which of the following sentences uses a comma correctly

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

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

A. Let's eat Grandma!
B. Let's eat, Grandma!
C. Lets eat, Grandma!
D. Lets, eat Grandma!

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Let's eat, Grandma!' The comma is correctly used to separate the direct address 'Grandma' from the rest of the sentence. In choice A, there should be a comma after 'eat' to separate the direct address. Choice C is missing an apostrophe in 'Lets,' and there should be a comma after 'eat' to separate the direct address. Choice D incorrectly places a comma after 'Lets,' and there should be a comma after 'eat' to separate the direct address.

2. Which of the following is NOT an effective brainstorming strategy?

A. Making a list of possible topics/subtopics
B. Daydreaming until inspiration strikes
C. Freewriting, then reading over what you wrote
D. Asking yourself who, what, where, when, why, and how

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Daydreaming is a passive process and may not always lead to concrete ideas. Effective brainstorming involves actively generating ideas through structured methods. Making a list of topics/subtopics helps organize thoughts, freewriting encourages continuous idea flow, and asking specific questions prompts deeper thinking and idea generation. Daydreaming, on the other hand, lacks structure and may not consistently yield productive results in a brainstorming session.

3. 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.

4. When writing a blog post, what should you consider including?

A. Long, detailed paragraphs for comprehensive coverage.
B. Frequent use of emojis and informal slang for a casual tone.
C. Engaging headlines, subheadings, and bullet points for scannability.
D. Use academic vocabulary to sound intellectual.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When writing a blog post, it is crucial to consider including engaging headlines, subheadings, and bullet points for scannability. This formatting is essential as it enhances readability for readers who prefer scanning content rather than reading it thoroughly. Long, detailed paragraphs (Choice A) may overwhelm readers and deter them from engaging with the content. Using emojis and informal slang (Choice B) may not suit all types of blog posts and could potentially diminish the professionalism of the content. While using academic vocabulary (Choice D) can be beneficial in certain contexts, it may not always be necessary or suitable for a broader audience reading a blog post.

5. Which of the following is an example of a correctly punctuated sentence?

A. Beatrice is very intelligent; however, she just does not apply herself well enough in her classes to make good grades.
B. Beatrice is very intelligent: she just does not apply herself well enough in her classes to make good grades.
C. Beatrice is very intelligent; she just does not apply herself well enough in her classes to make good grades.
D. Beatrice is very intelligent; she just does not apply herself well enough in her classes to make good grades.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D is the correct answer as it uses a semicolon to correctly separate two independent clauses. In this sentence, 'Beatrice is very intelligent' and 'she just does not apply herself well enough in her classes to make good grades' are two independent clauses that are related but can stand alone as separate sentences. The semicolon is the appropriate punctuation mark to link these two closely related ideas. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they either use a comma splice (A), a colon (B), or lack appropriate punctuation (C) to separate the independent clauses.