Which of the following correctly completes the sentence? 'A childhood reading of Tales from Shakespeare permanently _____ Helene's interest in studying the Great Bard.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'piqued' means to stimulate or arouse interest or curiosity. In this context, the sentence is referring to Helene's interest in Shakespeare being stirred or awakened, which makes 'piqued' the correct word. Both 'peaked' and 'peeked' have different meanings (reaching the highest point and looking quickly, respectively) that do not fit the sentence. 'Peked' is not a valid word and does not make sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, option 'A' is the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The sentence above is a complex sentence because it contains an independent clause 'You are a helpful assistant' and a dependent clause 'What type of sentence is the sentence above?'. A complex sentence is formed by joining an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. In this case, the dependent clause 'What type of sentence is the sentence above?' cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the sentence does not contain multiple independent clauses (compound) or a combination of independent and dependent clauses (compound-complex).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the sentence, 'earlier' describes when the Hapsburg rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire effectively ended. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in a sentence. In this case, 'earlier' modifies the verb 'ended,' indicating the time of the action. Choice A 'call' is a verb. Choice C 'could' is a modal verb expressing possibility or ability. Choice D 'phone' is a noun, not an adverb. Therefore, 'earlier' is the only word among the options functioning as an adverb in the sentence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the parentheses in the sentence is to set off useful information that does not fit directly into the flow of the sentence. Parentheses are commonly used to provide additional details, explanations, or examples that are helpful but not essential to the main point of the sentence. In this case, the information about the Austro-Hungarian Empire is presented in parentheses to offer context but is not crucial to the main idea being communicated. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the function of parentheses in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The point of view indicated by the underlined words in the sentence demonstrates a transition from second-person ("you") to first-person ("I"). The correct answer is B because the speaker shifts from addressing someone else (second-person) to talking about themselves (first-person). Choice A is incorrect because third-person is not present in the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because the order of point of view shift is reversed. Choice D is incorrect as it incorrectly identifies the sequence of point of view change.