English and Language Usage TEAS

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it uses commas to separate items in a series: milk, bread, and eggs. Commas in a series are used to clarify the individual items being listed. Choice B incorrectly uses a comma before "and," disrupting the series. Choice C incorrectly places a comma before "and," breaking the series. Choice D incorrectly uses commas before "and" inconsistently, causing confusion in the series. Overall, choice A is correct because it maintains consistent comma usage to separate items in the series effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it contains colloquial language "hang out" and "chill," which are informal expressions not typically used in formal or academic settings. These terms are considered slang and are more commonly used in casual conversations among friends. Choices A, B, and D are all formal and standard phrases that are appropriate for professional or academic contexts, making them not examples of colloquialisms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is a simple sentence consisting of one independent clause that expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("The man") and a predicate ("looked somewhat out of place at the party"). The other choices are not simple sentences as they either lack a main verb (A and B) or contain multiple clauses (D). Choice A is a noun phrase, choice B is a prepositional phrase, and choice D is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ("because of his checked tie"). Therefore, choice C is the only option that fits the criteria for a simple sentence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Exclamation mark. In this context, the sentence expresses excitement or admiration, which is indicated by an exclamation mark. It is used to convey strong emotions or exclamatory statements. The other choices are incorrect because a comma (A) is used to separate items in a list or clauses in a sentence, a semicolon (C) is used to connect closely related independent clauses, and a question mark (D) is used to indicate a direct question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The homophone 'peaked' should be 'peeked.' In the original sentence, "peeked" is the correct past tense form of "peek," meaning to look quickly or furtively. "Peaked" means to reach the highest point, which does not make sense in the context of the sentence. The other choices (A, C, D) involve homophones that do not fit the context or change the meaning of the sentence.