in which of the following situations would you use formal language

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS English Practice Test

1. In which of the following situations would you use formal language?

A. Texting a friend
B. A family reunion
C. Skyping your grandparents
D. At a Parent-Teacher meeting

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: At a Parent-Teacher meeting. A Parent-Teacher meeting is a formal setting where professional communication is expected. Using formal language in this context shows respect and professionalism. Choices A, B, and C involve informal or casual situations where using formal language may not be necessary or appropriate. Texting a friend, attending a family reunion, or Skyping with grandparents are typically more informal interactions where a more relaxed communication style is acceptable.

2. What is the best way to punctuate the dialogue, 'Are you coming?' she asked. 'Maybe,' I replied.

A. 'Are you coming?' she asked? 'Maybe,' I replied.
B. 'Are you coming?' she asked. 'Maybe,' I replied.
C. 'Are you coming?' she asked, 'Maybe,' I replied.
D. 'Are you coming?' she asked, 'Maybe,' I replied.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct way to punctuate dialogue is to enclose each speaker's words in quotation marks. Additionally, the question mark should be placed inside the closing quotation mark of the question. In this case, the correct answer is B as it adheres to the punctuation rules for dialogue. Each character's dialogue is correctly enclosed in quotation marks, and the question mark is appropriately positioned inside the closing quotation mark of the question. Choice A is incorrect as the question mark is placed outside the closing quotation mark of the question. Choice C is incorrect as it uses a comma instead of a period after 'she asked.' Choice D is incorrect as it uses a comma instead of a period after 'she asked' and incorrectly places the comma inside the closing quotation mark of the question.

3. What is the initial step a writer takes when generating new ideas for a writing task?

A. Brainstorm
B. Final edit
C. Draft
D. Revision

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a writer begins a new writing task, the first step is typically brainstorming. Brainstorming involves generating new ideas, concepts, and approaches before moving on to drafting. Option B, 'Final edit,' is incorrect as it refers to the last stage of the writing process, where the writer reviews and makes final adjustments to the completed draft. Option C, 'Draft,' is incorrect as it comes after brainstorming and involves putting the ideas into a structured form. Option D, 'Revision,' is also incorrect as it involves making changes and improvements to the draft after the initial writing phase.

4. Which of the following options is correctly punctuated?

A. The runaway truck, which had been parked on a steep hill, swerved and teetered before jumping a curb and slamming into a tree.
B. The runaway truck which had been parked on a steep hill swerved and teetered before jumping a curb and slamming into a tree.
C. The runaway truck, which had been parked on a steep hill, swerved and teetered before jumping a curb and slamming into a tree.
D. The runaway truck which had been parked on a steep hill, swerved and teetered before jumping a curb and slamming into a tree.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The sentence correctly uses commas to set off the non-essential clause 'which had been parked on a steep hill.' The use of commas before and after the clause helps to distinguish it as additional information that could be omitted without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. Choices B, C, and D lack appropriate punctuation to set off the non-essential clause, making them incorrect. In these options, the absence of commas or the placement of commas incorrectly within the sentence affects the clarity and structure of the sentence, violating punctuation rules for non-essential clauses.

5. Which of the following words is an exception to a common spelling rule?

A. achievement
B. operation
C. changeable
D. deplorable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: changeable.' This word is an exception to a common spelling rule where it retains the 'e' when adding the suffix '-able.' In contrast, choices A, B, and D follow standard spelling rules without exceptions.