which of the following sentences demonstrates the correct use of an apostrophe

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 English Practice Test

1. Which of the following sentences demonstrates the correct use of an apostrophe?

A. Lyle works for the courthouse, and among his responsibilities is getting the jurors meal’s.
B. Lyle works for the courthouse, and among his responsibilities is getting the juror’s meals.
C. Lyle works for the courthouse, and among his responsibilities is getting the jurors’ meals.
D. Lyle works for the courthouse, and among his responsibilities is getting the jurors meals’.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The apostrophe is correctly placed in this sentence to show possession by multiple jurors.

2. Identify the independent clause in the following sentence: You need to call your mother as soon as you get home.

A. You need to call your mother.
B. As soon as you get home.
C. You get home.
D. You need to call.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "You need to call your mother." An independent clause is a sentence that can stand alone and express a complete thought. In this sentence, the clause "You need to call your mother" functions independently and makes complete sense by itself. Choice B, "As soon as you get home," is a dependent clause as it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Choice C, "You get home," is also a dependent clause lacking a complete thought. Choice D, "You need to call," is not a complete sentence without specifying who needs to call.

3. What is the main purpose of a thesis statement?

A. To summarize the essay
B. To state the main idea of the essay
C. To ask a question
D. To provide evidence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a thesis statement is to clearly state the main idea or argument of the essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the central point that the essay will address. Choice A, 'To summarize the essay,' is incorrect because while a thesis statement does provide a concise summary of the main point, its primary function is to present the main idea, not summarize the entire essay. Choice C, 'To ask a question,' is incorrect as a thesis statement is a declarative statement that asserts a position or argument rather than posing a question. Choice D, 'To provide evidence,' is incorrect because a thesis statement does not offer evidence but rather sets the direction and focus for the evidence that will be presented in the essay.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following words functions as an adverb in the sentence?

A. call
B. earlier
C. could
D. phone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the sentence, 'earlier' describes when the Hapsburg rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire effectively ended. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in a sentence. In this case, 'earlier' modifies the verb 'ended,' indicating the time of the action. Choice A 'call' is a verb. Choice C 'could' is a modal verb expressing possibility or ability. Choice D 'phone' is a noun, not an adverb. Therefore, 'earlier' is the only word among the options functioning as an adverb in the sentence.