Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which of the following demonstrates correct punctuation?

• A. Graham still needs the following items for his class: a sable brush, soft pastels, a sketchbook, and an easel.
• B. Graham still needs the following items for his class, a sable brush, soft pastels, a sketchbook, and an easel.
• C. Graham still needs the following items for his class: a sable brush; soft pastels; a sketchbook; and an easel.
• D. Graham still needs the following items for his class – a sable brush; soft pastels; a sketchbook; and an easel.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A demonstrates correct punctuation. The sentence uses a colon to introduce a list, which is the most appropriate punctuation in this context. A colon is typically used to signal that a list or explanation follows, making it the suitable choice here. Choices B, C, and D either use a comma, semi-colon, or dash incorrectly to introduce the list, deviating from the standard punctuation rule for listing items. Therefore, they are incorrect in the context of this sentence.

3. Which of the following describes a visual tool that a writer uses to diagram ideas around a central concept?

• A. Bar graph
• B. Citation
• C. Revision
• D. Mind map

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A mind map is a visual tool commonly used by writers to diagram ideas around a central concept. It helps in brainstorming and organizing thoughts by visually representing the relationships between different ideas. Choice A, a bar graph, is a graphical representation of data typically used to compare quantities. Choice B, a citation, is a reference to a source used in writing to give credit. Choice C, revision, refers to the act of reviewing, editing, and improving written work.

4. Which of the following is a complete sentence?

• A. Under the bed.
• B. Although he tried his best.
• C. Running through the park.
• D. She ran through the park.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'She ran through the park.' This sentence is a complete sentence as it contains both a subject 'She' and a predicate 'ran through the park.' Choices A, B, and C are not complete sentences because they lack either a subject, a predicate, or both. Choice A 'Under the bed.' lacks a verb or predicate, choice B 'Although he tried his best.' is a dependent clause and does not form a complete sentence on its own, and choice C 'Running through the park.' is a phrase without a subject or a complete predicate.

5. Which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation for a possessive noun?

• A. The baby's bibs were covered in pureed food.
• B. Sarah's and Claire's business was thriving in its new location.
• C. A multitude of clients' complaints filled the comment box.
• D. A busy worker's best tool is a good plan.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'A multitude of clients' complaints filled the comment box,' is the correct answer. 'Clients'' is the plural possessive form to indicate that the complaints belong to the clients. In Choice A, 'baby's' is correctly punctuated to show the bibs belong to the baby. Choice B, 'Sarah's and Claire's business was thriving in its new location,' incorrectly uses an apostrophe before 'business,' making it possessive twice. Choice D, 'A busy worker's best tool is a good plan,' correctly shows possession of the best tool by the busy worker.

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