Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A strong thesis statement is a crucial element in academic writing as it clearly states the argument that will be supported throughout the paper. This statement serves as a roadmap for the reader to understand the main point of the paper. Choice A is incorrect because a strong thesis is not necessarily endorsed by a professor but is based on the writer's perspective. Choice C is incorrect as a thesis should reflect the writer's position, not necessarily the opinions of most people. Choice D is incorrect because a strong thesis should invite critical thinking and argumentation, rather than being immune to reasonable counterarguments.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because it properly uses quotation marks to indicate a direct quote within the sentence ('My history presentation was great!'). Choices A, B, and D contain direct quotes but fail to use quotation marks, making them incorrect. In choice A, the direct question 'How was your day?' should be enclosed in quotation marks. In choice B, the direct quote 'It was awesome.' should also be enclosed in quotation marks. In choice D, the direct statement 'That's wonderful!' should be enclosed in quotation marks.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: is.' In the sentence, 'Our family is staying home for the holidays this year,' the singular collective noun 'family' requires a singular verb to maintain subject-verb agreement. 'Is' is the correct singular form of the verb to match with 'family.' Choice B 'be' is incorrect as it is the base form of the verb and does not agree with the subject 'family.' Choice C 'am' is incorrect as it is a first-person singular form of the verb 'to be,' which does not align with the subject 'family.' Choice D 'are' is incorrect as it is a plural form of the verb and does not match with the singular subject 'family.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: 'Although' is a conjunction because it connects two clauses in the sentence. In the given sentence, 'although' introduces a dependent clause ('although I could use the opportunity more than I'd like to admit') and connects it to the independent clause ('Surely, he thought, I can't trust this enticing yet dubious offer'). This conjunction shows the contrast between the two ideas. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'although' does not function as an adverb, preposition, or adjective in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Not enough.' The prefix 'hypo-' means 'under' or 'not enough,' as seen in the word 'hypokalemia,' which refers to low levels of potassium. 'Better' (choice A), 'Above' (choice B), and 'Too much' (choice C) are all incorrect because they do not convey the meaning of insufficient or low levels associated with hypokalemia.