Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The comma after 'delicious' is unnecessary as it separates the adjective 'delicious' from the noun 'stew'. In this case, 'delicious' is describing the type of stew, so the comma should be removed to maintain correct sentence structure. The other commas in the sentence are correctly used to separate items in a list and after introductory phrases, making them necessary for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this sentence, 'It's' is the contraction for 'it is,' and 'than' is used correctly for comparisons (e.g., better than). Therefore, sentence C is correct because it uses 'It's' (it is) and 'than' (for comparison) properly. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A lacks the necessary apostrophe in 'It's' (it is) and incorrectly uses 'then' instead of 'than.' Choice B incorrectly uses 'Its' (possessive form) instead of 'It's.' Choice D lacks the necessary apostrophe in 'It's' (it is) and incorrectly uses 'then' instead of 'than.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'graceless' in this context means lacking elegance or poise. Janine's nervousness caused her to act awkwardly and without the elegance one would typically expect on stage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Against fear,' 'Without religion,' and 'Full of caution' do not accurately capture the meaning of 'graceless' in the given sentence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer because it correctly places the period inside the closing quotation mark, following the closing punctuation of the sentence. This is the standard punctuation rule for quotations in American English. Choice A is incorrect as it has an extra period outside the closing quotation mark. Choice C is incorrect as the period should come after the closing quotation mark. Choice D is incorrect as it lacks the initial space before the quotation, not adhering to proper punctuation rules.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D' - 'although.' This transition word is suitable in the context as it indicates a contrast between the excitement of looking forward to the picnic and the worry about rain. 'After all' (choice A) implies a conclusion or reasoning, which doesn't fit the contrast in the sentence. 'Likewise' (choice B) suggests similarity or agreement, which is opposite to the intended contrast. 'In other words' (choice C) signals clarification or providing more details, which is not needed here. Therefore, 'although' is the best choice to convey the contrast between anticipation and concern.