TEAS 7 Language Practice 1 Quiz
Practice 1
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Read the sample and answer the following question.
In the heart of downtown, there is an amazing deli that serves the best Reuben in town.
Which of the following is the simple subject in the sentence above?
A. downtownB. deli
C. Reuben
D. town
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: This is a noun, but it is not the subject of the sentence. It is the object of the prepositional phrase “of downtown.”
Answer B is correct: This is the subject of the sentence. Although it comes after the verb “was” it answers “who/what” the sentence is about.
Answer C is incorrect: This is a noun, but it is not the subject of the sentence. It is the object of the relative clause, “that serves the best Reuben in town.”
Answer D is incorrect: This is a noun, but it is not the subject of the sentence. It is the object of the prepositional phrase “in town.”
Read the sentence below and answer the following question.
The research provided unexpected results; ________, further review is needed to address the underlying factors.
Which of the following transition words or phrases best completes the sentence?
A. however
B. furthermore
C. although
D. consequently
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: This transition word does not appropriately work in the sentence's context. This transition word implies a contrast, which is not suitable for the sentence.
Answer B is correct: This transition word appropriately fits the sentence. This transition word indicates continuing the thought and introducing additional information that complements the original statement. In context of the sentence, it proposes that more review is needed of the unexpected results.
Answer C is incorrect: This transition word does not appropriately work in the sentence. This transition word references a contrast, which is not applicable for the context of the sentence since it does not intend to reference contradictions, but instead the need for further review.
Answer D is incorrect: This transition word does not appropriately work in the sentence. This transition word refers to a cause-and-effect relationship, and indicates the unexpected results led to something else.
Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?
A. The students diligently studied for their exams and passed with amazingly high scores.
B. Although it took a great deal of time, studying paid off for the hard-working students.
C. She enjoys taking biology, but overall, she prefers to take anatomy and physiology courses.
D. After finishing a long study session, the students treated themselves to a delicious dinner, and they went for milkshakes afterward.
Correct Answer
D
Answer A is incorrect: This is a simple sentence, also known as an independent clause, because it contains only one subject (students) and one verb (studied) and expresses one complete thought.
Answer B is incorrect: This is a complex sentence because it contains an independent clause, “studying paid off for the hard-working students,” and a dependent clause, “although it took a great deal of time.” The comma is included after “time” since the dependent clause proceeds with the independent clause.
Answer C is incorrect: This is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses. The first independent clause, “she enjoys taking biology,” is connected to the second independent clause, “overall, she prefers to take anatomy and physiology courses” with the coordinating conjunction “but.”
Answer D is correct: This is a compound-complex sentence because it contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause. The independent clause, “after finishing a long study session,” begins the sentence and is connected to the first independent clause, “the students treated themselves to a delicious dinner,” with a comma. The second independent clause, “they went for milkshakes afterward” is connected to the first independent clause with the coordinating conjunction “and.”
Which of the following are spelled correctly, showing an exception to a spelling rule? (Select all that apply.)
A. wierd
B. awesome
C. timly
D. modifying
Correct Answer
B and D
Answer A is incorrect: The correct spelling is “weird.” This word is an exception to the “i” before “e” rule.
Answer B is correct: The word “awesome” is spelled correctly because does not follow the drop the final “e” rule. “Awe” maintains the “e” when adding the suffix.
Answer C is incorrect: The correct spelling of the word should be “timely.” “Time” is an exception to the drop the final “e” rule when adding the suffix “-ly.”
Answer D is correct: The word “modifying” is spelled correctly because it does not follow the change the “y” to “i” rule.
Which of the following are key parts of a paragraph? (Select all that apply.)
A. A source
B. Topic sentence
C. Introductory phrase
D. Conclusion
Correct Answer
B and D
Answer A is incorrect: Not all paragraphs require or contain research.
Answer B is correct: A paragraph will contain a topic sentence to introduce the main idea to the reader.
Answer C is incorrect: Not all paragraphs will begin with an introductory phrase.
Answer D is correct: Paragraphs will end with a conclusion that will summarize the main idea of the paragraph.
What is the meaning of the word “disassemble?”
A. To assemble again
B. A group of people gathering
C. To take apart
D. One who assembles
Correct Answer
C
Answer A is incorrect: The word “reassemble” means “to assemble again” based on the prefix “re-” meaning “again” and the root word “assemble.”
Answer B is incorrect: The word “assembly” means “a group of people gathering” based on the root word “assemble” and the suffix “-ly” that means “a group or collection.”
Answer C is correct: The word “disassemble” means “to take apart” based on the prefix “dis-” that implies negation or reversal and the root word “assemble.”
Answer D is incorrect: The word “assembler” means “one who assembles” based on the root word “the suffix “-er” that indicates “a person or thing that performs the action.”
In which of the following does the suffix create a word that is a different part of speech from the base word? (Select all that apply.)
A. Slower
B. Beaten
C. Slowly
D. Teacher
Correct Answer
C and D
Answer A is incorrect: The suffix “-er” does not change the base word “slow” from an adjective to a different part of speech. It remains an adjective.
Answer B is incorrect: The suffix “-en” does not change the base word “beat” from a verb to a different part of speech. It remains a verb.
Answer C is correct: The suffix “-ly” changes the base word “slow” from an adjective into an adverb.
Answer D is correct: The suffix “-er” changes the base word “teach” from a verb to a noun. Now, instead of a verb, the word has changed to mean someone who does the teaching.
Which of the following is a compound sentence?
A. She enjoys reading books and watching Christmas movies.
B. During the winter, she enjoys reading books and watching Christmas movies.
C. After she finishes decorating for the season, she enjoys reading books and watching Christmas movies.
D. During the winter, she enjoys reading books, and she loves to watch Christmas movies.
Correct Answer
D
Answer A is incorrect: This is a simple sentence. Although it contains the conjunction, “and,” it is not being used to connect two independent clauses.
Answer B is incorrect: This is also a simple sentence. At first glance, it may appear to be a complex sentence, but “during the winter” is not a dependent clause because it does not contain a subject or a verb. It is a prepositional/introductory phrase at the beginning of the sentence. The rest of the sentence is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause.
Answer C is incorrect: This is a complex sentence. It begins with the dependent clause, “after she finishes decorating for the season,” and is followed with the independent clause, “she enjoys reading books and watching Christmas movies.”
Answer D is correct: This is a compound sentence. It contains two independent clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction, “and.” The first independent clause is “during the winter, she enjoys reading books.” The second independent clause is “she loves to watch Christmas movies.”
Read the sentence below, and answer the following question.
The technicians was piloting research trials in the facility when they uncovered a major discovery.Which of the following grammar errors appears in the sentence?
A. Tense disagreement
B. Poor diction
C. Inappropriate transition word choice
D. Ambiguous word selection
Correct Answer
A
Answer A is correct: The sentence contains a tense disagreement. The subject, “technicians,” is plural; however, the verb, “was piloting” is singular. This illustrates a subject-verb tense agreement error.
Answer B is incorrect: Diction refers to the use of words that are inappropriate, unclear, or imprecise in a given context. This sentence expresses appropriate context.
Answer C is incorrect: The words selected for use in this sentence conveys the message clearly.
Answer D is incorrect: The sentence conveys the message clearly to the reader.
What is the primary concentration of the drafting stage in the writing process?
A. Checking for grammar and spelling errors.
B. Revising and improving the structure of the writing.
C. Generating ideas and organizing them into a coherent document.
D. Polishing the writing for its intended purpose.
Correct Answer
C
Explanation: The primary concentration of the drafting stage in the writing process is to generate ideas and organize them into a coherent document. In the drafting step, writers focus on creativity and expressing their thoughts. The emphasis of this step is to get thoughts out on paper, but not to worry with creating a perfected draft.
Which suffix typically means “position held.”
A. -ship
B. -sion
C. -ment
D. -ism
Correct Answer
A
Answer A is correct: The suffix “-ship” means “position held.”
Answer B is incorrect: The suffix “-sion” means “state of being.”
Answer C is incorrect: The suffix “-ment” means “condition of.”
Answer D is incorrect: The suffix “-ism” means “doctrine or belief.”
Read the sentence below, and answer the following question.
Our purpose was achieved by analyzing the relationships between a set of oceanographic, climatic, topographic variables and the humpback whale pod sizes.
Which of the following publications would most likely contain this sentence?
A. Motivational speech
B. Scientific journal
C. Business memo
D. Literary work
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: This sentence does not use wording to persuade the reader by using motivation.
Answer B is correct: The sentence uses scientific terminology that would most likely be found in a scientific journal on marine biology.
Answer C is incorrect: The sentence does not contain business terms that are likely to be found in a business memo.
Answer D is incorrect: The sentence does not contain wording that would be likely to be in a literary work such as a novel.
Which of the following is a fragment?
A. Before any decisions can be made, assessments must be compiled.
B. During the annual evaluation of each employee’s yearly performance.
C. After the evaluations are completed, they will be sent for review.
D. Sign the review.
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: This is a complex sentence. It contains a dependent clause and an independent clause. The dependent clause is “before any decisions can be made.” The independent clause is “assessments must be compiled.”
Answer B is correct: This is a fragment. “During the annual evaluation” and “of each employee’s yearly performance” are both prepositional phrases.
Answer C is incorrect: This is a complex sentence. It begins with the dependent clause, “after the evaluations are completed,” and it is followed by the independent clause “they will be sent for review.”
Answer D is incorrect: This is a complete sentence. The subject of the sentence is an implied second person “you,” the verb is “sign” along with expressing a complete thought.
Which of the following are spelled correctly, showing an exception to a spelling rule? (Select all that apply.)
A. foreign
B. height
C. childs
D. sieze
Correct Answer
A and B
Answer A is correct: “Foreign” is spelled correctly because it is an exception to the “i” before the “e” rule.
Answer B is correct: “Height” is spelled correctly because it is an exception to the “i” before the “e” rule.
Answer C is incorrect: “Childs” is spelled incorrectly because when made plural, the word “child” does not add an “-s.” Instead, it is an exception to the rule, and “-ren” should be added to the end of the word to show the plural.
Answer D is incorrect: The correct spelling is “seize.” This word is an exception to the “i” before the “e” rule.”
Which of the following is a dependent clause?
A. That scenario is unimaginable.
B. I always prepare for the worst case.
C. That I could ever dare to dream.
D. In the darkness, a silver lining can be found.
Correct Answer
C
Answer A is incorrect: This is an independent clause. It contains a subject, “scenario,” a verb, “ is,” and a complete thought.
Answer B is incorrect: This is an independent clause. It contains a subject, “ I,” a verb, “prepare,” and a complete thought.
Answer C is correct: This is a dependent clause. Although it contains a subject, “I,” a verb “could ever dare,” it does not express a complete thought due to the fact that the clause begins with a subordinating conjunction “that.”
Answer D is incorrect: While this clause begins with an introductory phrase, “in the darkness,” it is an independent clause. It contains the subject.
Which of the following is a compound sentence?
A. The pending grant approval will determine if the scientists will be able to conduct their experiment in the new facilities.
B. While all of the paperwork has been completed, the review board must still convene to evaluate if the experiment will contribute significantly to the department’s mission.
C. Each of the research assistants worked diligently in preparation for the experiment, and the experiment’s approval is important in determining future job status.
D. If the board does not approve the grant, the scientists will be forced to eliminate many jobs within the department.
Correct Answer
C
Answer A is incorrect: This is a complex sentence since it contains one independent and one dependent clause. The sentence begins with the independent clause, “The pending grant approval will determine” followed by the dependent clause, “if the scientists will be able to conduct their experiment in the new facilities.” Remember, a compound sentence contains two independent clauses.
Answer B is incorrect: This is a complex sentence. Since it contains one independent and one dependent clause. The sentence begins with the dependent clause, “while all of the paperwork has been completed,” and it is followed by the independent clause, “the review board must still convene to evaluate if the experiment will contribute significantly to the department’s mission.
Answer C is correct: This is a compound sentence because it connects two independent clauses. The first independent clause, “Each of the research assistants worked diligently in preparation for the experiment,” is connected to the second independent clause, “the experiment’s approval is important in determining future job status,” through the use of the coordinating conjunction, “and.”
Answer D is incorrect: This is a complex sentence because it contains a dependent clause, “If the board does not approve the grant,” followed by the independent clause, “the scientists will be forced to eliminate many jobs within the department.”
Which of the following contains a fragment?
A. You cannot possibly think that is long enough.
B. This is possibly the longest thing that I have read.
C. Write more.
D. While it may seem difficult.
Correct Answer
D
Answer A is incorrect: This is a complete sentence. The subject of the sentence is “you,” and the verb is “can think.” Remember, the word “not” is not a verb. In addition to containing a subject and a verb, the sentence also expresses a complete thought.
Answer B is incorrect: This is a complete sentence. In fact, this is a complex sentence containing an independent clause followed by a dependent clause. In the independent clause, the subject of the sentence is the pronoun “this” and the verb is “is.” In the dependent clause, “I” is the subject, and the complete verb is “have read.” combined together the two express a complete thought.
Answer C is incorrect: This is a complete sentence. Imperative, or command, sentences can often appear to be fragments; however, the understood “you” provides a subject, and the sentence contains the verb “write,” along with expressing a complete thought.
Answer D is correct: This is a fragment. Although it contains the subject, “it,” and the verb, “may seem,” the subordinating conjunction at the beginning makes it a dependent clause; therefore, the dependent clause does not express a complete thought.
Which of the following is a simple sentence?
A. Brittney and Cole were looking for their puppy for hours and hours.
B. Brittney and Cole looked all over their neighborhood, and they even drove around town.
C. They posted missing signs offering an award if someone found him.
D. The puppy, which had been missing for two weeks, returned unharmed.
Correct Answer
A
Answer A is correct: This is a simple sentence. Although it contains two subjects, it only contains one complete verb and one complete thought.
Answer B is incorrect: This is a compound sentence. It consists of one independent clause, “Brittney and Cole looked all over their neighborhood,” is connected to a second independent clause, “they even drove around town,” by the coordinating conjunction “and.”
Answer C is incorrect: This is a complex sentence. It contains an independent clause, “they posted missing signs offering an award,” followed by a dependent clause, “if someone found him.”
Answer D is incorrect: This is a complex sentence. It consists of an independent clause, “the puppy returned unharmed,” and has a dependent clause, “which had been missing for two weeks,” in the middle of the independent clause. The word “which” in the sentence acts as a relative pronoun, referring to “puppy.”
Which is the simple subject of the following sentence?
All of the employees are required to be at the meeting next week.A. all
B. employees
C. required
D. meeting
Correct Answer
A
Answer A is correct: This is the subject of the sentence. In the sentence, the word, “all,” is an indefinite pronoun referring to employees.
Answer B is incorrect: While this is a noun in the sentence, it is located within the prepositional phrase, “of the employees.” Subjects cannot be located within a prepositional phrase.
Answer C is incorrect: The word “ required” is part of the complete verb “ are required.”
Answer D is incorrect: Although this is a noun in the sentence, it is located within the prepositional phrase, “at the meeting.” subjects of a sentence cannot be located with a prepositional phrase.
Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?
A. The scientists are exploring a variety of locations for their test sight.
B. Each location must pass numerous tests, and a committee must deem it viable to be the test site.
C. While this sounds easy enough, it is in fact a lengthy process.
D. The soil samples have been collected, and they will be tested after the scientists have discussed all parameters of the test site requirements.
Correct Answer
D
Answer A is incorrect: This is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause.
Answer B is incorrect: This is a compound sentence. The independent clause, “Each location must pass numerous tests,” is connected to the second independent clause “ a committee must deem it viable to be the test site” with the coordinating conjunction “and.”
Answer C is incorrect: This is a complex sentence. The sentence begins with the dependent clause “While this sounds easy enough,” followed by the independent clause, “it is in fact a lengthy process.” A comma is used after “enough” since the dependent clause begins the sentence and comes before the independent clause.
Answer D is correct: This is a compound-complex sentence. It contains two independent clauses and a dependent clause necessary to make a compound-complex sentence. The first clause “The soil samples have been collected” is an independent clause, and it is connected to the second independent clause “they will be tested” with the use of the coordinating conjunction “and” followed by the dependent clause “after the scientists have discussed all parameters of the test site requirements.”
In which of the following does the suffix create a word that is a different part of speech from the base word?
A. Happier
B. Watery
C. Kingdom
D. Speaking
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: The base word, “happy” is an adjective. Adding the suffix, “-er” creates the word, “happier,” which is an adjective as well. The addition of the suffix does not create a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
Answer B is correct: The base word, “water” is a noun. Adding the suffix, “-y” creates the word, “watery,” which is an adjective. The addition of the suffix creates a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
Answer C is incorrect: The base word, “king” is a noun. Adding the suffix, “-dom” creates the word “kingdom,” which is a noun as well. The addition of the suffix does not create a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
Answer D is incorrect: The base word, “speak” is a verb. Adding the suffix, “-ing” creates the word, “speaking,” which is a verb as well. The addition of the suffix does not create a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
What does the prefix “un-” generally indicate?
A. Opposite or not
B. Before or in advance
C. With
D. Above
Correct Answer
A
Answer A is correct: The prefix “un-” is added to a root word to indicate “not or opposite.”
Answer B is incorrect: The prefix “pre-” is added to a root word to indicate “before or in advance.”
Answer C is incorrect: The prefix “co-” is added to a root word to indicate “with.”
Answer D is incorrect: The prefix “super-” is added to a root word to indicate “above.”
Which of the following words correctly follows the spelling rule to drop the final “e”?
A. courage
B. advise
C. dye
D. shoe
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: The word “courage” does not follow the drop of the “e” before a vowel rule. For example, "courage” + “ous” = “courageous.”
Answer B is correct: “Advise” does follow the drop of the “e” before a vowel rule. For example. “advise” + “ing” = “advising.”
Answer C is incorrect: The word “dye” does not follow the drop of the final “e” rule. For example, “dye” + “ing” = is “dyeing.” This is an exception for words where if the Retain the e in words that might be mistaken for other words if the rule were applied
Answer D is incorrect: The word “shoe” does not follow the drop of the final “e” rule. For example, “shoe” + “ing” = “shoeing.”
In which of the following does the suffix create a word that is a different part of speech from the base word? (Select all that apply.)
A. Friendship
B. Action
C. Agreeable
D. Development
Correct Answer
B, D, and C
Answer A is incorrect: The base word, “friend” is a noun. Adding the suffix, “-ship” creates the word, “friendship,” which is also a noun. The addition of the suffix does not create a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
Answer B is correct: The base word, “act” is a verb. Adding the suffix, “-ion” creates the word, “action,” which is a noun. The addition of the suffix creates a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
Answer C is correct: The base word, “agree” is a verb. Adding the suffix, “-able” creates the word, “agreeable,” which is an adjective. The addition of the suffix creates a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
Answer D is correct: The base word, “develop” is a verb. Adding the suffix, “-ment” creates the word, “development,” which is a noun. The addition of the suffix creates a word that is a different part of speech from the base word.
Which of the following are spelled correctly, showing an exception to a spelling rule? (Select all that apply.)
A. wierd
B. awesome
C. timly
D. modifying
Correct Answer
B and D
Answer A is incorrect: The correct spelling is “weird.” This word is an exception to the “i” before “e” rule.
Answer B is correct: The word “awesome” is spelled correctly because does not follow the drop the final “e” rule. “Awe” maintains the “e” when adding the suffix.
Answer C is incorrect: The correct spelling of the word should be “timely.” “Time” is an exception to the drop the final “e” rule when adding the suffix “-ly.”
Answer D is correct: The word “modifying” is spelled correctly because it does not follow the change the “y” to “i” rule.
Which of the following uses the “y” to “i” rule correctly? (Select all that apply.)
A. “employ” to “emploied”
B. “enjoy” to “enjoied”
C. “identify” to “identified”
D. “happy” to “happier”
Correct Answer
C and D
Answer A is incorrect: “Employ” does not follow the “y” to “i” rule. The correct spelling
“employ” in the past tense is “employed.”
Answer B is incorrect: “Enjoy” does not follow the “y” to “i” rule. The correct spelling of “enjoy” in the past tense is “enjoyed.”
Answer C is correct: “Idenfiy” follows the “y” to “i” rule, which means that “identify”
becomes “identified.”
Answer D is correct: “Happy” follows the “y” to “i” rule, which means that “happy” becomes “happier.”
Read the sentence below, and answer the following question.
The Christmas moon hung in the December sky like a silver lantern, shining down on the snowy streets creating a magical scene of hope and tranquility.
Which of the following publications would most likely contain this sentence?
A. Scientific journal
B. Business memo
C. Motivational speech
D. Literary work
Correct Answer
D
Answer A is incorrect: The sentence does not contain scientific terminology that would be found in a scientific journal.
Answer B is incorrect: The sentence does not contain business terms that would be discussed in a business setting or be found within a business memo.
Answer C is incorrect: This sentence does not use wording to persuade the reader by using motivation.
Answer D is correct: The sentence contains a character and description that would likely be found in a literary work such as a novel.
What is the meaning of biography?
A. The study of living organisms
B. A written account of person’s life
C. The act of going against authority
D. A written account of a person’s life written by the person
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: The word “biology” means “the study of living organisms” based on the prefix “bio-” meaning “life” and the suffix “-logy” meaning “the study of.”
Answer B is correct: The word “biography” means “a written account of a person’s life” based on the prefix “-bio” meaning “life” and the suffix “-graphy” meaning “writing” or “description.”
Answer C is incorrect: The word “defiance” means “the act of going against authority” based on the prefix “de-” meaning the “reversal or the action of doing the opposite,” the root word “-fi-” which is means “trust,” and the suffix “-ance,” which means “state or condition.”
Answer D is incorrect: The word “autobiography” means “a written account of a person’s life written by the person” based on the prefix “auto-” which means self, the prefix “bio-” which means life” and the suffix “-logy” meaning “writing” or “description.”
Which word has a prefix and a suffix?
A. Teacher
B. Walked
C. Precooked
D. Quickness
Correct Answer
C
Answer A is incorrect: The word “teacher” does not contain a prefix. It contains the root word, “teach,” and the suffix “-er.”
Answer B is incorrect: The word “walked” does not contain a prefix. It contains the root word, “walk,” and the suffix “-ed.”
Answer C is correct: The word “precooked” contains the prefix “pre-,” the root word, “cook,” and the suffix “-ed.”
Answer D is incorrect: The word “quickness” does not contain a prefix. It contains the root word, “quick” and the suffix “-ness.”
Reorder the sentences below into the best chronological sequence to construct a paragraph.
[A] Afterward, I will order, purchase, and organize all the supplies that I need for the day of the party. This makes it easier to lay things out when the day comes.
[B] Last, when the party day arrives, I start by setting up the tables and decor. I wait until 30 minutes before the guests are set to arrive before I lay out the food.
[C] When it comes time to plan a party, I always go about it in a specific order.
[D] I begin with establishing a theme and a guest list. This will allow me to create a list of supplies that I will need for the party.
Correct Answer
C, D, A, B
[C] When it comes time to plan a party, I always go about it in a specific order.
[D] I begin with establishing a theme and a guest list. This will allow me to create a list of supplies that I will need for the party.
[A] Afterward, I will order, purchase, and organize all the supplies that I need for the day of the party. This makes it easier to lay things out when the day comes.
[B] Last, when the party day arrives, I start by setting up the tables and decor. I wait until 30 minutes before the guests are set to arrive before I lay out the food.
Explanation: This chronological sequence is the most logical order for the paragraph. It starts with establishing the main idea of what the paragraph will be about. Then using transition words, the order of the events is established. “Begin,” “Afterwards,” and “Last” create a transition from one idea to the next.
Which of the following is the compound verb of the sentence?
A. botanist and collected
B. collected and researched
C. researched and samples
D. botanist and ecosystems
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: The word “botanist” is a noun and is acting as the subject of this sentence. “Collected” is a verb in this sentence; however, it is only one of the two verbs in the sentence. The compound verb is “collected” and “researched.”
Answer B is correct: Both “collected” and “researched” are the compound verbs in the sentence.
Answer C is incorrect: While “researched” is a verb in the sentence, “samples” is a noun acting as the object of the sentence. The compound verb is “collected” and “researched.”
Answer D is incorrect: The word “botanist” is a noun and is acting as the subject of this sentence. “Ecosystems” is also a noun and is acting as the object of the prepositional phrase “from different ecosystems.” The compound verb is “collected” and “researched.”
Which sentence illustrates correct comma usage?
A. In the morning before breakfast I like to run.
B. In the morning, before breakfast, I like to run.
C. In the morning before breakfast, I like to run.
D. In the morning, before breakfast I like to run.
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: This sentence is missing necessary punctuation for a sentence containing introductory phrases. By combining multiple clauses without any punctuation to separate them, the missing comma has created a run-on sentence.
Answer B is correct: This sentence is correctly punctuated. Commas are necessary to separate both the introductory phrase “in the morning” and the parenthetical phrase, “before breakfast” from the independent clause “I like to run.” This creates clarity in the sentence structure and makes it easier to understand.
Answer C is incorrect: This sentence is correctly punctuated because it places a comma after “before breakfast,” which is acceptable because it is a non-restrictive element in the sentence. However, the preferred position for a comma is also to include one after “in the morning” to indicate the pause before the phrase begins.
Answer D is incorrect: This sentence correctly places a comma after “morning” to separate the introductory clause from the rest of the sentence; however, a comma is also needed after “breakfast” in order to off set the introductory phrase from the independent clause that follows.
Which stage of the writing process involves gathering feedback from others and making revisions based on their comments?
A. Drafting
B. Revising
C. Editing
D. Finalizing
Correct Answer
B
The step in the writing process that involves gathering feedback from others and making revisions based on their comments is the revising step. During this step, writers look for input from peers and/or mentors and then use that feedback to make substantial improvements to the content, structure, and overall quality of the writing.
Which of the following are correctly punctuated compound sentences? (Select all that apply.)
A. Upon graduating high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.
B. I’ve decided that I want to become a physical therapist, but there are many requirements to do so.
C. While there are many different specialties within the physical therapy field, I would like to focus on sports.
D. Sports medicine will allow me to help athletes heal from injuries, and I can aid them in returning to play the sports they love.
Correct Answer
B and D
Answer A is incorrect: This is not a compound sentence. This is a complex sentence. It consists of a dependent clause, “Upon graduating high school,” first, and an independent clause follows it, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.”
Answer B is correct: This sentence is a compound sentence and is correctly punctuated before the coordinating conjunction “but.”
Answer C is incorrect: This is not a compound sentence. This is a complex sentence. The comma is used after an introductory dependent clause to connect to the independent clause that follows.
Answer D is correct: This sentence is a compound sentence and is correctly punctuated before the coordinating conjunction “and.”
Read the paragraph and answer the following question.
Ecosystems are areas where animals, plants, and other organisms work together with the weather and landscape in order to form a thriving life. Every component of an ecosystem is important in order to create and maintain balance. Changing just one of these elements will effect the overall structure to the ecosystem and the inhabitants within it. The plants, animals, and other organisms are endangered by these outside factors that create instability with in the ecosystem itself. One factor that can be threatening to ecosystems is pollution. Something as simple as a garbage bag or a plastic straw can cause irrevocable damage to all that exist within the biological community. This is one reason why humanity should make the elimination, or at least the decrease of polution a priority.
Source: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ecosystem
Which of the following sentences uses language that fits the style of the passage?
A. Man-kind will not service the next 100 years at this rate.
B. Once we run out of food, we will all be hangry.
C. Changes to the way that waste is exposed of and the amount of pollution contributed each year are necessary in order to stop the dismantling of important ecosystems.
D. It is important that you recycle and compost your trash when possible in order to reduce your carbon footprint.
Correct Answer
C
Answer A is incorrect: This sentence uses the gender-biased word, “man-kind.” This passage is gender-neutral, so using this term would break that consistency.
Answer B is incorrect: This sentence uses the informal wording “hangry.” The passage uses formal, third-person academic language to express thoughts on this matter.
Answer C is correct: This sentence continues the use of formal, third-person academic language in order to express the thoughts on ecosystems.
Answer D is incorrect: This sentence uses informal voice with second-person to speak directly to the reader.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated for a quotation that ends with a question mark?
A. Do you remember when Ghostface asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie”?
B. Do you remember when Ghostface asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?”
C. Do you remember when Ghostface asked “What’s your favorite scary movie?”
D. Do you remember when Ghostface asked “What’s your favorite scary movie”?
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: In this sentence, all punctuation is correct except for the closing punctuation. At the end of the sentence, the question mark should be located inside of the closing quotation mark. The correct punctuation is: Do you remember when Ghostface asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?”
Answer B is correct: This sentence is correctly punctuated. The comma comes after “asked” in order to separate the direct quotation from the rest of the sentence. The closing punctuation (the question mark) comes before the closing quotation mark.
Answer C is incorrect: In this sentence, there is no punctuation after the word “asked” in order to separate the direct quotation from the rest of the sentence. The question mark is located correctly before the closing quotation mark. The correct punctuation is: Do you remember when Ghostface asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?”
Answer D is incorrect: In this sentence, there is no punctuation after the word “asked” in order to separate the direct quotation from the rest of the sentence. The question mark is also incorrectly located by being placed after the closing quotation mark instead of coming before the closing quotation mark as it should. The correct punctuation is: Do you remember when Ghostface asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?”
Read the sentence below, and answer the following question.
When my boss asked my thoughts on the matter, I told him, "I totally do not agree, dude!"
Which of the following grammar errors appears in the sentence?
A. Poor diction
B. Ambiguous word choice
C. Tense disagreement
D. Inappropriate transition word choice.
Correct Answer
A
Answer A is correct: When speaking to an authority figure, such as a boss, the correct word choice, or diction would be one of a formal tone. Using the phrase, “I totally do not agree, dude!” expresses informality. This phrase does not fit the context appropriately.
Answer B is incorrect: The words selected for use in this sentence conveys the message clearly.
Answer C is incorrect: The verbs in the sentence are all past tense verbs. While the verbs “do not” in the quotation are not past tense, these are a reflection of the conversation that was previously held between the two.
Answer D is incorrect: The word “when” expresses chronological order and are an appropriate choice to demonstrate the time frame in which the events occurred.
Which of the following is a complex sentence?
A. A good hearty breakfast is important to start your day off the right way.
B. Many people enjoy pancakes, eggs, and bacon; however, I enjoy waffles and fresh fruit.
C. While it takes a great deal of time, I enjoy fixing breakfast for my family every morning, so they can have a good start to their day.
D. Before I leave for work, I gather all the dishes and load the dishwasher.
Correct Answer
D
Answer A is incorrect: This is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause.
Answer B is incorrect: This is a compound sentence. It contains two independent clauses. The first, “many people enjoy pancakes, eggs, and bacon,” is connected to the second independent clause, “I enjoy waffles and fresh fruit” with the use of the conjunctive adverb, “however.”
Answer C is incorrect: This is a compound-complex sentence. It contains two independent clauses, “I enjoy fixing breakfast for my family every morning,” and “they can have a good start to their day.” The two independent clauses are connected with the coordinating conjunction “so.” The sentence also contains the dependent clause, “while it takes a great deal of time,” which in addition to the two independent clauses creates the compound-complex sentence.
Answer D is incorrect: This is a complex sentence because it contains the dependent clause, “before I leave for work” followed by the independent clause, “I gather all the dishes and load the dishwasher.”
Which sentence illustrates correct comma usage?
A. In the morning before breakfast I like to run.
B. In the morning, before breakfast, I like to run.
C. In the morning before breakfast, I like to run.
D. In the morning, before breakfast I like to run.
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: This sentence is missing necessary punctuation for a sentence containing introductory phrases. By combining multiple clauses without any punctuation to separate them, the missing comma has created a run-on sentence.
Answer B is correct: This sentence is correctly punctuated. Commas are necessary to separate both the introductory phrase “in the morning” and the parenthetical phrase, “before breakfast” from the independent clause “I like to run.” This creates clarity in the sentence structure and makes it easier to understand.
Answer C is incorrect: This sentence is correctly punctuated because it places a comma after “before breakfast,” which is acceptable because it is a non-restrictive element in the sentence. However, the preferred position for a comma is also to include one after “in the morning” to indicate the pause before the phrase begins.
Answer D is incorrect: This sentence correctly places a comma.
Which of the following is a complete sentence? (Select all that apply.)
A. Although a masterpiece of modern wonder, the statue towers over the city landscape.
B. Swirling and spinning in an entrancing whirlwind of sounds.
C. Below the surface of the translucent colors, a secret world of mesmerizing art exists.
D. With a glow as warm as a spring day.
Correct Answer
A and C
Answer A is correct: This is a complete sentence. It is a compound sentence because it begins with the dependent clause, “ Although a masterpiece of modern wonder,” followed by the independent clause, “the statue towers over the city landscape.” The subject is “statue.” The verb is “towers.” Together the clauses express a complete thought.
Answer B is incorrect: This is not a complete sentence. Although it contains verbs, “swirling” and “spinning,” this answer option does not contain a subject nor does it express a complete thought.
Answer C is correct: This is a complete sentence. It contains a subject, “world,” and a verb, “exists.” Remember, “below the surface of translucent colors” and “of mesmerizing art” are prepositional phrases, so the subject cannot be located in either phrase.
Answer D is incorrect: This is not a complete sentence. It is a prepositional phrase. It begins with the preposition “with” and ends with the noun, “day.”
Which of the following is an independent clause?
A. When the experiment failed.
B. After each experiment ended in a lack of collectible data.
C. The scientists became discouraged.
D. During the initial phase of the experiment.
Correct Answer
C
Answer A is incorrect: This is a dependent clause. The clause begins with the subordinating conjunction “when,” followed by the subject, “experiment,” and the verb “failed.”
Answer B is incorrect: This is a dependent clause. The clause begins with the subordinating conjunction, “after,” followed by the subject, “experiment,” and the verb ended.”
Answer C is correct: This is an independent clause. The clause contains a subject, “scientists, a verb, “became discouraged,” and expresses a complete thought.
Answer D is incorrect: This is a combination of two prepositional phrases. The first prepositional phrase is “during the initial phase,” and the second prepositional phrase is “of the experiment.”
What is the purpose of the prewriting stage in the writing process?
A. To revise and edit your draft.
B. To compile ideas and plan the writing.
C. To proofread for grammar and spelling mistakes.
D. To receive feedback from others.
Correct Answer
B
Answer A is incorrect: This is revising step in the writing process.
Answer B is correct: This is the description of the prewriting step of the writing process.
Answer C is incorrect: This is the editing step in the writing process.
Answer D is incorrect: This is the peer review step in the writing process.
Read the sentence below and answer the following question.
Yesterday, each of the girls have dedicated their free time to improving their test scores.
Which of the following grammar errors appears in the sentence?
A. Tense agreement
B. Ambiguous word selection
C. Inappropriate transition word choice
D. Poor diction
Correct Answer
A
Answer A is correct: The sentence contains a subject verb tense disagreement. The subject of the sentence is “each,” which is singular. Reminder: the subject cannot be located in a prepositional phrase “of the girls.” However, the verb of the sentence is “have,” which is plural. For the sentence to be grammatically correct, the subject and the verb must agree. They must both be either singular or plural to be in agreement with each other. To correct the sentence, you would change the verb from “have” to “has” to make the verb singular like the subject.
Answer B is incorrect: The sentence conveys the message clearly to the reader.
Answer C is incorrect: The words selected for use in this sentence conveys the message clearly.
Answer D is incorrect: Diction refers to the use of words that are inappropriate, unclear, or imprecise in a given context. This sentence expresses appropriate context.
Based on the consideration of word parts, which of the following means “to examine or investigate thoroughly?”
A. Analyze
B. Neglect
C. Overlook
D. Scrutinize
Correct Answer
D
The word that means “to examine or investigate thoroughly” based on word parts is “scrutinize.” The root “scrut-” and the suffix “-ize” together convey the idea of closely and thoroughly examining or searching, which makes it the most appropriate choice in this context.
Which sentence illustrates correct comma usage? (Select all that apply.)
A. She went to the store to buy apples, bananas, and oranges.
B. She went to the store to buy apples, bananas and oranges.
C. She went to the store to buy apples bananas, and oranges.
D. She went to the store to buy apples, bananas and, oranges.
Correct Answer
A and B
Answer A is correct: This sentence correctly illustrates comma usage. In this sentence a list series is present (“apples, bananas, and oranges”), so a comma is necessary to separate the first two items in the list. Additionally, an Oxford comma is common practice to use before the conjunction “and” to separate the second and third item in the list series.
Answer B is correct: In this sentence, comma usage is correctly illustrated because a list series is present (“apples, bananas, and oranges”), so a comma is necessary to separate the first two items in the list. However, while an Oxford comma is common practice, it is also acceptable to leave off the comma before the conjunction “and” between the second and third item in the list series. Since it does not change the meaning of the sentence, it is acceptable not to use a second comma.
Answer C is incorrect: This sentence does not illustrate correct comma usage. Since the sentence contains a list series, a comma should be used to connect the first two items in the list.
Answer D is incorrect: While this sentence correctly places the first comma between the first and second items in a list series, the second comma after the conjunction “and” is misplaced. Instead, it should be used before the conjunction, “and” to illustrate an Oxford to separate the list series items, or it can be left out entirely since the meaning of the sentence would not change.
