Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Sleepwalker'. The word 'somnambulist' refers to a sleepwalker, as indicated by the context of waking up outside in pajamas in the middle of the night. A sleepwalker is someone who walks while asleep, and this matches the situation described in the sentence. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the behavior of walking during sleep, which is characteristic of a somnambulist/sleepwalker.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer because it serves as a transition sentence in the paragraph about the Silk Road. It shifts the focus from Chinese silk being a major trade item to the introduction of other important trade items that had a significant impact on the world. This transition indicates a change in the topic being discussed within the paragraph. Choices A, C, and D do not serve as transition sentences. Choice A simply introduces the origin of the Silk Road's name, choice C provides additional information about the network without transitioning to a new topic, and choice D gives a general description of the Silk Road without transitioning to a different aspect of the trade routes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A thesis statement should be specific to provide clear direction for the paper and focus the argument. This helps guide the writing process and ensures that the paper stays on track. Choice B is incorrect because the written work should support and prove the thesis statement, not disprove it. Choice C is incorrect because the thesis statement typically appears at the beginning of a paper to introduce the main argument. Choice D is incorrect because supporting evidence is crucial in any thesis statement, regardless of whether it expresses an opinion or not.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'The dog's tail wagged,' is the correct use of the apostrophe to show possession. In this sentence, the apostrophe is used correctly to indicate that the tail belongs to the dog. Choice A is incorrect as 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has,' not possessive. Choice B is also incorrect as 'Its' should be 'It's' to mean 'It is' or 'It has.' Choice D is incorrect as 'Its'' is grammatically incorrect; the correct form would be 'It's' if it were a contraction or 'Its' if it indicated possession without an apostrophe.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The cat sat on the mat after it ate.' 'After it ate' is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a sentence. It is dependent on the main clause 'The cat sat on the mat.' Choice A is a simple sentence without a dependent clause. Choice C is a sentence with a time adverbial modifying 'The cat will sit on the mat,' not a dependent clause. Choice D is a sentence in the present continuous tense, also lacking a dependent clause.