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. What kind of error does the following sentence contain? Forgetting that he was supposed to meet his girlfriend for dinner, Anita was mad when Fred showed up late.

A. Parallelism
B. Run-on sentence
C. Misplaced modifier
D. Subject-verb agreement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, misplaced modifier. In this sentence, the modifier 'Forgetting that he was supposed to meet his girlfriend for dinner' is placed incorrectly, suggesting that Anita forgot, when it was actually Fred who forgot. The modifier should be positioned closer to 'Fred' to clarify the intended meaning. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Parallelism is not an issue in this sentence, it is not a run-on sentence as it is grammatically correct, and there is no subject-verb agreement error present.

3. When a researcher submits a paper for publication in a scientific journal, the editors give it to other scientists to review. Which of the following options best uses grammar to combine the sentences above for clarity?

A. When a researcher submits a paper for publication in a scientific journal, the editors give it to other scientists to review.
B. The editors give it to other scientists after a researcher submits a paper for publication in a scientific journal, and they review it.
C. A researcher submits a paper for publication in a scientific journal, and then the scientists review the paper because the editors gave it to other scientists.
D. The scientists review the paper after the editors give it to them when a researcher submits a paper for publication in a scientific journal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "When a researcher submits a paper for publication in a scientific journal, the editors give it to other scientists to review." This option provides a clear and concise way to combine the two sentences. It maintains the logical sequence of events: first, the researcher submits the paper, and then the editors pass it to other scientists for review. Option B introduces unnecessary complexity by separating the actions in a less fluid manner. Option C confuses the sequence of events by implying that the scientists review the paper because the editors already gave it to them, which is not the intended order of actions. Option D also disrupts the chronological order of events by placing the scientists' review before the editors give them the paper, making it less clear and accurate compared to the correct answer, option A.

4. Which of the following is the plural of the word chief?

A. Chiefs
B. Chieves
C. Chievs
D. Chiefes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Chiefs.' When making the word 'chief' plural, the correct form is 'Chiefs.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not follow the standard rules for forming plurals in English. 'Chieves,' 'Chievs,' and 'Chiefes' are not valid plural forms of 'chief.' It's important to understand the basic rules of pluralization in English to form correct plural nouns.

5. Arrange the following sentences into a chronological paragraph on preparing for the basketball season: There is a myriad of preparation to be completed before the basketball season begins. First, a player must ensure they are in the physical shape required to play an aerobic game such as basketball. This could include lifting weights, short- and long-distance running, and completing ball-handling drills. Additionally, players must ensure they are in good academic standing. Lastly, players can prepare for the basketball season by purchasing the necessary equipment, including proper shoes and socks.

A. First, a player must ensure they are in physical shape.
B. Next, players should lift weights and complete drills.
C. Then, players should ensure they are in good academic standing.
D. Finally, players should purchase necessary equipment.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct chronological order for the sentences is as follows: First, a player must ensure they are in the physical shape required for basketball. Next, they should engage in physical activities like lifting weights, running, and completing drills. Then, players need to ensure they are in good academic standing to participate. Finally, players can prepare by purchasing the necessary equipment. Choice C, 'Then, players should ensure they are in good academic standing,' is the correct answer as it aligns with the sequence of steps required for preparing for the basketball season. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the chronological order presented in the paragraph.