Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'a drop in the bucket' is an idiom that means a very small or insignificant amount in comparison to a much larger total. In this context, 'bucket' symbolizes a large quantity, emphasizing the idea that the 'drop' is minimal or inconsequential when considering the overall amount. Choice A, 'A literal container,' is incorrect as 'bucket' in this phrase is not meant to be taken literally but rather symbolically. Choice C, 'A specific goal,' is incorrect as the phrase does not refer to achieving a specific target. Choice D, 'An obstacle,' is incorrect as 'bucket' is not presented as a hindrance or barrier in this idiom.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C correctly uses the phrase 'by the way' to introduce additional information that is not directly related to the previous sentence, making it a natural and appropriate use of the phrase in casual conversation. Choices A, B, and D do not use 'by the way' in the same context as option C. Choice A incorrectly uses 'by the way' to convey winning the lottery, which is not a casual or incidental piece of information. Choice B incorrectly uses 'by the way' after a semicolon in a way that disrupts the flow of the sentence. Choice D correctly uses 'by the way' but the information provided about the movie starting time is not a casual or incidental addition, unlike in option C.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: 'that won the award.' A relative clause provides additional information about a noun in the sentence. In this case, 'that won the award' is the relative clause specifying which book out of all books is being referred to. It is essential to recognize and understand relative clauses for better comprehension of sentence structures. Choice A ('The book') is the main noun phrase and not a relative clause. Choice C ('was a bestseller') is the main clause of the sentence, not a relative clause. Choice D ('award') is a noun but not a relative clause as it does not provide additional information about a noun in the sentence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D, Past perfect tense.' In the sentence provided, the verb 'had left' is in the past perfect tense. The past perfect tense is used to indicate an action that was completed before another past action, which in this case is 'arrived.' Therefore, the main verb tense in the sentence is past perfect. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the sentence does not contain present, past, or future tense verbs as the main verb. Instead, the main verb 'left' is in the past perfect tense, showing an action completed before another past event.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B' because in the present tense, the third-person singular form of the verb 'paint' is 'paints.' When conjugating verbs, it is essential to match the verb form with the subject. 'Paints' is the correct form for the third-person singular subject 'artist' in this sentence. Choices 'A,' 'C,' and 'D' are incorrect. 'A' is in the past tense, 'C' is a gerund form, and 'D' is a noun, not a verb form, which does not match the tense and subject in the sentence.