which of the following sentences shows correct word usage

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of the following sentences shows correct word usage?

A. It's often been said that work is better than rest.
B. Its often been said that work is better than rest.
C. It’s often been said that work is better than rest.
D. Its often been said that work is better than rest.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this sentence, 'It’s' is the contraction for 'it is,' and 'than' is used correctly for comparisons (e.g., better than). Therefore, sentence C is correct because it uses 'It’s' (it is) and 'than' (for comparison) properly. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A lacks the necessary apostrophe in 'It's' (it is) and incorrectly uses 'then' instead of 'than.' Choice B incorrectly uses 'Its' (possessive form) instead of 'It’s.' Choice D lacks the necessary apostrophe in 'It's' (it is) and incorrectly uses 'then' instead of 'than.'

2. First and foremost, they receive an annual pension payment. T has been reviewed and changed a number of times, most recently to reflect the salary of a high-level government executive. Which of the following would NOT be an acceptable way to revise and combine the underlined portion of the sentences above?

A. annual pension payment, the amount of which
B. annual pension payment; the amount of the pension
C. annual pension payment; over the years since 1958, the amount of the pension
D. annual pension payment, the amount of the pension.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is the correct answer because it disrupts the flow of the sentence and introduces unnecessary information. The phrase 'over the years since 1958' is irrelevant in this context and does not contribute to the intended meaning of the sentence. The sentence is focused on the recent changes to the pension, not its historical evolution. Choices A, B, and D provide clear and concise ways to revise and combine the underlined portion of the sentences, maintaining a logical and relevant sentence structure.

3. Which of the following compound sentences is punctuated correctly?

A. The Forlows would be spending two weeks in Greece and Turkey.
B. She was awake the minute the sun came up; although she had been up late the night before.
C. Diana stepped out into the rain, but she had to turn immediately back inside for an umbrella.
D. Aziz was astonished; he had never seen horses in the wild before.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer because it correctly punctuates the compound sentence with a semicolon separating the two independent clauses. The use of a semicolon is appropriate when two closely related independent clauses are joined without a coordinating conjunction. Choices A, B, and C have incorrect punctuation or conjunction usage. Choice A incorrectly uses a comma before 'and,' while Choice B uses 'though' which is not the best conjunction to join the two clauses. Choice C also lacks appropriate punctuation to separate the two independent clauses.

4. Which adjective best describes the following setting: 'A lone cabin stood nestled amongst towering pines, smoke curling from its chimney into the crisp mountain air'?

A. Bland
B. Urban
C. Idyllic
D. Sterile

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Idyllic' because it accurately captures the peaceful and picturesque nature of the setting. The image of a lone cabin nestled among towering pines with smoke curling from its chimney into the crisp mountain air evokes a sense of tranquility and beauty. 'Bland' (choice A) is incorrect as it suggests something dull or uninteresting, which does not align with the vivid imagery described. 'Urban' (choice B) is also incorrect as it refers to a city or town setting, which is the opposite of the isolated cabin in the mountains. 'Sterile' (choice D) is incorrect as it conveys a lack of warmth and character, which is not reflective of the cozy and inviting atmosphere portrayed in the description.

5. Select the correct definition of the underlined word having multiple meanings in the sentence: 'Natalie’s fingers were calloused after practicing her bass.'

A. Kind of fish
B. Low and deep sound
C. Lowest male singing voice
D. A guitar with four strings that makes low sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this sentence, 'bass' refers to a guitar with four strings that makes low sounds. The context of Natalie practicing suggests that it is referring to a musical instrument, specifically the bass guitar, rather than a fish, sound, or voice. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A, 'Kind of fish,' is incorrect as the sentence context does not relate to fish. Choice B, 'Low and deep sound,' is incorrect because the sentence refers to practicing an instrument, not just a sound. Choice C, 'Lowest male singing voice,' is also incorrect as the sentence context is not related to singing but to playing an instrument.