which of the basic elements of the writing process should be completed before the first draft is written

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS English

1. Which of the basic elements of the writing process should be completed before the first draft is written?

A. Prewriting
B. Revising
C. Conferencing
D. Editing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Prewriting.' Prewriting is the initial stage of the writing process where ideas are brainstormed, organized, and outlined before starting the first draft. This step involves activities such as researching, outlining, and planning the structure and content of the writing. Revising (Choice B), conferencing (Choice C), and editing (Choice D) are all important stages in the writing process, but they come after the initial prewriting phase. Revising involves making changes to the content, structure, and organization of the draft; conferencing involves getting feedback from peers or instructors; and editing focuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Therefore, prewriting is crucial as it lays the foundation for a successful writing process.

2. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a transition word?

A. Gilda is a hardworking student; therefore, she earned a good grade on her essay.
B. Gilda is a hardworking student; therefore she earned a good grade on her essay.
C. Gilda is a hardworking student: therefore, she earned a good grade on her essay.
D. Gilda is a hardworking student and therefore she earned a good grade on her essay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer. 'Therefore' is correctly used as a transition word with proper punctuation in this sentence. In a compound sentence like this, a semicolon is used before the transition word to connect two independent clauses. Choice B is incorrect because it lacks the necessary punctuation to separate the independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as a colon is not typically used before a transition word in this context. Choice D is incorrect because 'and' does not function as a transition word in this sentence.

3. 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.

4. Where should a semicolon be placed in the following sentence: 'He loves reading comics, playing video games, and spending time with friends'?

A. He loves reading comics; playing video games, and spending time with friends.
B. He loves reading comics, playing video games; and spending time with friends.
C. He loves reading comics, playing video games, and spending time with friends.
D. No semicolon needed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A semicolon is used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. In the sentence provided, 'playing video games' and 'spending time with friends' are the items that contain commas. Therefore, the correct placement of the semicolon is before the conjunction 'and,' as shown in option (B). Choice (A) incorrectly places the semicolon after 'comics,' disrupting the parallel structure. Choice (C) does not use a semicolon where needed. Choice (D) is incorrect as a semicolon is required in this context to maintain proper punctuation in the list.

5. Which sentence uses the correlative conjunction 'either/or' correctly?

A. You can either come to the party or stay home.
B. Either she will go to the concert, or he will.
C. I'm not sure whether I should go swimming or running.
D. He likes both pizza and pasta, so he can have either.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A uses the correlative conjunction 'either/or' correctly by presenting two exclusive options. The structure 'either...or' is used to show a choice between two alternatives, and in this sentence, it clearly presents the options of coming to the party or staying home. Choice B incorrectly separates the options with a comma after 'either,' disrupting the correlative conjunction pair. Choice C uses 'whether' instead of 'either/or,' which changes the meaning and structure. Choice D uses 'either' incorrectly, as it should be followed by 'or' to form the correlative pair.