which sentence uses parallel structure correctly

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 English practice test

1. Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

A. I enjoy reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends.
B. Reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends are all activities I enjoy.
C. I like to read, watch movies, and spend time with friends.
D. Reading, movies, and friends are all things I enjoy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Parallel structure means using the same grammatical form for elements in a list. Option (B) uses parallel gerunds ('reading,' 'watching,' 'spending'), making it the correct choice. The other options have inconsistencies in the form of the listed activities, making them grammatically incorrect. Option (A) starts with 'I enjoy' but then switches to '-ing' verbs. Option (C) changes from 'like' to '-ing' verbs, breaking parallelism. Option (D) lists 'reading' correctly but then switches to singular nouns ('movies,' 'friends'), which is not parallel.

2. Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

A. Walking down the street, a bird swooped down from a tree.
B. Having finished the report, it was time for lunch.
C. Reading the book, I learned a lot about ancient history.
D. Exhausted from the hike, the tent was a welcome sight.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C correctly places the participle phrase 'Reading the book' directly in front of the subject 'I,' ensuring that there is no dangling modifier. This structure establishes a clear connection between the action described in the introductory phrase and the subject performing the action, resulting in a grammatically correct sentence. Choice A, B, and D have dangling modifiers. In choice A, the phrase 'Walking down the street' should be followed by the noun it is describing to avoid the dangling modifier. Choice B has a dangling modifier as 'Having finished the report' does not have a clear subject to relate to. Choice D also has a dangling modifier as 'Exhausted from the hike' is not properly connected to the subject in the sentence.

3. She is a fierce competitor, and nothing is going to keep her from running that marathon despite a hamstring injury. Which of the following describes the grammar problem in the sentence above?

A. Poor diction
B. Ambiguous word choice
C. Tense disagreement
D. Inappropriate transition word choice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, tense disagreement. The sentence contains a tense disagreement between 'was' and 'is.' 'She is a fierce competitor' and 'nothing is going to keep her' are in the present tense, while 'was going to keep her' should also be in the present tense to maintain consistency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the issue in the sentence is related to verb tense, not diction, word choice, or transition words.

4. What type of sentence is "Because it was raining, the match was canceled?"

A. Simple
B. Compound
C. Complex
D. Compound-complex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given sentence, "Because it was raining, the match was canceled," is a complex sentence. It consists of one independent clause ('the match was canceled') and one dependent clause ('Because it was raining'). A simple sentence contains one independent clause with no dependent clauses. A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses but no dependent clauses. A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause, which is not the case here. Therefore, the correct classification for this sentence is a complex sentence.

5. What is the main purpose of a thesis statement?

A. To summarize the essay
B. To state the main idea of the essay
C. To ask a question
D. To provide evidence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a thesis statement is to clearly state the main idea or argument of the essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the central point that the essay will address. Choice A, 'To summarize the essay,' is incorrect because while a thesis statement does provide a concise summary of the main point, its primary function is to present the main idea, not summarize the entire essay. Choice C, 'To ask a question,' is incorrect as a thesis statement is a declarative statement that asserts a position or argument rather than posing a question. Choice D, 'To provide evidence,' is incorrect because a thesis statement does not offer evidence but rather sets the direction and focus for the evidence that will be presented in the essay.