Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following uses introductory punctuation correctly?

• A. Since we only have ten minutes, there isn't time for coffee.
• B. Since we only have ten minutes; there isn't time for coffee.
• C. Since we only have ten minutes, there isn't time for coffee.
• D. Since we only have ten minutes: there isn't time for coffee.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is the correct answer as it uses introductory punctuation correctly by placing a comma after the introductory clause 'Since we only have ten minutes.' Commas are used to separate introductory phrases or clauses from the main clause in a sentence. Option A is incorrect as it lacks the necessary comma after the introductory phrase. Option B uses a semicolon, which is not typically used in this context. Option D uses a colon, which is not appropriate for introducing the following clause in this sentence structure.

2. Which of the following is a correctly punctuated complex sentence?

• A. Mary-Louise put on her softball jersey, and then she grabbed her bat.
• B. Before finishing her walk home, Raina stopped to watch the sunset.
• C. When Greta ran around third base, she noticed her cheering teammates.
• D. After we eat dinner, Marvin will do the dishes, and I will clean the counters.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('Before finishing her walk home') followed by an independent clause. In this sentence, 'Before finishing her walk home' acts as the dependent clause that sets the context for the main action, which is 'Raina stopped to watch the sunset.' Option A features two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, making it a compound sentence. Option C also has two independent clauses separated by a semicolon, which is incorrect punctuation for a complex sentence. Option D consists of two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, forming a compound sentence rather than a complex sentence.

3. After a twelve-hour workday, James was exhausted when he heard the news.

• A. .
• B. ;
• C. ,
• D. —

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The comma (,) is used to separate the introductory clause 'After a twelve-hour workday' from the main clause 'James was exhausted when he heard the news.' This punctuation correctly indicates the relationship between the two clauses without interrupting the flow of the sentence. Choice A (.), a period, would create two separate sentences, which is not appropriate in this context. Choice B (;) is too strong of a pause and semicolons are typically used to connect closely related independent clauses. Choice D (—) is an em dash, which is used to set off an abrupt break or interruption in the sentence, not to separate an introductory clause from the main clause.

4. Which sentence uses strong verbs to create a more vivid image?

• A. The car moved slowly down the street.
• B. The car drove sluggishly down the road.
• C. The car inched down the avenue.
• D. The car traveled down the thoroughfare.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C: 'The car inched down the avenue.' The verb 'inched' in this sentence creates a more vivid image of the car's slow movement compared to the other choices. 'Inched' conveys a slower and more deliberate movement, enhancing the descriptive quality of the sentence. Choices A, B, and D lack the strong and vivid verb 'inched' present in option C, making them less effective in painting a clear picture of the car's movement.

5. Why is it not recommended to edit while writing your first draft?

• A. It is considered prewriting.
• B. It wastes effort.
• C. It clouds judgment.
• D. It changes the organization.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It wastes effort.' Editing while writing the first draft can be counterproductive as it interrupts the flow of ideas and slows down the writing process. Instead of focusing on perfecting each sentence or paragraph, it is more beneficial to get all ideas down first during the initial drafting phase. Choice A is incorrect as editing is not part of the prewriting stage. Choice C is incorrect because editing may affect the quality of judgment but is not the primary reason to avoid it during the first draft. Choice D is incorrect because changes in organization can be made during the revision stage, not necessarily while writing the initial draft.

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