what is the main purpose of a thesis statement

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS English and Language Usage

1. What is the main purpose of a thesis statement?

A. To summarize the essay
B. To state the main idea of the essay
C. To ask a question
D. To provide evidence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a thesis statement is to clearly state the main idea or argument of the essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the central point that the essay will address. Choice A, 'To summarize the essay,' is incorrect because while a thesis statement does provide a concise summary of the main point, its primary function is to present the main idea, not summarize the entire essay. Choice C, 'To ask a question,' is incorrect as a thesis statement is a declarative statement that asserts a position or argument rather than posing a question. Choice D, 'To provide evidence,' is incorrect because a thesis statement does not offer evidence but rather sets the direction and focus for the evidence that will be presented in the essay.

2. In the words proactive, progress, and projecting, pro- is a(n) _ that means _.

A. suffix; good, on top of, or over
B. prefix; before, forward, or front
C. affix; after, behind, or in back of
D. prefix; against, under, or below

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the words proactive, progress, and projecting, 'pro-' is a prefix meaning 'before, forward, or front.' This prefix denotes something happening before or moving forward, as seen in 'progress' and 'projecting,' where it signifies moving ahead or progressing. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'pro-' is not a suffix, affix, or prefix that means 'good, on top of, or over,' 'after, behind, or in back of,' or 'against, under, or below' respectively. The key is to recognize the meaning of the prefix 'pro-' in the given words and associate it with concepts related to being before or moving forward.

3. The syllable '-tion' is a(n) ___ and turns a _ into a _____.

A. Suffix; verb; noun
B. Affix; noun; pronoun
C. Prefix; noun; verb
D. Infix; noun; adjective

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The syllable '-tion' is a suffix that is commonly added to verbs to turn them into nouns. For example, the word 'action' is formed by adding '-tion' to the verb 'act.' This transformation changes the verb into a noun representing the act itself. Therefore, option A correctly identifies '-tion' as a suffix that turns a verb into a noun. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they misidentify '-tion' as a different type of affix (prefix, infix) and incorrectly associate it with nouns, pronouns, verbs, or adjectives instead of its actual function of transforming verbs into nouns.

4. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A. One of my favorite places to visit is San Francisco, California, and I'll never forget my trip there from June 2011.
B. One of my favorite places to visit is San Francisco, California, and I'll never forget my trip there from June 2011.
C. One of my favorite places to visit is San Francisco, California, and I'll never forget my trip there from June 2011.
D. One of my favorite places to visit is San Francisco, California, and I'll never forget my trip there from June, 2011.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. The sentence is punctuated correctly with commas separating the city, state, and the rest of the sentence. In Choice A, there should be a comma after 'California' to correctly separate the city and state. Choice B lacks a comma after 'California,' creating a run-on sentence. Choice D incorrectly uses a comma before the year '2011,' which disrupts the flow of the sentence.

5. In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

A. In a seminar
B. Writing a postcard
C. Talking to your boss
D. Participating in a professional conference

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is writing a postcard (Choice B). A postcard is a casual form of communication, typically sent to friends or family, making it a suitable context for informal language. Using informal language in a seminar (Choice A) would be inappropriate as it is a formal setting where professional language is expected. Talking to your boss (Choice C) and participating in a professional conference (Choice D) also require formal language to maintain professionalism and respect for the workplace environment.