if you go to the market please pick up some beef carrots and celery and i will make some of that delicious stew we had last week which comma should be

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. If you go to the market, please pick up some beef, carrots, and celery, and I will make some of that delicious stew we had last week. Which comma should be removed in the sentence above?

A. The comma after the word 'market'
B. The comma after the word 'beef'
C. The comma after the word 'celery'
D. The comma after the word 'delicious'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The comma after 'delicious' is unnecessary as it separates the adjective 'delicious' from the noun 'stew'. In this case, 'delicious' is describing the type of stew, so the comma should be removed to maintain correct sentence structure. The other commas in the sentence are correctly used to separate items in a list and after introductory phrases, making them necessary for clarity and grammatical correctness.

2. The mechanic used a computer to perform the diagnostic tests. Which of the following sentences most clearly and concisely conveys the same meaning?

A. While performing diagnostic tests on the car, the mechanic used a computer.
B. Although the mechanic used a computer, he performed diagnostic tests on the car.
C. Because he used a computer, the mechanic performed diagnostic tests on the car.
D. The mechanic used a computer to perform diagnostic tests on the car.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly conveys that the mechanic used a computer to perform diagnostic tests on the car. It is concise and clear, effectively communicating the main point without unnecessary details. Choices A, B, and C include unnecessary repetition or do not convey the information as clearly as choice D. For instance, choice A adds unnecessary repetition by mentioning 'performing diagnostic tests' twice, while choices B and C introduce additional clauses that make the sentence less concise and direct.

3. Which of the following sentences has the correct subject-verb agreement?

A. The Akhal-Teke horse breed, originally from Turkmenistan, has long enjoyed a reputation for bravery and fortitude.
B. The employer decided that he could not, due to the high cost of health care, afford to offer other benefits to his employees.
C. Though Puerto Rico is known popularly for its beaches, its landscape also includes mountains, which are home to many of the island’s rural villages.
D. Each of the storm chasers decides whether or not to go out when rain makes visibility low.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The subject 'employer' in sentence B agrees with the singular verb 'decided.' In subject-verb agreement, singular subjects need singular verbs, while plural subjects need plural verbs. The use of 'decided' correctly pairs with the singular subject 'employer' in this sentence. Choice A is incorrect as the subject 'Akhal-Teke horse breed' is singular and should be paired with the singular verb 'has,' not 'have.' Choice C is incorrect because the verb 'play' does not agree with the plural subject 'mountains'; it should be 'play host' or 'are home to.' Choice D is incorrect as 'Each of the storm chasers' is a singular subject and should be paired with the singular verb 'decides,' not 'decide.'

4. Identify the pronoun in the following sentence:

A. quickly
B. finished
C. her
D. before

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: her.' Pronouns replace nouns. In this sentence, 'her' is a pronoun that replaces a specific female person's name, indicating ownership of the homework. Pronouns like 'her,' 'he,' 'it,' and 'they' are commonly used to avoid repetition of nouns and make sentences less repetitive and more concise. Choices A, B, and D are not pronouns. 'Quickly' and 'before' are adverbs, while 'finished' is a verb. Therefore, they do not replace nouns and cannot function as pronouns in this context.

5. Which of the following is an example of a prepositional phrase?

A. After the game
B. Running fast
C. She sings
D. Can you help me?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'After the game.' A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and its object, describing a relationship in time, location, or direction. In this case, 'After' is the preposition, and 'the game' is its object, making it a prepositional phrase. Choices B, C, and D do not contain prepositional phrases. Choice B, 'Running fast,' is a gerund phrase with an adverb modifying a verb. Choice C, 'She sings,' is a subject-verb sentence construction. Choice D, 'Can you help me?' is an interrogative sentence asking for assistance.