Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following punctuation marks is used incorrectly in the sentence? "Otto, somewhat abruptly, got up out of his chair, and just like that, headed into the next room."

• A. The comma after "somewhat"
• B. The comma after "Otto"
• C. The semicolon after "that"
• D. The comma after "chair"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The semicolon after "that" is used incorrectly; a comma should be used instead. Semicolons are typically used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. In this sentence, the phrase "just like that" is not an independent clause, so a comma is more appropriate for separating it from the rest of the sentence. Choices A, B, and D all use commas correctly within the sentence.

2. It was not a compact city but was instead divided into separate districts. What is the meaning of the homograph 'compact' in the sentence above?

• A. A small case for holding makeup
• B. To compress
• C. Closely packed together
• D. Very tidy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this context, the term 'compact' refers to things being 'closely packed together.' The city was not compact in the sense of being closely packed together, but rather divided into separate districts. Choice A, 'A small case for holding makeup,' is not relevant to the context of the sentence. Choice B, 'To compress,' does not fit the sentence's context as it refers to the action of pressing things together. Choice D, 'Very tidy,' is also unrelated to the meaning of 'compact' in the sentence.

3. Who is probably the oldest person in my family?

• A. My Uncle Johan
• B. The oldest person
• C. The oldest person in my family
• D. Family

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: The oldest person in my family.' The complete subject of the sentence is 'The oldest person in my family,' which includes all the words that describe who or what the sentence is about. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not form a complete subject that accurately represents who the sentence is referring to in the context of the family relationship.

4. Today, astrophysicists study the same stars that were observed by the astronomers of the ancient world, though today’s techniques and technology are much more advanced. Which of the following is misspelled in the sentence?

• A. astrophysicists
• B. astronomers
• C. techniques
• D. technology

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The misspelled word in the sentence is 'astronemers,' which should be spelled as 'astronomers.' 'Astrophysicists,' 'techniques,' and 'technology' are all correctly spelled words in the sentence. Ensuring proper spelling is essential for effective communication and clarity. The term 'astronomers' refers to individuals who study celestial bodies, including stars, making it the correct answer in this context.

5. Identify the incorrect usage of punctuation in the following sentence: 'The children, eager to play, ran outside; it was a beautiful day.'

• A. comma after 'children'
• B. comma after 'play'
• C. period after 'outside'
• D. no errors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence contains two independent clauses that should be separated by a semicolon or period, not a comma. The incorrect punctuation is the period after 'outside.' A period or semicolon is needed to correctly separate the two independent clauses. The comma after 'children' and 'play' are correctly used to set off non-essential participial phrases. Choice D is incorrect as there is a punctuation error in the sentence.

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