which sentence correctly uses a colon

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

A. She had one goal: to win the race.
B. He needs milk, eggs, and bread.
C. The meeting is at 3 PM.
D. She bought milk, eggs, bread.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'She had one goal: to win the race.' This sentence uses a colon to introduce the purpose or explanation that follows. It is a grammatically correct use of a colon. Choice B is incorrect as the colon is not needed after 'needs'; a list of items follows, which does not require a colon. Choice C is a simple statement of time and does not require a colon. Choice D is also incorrect since a colon is not suitable after 'bought'; the items bought are listed without the need for a colon.

2. Place the four words in alphabetical order.

A. Assemble, assembled, assembling, assembly
B. Assembly, assemble, assembled, assembling
C. Assemble, assembly, assembling, assembled
D. Assemble, assembly, assembled, assembling

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In alphabetical order, 'Assemble, assembly, assembling, assembled' is correct. The alphabetical order is determined by the first letter of each word. The correct sequence starts with 'Assemble,' followed by 'assembly,' then 'assembling,' and finally 'assembled.' Choice A, B, and D do not follow the correct alphabetical order as the words are not arranged alphabetically.

3. Of the many people whom she interviewed, she chose the one with the most _____.

A. experience
B. skills
C. qualities
D. knowledge

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'experience' is the most appropriate term because it refers to the practical knowledge and exposure someone has gained over time. When selecting a candidate from interviews, experience is often a crucial factor as it demonstrates the individual's capability to perform tasks effectively based on past scenarios encountered. 'Skills' (choice B) are specific abilities that can be learned or developed, 'qualities' (choice C) refer to personal characteristics, and 'knowledge' (choice D) is theoretical understanding, none of which directly reflect practical exposure gained over time.

4. He has 3 DISCRETE symptoms, causing the doctor to create an elaborative plan of care.

A. individual
B. common
C. difficult
D. separate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The term 'discrete' means individually separate and distinct. Therefore, the most appropriate choice to describe the symptoms that are distinct and separate from each other is 'separate' (option D). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not convey the specific meaning of the term 'discrete' as separate and distinct.

5. What is the meaning of pernicious?

A. Harmless
B. Destructive
C. Infectious
D. Helpful

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Destructive.' Pernicious means causing great harm or damage. Choice A, 'Harmless,' is the opposite of pernicious. Choice C, 'Infectious,' refers to the ability of a disease to spread. Choice D, 'Helpful,' is also the opposite of pernicious and does not capture the negative connotation associated with the term.