Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Taking good notes is not a hands-on activity; it is a cognitive skill that does not involve physical interaction or manipulation. Choices A, B, and D all involve physical activities that directly engage a child's hands and body, supporting the thesis about the importance of hands-on learning in early education. Building structures with blocks, using modeling clay, and playing hopscotch all require physical manipulation and engagement, which are key aspects of hands-on learning.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The prefix trans- means 'across,' as in words like translucent, which allows light to pass through. 'Beautiful' (Choice B), 'Change' (Choice C), and 'Different' (Choice D) do not accurately capture the meaning of the prefix trans- in this context. Therefore, 'Across' is the correct definition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Organizing writing into paragraphs is a component of drafting, which occurs after prewriting. Prewriting involves generating ideas, organizing thoughts, and outlining content before beginning the actual writing process. Choices A, B, and C are all prewriting strategies. Brainstorming helps in generating ideas, visual mapping assists in organizing thoughts spatially, and asking questions helps in exploring different angles of the topic before structuring the content. Therefore, organizing writing into paragraphs is the only option that does not directly relate to prewriting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a colon is used to introduce a list, it is placed after a complete sentence and serves to signal that what follows will be a list or an explanation related to the preceding sentence. Choice A is incorrect because a colon doesn't join two related sentences; it introduces what follows after a complete sentence. Choice B is incorrect as a colon is not used to set off direct quotes longer than five words; quotation marks are used for that purpose. Choice D is incorrect because a colon does not separate clauses in a compound sentence; it is used to introduce a list or explanation after a complete sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this sentence, 'affect' is the correct verb meaning 'to influence,' and 'your' is the correct possessive pronoun. Therefore, the sentence should read, 'We cannot allow the budget cuts to affect the plans to improve education; the futures of your children are at stake.' Choice A is incorrect because 'effect' is a noun, not a verb, and 'your' is the correct possessive pronoun. Choice B is incorrect because 'you're' is a contraction for 'you are,' which does not make sense in this context. Choice D is incorrect because 'effect' should be 'affect' as the verb is needed to show influence.