Nursing Elites

1. The swirling snow drifted down all afternoon. Which of the following parts of speech is 'swirling' as used in the sentence above?

• A. Interjection
• B. Article
• C. Adjective
• D. Adverb

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the sentence 'The swirling snow drifted down all afternoon,' 'swirling' is functioning as an adjective. Adjectives modify or describe nouns, and in this case, 'swirling' describes the noun 'snow.' The word 'swirling' is giving more information about the nature or quality of the snow, indicating that it is moving in a circular motion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. An interjection is a word or phrase used to express strong emotions or sentiments, which 'swirling' does not do in this context. An article is a determiner that introduces a noun, and 'swirling' is not serving this function. An adverb typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, but in this sentence, 'swirling' is not modifying a verb, making it an incorrect choice.

2. Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks in connection with an indirect quote?

• A. My sister suggested, 'that we go to the movie next weekend.'
• B. My brother asked me to babysit his two children.
• C. 'The newscaster pointed out the storm's destruction.'
• D. The meteorologist called it 'the storm of a century.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly uses quotation marks to indicate the specific phrase 'the storm of a century.' In this sentence, the indirect quote is highlighted within the quotation marks. Choices A, B, and C do not correctly use quotation marks with an indirect quote. Choice A incorrectly places a comma inside the quotation marks, which should be outside. Choice B does not have any quotation marks around the indirect quote. Choice C uses double quotation marks unnecessarily around the indirect quote.

3. What is the main function of transition words and phrases in writing?

• A. To add unnecessary embellishments and fluff.
• B. To emphasize specific words or phrases in the text.
• C. To connect ideas smoothly and guide the reader's flow.
• D. To introduce opposing viewpoints and counterarguments.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of transition words and phrases in writing is to connect ideas smoothly and guide the reader's flow. They serve to establish logical relationships between different parts of the text, ensuring coherence and facilitating a clear progression of thoughts. Choice A is incorrect as transition words are meant to enhance clarity and coherence, not add unnecessary embellishments. Choice B is incorrect because while transition words can provide emphasis, their primary role is in facilitating the flow of ideas. Choice D is also incorrect as introducing opposing viewpoints and counterarguments is typically done through different means such as specific phrases or signal words.

4. Which of the following is a correctly punctuated simple sentence?

• A. Leah and Jerry spent the last few hours in the garden smelling the roses and tulips.
• B. Leah stopped to smell the roses in the garden, but her allergies made her eyes water.
• C. Because it was now spring, Leah could stop to smell the roses.
• D. As Leah jogged in the park, she noticed the smell of roses.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The sentence in option A is a correctly punctuated simple sentence with a compound predicate ('spent... smelling'). It consists of a subject 'Leah and Jerry' and a compound predicate 'spent... smelling,' making it a complete sentence. Option B contains a comma splice, joining two independent clauses incorrectly with just a comma. Option C is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('Because it was now spring') and an independent clause, not a simple sentence. Option D is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('As Leah jogged in the park') and an independent clause, not a simple sentence. Therefore, option A is the only choice that represents a correctly punctuated simple sentence.

5. Identify the determiner in the following sentence:

• A. happily
• B. branches
• C. few
• D. tree

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The determiner in the sentence is 'few.' Determiners specify the quantity or identity of a noun. In this case, 'few' indicates the number of birds present. Choice A, 'happily,' is an adverb modifying a verb or an adjective, not a determiner. Choice B, 'branches,' is a noun referring to parts of a tree, not a determiner. Choice D, 'tree,' is a noun identifying the main subject of the sentence, not a determiner.

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