What is the initial step a writer takes when generating new ideas for a writing task?

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('Before finishing her walk home') followed by an independent clause. In this sentence, 'Before finishing her walk home' acts as the dependent clause that sets the context for the main action, which is 'Raina stopped to watch the sunset.' Option A features two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, making it a compound sentence. Option C also has two independent clauses separated by a semicolon, which is incorrect punctuation for a complex sentence. Option D consists of two independent clauses connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, forming a compound sentence rather than a complex sentence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as it demonstrates the correct punctuation of a quotation. In this sentence, the comma is correctly placed inside the quotation marks after 'party' and 'Blayne.' This follows the standard rule in punctuation where commas and periods should always be placed inside the closing quotation mark. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B incorrectly places a period before the closing quotation mark after 'Jessica,' which is not necessary. Choice C misses a comma inside the quotation marks after 'party,' leading to incorrect punctuation. Choice D incorrectly capitalizes 'If' within the quotation, which is not part of the original sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In sentence C, 'Jorge assigned the class some math problems,' 'the class' is the indirect object receiving the direct object 'some math problems.' In this sentence, 'the class' is the recipient of the action, making it the indirect object. The other choices do not contain an indirect object. In sentences A, B, and D, there are no instances of an indirect object. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it introduces the historical origin of yoga, which is the main focus of the paragraph. This sentence sets the context by providing a foundational understanding of where and when yoga originated. Choice A talks about the mention of yoga in the Vedas but does not provide information about the historical development of yoga itself. Choice B discusses the travel of yoga masters to the West, which is a later development in the history of yoga and not the starting point. Choice C refers to a shift in yoga philosophy without directly addressing its origins, making it less suitable as a topic sentence compared to choice D.