which of the following sentences shows the correct way to separate the items in the series

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS English

1. Which of the following sentences shows the correct way to separate the items in the series?

A. These are actual cities in the United States: Unalaska, Alaska; Yreka, California; Two Egg, Florida; and Boring, Maryland.
B. These are actual cities in the United States: Unalaska; Alaska, Yreka; California, Two Egg; Florida, and Boring; Maryland.
C. These are actual cities in the United States: Unalaska, Alaska, Yreka, California, Two Egg, Florida, and Boring, Maryland.
D. These are actual cities in the United States: Unalaska Alaska, Yreka California, Two Egg Florida, and Boring Maryland.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is the correct answer as it correctly separates the cities and states in the series using commas. The items in a series should be separated by commas, with the final two items being separated by 'and.' Choices A, B, and D have incorrect punctuation or lack necessary commas. In Choice A, semicolons are used incorrectly, and in Choice B, semicolons are placed inappropriately. Choice D lacks necessary commas to separate the cities and states effectively. Therefore, Option C is the only choice that demonstrates the correct way to separate items in a series.

2. Which of the following is correctly punctuated?

A. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
B. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
C. The artist Prince—whose death shocked America in April of 2016—was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
D. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct punctuation in this case is to use a comma (,) to set off the nonrestrictive clause 'whose death shocked America in April of 2016.' This clause provides additional information about the artist Prince without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. Choice A has a semicolon (;) which is incorrect as it separates two closely related independent clauses. Choice C uses em dashes (—) which are incorrect as they should be used for emphasis or to set off information. Choice D uses a colon (:) which is incorrect as it introduces a list or an explanation, not additional information about the artist Prince. Therefore, the correctly punctuated sentence is: 'The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.'

3. Which of the following examples is a sentence fragment?

A. Believe me.
B. On the 5:30 train.
C. You probably know Sally.
D. That's right.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'On the 5:30 train.' This is a sentence fragment because it does not contain a subject and a verb. In this case, 'On the 5:30 train' is a prepositional phrase, not a complete sentence. Choices A, C, and D are complete sentences as they have both a subject and a verb, making them grammatically correct and not sentence fragments.

4. Which of the following choices is NOT an appropriate way to express an opinion in a formal debate?

A. There are still many arguments concerning the nature of space-time, including whether Einstein's theory of relativity is applicable in every natural situation.
B. The study of climate science is an ever-evolving field, but it is important to recognize that the tools being utilized have been tested in other fields.
C. Energy independence is an important topic that needs to be addressed in a thoughtful, careful manner that considers the far-reaching impact of any proposed changes.
D. It is the height of hypocrisy to acknowledge that global warming is a problem and then still tool around in a gas-guzzling vehicle.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a formal debate, it is essential to maintain a respectful and professional tone when expressing opinions. Choice D uses hyperbolic language like 'height of hypocrisy,' which is inappropriate for a formal setting. It is important to avoid personal attacks or extreme statements that can detract from the credibility of the argument. Choices A, B, and C present opinions in a more neutral and respectful manner, focusing on discussing the topic without resorting to emotional or accusatory language. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it does not align with the standards of formal debate etiquette.

5. Identify the predicate in the following sentence: 'The children built a sandcastle on the beach.'

A. on the beach
B. built a sandcastle
C. children
D. the

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The predicate in a sentence is the part that tells what the subject is doing or what is being done to the subject. In this sentence, 'built a sandcastle' is the predicate as it is the action performed by the subject 'children.' 'On the beach' is a prepositional phrase that provides additional information but is not the predicate. Choice C 'children' is the subject of the sentence, and choice D 'the' is an article referring to 'children,' making them incorrect choices for the predicate.