which of the following sentences would be classified as informal language

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS English

1. Which of the following sentences would be classified as informal language?

A. I'm counting on you to finish this before the deadline.
B. The deadline presented by the CEO is non-negotiable.
C. Every member of the department must meet the deadline.
D. The time period prior to the deadline is extremely significant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I'm counting on you to finish this before the deadline." This sentence is classified as informal language due to the use of contractions (I'm) and the casual tone of the phrase. The other choices (B, C, D) are more formal in nature. Choice B uses formal language with terms like 'non-negotiable.' Choice C is a general statement about meeting a deadline without any informal language, and choice D discusses the significance of the time period before a deadline in a formal manner.

2. 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.

3. In the sentence, 'The receptionist explained that we would be the next to see the doctor,' which of the following is the complete predicate?

A. explained that we would be the next to see the doctor
B. next to see the doctor
C. explained that we would be next
D. see the doctor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The complete predicate is 'explained that we would be the next to see the doctor.' In a sentence, the complete predicate includes the main verb (explained) and all the words that complete its meaning (that we would be the next to see the doctor). Choices B, C, and D do not constitute the complete predicate as they do not include the main verb 'explained' and all associated words that complete its meaning.

4. Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct use of the semicolon.

A. I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.
B. I have a test; tomorrow I need to study.
C. I have a test tomorrow.
D. I have a test tomorrow; and I need to study.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is demonstrated in sentence A: 'I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.' Semicolons are used to connect closely related independent clauses. In this sentence, the semicolon correctly separates the two independent clauses 'I have a test tomorrow' and 'I need to study.' Choice B is incorrect because it separates the clauses improperly by using the semicolon after 'test' instead of after 'tomorrow.' Choice C is incorrect as it lacks a second independent clause to be connected using a semicolon. Choice D is incorrect as it inappropriately adds 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct use of the punctuation mark to link independent clauses.

5. What is the function of the underlined phrase 'with a mischievous grin' in the sentence 'He approached her with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling'?

A. Subject
B. Direct object
C. Adverbial phrase
D. Appositive phrase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The underlined phrase 'with a mischievous grin' functions as an adverbial phrase in the sentence. It modifies the verb 'approached' by providing information on how he approached her, describing his manner. Adverbial phrases typically answer questions like 'how,' 'when,' 'where,' 'why,' or 'to what extent,' which this phrase does by indicating the manner in which he approached. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The phrase does not serve as a subject (A), direct object (B), or appositive phrase (D) in the sentence. Instead, it functions to provide additional information about the action of approaching, making it an adverbial phrase.