Here's what I'd like you to bring tomorrow: two dozen cupcakes, a carton of milk, and party napkins. Which of the following punctuation marks best completes the sentence above?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is a colon (C). In this sentence, the colon is used to introduce a list of items that the speaker wants you to bring. The colon is the most suitable punctuation mark in this context. Choice A (;) is incorrect because a semicolon is used to connect independent clauses or items in a list when those items contain commas. Choice B (.) is incorrect because a period ends a sentence and does not fit here as the sentence continues. Choice D (,) is incorrect because a comma is used to separate items in a list, but the sentence needs a punctuation mark that introduces the list.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as it directly addresses the writing prompt by focusing on a specific threat faced by a national park in the United States, which is the rising sea level affecting Florida's Everglades National Park. This choice provides a clear thesis statement for a research report on the topic. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B provides general information about the Grand Canyon but does not discuss any threats it is facing. Choice C is not relevant to the prompt as it talks about accidents on a specific highway within Glacier National Park rather than broader threats to the park itself. Choice D is about a personal experience at Acadia National Park and does not address any threats the park may be experiencing.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. In sentence B, 'Because my tea was cold' is the dependent clause, indicating that it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Choices A, C, and D do not contain a dependent clause along with an independent clause, making them incorrect. Choice A is a compound sentence with two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is a compound sentence with a series of independent clauses, but lacks a dependent clause. Choice D is a compound-complex sentence with two independent clauses and a dependent clause.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because direct quotations, like the one from Dr. Arnold N. Skjong, require citations because they are taken from another source. Choice A is incorrect as it alters the original term 'full-term newborns' to 'term newborns,' changing the specificity of the information provided. Choice B is not the correct answer as it is a general statement about researchers without directly addressing the specific information provided by Dr. Arnold N. Skjong. Choice D is incorrect as it does not directly address or quote Dr. Arnold N. Skjong's statement about neonatal transfer being the most common complication in hospitals without higher levels of neonatal care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a writer begins a new writing task, the first step is typically brainstorming. Brainstorming involves generating new ideas, concepts, and approaches before moving on to drafting. Option B, 'Final edit,' is incorrect as it refers to the last stage of the writing process, where the writer reviews and makes final adjustments to the completed draft. Option C, 'Draft,' is incorrect as it comes after brainstorming and involves putting the ideas into a structured form. Option D, 'Revision,' is also incorrect as it involves making changes and improvements to the draft after the initial writing phase.