Which conjunction best joins the following sentence: 'She loves animals, ____ she volunteers at the shelter.'

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'and.' 'And' is the most appropriate conjunction here as it simply adds information about her love for animals without implying cause or effect. It connects two independent clauses in a neutral way, indicating that she loves animals and also volunteers at the shelter. The other choices, 'because,' 'therefore,' and 'so,' suggest a cause-and-effect relationship between loving animals and volunteering at the shelter, which is not the intended meaning in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A correctly uses the passive voice by placing the emphasis on the object (letter) that received the action (was written) rather than the subject performing the action. The phrase 'by Mary' indicates the agent who performed the action, making it a clear example of the passive voice structure. Choices B, C, and D are all in the active voice, where the subject performs the action directly on the object. In the context of identifying the correct usage of the passive voice, option A stands out as the only suitable example.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it uses 'literally' to emphasize the magnitude of work, not to exaggerate a simple action. In this sentence, 'literally' is used to convey the idea that the person climbed a significant amount of paperwork, highlighting the challenging and overwhelming nature of the task. Choices A, C, and D use 'literally' inappropriately by exaggerating or using the word in a non-literal sense. In choice A, 'died laughing' is a common expression and not meant to be taken literally. Choice C describes a figurative expression, not a literal one. Choice D involves the supernatural, which is not a literal occurrence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: 'Nonetheless' is the correct word to complete the sentence as it emphasizes the continuation of the concert despite the contrary circumstance. 'Nevertheless' and 'however' are synonyms and indicate contrast rather than continuity. 'Therefore' implies a conclusion or result, which is not fitting in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sentence portrays intense emotions and agitation through actions like 'slammed' and the description 'booming with anger,' indicating a tone of agitation. The tone is not playful as it's intense and angry, not formal as it lacks restraint and is emotionally charged, and not melancholy as it conveys anger and not sadness. Therefore, 'Agitated' is the most suitable choice to describe the tone.