ATI TEAS 7 English practice test

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. In the phrase 'a heart of gold,' the good nature of a person is being directly compared to gold, indicating that the person is kind, valuable, and precious, much like gold. This comparison is not using 'like' or 'as,' which would make it a simile, but rather it is a direct assertion, making it a metaphor. Simile involves comparing two things using 'like' or 'as,' which is not present in this phrase. Hyperbole is an exaggeration, which is not the case here. Personification gives human qualities to non-human entities, which is also not occurring in 'a heart of gold.'

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it uses the gerund (-ing) form for all three hobbies, achieving parallel structure. Parallel structure requires that elements in a sentence are grammatically balanced. In this case, all three activities are presented in the same form, making the sentence clear and consistent. Choices A, C, and D do not exhibit parallel structure as they mix verb forms or use infinitives, breaking the parallelism needed for correct grammar.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The underlined phrase 'with a mischievous grin' functions as an adverbial phrase in the sentence. It modifies the verb 'approached' by providing information on how he approached her, describing his manner. Adverbial phrases typically answer questions like 'how,' 'when,' 'where,' 'why,' or 'to what extent,' which this phrase does by indicating the manner in which he approached. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The phrase does not serve as a subject (A), direct object (B), or appositive phrase (D) in the sentence. Instead, it functions to provide additional information about the action of approaching, making it an adverbial phrase.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To bite off more than one can chew' means to take on more than one can handle or to undertake a task exceeding one's capabilities. This idiom warns against overcommitting oneself and facing difficulties in managing the workload effectively. Choice A, 'To be overly confident,' is incorrect as the idiom implies a situation of overestimating one's capacity rather than confidence. Choice C, 'To be easily discouraged,' is not related to the idiom's meaning, which focuses on task difficulty rather than emotional response. Choice D, 'To be meticulous in planning,' is not accurate as the idiom refers to the execution of tasks rather than the planning phase.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The past participle of a verb is used to form various tenses and passive voice constructions. In this case, 'explained' is the correct past participle form of the verb 'explain'. The sentence structure indicates a completed action in the past, which aligns with the use of the past participle. Choice A, 'explains,' is the present tense form of the verb, not the past participle. Choice B, 'explaining,' is the present participle form of the verb, not the past participle. Choice D, 'explanation,' is a noun derived from the verb 'explain,' not the past participle form of the verb itself.