Nursing Elites

1. As the tour group approached the bottom of Chichen Itza, the prodigious Mayan pyramid, they became nervous about climbing its distant peak. Based on the context of the sentence, which of the following words shows the correct meaning of the word prodigious?

• A. Very large
• B. Famous
• C. Very old
• D. Fancy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, the word 'prodigious' is used to describe the Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza. The tour group's nervousness about climbing its distant peak indicates that the pyramid is impressive in size and scale, invoking a sense of awe or grandeur. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'prodigious' in this context would be 'very large.' Choice B, 'Famous,' is incorrect as the sentence focuses on the size rather than the fame of the pyramid. Choice C, 'Very old,' and choice D, 'Fancy,' do not accurately capture the intended meaning of 'prodigious' as used in this context.

2. Which sentence uses the passive voice correctly?

• A. The letter was written by Mary.
• B. John built the house.
• C. She gave the flowers to him.
• D. They were eating dinner.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A correctly uses the passive voice by placing the emphasis on the object (letter) that received the action (was written) rather than the subject performing the action. The phrase 'by Mary' indicates the agent who performed the action, making it a clear example of the passive voice structure. Choices B, C, and D are all in the active voice, where the subject performs the action directly on the object. In the context of identifying the correct usage of the passive voice, option A stands out as the only suitable example.

3. Choose the correct verb form: 'Neither of the boys ____ interested in the game.'

• A. is
• B. are
• C. were
• D. be

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The subject 'Neither' is singular, so the correct verb form to use is 'is.' In this sentence, 'boys' is part of a prepositional phrase 'of the boys' and does not affect the verb agreement. 'Are' (choice B) is plural and does not match the singular subject. 'Were' (choice C) is past tense and not suitable for the present context. 'Be' (choice D) is an infinitive form and does not agree with the subject.

4. Which of the following sentences contains a colloquialism?

• A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pretty sure that the Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites.
• B. Travelers who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should consult a doctor.
• C. Some theories on the Zika virus are difficult to understand.
• D. In response, the U.S. has taken steps to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the phrase 'pretty sure' is a colloquialism, making the sentence less formal. Choice B is incorrect as it is a formal recommendation. Choice C is incorrect as it contains no colloquial expressions. Choice D is incorrect as it is a straightforward statement without colloquial language.

5. 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.'

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