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. The RV was a great purchase for our family and brought us all closer together. Which of the following transitional phrases would improve this sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. Not surprisingly, the RV
C. Furthermore, the RV
D. As it turns out, the RV

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The transitional phrase 'As it turns out' adds a reflective tone that matches the surprise at how well the RV worked for the family. Choice A ('NO CHANGE') does not introduce any new information or transition. Choice B ('Not surprisingly, the RV') contradicts the surprise factor mentioned in the sentence. Choice C ('Furthermore, the RV') does not provide a suitable transition given the context of the sentence.

3. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun usage.

A. “This mystery concerns my friend Watson and me.”
B. “This mystery concerns me and my friend Watson.”
C. “This mystery concerns my friend Watson and I.”
D. “This mystery concerns I and my friend Watson.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct pronoun usage is 'me' when it is the object of a verb or preposition. In this sentence, 'me' is the object of the verb 'concerns,' so it should be used instead of 'I.' Additionally, the correct order for objects in a sentence is 'my friend Watson and me.' Choice B is incorrect because 'me' should come before 'my friend Watson' to maintain the correct order. Choice C is incorrect as 'I' is incorrectly used instead of 'me.' Choice D is incorrect because 'I' is used incorrectly as the object pronoun, and the order is reversed.

4. Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

A. Running through the park, the dog chased me.
B. I saw the dog running through the park.
C. The dog chased me through the park.
D. While running through the park, I saw the dog.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In sentence A, the modifier 'Running through the park' is misplaced because it makes it seem like the dog was the one running through the park rather than the intended meaning that the speaker was running through the park. In choices B, C, and D, the modifiers are correctly placed, providing clear and concise descriptions without causing confusion about who or what is performing the action.

5. 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.