which of the following transitional phrases would improve this sentence

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 English Practice Test

1. The RV was a great purchase for our family and brought us all closer together. Which of the following transitional phrases would improve this sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. Not surprisingly, the RV
C. Furthermore, the RV
D. As it turns out, the RV

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The transitional phrase 'As it turns out' adds a reflective tone that matches the surprise at how well the RV worked for the family. Choice A ('NO CHANGE') does not introduce any new information or transition. Choice B ('Not surprisingly, the RV') contradicts the surprise factor mentioned in the sentence. Choice C ('Furthermore, the RV') does not provide a suitable transition given the context of the sentence.

2. Which of the following is a correctly punctuated complex sentence?

A. Mary-Louise put on her softball jersey, and then she grabbed her bat.
B. Before finishing her walk home, Raina stopped to watch the sunset.
C. When Greta ran around third base, she noticed her cheering teammates.
D. After we eat dinner, Marvin will do the dishes, and I will clean the counters.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('Before finishing her walk home') followed by an independent clause. In this sentence, 'Before finishing her walk home' acts as the dependent clause that sets the context for the main action, which is 'Raina stopped to watch the sunset.' Option A features two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, making it a compound sentence. Option C also has two independent clauses separated by a semicolon, which is incorrect punctuation for a complex sentence. Option D consists of two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, forming a compound sentence rather than a complex sentence.

3. Which technique best helps maintain consistency in writing style?

A. Writing freely without a clear outline or structure.
B. Using different vocabulary and sentence structures in each paragraph.
C. Establishing a style guide with agreed-upon terminology and formatting.
D. Relying on thesaurus suggestions for varied word choices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Establishing a style guide with agreed-upon terminology and formatting is the most effective technique to maintain consistency in writing style. A style guide ensures that writers adhere to specific guidelines regarding tone, terminology, and formatting, thereby creating a cohesive and uniform writing style across different pieces of writing. This consistency helps enhance readability and reinforces the brand or voice associated with the written content. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not promote consistency in writing style. Writing freely without structure can lead to inconsistency, using different vocabulary and sentence structures can create disjointed writing, and relying solely on thesaurus suggestions may result in awkward or inappropriate word choices that do not contribute to maintaining a consistent writing style.

4. Which of the following sentences contains a colloquialism?

A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pretty sure that the Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites.
B. Travelers who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should consult a doctor.
C. Some theories on the Zika virus are difficult to understand.
D. In response, the U.S. has taken steps to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the phrase 'pretty sure' is a colloquialism, making the sentence less formal. Choice B is incorrect as it is a formal recommendation. Choice C is incorrect as it contains no colloquial expressions. Choice D is incorrect as it is a straightforward statement without colloquial language.

5. Which of the following is a correctly punctuated simple sentence?

A. Leah and Jerry spent the last few hours in the garden smelling the roses and tulips.
B. Leah stopped to smell the roses in the garden, but her allergies made her eyes water.
C. Because it was now spring, Leah could stop to smell the roses.
D. As Leah jogged in the park, she noticed the smell of roses.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The sentence in option A is a correctly punctuated simple sentence with a compound predicate ('spent... smelling'). It consists of a subject 'Leah and Jerry' and a compound predicate 'spent... smelling,' making it a complete sentence. Option B contains a comma splice, joining two independent clauses incorrectly with just a comma. Option C is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('Because it was now spring') and an independent clause, not a simple sentence. Option D is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('As Leah jogged in the park') and an independent clause, not a simple sentence. Therefore, option A is the only choice that represents a correctly punctuated simple sentence.