Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The prefix 'circum-' means 'around,' which is the definition most related to 'circumference.' Circumference refers to the boundary that surrounds a circular shape. Choice A, 'Beyond,' is incorrect as it implies going further or exceeding a boundary. Choice B, 'After,' is not related to the concept of surrounding or encircling. Choice D, 'Before,' is also unrelated and denotes something occurring prior to a specific time or event.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the best supporting detail to follow Maria's topic sentence as it describes the initial planning stages of the holiday celebrations, which aligns with the concept of throwing elaborate holiday celebrations. It sets the stage for the organization and preparation involved in these events, making it a logical progression from the main idea. Choice A is incorrect as it presents a contrasting opinion about holidays that does not support the idea of elaborate celebrations. Choice C provides information about family size but does not directly relate to the process of throwing elaborate holiday celebrations. Choice D talks about post-celebration activities and does not directly support the initial statement about the elaborate celebrations themselves.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C, 'enabled him to quickly rise,' is the correct choice. The sentence is referring to a past action, so the verb should be in the past tense. 'Enabled' is the correct past tense form of 'enable' in this context. Choice A ('NO CHANGE') is incorrect because it does not match the past tense required by the sentence. Option B ('are enabling him to quickly rise') is incorrect as it uses the present continuous tense, which is not suitable for the past action described. Choice D ('will enable him to quickly rise') is incorrect as it implies a future action, which is not consistent with the context of the sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When addressing a formal letter to the school board, 'Dear Sir and/or Ma'am' is the most appropriate greeting as it shows respect and professionalism. Choice A, 'Dearest School Board,' is too informal and overly personal for a professional communication. Choice B, 'To Whom It May Concern,' is more suitable for general inquiries when the recipient is unknown, not for addressing a specific group like a school board. Choice D, 'Hello all,' is too casual and lacks the formality required when addressing a school board.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sentence is a complex sentence because it consists of an independent clause 'The restaurant is unconventional' and a dependent clause 'because it serves both Chicago-style pizza and New York-style pizza.' In a complex sentence, an independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, but a dependent clause cannot. Choice A is incorrect because a simple sentence contains just one independent clause. Choice B is incorrect as a compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Choice D is incorrect as a compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.