification. The phrase uses alliteration by repeating the 's' sound and personification by attributing human actions like shuddering and screaming to an inanimate object. Options A, C, and D do not contain both alliteration and personification. Option A uses personification but lacks alliteration. Option C uses personification but lacks alliteration. Option D contains personification but lacks alliteration as well.

3. What is the word 'principal' referring to in the following text?

• A. Primary or chief
• B. An acolyte
• C. An individual who provides nurturing
• D. One in a subordinate position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the provided text, 'principal' is referring to the primary or chief individual. The principal secretary for private affairs is considered second only to the treasurer, indicating a position of high importance. The term 'acolyte' (Choice B) refers to a ceremonial assistant, which does not fit the context. 'An individual who provides nurturing' (Choice C) and 'One in a subordinate position' (Choice D) do not accurately describe the role of the 'principal' in the text.

4. In the context of the article, the word mortal means

• A. deadly.
• B. recoverable.
• C. fatal.
• D. dangerous.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the article describing the assassination of President Lincoln, the word 'mortal' is used to describe a wound that will cause death. The sentence 'The wound is mortal' indicates that the wound is fatal and will result in the President's death. Therefore, the correct synonym for 'mortal' in this context is 'fatal,' meaning causing death. Choice A, 'deadly,' is the best synonym as it directly relates to causing death. Choices B and D, 'recoverable' and 'dangerous,' do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'mortal' in this context.

5. Which of the following stories' messages is significantly distorted through the use of an irrelevant detail?

• A. A soft profile about a local politician's part-time rock band that mentions his political differences with his bandmates
• B. A feature story of a local business owner running for political office in which she admits to having employed illegal laborers
• C. A profile of several local Jewish and Arab business leaders that mentions ongoing hostilities in the Middle East
• D. A news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously, the irrelevant detail about the immigration violation distracts from the main message of the protest against property tax rates. The inclusion of this detail shifts the focus away from the citizen's current concerns and the reasons for his protest, thus distorting the story's message. Choices A, B, and C do not include irrelevant details that significantly distort the main messages of the stories. Choice A mentions political differences with bandmates but still focuses on the politician's part-time rock band. Choice B discusses the employment of illegal laborers but remains centered on the business owner's political aspirations. Choice C talks about ongoing hostilities in the Middle East but does not veer away from the main focus on the local Jewish and Arab business leaders.

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