which of the following uses commas in a series correctly

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of the following uses commas in a series correctly?

A. Jericka went to the store for milk, bread, and eggs.
B. For breakfast, Jason wanted to make French toast, bacon, and eggs.
C. Aj had a lot to do the next day, including homework, hockey practice, and chores.
D. Paz's mom, dad, and sister would come to watch his game.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A is the correct answer as it uses commas to separate items in a series ('milk, bread, and eggs'). In option B, the comma after 'bacon' is unnecessary. Option C correctly uses commas to separate the items in the series ('homework, hockey practice, and chores'). Option D incorrectly omits commas between 'mom' and 'dad,' and 'dad' and 'sister,' making it incorrect for a series of three or more items.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following punctuation marks is used incorrectly in the sentence? "Otto, somewhat abruptly, got up out of his chair, and just like that, headed into the next room."

A. The comma after "somewhat"
B. The comma after "Otto"
C. The semicolon after "that"
D. The comma after "chair"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The semicolon after "that" is used incorrectly; a comma should be used instead. Semicolons are typically used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. In this sentence, the phrase "just like that" is not an independent clause, so a comma is more appropriate for separating it from the rest of the sentence. Choices A, B, and D all use commas correctly within the sentence.

4. Which of the following sentences uses second person point of view?

A. I don't want to make plans for the weekend before I see my work schedule.
B. She had to miss the last three yoga classes due to illness.
C. Pluto is no longer considered a planet because it is not gravitationally dominant.
D. Be sure to turn off all of the lights before locking up for the night.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. This sentence uses the second person point of view by directly addressing the reader or listener with the phrase 'Be sure to.' It is instructing or advising someone on what action to take, making it a clear example of second person point of view. Choices A, B, and C all use first person (I) or third person (she, Pluto), which do not involve direct interaction with the reader or listener, unlike the second person point of view present in choice D.

5. Which of the following suffixes denotes a state or quality?

A. -ic
B. -ness
C. -ous
D. -ful

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The suffix "-ness" indicates a state or quality, as seen in words like "happiness" (the state of being happy). Choice A, "-ic," typically denotes characteristics or qualities, such as in "heroic." Choice C, "-ous," often signifies the presence of a quality or relationship, like in "poisonous." Choice D, "-ful," usually means full of or characterized by, as in "beautiful." Therefore, the correct answer is B because it best fits the description of indicating a state or quality.