which of the following uses commas in a series correctly

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of the following uses commas in a series correctly?

A. Jericka went to the store for milk, bread, and eggs.
B. For breakfast, Jason wanted to make French toast, bacon, and eggs.
C. Aj had a lot to do the next day, including homework, hockey practice, and chores.
D. Paz's mom, dad, and sister would come to watch his game.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A is the correct answer as it uses commas to separate items in a series ('milk, bread, and eggs'). In option B, the comma after 'bacon' is unnecessary. Option C correctly uses commas to separate the items in the series ('homework, hockey practice, and chores'). Option D incorrectly omits commas between 'mom' and 'dad,' and 'dad' and 'sister,' making it incorrect for a series of three or more items.

2. Which of the following is an example of a complex sentence?

A. Tabitha tried rock climbing, despite her fear of heights.
B. Tabitha tried rock climbing; she had a fear of heights.
C. Tabitha tried rock climbing and had a fear of heights.
D. Tabitha tried rock climbing despite having a fear of heights.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. In this case, 'Tabitha tried rock climbing' is the independent clause, and 'despite having a fear of heights' is the dependent clause, making it a complex sentence. Choice A has been corrected to include a complete dependent clause, 'despite her fear of heights.' Choice B is incorrect because the semicolon does not appropriately connect the clauses. Choice C is incorrect as it combines two independent clauses without a dependent clause. Therefore, only choice D correctly forms a complex sentence with an independent and dependent clause.

3. Select the meaning of the word 'somnambulist' in the sentence based on the context clues: 'If you wake up outside in your pajamas in the middle of the night, you may be a somnambulist.'

A. Explorer
B. Magician
C. Insomniac
D. Sleepwalker

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Sleepwalker.' A somnambulist is someone who walks or performs other activities while asleep, commonly known as a sleepwalker. In the given sentence, the context of waking up outside in pajamas in the middle of the night indicates an occurrence associated with sleepwalking. Choice A, 'Explorer,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the behavior described. Choice B, 'Magician,' is not related to the context of sleepwalking. Choice C, 'Insomniac,' refers to a person who has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which is not the meaning conveyed in the sentence. Therefore, 'D: Sleepwalker' is the most appropriate choice based on the context clues provided.

4. Which of the following words is spelled correctly?

A. Miniscool
B. Miniature
C. Maintenance
D. Millennium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Millennium.' 'Millennium' is spelled correctly, referring to a period of 1000 years. Choice A, 'Miniscool,' and Choice B, 'Miniature,' are misspelled. Choice C, 'Maintenance,' is a commonly misspelled word, but in this case, it is spelled correctly. However, the correct spelling requested in the question is 'Millennium.'

5. Which of the following punctuation marks is used incorrectly in the sentence below?

A. The semicolon after 'book.'
B. The comma after 'long.'
C. The comma after 'glasses.'
D. The period at the end of the sentence.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The comma after 'glasses' is used incorrectly in the sentence. Commas are not needed to separate the subject from the verb in this context. In this case, the subject 'She' is not separated from the verb 'wore,' making the comma unnecessary. The semicolon after 'book' is appropriate for separating two independent clauses, the comma after 'long' is correctly used for introductory elements, and the period at the end of the sentence is necessary for indicating the end of a complete thought.