which of the examples uses the correct plural form

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of the examples uses the correct plural form?

A. Tomatoes
B. Analysis
C. Cacti
D. Criterion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct plural form of 'cactus' is 'cacti' according to the English language rules for forming plural nouns ending in -us. The word 'cacti' is the plural form of 'cactus,' which follows this particular rule. Choice A 'Tomatoes' is incorrect because the correct plural form of 'tomato' is 'tomatoes,' not 'tomatos.' Choice B 'Analysis' is incorrect as it is already the plural form. Choice D 'Criterion' is incorrect as its plural form is 'criteria,' not 'criterion.'

2. Which of the following sentences contains a homophone?

A. Each evening, the young woman walked alone on the canal path.
B. As water is heated up, it slowly begins to expand.
C. By Sunday, they were ready to raze the old building, and everyone gathered to watch.
D. The previous tenant had been a chemistry teacher.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. 'Raze' is a homophone of 'raise,' which means to destroy completely. The other choices do not contain homophones. Choice A talks about a young woman walking on a canal path, choice B discusses water heating up and expanding, and choice D mentions a previous tenant who was a chemistry teacher, none of which involve homophones. Therefore, choice C is the only sentence that contains a homophone, making it the correct answer.

3. 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.

4. Which term refers to the feelings a text creates in the reader?

A. Tone
B. Irony
C. Mood
D. Theme

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mood.' Mood refers to the atmosphere or emotional setting created by a piece of literary work. It reflects the feelings and emotions evoked in the reader while experiencing the text. 'Tone' (choice A) refers to the attitude of the writer towards the subject or audience, 'Irony' (choice B) involves a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, and 'Theme' (choice D) is the central idea or message conveyed by the text.

5. Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

A. I brought snacks: chips, salsa, and guacamole.
B. The winner is Sarah!
C. He loves all things chocolate: cake, ice cream, and candy bars.
D. Please bring the following items: pen, paper, and stapler.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Colons are used to introduce a list or explanation that follows an independent clause. In this case, option A correctly uses a colon to introduce a list of snacks after an independent clause. Choice B lacks an independent clause before the colon, making it incorrect. Choice C is incorrect as it should have an independent clause before the colon. Choice D incorrectly uses a colon as a comma would be more appropriate to introduce the list of items.