which technique best helps maintain consistency in writing style

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 English practice test

1. Which technique best helps maintain consistency in writing style?

A. Writing freely without a clear outline or structure.
B. Using different vocabulary and sentence structures in each paragraph.
C. Establishing a style guide with agreed-upon terminology and formatting.
D. Relying on thesaurus suggestions for varied word choices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Establishing a style guide with agreed-upon terminology and formatting is the most effective technique to maintain consistency in writing style. A style guide ensures that writers adhere to specific guidelines regarding tone, terminology, and formatting, thereby creating a cohesive and uniform writing style across different pieces of writing. This consistency helps enhance readability and reinforces the brand or voice associated with the written content. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not promote consistency in writing style. Writing freely without structure can lead to inconsistency, using different vocabulary and sentence structures can create disjointed writing, and relying solely on thesaurus suggestions may result in awkward or inappropriate word choices that do not contribute to maintaining a consistent writing style.

2. Which of the following is correctly punctuated?

A. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
B. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
C. The artist Prince—whose death shocked America in April of 2016—was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.
D. The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct punctuation in this case is to use a comma (,) to set off the nonrestrictive clause 'whose death shocked America in April of 2016.' This clause provides additional information about the artist Prince without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. Choice A has a semicolon (;) which is incorrect as it separates two closely related independent clauses. Choice C uses em dashes (—) which are incorrect as they should be used for emphasis or to set off information. Choice D uses a colon (:) which is incorrect as it introduces a list or an explanation, not additional information about the artist Prince. Therefore, the correctly punctuated sentence is: 'The artist Prince, whose death shocked America in April of 2016, was one of the most successful musical artists of the last century.'

3. What part of speech is the word 'disappointed' in the sentence 'I was disappointed by the outcome'?

A. Verb
B. Noun
C. Adjective
D. Adverb

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the sentence 'I was disappointed by the outcome,' 'disappointed' is used to describe the subject 'I,' indicating its quality. This function classifies 'disappointed' as an adjective. Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns by giving more information about their attributes. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Adjective.' The other choices are incorrect because: - 'Verb' refers to an action word or a state of being, which 'disappointed' is not performing in this sentence. - 'Noun' represents a person, place, thing, or idea, and 'disappointed' does not serve this function in the given sentence. - 'Adverb' modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, but 'disappointed' is not modifying any of these in the sentence provided.

4. Which of the following would belong in a formal speech?

A. We all need to work together to make this school better. First, we need to organize a list of our issues. Then we need to form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. Finally, we need to implement those solutions.
B. Our purpose is to work together to improve the quality of education at this school. Ideally, we need to organize a list of our issues. Secondly, we need to form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. Then, we need to implement some solutions.
C. We all have to work together to make this school much better than before. First, we need to express what is on our minds. We have to form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. And, we need to talk about those solutions.
D. It is possible for us to discuss the problems in school and solve them. Certainly, we need to organize a list of our issues. For instance, we should form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. Finally, we need to implement those solutions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it uses formal language, appropriate structure, and organized transitions like 'Ideally,' 'Secondly,' and 'Then,' which are essential for a formal speech. The tone is professional and clear, with well-constructed sentences that effectively convey the necessary information. Options A, C, and D either use informal language, lack the organized flow needed in a formal setting, or have less professional tone. Therefore, Option B stands out as the best fit for a formal speech.

5. A hundred years ago, automobiles were rare, but now cars are ubiquitous. However, she doesn't know what the word ubiquitous means. Which key context clue is essential to decipher the word's meaning?

A. Ago
B. Cars
C. Now
D. Rare

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Rare.' In the sentence, it is mentioned that 'a hundred years ago, automobiles were rare,' which provides the context that the opposite of rare would mean something very common, thus helping to decipher the meaning of 'ubiquitous.' Choice A, 'Ago,' refers to a time frame and doesn't directly provide a contrast to 'ubiquitous.' Choice B, 'Cars,' is mentioned in both parts of the sentence and does not help in defining 'ubiquitous.' Choice C, 'Now,' signifies the current time but doesn't contrast with 'ubiquitous' to aid in its understanding.