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 technique best helps maintain consistency in writing style?

A. Writing freely without a clear outline or structure.
B. Using different vocabulary and sentence structures in each paragraph.
C. Establishing a style guide with agreed-upon terminology and formatting.
D. Relying on thesaurus suggestions for varied word choices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Establishing a style guide with agreed-upon terminology and formatting is the most effective technique to maintain consistency in writing style. A style guide ensures that writers adhere to specific guidelines regarding tone, terminology, and formatting, thereby creating a cohesive and uniform writing style across different pieces of writing. This consistency helps enhance readability and reinforces the brand or voice associated with the written content. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not promote consistency in writing style. Writing freely without structure can lead to inconsistency, using different vocabulary and sentence structures can create disjointed writing, and relying solely on thesaurus suggestions may result in awkward or inappropriate word choices that do not contribute to maintaining a consistent writing style.

3. The following words all end in the same suffix, -ism: polytheism, communism, nationalism. Considering the meaning of these three words, which of the following best correlates to the meaning of the suffix?

A. A doctrine
B. A condition
C. A characteristic
D. A state of being

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'A doctrine.' The suffix -ism is commonly used to denote a system, doctrine, or belief. Words like polytheism, communism, and nationalism all represent specific doctrines or systems of belief. Therefore, the suffix -ism in these contexts indicates a particular set of ideas or principles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because -ism does not typically refer to a condition, characteristic, or state of being, but rather to a specific ideology, doctrine, or belief system.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following types of writing would include a bibliography of sources at the end?

A. An article for a school paper
B. A research paper on the Great Migration
C. A short story for a magazine
D. A personal essay about someone's father

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A research paper typically includes a bibliography of sources to document the research conducted. In this case, a research paper on the Great Migration would require a bibliography to cite the sources used. Choices A, C, and D do not typically require a bibliography as they are not research-based and focus more on personal or fictional content.