which technique best helps maintain consistency in writing style

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 English practice test

1. 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.

2. Which of the following pieces of writing should include citations?

A. A comparison of the language used in two different Shakespeare plays
B. A news article describing a burglary
C. A description of your favorite play
D. A personal essay about your lifelong interest in marine biology

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A comparison of the language used in two different Shakespeare plays should include citations to support the analysis. Citations are necessary in academic or analytical pieces to give credit to the original sources, especially when comparing specific works. Choices B, C, and D do not require citations as they are more subjective or personal in nature. Choice B, a news article, should be based on facts and not personal analysis. Choice C is a personal opinion, and choice D is a personal essay based on the author's experiences and interests, where citations are not typically needed.

3. 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.

4. Unfortunately, the belief that changelings could be convinced to leave was not just an innocuous superstition; however, on some occasions, harm came to the individual who was thought to be a changeling. Which is the best way to revise and combine the underlined portion of the sentences?

A. an innocuous superstition, on some occasions,
B. an innocuous superstition, but on some occasions,
C. an innocuous superstition; however, on some occasions,
D. an innocuous superstition: on some occasions,

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way to revise and combine the underlined portion of the sentences is by using a semicolon to show a stronger connection between the two ideas. Using 'however' after the semicolon helps to contrast the innocuous superstition with the negative outcome that sometimes occurred, providing a smoother flow between the ideas. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks a proper conjunction or punctuation to connect the ideas. Choice B is incorrect as 'but' does not effectively contrast the ideas as 'however' does. Choice D is incorrect as a colon is used to introduce a list or explanation, which is not suitable in this context where a contrast is needed.

5. Surely, he thought, I can’t trust this enticing yet dubious offer, although I could use the opportunity more than I’d like to admit. 'Although' is which part of speech?

A. Adverb
B. Preposition
C. Conjunction
D. Adjective

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'Although' is a conjunction because it connects two clauses in the sentence. In the given sentence, 'although' introduces a dependent clause ('although I could use the opportunity more than I’d like to admit') and connects it to the independent clause ('Surely, he thought, I can’t trust this enticing yet dubious offer'). This conjunction shows the contrast between the two ideas. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'although' does not function as an adverb, preposition, or adjective in this context.