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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because "Florida" should not be capitalized as it is a common noun referring to a location. In sentence A, "East Coast" is capitalized correctly as a proper noun. In sentence C, "English Composition II" is capitalized correctly as a specific course title. In sentence D, "Jersey Shore" is capitalized correctly as a proper noun. Therefore, the error in capitalization is only present in choice B.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check to see that the coffee maker in the breakroom is unplugged. This task is important to prevent any potential fire hazards or energy waste. Unplugging the coffee maker ensures electrical safety and reduces energy consumption. It also promotes a culture of responsibility and consideration for others in the workplace. The other choices are incorrect because they do not address any specific task that contributes to safety or efficiency in the office. Choice A is irrelevant and does not provide any meaningful action to benefit the office environment. Choices C and D are vague and do not offer any practical guidance on what needs to be done before leaving the office.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Complex. This sentence has an independent clause 'the picnic will be canceled' and a dependent clause 'If it rains tomorrow'. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, making it a complex sentence. A simple sentence (A) consists of just one independent clause, a compound sentence (B) has two or more independent clauses, and a compound-complex sentence (D) has at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, "Let's eat, Grandma!" This sentence correctly uses a comma to indicate a pause after the imperative phrase "Let's eat." The comma is necessary to clarify that "Grandma" is not the object of the action. Choice A lacks a comma, potentially changing the meaning. Choices C and D contain incorrect comma placements that disrupt the intended meaning.