which of the following sentences correctly uses a hyphen

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a hyphen?

A. Last year, many of the players felt unsure of the coach's methods.
B. Some of the furniture she selected seemed a bit over-the-top for the space.
C. Henry is a beagle-mix and is ready for adoption this weekend.
D. Geena works to maintain a good relationship with her ex-husband to the benefit of their children.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct usage of a hyphen is seen in sentence C, 'Henry is a beagle-mix and is ready for adoption this weekend.' The hyphen is used in 'beagle-mix' to link the two words together to describe Henry's breed accurately. Choice A contains a comma incorrectly placed after 'Last year.' Choice B uses hyphens as dashes, which is incorrect. Choice D does not require a hyphen as there is no compound term or adjective that needs to be linked.

2. Identify the article in the following sentence: The delicious cake was enjoyed by everyone at the party.

A. cake
B. was
C. the
D. enjoyed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C - the.' Articles ('a,' 'an,' and 'the') indicate specificity of a noun. In this sentence, 'the' specifies that there is one particular cake being discussed. Choice A ('cake') is incorrect as it is the noun being modified by the article. Choice B ('was') is a verb and not an article. Choice D ('enjoyed') is also a verb and not an article.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following statements correctly describes the prewriting stage of the writing process?

A. The works cited page of a paper is finalized during the prewriting stage.
B. The first draft of a paper is written during the prewriting stage.
C. Mind mapping and free writing occur during the prewriting stage.
D. Copy editing and proofreading happen during the prewriting stage.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because during the prewriting stage, writers engage in activities like mind mapping and free writing to brainstorm ideas and organize their thoughts before starting the actual writing process. Choice A is incorrect because finalizing the works cited page is typically done during the later stages of writing. Choice B is incorrect as the first draft is usually created during the drafting stage, not prewriting. Choice D is incorrect since copy editing and proofreading are tasks carried out in the revising and editing stages, not during prewriting.