Which of the following sets of words correctly fill in the blanks in the sentence below: We cannot allow the budget cuts to _______ the plans to improve education; the futures of _______ children are at stake.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In this sentence, 'East' should not be capitalized because it is not part of a proper noun. Choices A, B, and D use capitalization correctly. In option A, 'South' and 'Mississippi' are capitalized as they are referring to specific regions. In option B, 'East Texas' and 'Piney Woods' are proper nouns and correctly capitalized. In option D, 'Susan' is a proper noun and capitalized appropriately.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct structure is 'whom to hold responsible' as 'whom' is the object of the verb 'to hold.' In choice A, 'who' should be 'whom' to indicate the object of the verb. Choice B is incorrect as 'whom' is incorrectly placed before 'was responsible.' Choice D is also incorrect due to the awkward phrasing and the use of 'on' which is unnecessary.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I'm counting on you to finish this before the deadline." This sentence is classified as informal language due to the use of contractions (I'm) and the casual tone of the phrase. The other choices (B, C, D) are more formal in nature. Choice B uses formal language with terms like 'non-negotiable.' Choice C is a general statement about meeting a deadline without any informal language, and choice D discusses the significance of the time period before a deadline in a formal manner.

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.