ATI TEAS English Practice Test

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the comma after the word 'think' is used incorrectly. Commas are typically used to separate items in a list, join independent clauses with a conjunction, or set off non-essential information. In this case, the comma after 'think' does not serve any of these purposes and creates a comma splice. The semicolon after 'do' is correct as it separates two closely related independent clauses. The period at the end of the sentence is also correct to indicate the end of a complete thought. The comma after 'and yet' is correctly used to separate introductory elements from the main clause.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "The plump, old, white cat basked in the warm sunlight." This option correctly uses commas to separate the adjectives "plump," "old," and "white" to provide clear and precise information about the cat. Commas are used to separate coordinate adjectives that equally describe the noun. Option B: "The plump, old, white, cat basked in the warm sunlight." This option incorrectly places a comma after "white" and before "cat," which disrupts the flow and does not follow standard punctuation rules for coordinating adjectives. Option C: "The plump, old white cat basked in the warm sunlight." This option lacks commas between the adjectives, making it unclear whether "old" and "white" are separate descriptors or part of a single description. Option D: "The plump old white cat, basked in the warm sunlight." This option incorrectly places a comma after "cat

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: is, are. In the first sentence "Where is everyone?" the verb should agree with the singular subject 'everyone,' so 'is' is correct. In the second sentence "What are they doing?" the verb should agree with the plural subject 'they,' so 'are' is correct. Choice A (is, is) is incorrect because 'everyone' is a singular subject, so 'is' is correct but 'is' does not agree with the plural subject 'they' in the second sentence. Choice C (are, is) is incorrect because 'everyone' is singular, so 'are' is incorrect, and 'is' does not agree with 'they.' Choice D (are, are) is incorrect because 'everyone' is singular, so 'are' is incorrect, and using 'are' with 'they' is redundant.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it introduces a contrast or shift in focus, indicating a transition in the paragraph. It shifts the discussion from the primary trade item (Chinese silk) to the broader significance of other trade items. Choice A provides background information, not a transition. Choice C merely provides additional information without transitioning the topic. Choice D is a straightforward statement about the Silk Road without signaling a transition. Therefore, B is the best example of a transition sentence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "She bought several items for the trip: a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight." In this case, the colon (:) is used to introduce a list or an explanation, making it the appropriate punctuation mark to complete the sentence. The colon signals that a list of items is coming up, which is the intended meaning in this context. A (semicolon) is incorrect because it is used to connect closely related independent clauses, which is not the case here. C (comma) is incorrect as it is not strong enough to separate the items in the list. D (period) is incorrect because it would create two separate sentences rather than connecting the items in a list.