which of the following words is an exception to a common spelling rule

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test English Questions

1. Which of the following words is an exception to a common spelling rule?

A. achievement
B. operation
C. changeable
D. deplorable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: changeable.' This word is an exception to a common spelling rule where it retains the 'e' when adding the suffix '-able.' In contrast, choices A, B, and D follow standard spelling rules without exceptions.

2. Which of the following sentences correctly uses parallel structure?

A. She likes hiking, swimming, and to run.
B. She likes hiking, swimming, and running.
C. She likes hiking, to swim, and running.
D. She likes hiking, and she likes swimming and running.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Parallel structure ensures that items in a series or list are in the same grammatical form. In choice A, 'to run' disrupts the parallel structure since 'hiking' and 'swimming' are gerunds. Choice C similarly breaks the parallelism by using 'to swim' in a different form. Choice D is incorrect because it lacks consistent parallelism, as 'hiking' is not followed by gerunds like 'swimming' and 'running.' Therefore, only choice B maintains proper parallel structure by using gerunds ('hiking,' 'swimming,' and 'running') consistently.

3. Identify the incorrect usage of punctuation in the following sentence: 'The children, eager to play, ran outside; it was a beautiful day.'

A. comma after 'children'
B. comma after 'play'
C. period after 'outside'
D. no errors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence contains two independent clauses that should be separated by a semicolon or period, not a comma. The incorrect punctuation is the period after 'outside.' A period or semicolon is needed to correctly separate the two independent clauses. The comma after 'children' and 'play' are correctly used to set off non-essential participial phrases. Choice D is incorrect as there is a punctuation error in the sentence.

4. In the given scenario, what type of language should the student use when requesting an appointment with the instructor to discuss the research paper?

A. Text message starting with 'Hey professor!'
B. Email message starting with 'It's me, the one who's way behind.'
C. Email message starting with 'Dear Professor:'
D. Email after forgetting about the appointment starting with 'Hey professor, I can't believe I missed the appointment.'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Email message starting with 'Dear Professor:'. In academic settings, it is essential to use formal and respectful language when addressing instructors. Starting the email with 'Dear Professor:' demonstrates professionalism and respect. Choice A is too informal for a professional setting. Choice B is vague and lacks the necessary level of formality. Choice D showcases unprofessional behavior by not acknowledging missing the appointment until later.

5. Which of the following versions of the sentence is written correctly?

A. Because she wanted to reduce unnecessary waste, Cicily decided to have the television repaired instead of buying a new one.
B. Cicily decided to have the television repaired because she wanted to reduce unnecessary waste instead of buying a new one.
C. Cicily decided to have the television repaired because she wanted to reduce unnecessary waste, instead of buying a new one.
D. Because Cicily decided to have the television repaired instead of buying a new one, she wanted to reduce unnecessary waste.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A is the correct version of the sentence. It is written in a clear and grammatically correct way. The conjunction 'because' is correctly placed to show the reason for Cicily's decision, and the structure of the sentence flows logically. Choices B, C, and D have issues with sentence structure, placement of conjunctions, or unnecessary commas, making them grammatically incorrect. Choice B places 'because' in an awkward position, disrupting the flow of the sentence. Choice C introduces a comma after 'wanted to reduce unnecessary waste' unnecessarily, causing a punctuation error. Choice D shifts the focus of the sentence by placing 'she wanted to reduce unnecessary waste' at the end, making the sentence less coherent and grammatically incorrect.