Which of the following is not a simple sentence?
- A. Agatha Christie was the author of more than sixty detective novels.
- B. Her most famous detectives were Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
- C. She also wrote over fifteen collections of short stories about these detectives.
- D. Most readers favor Poirot, but Christie preferred Miss Marple. Hercule Poirot is remembered not only for his genius in solving mysteries, but also for his fastidious habits and his commitment to personal grooming.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D is not a simple sentence because it contains multiple independent clauses joined by conjunctions ('but' and 'and'). Simple sentences consist of a single independent clause, which is a complete sentence with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought on its own. In contrast, option D includes multiple independent clauses about Hercule Poirot, his habits, and Miss Marple, making it a compound sentence rather than a simple one. Choices A, B, and C are all simple sentences as they each express a single complete thought with a subject and a verb, without joining multiple independent clauses together.
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Which of the following choices would be the best beginning for an essay titled "Scientists Debate: Global Climate Change"?
- A. The Earth is heating up. The polar ice caps are melting, and whole species are going extinct while governments and scientists argue over rules and regulations.
- B. The argument seems to be about whether climate change is really happening and if so, who causes it. Some scientists argue that people are causing the change.
- C. If the Earth heats up, what will our new world look like? Scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding climate change have projected a series of scenarios that could happen.
- D. While few people can understand all of the issues related to climate change, one thing is sure: scientists do not agree. There seem to be several different views on how to look at climate change data.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C would be the best beginning for an essay on 'Scientists Debate: Global Climate Change' because it sets the stage for discussion by introducing the potential consequences of Earth heating up and inviting readers to consider the implications. It also highlights the expertise of scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding climate change, positioning them as credible sources for further discussion on the topic. The other choices either focus on the existing debate without providing a broader context (A and D) or present a narrow view on whether climate change is real and human-caused (B) without delving into the broader implications and discussions within the scientific community.
Which of the following statements most effectively revises this introduction about Mary Shelley: Mary Shelley conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created, which helped the English novelist to make an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture?
- A. English novelist Mary Shelley had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture when she conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created.
- B. Dr. Frankenstein created a hideous monster, and they were conceived by English novelist Mary Shelley, who had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture.
- C. English novelist Mary Shelley conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created and had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture.
- D. Novelist Mary Shelley from England had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture when she conceived of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Option A most effectively revises the introduction by clearly stating that English novelist Mary Shelley had an immeasurable impact on literature and popular culture through her conception of Dr. Frankenstein and the hideous monster he created. It maintains the original idea while improving clarity and coherence. Option B introduces confusion by implying that Dr. Frankenstein created the hideous monster when it was actually Mary Shelley who conceived both characters. Option C lacks the necessary conjunctions to make the sentence flow smoothly. Option D unnecessarily specifies the country of origin for Mary Shelley and does not maintain the focus on her impact on literature and popular culture.
The teacher shared several apothegms with the class, hoping that the short, wise sayings would inspire thoughtful discussions.
- A. instructions
- B. questions
- C. sayings
- D. lectures
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this context, apothegms refers to short, wise sayings meant to convey wisdom or provoke thought. Apothegms are concise and insightful, serving as nuggets of wisdom. The term 'instructions' implies a set of directions or guidelines, not reflective of the nature of apothegms. 'Questions' are queries seeking information or answers, not synonymous with wise sayings. 'Lectures' are formal presentations or speeches, which are more extensive and detailed compared to the concise nature of apothegms.
They were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat. Which of the following sentences is written correctly and provides a clear explanation?
- A. Because the majority of survivors came from first class, they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.
- B. Because of this, the majority of survivors came from first class, as they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.
- C. Because of this, the majority of survivors came from first class, they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.
- D. Because of this, the majority of survivors came from first class, as they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B provides a clear and grammatically correct explanation for why the majority of survivors came from first class - they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat. The phrase 'Because of this' properly introduces the reason that follows. In Option A, a comma after 'Because' is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence. In Option C, 'Because this' is incomplete and lacks proper connection to the subsequent clause. Option D, similar to Option C, lacks clarity due to the absence of a full linking phrase. Therefore, Option B is the best choice as it conveys the explanation effectively and without grammatical errors.
Tanya told her sister to tell her boyfriend Joe to call her as soon as he got home. Which of the following is a correct revision of the ambiguous sentence above?
- A. Tanya told her sister, 'Tell Joe to call me as soon as he gets home.'
- B. Her sister told her boyfriend Joe to call Tanya as soon as he got home.
- C. Tanya instructed her sister, 'Joe should call me when he gets home.'
- D. Tanya instructed her sister, 'Tell your boyfriend Joe to call me right after he gets home.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D provides a clear and concise revision of the ambiguous sentence with a straightforward instruction. Tanya asks her sister to relay a message to Joe, instructing him to call her immediately upon arriving home. The direct speech used in Option D clarifies the relationships and actions involved in the communication. Choices A, B, and C introduce confusion by altering the relationships and instructions given in the original sentence, making them incorrect.