English and Language Usage TEAS

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: I was mowing the lawn. This choice uses the past continuous tense, which is appropriate for describing an action that was taking place at a specific point in the past when the thunderstorm started. It indicates an ongoing action interrupted by the thunderstorm. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: I mowed the lawn. - This choice uses the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past, rather than an ongoing action. B: I am mowing the lawn. - This choice uses the present continuous tense, indicating an action that is currently happening, which does not fit the context of the past thunderstorm. D: I have mowed the lawn. - This choice uses the present perfect tense, indicating a completed action with relevance to the present, which is not suitable for describing the past event of the thunderstorm starting.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'part' functions as an adjective in sentence D ("Ronaldo is part Irish on his mother's side of the family") because it describes Ronaldo's Irish heritage. In this context, 'part' is used to indicate a portion or share of his ancestry, serving as an adjective modifying 'Irish.' In sentences A, B, and C, 'part' is used as a noun referring to a role, a separation, and a contribution, respectively. Therefore, only in sentence D does 'part' function as an adjective.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it clearly explains the appropriate context for using the word "ain't." Academic writing requires standard language usage, and "ain't" is considered colloquial and informal. It emphasizes the importance of using formal language in academic settings. Choice A is incorrect because the word "ain't" may not be in some dictionaries, but that doesn't mean it isn't used or accepted in certain contexts. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that being in college determines the appropriateness of using "ain't," which is not a valid justification. Choice C is incorrect as it unfairly stigmatizes the word as sounding uneducated; language is diverse and context-dependent.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it presents a clear and debatable claim that can be supported with evidence, which is a key characteristic of a strong thesis statement. It states President Perez as the greatest leader due to her proposal of a universal income to eradicate inequity, providing a focus for the essay. A is incorrect because it describes an event but does not present a clear argument or claim. B is incorrect because it focuses on President Perez's academic achievements rather than a debatable claim. D is incorrect because it describes an interview but does not present a clear argument or claim related to the topic. In summary, C is the correct thesis statement as it clearly presents a debatable claim that can be supported with evidence, while the other choices lack a clear argument or focus.

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.