Nursing Elites

1. What is the most effective way to ensure clarity and conciseness in your writing?

• A. Using complex sentence structures and passive voice.
• B. Avoiding unnecessary repetition and redundant words.
• C. Replacing simple words with more sophisticated synonyms.
• D. Adding flowery introductions and lengthy conclusions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective way to ensure clarity and conciseness in writing is by avoiding unnecessary repetition and redundant words. This approach helps in eliminating verbosity and getting straight to the point, making the writing more effective and easier to understand. Using active voice and straightforward language contributes to clarity and ensures the message is conveyed directly and clearly to the reader. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because using complex sentence structures and passive voice (A) can lead to confusion and lack of clarity, replacing simple words with more sophisticated synonyms (C) may introduce unnecessary complexity, and adding flowery introductions and lengthy conclusions (D) can detract from the main message and make the writing less concise.

2. How should the following sentence be correctly punctuated: 'She asked me if I wanted to go to the movies with her'?

• A. She asked me, if I wanted to go to the movies with her.
• B. She asked me: if I wanted to go to the movies with her?
• C. She asked me, if I wanted, to go to the movies with her.
• D. She asked me if I wanted to go to the movies with her.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it uses a question mark within the quoted material as it is a direct question. In this case, the sentence is a reported question, so it does not need additional punctuation within the reported speech. Choice A is incorrect as it incorrectly adds a comma before 'if.' Choice B is incorrect because a colon is not appropriate before 'if' in this context. Choice C is incorrect as it adds an unnecessary comma after 'wanted.'

3. After a twelve-hour workday, James was exhausted when he heard the news.

• A. .
• B. ;
• C. ,
• D. —

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The comma (,) is used to separate the introductory clause 'After a twelve-hour workday' from the main clause 'James was exhausted when he heard the news.' This punctuation correctly indicates the relationship between the two clauses without interrupting the flow of the sentence. Choice A (.), a period, would create two separate sentences, which is not appropriate in this context. Choice B (;) is too strong of a pause and semicolons are typically used to connect closely related independent clauses. Choice D (—) is an em dash, which is used to set off an abrupt break or interruption in the sentence, not to separate an introductory clause from the main clause.

4. 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.

5. During the Civil War, the United States, still a fairly young country, was divided into the North and South on strongly felt issues. President Abraham Lincoln took a stand on the side of the North, which ultimately emerged victorious. What is the most appropriate topic sentence for the passage below?

• A. The Civil War was a war that was not easily won, but hard fought.
• B. The Civil War ended in 1865.
• C. Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States.
• D. Many countries have had civil wars.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The topic sentence sets the stage for the discussion that follows. Choice A, 'The Civil War was a war that was not easily won, but hard fought,' is the most appropriate as it introduces the theme of the challenges faced during the Civil War and the determination required for victory. Choice B, 'The Civil War ended in 1865,' is a factual statement but does not lead into the paragraph content. Choice C, 'Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States,' introduces a different historical figure not central to the paragraph. Choice D, 'Many countries have had civil wars,' is a broad statement not related to the specific context of the Civil War in the United States.

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