which of the following is a thesis statement

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test English Questions

1. Which of the following is a thesis statement?

A. While Abel Tasman is the first European credited with seeing New Zealand, James Cook is recognized for mapping the country.
B. James Cook is recognized for mapping New Zealand.
C. Abel Tasman was the first European to see New Zealand.
D. New Zealand was first mapped by James Cook.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as it presents a clear thesis statement by comparing the achievements of Abel Tasman and James Cook. It establishes the main argument of the text, which is a key characteristic of a thesis statement. Choice B is too specific and only focuses on James Cook without presenting an argument. Choice C simply states a historical fact without presenting an argument or comparison. Choice D, while related to the topic, does not establish a clear argument or comparison between individuals, making it an incorrect thesis statement.

2. Which sentence uses the word 'literally' correctly?

A. I literally died laughing at that joke.
B. He literally climbed a mountain of paperwork.
C. Her eyes were literally sparkling with excitement.
D. The house was literally haunted by ghosts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it uses 'literally' to emphasize the magnitude of work, not to exaggerate a simple action. In this sentence, 'literally' is used to convey the idea that the person climbed a significant amount of paperwork, highlighting the challenging and overwhelming nature of the task. Choices A, C, and D use 'literally' inappropriately by exaggerating or using the word in a non-literal sense. In choice A, 'died laughing' is a common expression and not meant to be taken literally. Choice C describes a figurative expression, not a literal one. Choice D involves the supernatural, which is not a literal occurrence.

3. Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

A. A carpenter must use certain tools - hammers, saws, chisels - to finish a job.
B. A carpenter must use certain tools: hammers, saws, chisels to finish a job.
C. A carpenter must use certain tools hammers, saws, chisels to finish a job.
D. A carpenter must use certain tools; hammers, saws, chisels to finish a job.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as the sentence is correctly punctuated using em dashes to set off the list. The em dashes help to clearly separate the list of tools from the rest of the sentence. In Choice B, a colon is used, which is incorrect as colons are typically used to introduce a list, not within the list itself. Choice C lacks any punctuation to separate the list, making it unclear and incorrect. Choice D uses semicolons, which are not appropriate for separating items in a list, making it incorrect as well.

4. Select the book title that does not contain a preposition.

A. The Man in the Brown Suit
B. The Secret of Chimneys
C. Murder on the Orient Express
D. And Then There Were None

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D' - 'And Then There Were None.' This title does not contain a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. In this title, 'And,' 'Then,' 'There,' and 'None' are not prepositions; they are conjunctions and pronouns. Choices A, B, and C all contain prepositions: 'in,' 'of,' and 'on,' respectively. Therefore, they are incorrect answers for this question.

5. What is the best definition of the word translucent?

A. Blocking all light
B. Blinding with light
C. Giving off colorful light
D. Letting some light through

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct definition of the word translucent is letting some light through. Translucent materials allow light to pass through, but they are not completely clear or transparent, unlike transparent materials. Choice A, 'Blocking all light,' is incorrect because translucent materials do not block all light. Choice B, 'Blinding with light,' is incorrect as it does not describe the property of translucency. Choice C, 'Giving off colorful light,' is also incorrect as it does not accurately define the term translucent.