Brady had never been skiing before. She took to the slopes like a natural.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'But.' In this context, 'But' is a conjunction that correctly connects the two independent clauses, indicating a contrast. The first sentence states that Brady had never skied before, while the second sentence reveals that she performed well on the slopes, showing a surprising contrast to her lack of experience. 'Unless' implies a condition that needs to be met for a particular situation, which is not relevant here. 'Therefore' indicates a conclusion or result, which does not fit the context of the contrasting statements. 'Before' is a preposition that doesn't serve the purpose of connecting the two ideas presented in the sentences.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct suffix to change the verb 'manage' into an adjective is '-able.' When added to 'manage,' it forms the adjective 'manageable,' which means capable of being managed. Choice A ('-ed') is a past participle suffix, not an adjective-forming suffix. Choice B ('-ible') is used to form adjectives meaning 'capable of' but is not the correct choice in this context. Choice D ('-er') is typically used to form agent nouns rather than adjectives.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: a lot of homework'. In this case, 'homework' is an uncountable noun, so it does not take a plural form like 'homeworks'. The phrase 'a lot of' is used to quantify uncountable nouns, making it the appropriate choice in this context. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'homework' should not be pluralized, and the phrase 'many' is not suitable for uncountable nouns.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, tense disagreement. The sentence contains a tense disagreement between 'was' and 'is.' 'She is a fierce competitor' and 'nothing is going to keep her' are in the present tense, while 'was going to keep her' should also be in the present tense to maintain consistency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the issue in the sentence is related to verb tense, not diction, word choice, or transition words.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this context, 'entrance' is used as a verb meaning to enchant or captivate. The glittering lights were intended to captivate or charm the guests as they arrived, not to physically enter them (choice A), provide a passage (choice B), or present an opportunity (choice C). Therefore, the correct answer is 'enchant.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Stubborn.' In this context, 'intransigent' means refusing to change one's views or to agree about something, which aligns with the meaning of 'stubborn.' Choice B, 'Indefinite,' is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of being unyielding or uncompromising. Choice C, 'Passionate,' is incorrect as it does not convey the idea of being unwilling to change one's stance. Choice D, 'Outspoken,' is also incorrect as it does not reflect the meaning of being inflexible or obstinate.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A research paper typically includes a bibliography of sources to document the research conducted. In this case, a research paper on the Great Migration would require a bibliography to cite the sources used. Choices A, C, and D do not typically require a bibliography as they are not research-based and focus more on personal or fictional content.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ibexes have adapted to life in the mountains' because it serves as a concluding sentence that summarizes the content of the paragraph. This statement encapsulates the information provided about ibexes living in the Alps and Asian mountains, climbing steep slopes, being sure-footed, and changing their coats in winter. Choice A is incorrect because the text does not specifically mention their agility. Choice B is incorrect as the text only mentions the Alps and Asian mountains, not lowlands. Choice C is also incorrect as the text mentions ibexes climbing steep slopes, not just liking to do so.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It wastes effort.' Editing while writing the first draft can be counterproductive as it interrupts the flow of ideas and slows down the writing process. Instead of focusing on perfecting each sentence or paragraph, it is more beneficial to get all ideas down first during the initial drafting phase. Choice A is incorrect as editing is not part of the prewriting stage. Choice C is incorrect because editing may affect the quality of judgment but is not the primary reason to avoid it during the first draft. Choice D is incorrect because changes in organization can be made during the revision stage, not necessarily while writing the initial draft.