which of the following sentences is an example of a complex sentence structure

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test English Questions

1. Which of the following sentences is an example of a complex sentence structure?

A. Opening night for the performance was fast approaching, and stress levels were high.
B. Because my tea was cold, I heated it in the microwave.
C. She returned the laptop, the mouse, and the extra monitor.
D. I closed the door as the noise from the TV was too loud, but I could still hear it.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. In sentence B, 'Because my tea was cold' is the dependent clause, indicating that it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Choices A, C, and D do not contain a dependent clause along with an independent clause, making them incorrect. Choice A is a compound sentence with two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is a compound sentence with a series of independent clauses, but lacks a dependent clause. Choice D is a compound-complex sentence with two independent clauses and a dependent clause.

2. After graduating from Proviso East High School in 1966, he later went on to study law at Triton Junior College. Which of these sentences, if any, should begin a new paragraph?

A. There should be no new paragraph.
B. After graduating from Proviso East High School in 1966, he later went on to study law at Triton Junior College.
C. While studying at Triton, Hampton joined and became a leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
D. As a result of his leadership, the NAACP gained more than 500 members.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sentence 'After graduating from Proviso East High School in 1966, he later went on to study law at Triton Junior College' marks a shift in the narrative as it introduces a new stage in the individual's journey. This change in focus warrants starting a new paragraph to clearly separate different events or developments in the person's life. Choices C and D are related to Hampton's actions during or after his time at Triton College but do not necessitate a new paragraph. Choice A is incorrect because the sentence provided is a suitable candidate for starting a new paragraph due to the change in the main topic it introduces.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. What transition should be added to the beginning of sentence 2 below: Mr. Shanbourne just nodded?

A. Surprisingly
B. Actually
C. Furthermore
D. Instead

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct transition to add at the beginning of sentence 2 is 'Surprisingly.' This transition sets the tone for something unexpected or contrary to what was anticipated, emphasizing Mr. Shanbourne's reaction as not typical or predicted. Option B, 'Actually,' would not fit well as it does not imply any sense of surprise or contrast. Option C, 'Furthermore,' is used to add information rather than to indicate a surprising turn of events. Option D, 'Instead,' suggests a replacement or choice between alternatives, which is not suitable in this context.