What is the function of a colon when used to introduce a list?
- A. A colon joins two related sentences.
- B. A colon sets off direct quotes longer than five words.
- C. A colon introduces a list or explanation after a complete sentence.
- D. A colon separates clauses in a compound sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a colon is used to introduce a list, it is placed after a complete sentence and serves to signal that what follows will be a list or an explanation related to the preceding sentence. Choice A is incorrect because a colon doesn't join two related sentences; it introduces what follows after a complete sentence. Choice B is incorrect as a colon is not used to set off direct quotes longer than five words; quotation marks are used for that purpose. Choice D is incorrect because a colon does not separate clauses in a compound sentence; it is used to introduce a list or explanation after a complete sentence.
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The following words share a common Greek-based suffix: anthropology, biology, cosmetology, etymology, and genealogy. What is the most likely meaning of the suffix -logy?
- A. Record
- B. Study
- C. Science
- D. Technique
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Study.' The suffix -logy is derived from the Greek word 'logia,' meaning 'the study of.' In words like anthropology (study of humans), biology (study of life), cosmetology (study of cosmetics), etymology (study of word origins), and genealogy (study of family history), the suffix -logy indicates a field of study or discipline. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the suffix -logy does not signify 'record,' 'science,' or 'technique,' but rather the concept of 'study' or 'science of.'
Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to set off a non-essential element?
- A. The teacher, who lives next door, will visit our class next week.
- B. The teacher who lives next door will visit our class next week.
- C. The teacher, who, by the way, lives next door, will visit our class next week.
- D. The teacher will visit our class next week, who lives next door.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. In this sentence, the phrase 'who lives next door' is a non-essential element providing additional information about the teacher. It is correctly set off by commas. Choice B does not use any commas to set off the non-essential element, making the information essential to the sentence. Choice C uses an unnecessary comma before 'who,' which disrupts the flow of the sentence. Choice D incorrectly places the non-essential element at the end of the sentence without appropriate commas, making it less clear and concise.
Which of the following sentences best represents style and clarity of expression?
- A. Without adequate preparation, the test was likely to be a failure for Zara.
- B. The test was likely to be a failure for Zara without adequate preparation.
- C. Without adequate preparation, Zara expected to fail the test.
- D. Zara expected to fail the test without adequate preparation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C, 'Without adequate preparation, Zara expected to fail the test,' is the best option as it maintains clarity and conciseness. The subject 'Zara' is directly linked to the action 'expected to fail the test' with the cause 'Without adequate preparation' clearly stated at the beginning. This structure enhances the flow of the sentence and makes it easier to understand. Choices A, B, and D are less clear as they place the cause and effect in less optimal positions, resulting in a less effective and concise expression of the idea.
The following words all end in the same suffix, -ism: polytheism, communism, nationalism. Considering the meaning of these three words, which of the following best correlates to the meaning of the suffix?
- A. A doctrine
- B. A condition
- C. A characteristic
- D. A state of being
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'A doctrine.' The suffix -ism is commonly used to denote a system, doctrine, or belief. Words like polytheism, communism, and nationalism all represent specific doctrines or systems of belief. Therefore, the suffix -ism in these contexts indicates a particular set of ideas or principles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because -ism does not typically refer to a condition, characteristic, or state of being, but rather to a specific ideology, doctrine, or belief system.
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
- A. Krista was not sure who to hold responsible for the broken window.
- B. Krista was not sure whom was responsible for the broken window.
- C. Krista was not sure whom to hold responsible for the broken window.
- D. Krista was not sure on who she should place responsibility for the broken window.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct structure is 'whom to hold responsible' as 'whom' is the object of the verb 'to hold.' In choice A, 'who' should be 'whom' to indicate the object of the verb. Choice B is incorrect as 'whom' is incorrectly placed before 'was responsible.' Choice D is also incorrect due to the awkward phrasing and the use of 'on' which is unnecessary.