which example uses correct punctuation

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS English and Language Usage

1. Which example uses correct punctuation?

A. "I really can't make it," he answered, "you should probably go without me."
B. "I really can't make it," he answered. "you should probably go without me."
C. "I really can't make it," he answered. "You should probably go without me."
D. "I really can't make it," he answered, "you should probably go without me."

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A uses proper dialogue punctuation. The comma appears inside the closing quotation mark after 'make it,' and 'you' remains lowercase because it continues the same sentence. In Choice B, there is a period instead of a comma after 'answered,' breaking the sentence incorrectly. Choice C incorrectly places the comma outside the quotation mark after 'make it.' Choice D, similar to Choice B, uses a period instead of a comma after 'answered,' leading to incorrect punctuation.

2. Which of the following sentences is a compound sentence?

A. The sky is clear, and the stars are bright.
B. Although it was late, he stayed up.
C. She reads books.
D. While she reads, she listens to music.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction or a semicolon. In sentence A, 'The sky is clear' and 'the stars are bright' are two independent clauses joined by the conjunction 'and.'<br>Choice B is a complex sentence as it has a dependent clause ('Although it was late') and an independent clause ('he stayed up').<br>Choice C is a simple sentence with only one subject and one verb.<br>Choice D is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('While she reads') and an independent clause ('she listens to music').

3. What is the past tense of the verb 'discover'?

A. discovers
B. discovered
C. discovering
D. discovery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The past tense of the verb 'discover' is 'discovered.' In this case, the scientist already found a new species of butterfly, indicating a past action. 'Discovered' is the correct past tense form of 'discover.' The other options do not represent the past tense form of the verb. 'Discovers' is present tense, 'discovering' is present participle, and 'discovery' is a noun, not a verb tense.

4. Which of the following choices shows the best chronological order for the sentences within the paragraph?

A. IV, II, I, III
B. III, IV, II, I
C. I, II, III, IV
D. III, I, IV, II

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct chronological order for the sentences within a paragraph should follow the sequence of events logically. In this case, 'I, II, III, IV' is the correct order. Sentence I usually sets the stage or introduces the main idea, followed by sentence II, which provides additional information. Sentence III usually presents the climax or a turning point, leading to sentence IV, which wraps up the paragraph. Choice C, 'I, II, III, IV,' maintains this logical progression, making it the best chronological order. Choices A, B, and D do not follow a coherent chronological sequence and disrupt the flow of events within the paragraph.

5. What transition should be added to the beginning of sentence 2 below: Mr. Shanbourne just nodded?

A. Surprisingly
B. Actually
C. Furthermore
D. Instead

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct transition to add at the beginning of sentence 2 is 'Surprisingly.' This transition sets the tone for something unexpected or contrary to what was anticipated, emphasizing Mr. Shanbourne's reaction as not typical or predicted. Option B, 'Actually,' would not fit well as it does not imply any sense of surprise or contrast. Option C, 'Furthermore,' is used to add information rather than to indicate a surprising turn of events. Option D, 'Instead,' suggests a replacement or choice between alternatives, which is not suitable in this context.