Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following phrases is grammatically correct and uses parallel structure?

• A. He enjoys reading, writing, and playing sports.
• B. Walking, swimming, and cooking are his favorite hobbies.
• C. He likes to read, write, and play sports.
• D. Singing, dancing, and traveling are his passions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it uses the gerund (-ing) form for all three hobbies, achieving parallel structure. Parallel structure requires that elements in a sentence are grammatically balanced. In this case, all three activities are presented in the same form, making the sentence clear and consistent. Choices A, C, and D do not exhibit parallel structure as they mix verb forms or use infinitives, breaking the parallelism needed for correct grammar.

2. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

• A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
• B. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
• C. I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.
• D. I have a big test tomorrow; but I can't go out tonight.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is to join two closely related independent clauses. Choice A is the only option that correctly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses: 'I have a big test tomorrow' and 'I can't go out tonight.' Choice B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a semicolon. Choice C adds an unnecessary 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct punctuation usage. Choice D introduces a contradictory conjunction 'but' after the semicolon, which is not necessary for the given context. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

3. Which of the following actions should NOT take place during the revising, editing, and proofreading steps of the writing process?

• A. Improving word choice
• B. Replacing irrelevant or weak sentences
• C. Identifying sentences that require citations
• D. Determining the argument the composition will defend

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the revising, editing, and proofreading steps of the writing process, the focus is on refining the existing content rather than creating new material. Improving word choice, replacing irrelevant or weak sentences, and identifying sentences that require citations are tasks that fall within these steps to enhance the overall quality and clarity of the writing. Determining the argument the composition will defend is a task that belongs to the drafting stage, where the main ideas and arguments are formulated. Therefore, deciding on the argument is not a step that should take place during revising, editing, and proofreading.

4. Identify the participial phrase in the following sentence: 'Running through the park, she spotted a squirrel.'

• A. Running
• B. Through the park
• C. She spotted
• D. A squirrel

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Through the park.' A participial phrase acts as an adjective and is formed from a verb. In this sentence, 'Running through the park' describes 'she' and functions as an adjective modifying the subject. Choice A 'Running' is incorrect because it is just the present participle without additional context to form a phrase. Choice C 'She spotted' is incorrect as it is a subject and a verb, not a participial phrase. Choice D 'A squirrel' is incorrect as it is a noun phrase, not a participial phrase.

5. How should the following clauses be connected: 'He ate a lot on vacation. He did not gain any weight.'

• A. He ate a lot on vacation if he did not gain any weight.
• B. He ate a lot on vacation, but he did not gain any weight.
• C. He ate a lot on vacation since he did not gain any weight.
• D. He ate a lot on vacation because he did not gain any weight.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'He ate a lot on vacation, but he did not gain any weight.' The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contrast between the two clauses. Choices A, C, and D do not effectively demonstrate the contrast between eating a lot and not gaining weight, making them incorrect. Choice A introduces a conditional relationship that is not present in the original sentences. Choice C implies a causal relationship that is not intended. Choice D also suggests a causal link that is not appropriate given the context.

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