What word is best to substitute for the underlined words in the following sentence? Several nursing students stayed behind after class, but the instructor advised the students to ask questions during office hours.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'they' is the best substitute for the underlined words in the sentence because it refers to the plural noun 'nursing students' and is used to indicate the subject of the sentence. Using 'they' maintains subject-verb agreement and clarity in the sentence. Choice A 'them' is incorrect as it is used for objects, not subjects. Choice B 'him' is singular and does not agree with the plural noun 'nursing students.' Choice D 'those' is also incorrect as it refers to objects, not the subject of the sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'Although' is the correct choice as it is used to introduce a contrast between two ideas. In this sentence, it highlights the unexpected nature of Octavia being taller than her classmates despite being the youngest member of her class. This conjunction effectively conveys the discrepancy between her age and height in the context of the sentence. Choice A ('Despite') indicates a contradiction or contrast but does not capture the nuance of unexpectedness present in the sentence. Choice B ('Since') implies a causal relationship, which is not the intended meaning. Choice D ('Provided') suggests a condition or stipulation, which is not suitable for the context of the sentence. Therefore, 'Although' is the most appropriate choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, 'to throw' is the correct form to use after the verb 'started' to indicate the action that the children began doing. The infinitive form 'to throw' is needed after the verb 'started' to show the purpose or action that is about to happen. When an action follows another action that has already started, the infinitive form is typically used to express the purpose or intention behind the subsequent action, making 'to throw' the most appropriate choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'throw' is not the correct form to follow 'started' as it needs an infinitive form, 'threw' is the past tense which is not suitable in this context, and 'threwing' is an incorrect form of the verb that does not exist in standard English.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, the word 'wound' is not used correctly. It should be 'wove' instead of 'wound.' The correct word usage should be: 'The staunch hikers took a torturous downhill path that wove through thick vegetation.' 'Wound' is the past tense of 'wind,' while 'wove' is the past tense of 'weave,' which is the appropriate verb to describe a path navigating through vegetation. Choice A, 'staunch,' Choice B, 'torturous,' and Choice D, 'vegetation,' are all used appropriately in the sentence and do not contain any errors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct form to use in this sentence is the present participle 'taking.' The sentence should read, 'Before taking this medicine, consume a modest meal.' It is important to use the present participle form when talking about an action that occurs before another action. Choice A 'having taken' is incorrect as it suggests a completed action before consuming a meal. Choice C 'took' is in the past tense, not suitable for indicating an action that should happen before another. Choice D 'will take' is in the future tense, which does not fit the context of the sentence.