which example shows correct comma usage for dates

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which example shows correct comma usage for dates?

A. The due date for the final paper in the course is Monday, May 16.
B. Tuesday, March 10, 2021 was when the meeting took place.
C. We will meet on Friday, March 11, 2022.
D. We met on Monday, December 11, 2020.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it uses a comma to separate the day of the week from the date, as well as a comma after the month when the date is included in a sentence. In choice B, there should be commas after both the day of the week and the date. Choice C correctly uses commas after the day of the week and the date. Choice D incorrectly places the comma before the date instead of after the month.

2. In the phrase 'a drop in the bucket,' what does 'bucket' represent?

A. A literal container
B. A large quantity
C. A specific goal
D. An obstacle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'a drop in the bucket' is an idiom that means a very small or insignificant amount in comparison to a much larger total. In this context, 'bucket' symbolizes a large quantity, emphasizing the idea that the 'drop' is minimal or inconsequential when considering the overall amount. Choice A, 'A literal container,' is incorrect as 'bucket' in this phrase is not meant to be taken literally but rather symbolically. Choice C, 'A specific goal,' is incorrect as the phrase does not refer to achieving a specific target. Choice D, 'An obstacle,' is incorrect as 'bucket' is not presented as a hindrance or barrier in this idiom.

3. Which of the following statements most effectively revises this introduction about Mary Shelley: Mary Shelley conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created, which helped the English novelist to make an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture?

A. English novelist Mary Shelley had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture when she conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created.
B. Dr. Frankenstein created a hideous monster, and they were conceived by English novelist Mary Shelley, who had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture.
C. English novelist Mary Shelley conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created and had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture.
D. Novelist Mary Shelley from England had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture when she conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A most effectively revises the introduction by clearly stating that English novelist Mary Shelley had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture through her conception of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created. It maintains the original idea while improving clarity and coherence. Option B introduces confusion by implying that Dr. Frankenstein created the hideous monster when it was actually Mary Shelley who conceived both characters. Option C lacks the necessary conjunctions to make the sentence flow smoothly. Option D unnecessarily specifies the country of origin for Mary Shelley and does not maintain the focus on her impact on literature and popular culture.

4. A student reads the following sentence: A hundred years ago, automobiles were rare, but now cars are ubiquitous. However, she doesn't know what the word ubiquitous means. Which key context clue is essential to decipher the word's meaning?

A. Ago
B. Cars
C. Now
D. Rare

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The key context clue essential to decipher the word 'ubiquitous' is the word 'now.' By comparing the rarity of automobiles a hundred years ago to their ubiquity now, the student can infer that 'ubiquitous' means something that is commonplace or found everywhere. Choice A ('Ago') refers to the past and does not provide information about the current state of cars. Choice B ('Cars') only contrasts rare and ubiquitous without indicating the change over time. Choice D ('Rare') simply contrasts with 'ubiquitous' without showing the transition from rarity to ubiquity.

5. Because of all your running around, their clients are confused about who's in charge, and the company is losing its competitive edge. Which contraction should be used to correct the error?

A. Who's
B. Whos
C. Who’ll
D. Who

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct contraction to use in this sentence is 'who's,' which is short for 'who is.' In the given context, 'who's' indicates the correct possessive form, clarifying that the clients are confused about who is in charge. Choice B, 'Whos,' is incorrect as it does not use an apostrophe to indicate the omitted letter. Choice C, 'Who’ll,' is incorrect as it is a contraction for 'who will,' which does not fit the context of the sentence. Choice D, 'Who,' is incorrect as it is not a contraction and does not clarify the intended meaning of the sentence.