what is the function of a conjunction in a sentence

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test English Questions

1. What is the function of a conjunction in a sentence?

A. To connect words or phrases
B. To describe a noun
C. To modify a verb
D. To show possession

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To connect words or phrases.' Conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. They help to join different elements together, such as coordinating conjunctions like 'and,' 'but,' 'or,' etc. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. B is incorrect because describing a noun is the function of an adjective, not a conjunction. C is incorrect because modifying a verb is the role of an adverb, not a conjunction. D is incorrect because showing possession is the function of a possessive noun or pronoun, not a conjunction.

2. What is the function of an adjective in a sentence?

A. To describe a verb
B. To connect clauses
C. To describe a noun
D. To show action

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The function of an adjective in a sentence is to describe or modify a noun. Adjectives provide more information about the noun they modify, such as its size, color, shape, etc. For example, in the sentence 'The tall building,' 'tall' is an adjective describing the noun 'building.' Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Adjectives do not describe verbs (adverbs do that), connect clauses (conjunctions do that), or show action (verbs do that).

3. Which of the following phrases is grammatically correct and uses parallel structure?

A. He enjoys reading, writing, and playing sports.
B. Walking, swimming, and cooking are his favorite hobbies.
C. He likes to read, write, and play sports.
D. Singing, dancing, and traveling are his passions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it uses the gerund (-ing) form for all three hobbies, achieving parallel structure. Parallel structure requires that elements in a sentence are grammatically balanced. In this case, all three activities are presented in the same form, making the sentence clear and consistent. Choices A, C, and D do not exhibit parallel structure as they mix verb forms or use infinitives, breaking the parallelism needed for correct grammar.

4. Read the following passage and answer the question: The thesis of this paper will be on the development of an experiment designed to detect flaws in how a golf ball is hit. Sometimes it can be hit perfectly, but sometimes it can be a bust. Based on the language in the passage, which of the following scenarios is correct?

A. The writer is a professional in a business environment.
B. The writer is a researcher writing for a scientific journal.
C. The writer is a student writing a first draft of a paper.
D. The writer is an author of literature.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage indicates that the writer is a student writing a first draft of a paper. The language used in the passage is informal and lacks precision, suggesting it is not written by a professional in a business environment or a researcher for a scientific journal. The focus on experimenting with hitting a golf ball also aligns more with a student exploring a topic rather than an established author of literature.