which sentence avoids a comma splice

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 English quizlet

1. Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

A. The wind howled, the branches swayed, and rain lashed against the windows.
B. He packed his bags, checked the weather forecast, and then hit the road.
C. The movie was entertaining; it was also thought-provoking.
D. Tired and hungry, she stopped for a quick bite at the cafe.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C uses a semicolon to correctly separate the two independent clauses 'The movie was entertaining' and 'it was also thought-provoking.' This usage of a semicolon avoids a comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction or appropriate punctuation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they all contain comma splices. In choice A, the comma splice is present between 'The wind howled' and 'the branches swayed.' In choice B, the comma splice occurs between 'He packed his bags' and 'checked the weather forecast.' Choice D has a comma splice between 'Tired and hungry' and 'she stopped for a quick bite at the cafe.'

2. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a transition word?

A. Gilda is a hardworking student; therefore, she earned a good grade on her essay.
B. Gilda is a hardworking student; therefore she earned a good grade on her essay.
C. Gilda is a hardworking student: therefore, she earned a good grade on her essay.
D. Gilda is a hardworking student and therefore she earned a good grade on her essay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer. 'Therefore' is correctly used as a transition word with proper punctuation in this sentence. In a compound sentence like this, a semicolon is used before the transition word to connect two independent clauses. Choice B is incorrect because it lacks the necessary punctuation to separate the independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as a colon is not typically used before a transition word in this context. Choice D is incorrect because 'and' does not function as a transition word in this sentence.

3. What does the underlined word in the following sentence mean? 'The students’ excitement about the beginning of summer vacation pervaded the whole classroom.'

A. stood at attention
B. spread throughout
C. explained
D. took note

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The underlined word 'pervaded' in the sentence means 'spread throughout.' In this context, it conveys that the excitement of the students was felt and noticed everywhere in the classroom. Choice A, 'stood at attention,' does not align with the meaning of 'pervaded.' Choice C, 'explained,' and choice D, 'took note,' are also unrelated to the concept of the excitement spreading throughout the entire classroom.

4. What would be the best supporting detail to follow Maria’s topic sentence “My family throws elaborate holiday celebrations?”

A. Holidays are just a waste of everyone’s time and money, in my opinion.
B. First, we decide who will host the holiday dinner and when the celebration will take place.
C. My household includes five people, but my extended family includes over thirty people.
D. Afterwards, we all help clean up and then relax by continuing to chat with each other.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the best supporting detail to follow Maria’s topic sentence as it describes the initial planning stages of the holiday celebrations, which aligns with the concept of throwing elaborate holiday celebrations. It sets the stage for the organization and preparation involved in these events, making it a logical progression from the main idea. Choice A is incorrect as it presents a contrasting opinion about holidays that does not support the idea of elaborate celebrations. Choice C provides information about family size but does not directly relate to the process of throwing elaborate holiday celebrations. Choice D talks about post-celebration activities and does not directly support the initial statement about the elaborate celebrations themselves.

5. Arrange the following sentences into a chronological paragraph on preparing for the basketball season: There is a myriad of preparation to be completed before the basketball season begins. First, a player must ensure they are in the physical shape required to play an aerobic game such as basketball. This could include lifting weights, short- and long-distance running, and completing ball-handling drills. Additionally, players must ensure they are in good academic standing. Lastly, players can prepare for the basketball season by purchasing the necessary equipment, including proper shoes and socks.

A. First, a player must ensure they are in physical shape.
B. Next, players should lift weights and complete drills.
C. Then, players should ensure they are in good academic standing.
D. Finally, players should purchase necessary equipment.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct chronological order for the sentences is as follows: First, a player must ensure they are in the physical shape required for basketball. Next, they should engage in physical activities like lifting weights, running, and completing drills. Then, players need to ensure they are in good academic standing to participate. Finally, players can prepare by purchasing the necessary equipment. Choice C, 'Then, players should ensure they are in good academic standing,' is the correct answer as it aligns with the sequence of steps required for preparing for the basketball season. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the chronological order presented in the paragraph.