which of the following uses introductory punctuation correctly

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS English Practice Test

1. Which of the following uses introductory punctuation correctly?

A. Since we only have ten minutes, there isn't time for coffee.
B. Since we only have ten minutes; there isn't time for coffee.
C. Since we only have ten minutes, there isn't time for coffee.
D. Since we only have ten minutes: there isn't time for coffee.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is the correct answer as it uses introductory punctuation correctly by placing a comma after the introductory clause 'Since we only have ten minutes.' Commas are used to separate introductory phrases or clauses from the main clause in a sentence. Option A is incorrect as it lacks the necessary comma after the introductory phrase. Option B uses a semicolon, which is not typically used in this context. Option D uses a colon, which is not appropriate for introducing the following clause in this sentence structure.

2. The athlete ran the race in record time. Which word is the present participle of the verb 'run'?

A. ran
B. runs
C. running
D. runner

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The present participle form of a verb is used to indicate continuous or ongoing action. In this case, 'running' is the present participle of the verb 'run.' It shows that the action is in progress, unlike the past tense 'ran' or the simple present 'runs.' 'Runner' is a noun derived from the verb but not the present participle form.

3. Which of the following examples correctly uses quotation marks?

A. “Where the Red Fern Grows” was one of my favorite novels as a child.
B. Though he is famous for his roles in films like “The Great Gatsby” and “Titanic,” Leonardo DiCaprio has never won an Oscar.
C. Sylvia Plath’s poem, “Daddy,” will be the subject of this week’s group discussion.
D. “The New York Times” reported that many fans are disappointed in some of the trades made by the Yankees this off-season.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of quotation marks in choice A is to enclose the title of a book, 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' indicating that it is a specific title that should be distinguished from the rest of the sentence. Choice B incorrectly uses quotation marks for movie titles, which should be italicized or underlined. Choice C correctly uses quotation marks for the title of a poem. Choice D has an extra space before the opening quotation mark, which is incorrect.

4. Janine was so nervous that she was surprisingly graceless and awkward on stage. What is the meaning of the word 'graceless' as used in the sentence below?

A. Against fear
B. Without religion
C. Lacking elegance
D. Full of caution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'graceless' in this context means lacking elegance or poise. Janine's nervousness caused her to act awkwardly and without the elegance one would typically expect on stage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Against fear,' 'Without religion,' and 'Full of caution' do not accurately capture the meaning of 'graceless' in the given sentence.

5. A.J. wrote an essay about the Civil War, making sure to include the vital information of who, what, where, when, and why. His teacher commended him on his thorough research.

A. Emphasis paragraph
B. Supporting details
C. Topic sentence
D. Transitions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Supporting details. Supporting details are specific information that backs up the main points in an essay, such as the who, what, where, when, and why in A.J.'s essay about the Civil War. In this case, A.J. included crucial facts and explanations to support his main arguments. Choice A, 'Emphasis paragraph,' does not directly relate to providing specific information like supporting details do. Choice C, 'Topic sentence,' introduces the main idea of a paragraph, not the specific supporting information. Choice D, 'Transitions,' are used to connect ideas and paragraphs smoothly, but they do not provide the specific information needed to support the main points in an essay.