which of the following sentences shows the correct use of quotation marks

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS English

1. Which of the following sentences shows the correct use of quotation marks?

A. "Grady asked Abe, 'Did you know that an earthquake and a tsunami hit Messina, Italy, in 1908?'"
B. Grady asked Abe, 'Did you know that an earthquake and a tsunami hit Messina, Italy, in 1908?'
C. Grady asked Abe, "Did you know that an earthquake and a tsunami hit Messina, Italy, in 1908?"
D. Grady asked Abe, "Did you know that an earthquake and a tsunami hit Messina, Italy, in 1908?"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct use of quotation marks is in option C. In this option, the entire quoted sentence is enclosed within double quotation marks. This is the standard convention for punctuating direct speech in English. Option A has an incorrect placement of single and double quotation marks. Option B lacks opening double quotation marks for the spoken sentence. Option D incorrectly places the closing quotation mark outside the question mark, which is not the standard punctuation rule for quoted sentences.

2. Where should a semicolon be placed in the following sentence: 'He loves reading comics, playing video games, and spending time with friends'?

A. He loves reading comics; playing video games, and spending time with friends.
B. He loves reading comics, playing video games; and spending time with friends.
C. He loves reading comics, playing video games, and spending time with friends.
D. No semicolon needed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A semicolon is used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. In the sentence provided, 'playing video games' and 'spending time with friends' are the items that contain commas. Therefore, the correct placement of the semicolon is before the conjunction 'and,' as shown in option (B). Choice (A) incorrectly places the semicolon after 'comics,' disrupting the parallel structure. Choice (C) does not use a semicolon where needed. Choice (D) is incorrect as a semicolon is required in this context to maintain proper punctuation in the list.

3. Which of the following actions should NOT take place during the revising, editing, and proofreading steps of the writing process?

A. Improving word choice
B. Replacing irrelevant or weak sentences
C. Identifying sentences that require citations
D. Determining the argument the composition will defend

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the revising, editing, and proofreading steps of the writing process, the focus is on refining the existing content rather than creating new material. Improving word choice, replacing irrelevant or weak sentences, and identifying sentences that require citations are tasks that fall within these steps to enhance the overall quality and clarity of the writing. Determining the argument the composition will defend is a task that belongs to the drafting stage, where the main ideas and arguments are formulated. Therefore, deciding on the argument is not a step that should take place during revising, editing, and proofreading.

4. Which of the following is an example of a prepositional phrase?

A. After the game
B. Running fast
C. She sings
D. Can you help me?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'After the game.' A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and its object, describing a relationship in time, location, or direction. In this case, 'After' is the preposition, and 'the game' is its object, making it a prepositional phrase. Choices B, C, and D do not contain prepositional phrases. Choice B, 'Running fast,' is a gerund phrase with an adverb modifying a verb. Choice C, 'She sings,' is a subject-verb sentence construction. Choice D, 'Can you help me?' is an interrogative sentence asking for assistance.

5. 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.