Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of a colon when used to introduce a list?

• A. A colon joins two related sentences.
• B. A colon sets off direct quotes longer than five words.
• C. A colon introduces a list or explanation after a complete sentence.
• D. A colon separates clauses in a compound sentence.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a colon is used to introduce a list, it is placed after a complete sentence and serves to signal that what follows will be a list or an explanation related to the preceding sentence. Choice A is incorrect because a colon doesn't join two related sentences; it introduces what follows after a complete sentence. Choice B is incorrect as a colon is not used to set off direct quotes longer than five words; quotation marks are used for that purpose. Choice D is incorrect because a colon does not separate clauses in a compound sentence; it is used to introduce a list or explanation after a complete sentence.

2. Which of the following words is written in the correct plural form?

• A. oxen
• B. styles
• C. monarchies
• D. clutches

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: styles.' 'Styles' is the correct plural form of 'style.' 'Oxes' in choice A is incorrect; the plural of 'ox' is 'oxen.' 'Monarchys' in choice C is incorrect; the correct plural form of 'monarchy' is 'monarchies.' 'Clutchs' in choice D is incorrect; the correct plural form of 'clutch' is 'clutches.' Therefore, 'styles' is the only word written in the correct plural form among the choices provided.

3. Which word best completes the sentence: 'The students _______ finished their exams.'

• A. has
• B. have
• C. is
• D. was

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the sentence, 'The students' is referring to a plural subject. Since 'students' is plural, the correct verb should also be plural. 'Have' is the correct verb form for the plural subject 'students' in this sentence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'has' and 'is' are singular verbs, while 'was' is past tense and does not agree with the present tense of 'finished.' Therefore, the correct choice is B: 'have.'

4. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

• A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
• B. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
• C. I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.
• D. I have a big test tomorrow; but I can't go out tonight.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is to join two closely related independent clauses. Choice A is the only option that correctly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses: 'I have a big test tomorrow' and 'I can't go out tonight.' Choice B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a semicolon. Choice C adds an unnecessary 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct punctuation usage. Choice D introduces a contradictory conjunction 'but' after the semicolon, which is not necessary for the given context. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

5. Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks?

• A. "Did you finish your homework?" she asked.
• B. Did you finish your homework? she asked.
• C. "Did you finish your homework? she asked."
• D. Did you finish your homework? "she asked."

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of quotation marks involves enclosing the exact words of a speaker, with punctuation placed inside the quotes. Choice A is the correct answer as it correctly uses quotation marks to enclose the spoken words 'Did you finish your homework?' with the appropriate punctuation inside the quotes. Choices B, C, and D incorrectly position the quotation marks or omit necessary punctuation, making them grammatically incorrect. In choice B, the closing quotation mark is missing. In choice C, the punctuation is placed outside the closing quotation mark, and in choice D, the quotation mark is incorrectly placed after 'homework,' disrupting the flow of the quoted speech.

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