What would be the best supporting detail to follow Maria's topic sentence "My family throws elaborate holiday celebrations?"

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'However.' In this context, the transitional word 'However' is used to introduce a contrast between the two sentences. The first sentence presents an argument about the potential dangers of complete freedom of speech, while the second questions the notion of living in a free society without such freedom. 'However' establishes a logical link by indicating a shift or contradiction in ideas. Choice B, 'Therefore,' would imply a cause-and-effect relationship, which is not supported by the content of the sentences. Choice C, 'So,' would indicate a conclusion or result, which does not fit the context. Choice D, 'Supposedly,' is not a suitable transitional word in this context as it does not connect the contrasting ideas presented in the sentences.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Adding the suffix '-ous' to 'fame' changes it to an adjective, 'famous,' altering the meaning of the word. Choice A is incorrect because 'fortification' is derived from 'fort' but does not change its meaning significantly. Choice B is incorrect as 'dismount' is related to 'mount' but signifies the opposite action rather than a change in meaning. Choice C is incorrect as 'fleeing' is simply the present participle form of 'flee' and does not alter its fundamental meaning.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A demonstrates correct punctuation. The sentence uses a colon to introduce a list, which is the most appropriate punctuation in this context. A colon is typically used to signal that a list or explanation follows, making it the suitable choice here. Choices B, C, and D either use a comma, semi-colon, or dash incorrectly to introduce the list, deviating from the standard punctuation rule for listing items. Therefore, they are incorrect in the context of this sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C best combines the sentences by correctly stating that the French and Indian War was not an isolated conflict in North America but rather part of a larger war that Europe was engaged in, known as the Seven Years' War. This option maintains the chronological order of events and provides a clear and concise explanation. Choices A, B, and D either incorrectly convey the relationship between the wars, introduce unnecessary information, or deviate from the original context of the sentences, making them less suitable for combining the information effectively.