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: B

Rationale: In an essay focusing on the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships, details about college students' study habits and homework workload are not directly related to the influence of technology on relationships. Choices A, C, and D are more relevant as they directly address the impact of technology, such as social media engagement, smartphone usage affecting conversations, and the comparison between TV-watching and brain activity during conversations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'Without adequate preparation, Zara expected to fail the test,' is the best option as it maintains clarity and conciseness. The subject 'Zara' is directly linked to the action 'expected to fail the test' with the cause 'Without adequate preparation' clearly stated at the beginning. This structure enhances the flow of the sentence and makes it easier to understand. Choices A, B, and D are less clear as they place the cause and effect in less optimal positions, resulting in a less effective and concise expression of the idea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Relative pronouns are acceptable in a research paper for connecting clauses. Colloquialisms (choice A) are informal expressions that are not suitable for academic writing. Contractions (choice B) are considered too casual for a research paper. The second-person point of view (choice D) should be avoided in research papers as it can make the writing less objective and scholarly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct transition to add at the beginning of sentence 2 is 'Surprisingly.' This transition sets the tone for something unexpected or contrary to what was anticipated, emphasizing Mr. Shanbourne's reaction as not typical or predicted. Option B, 'Actually,' would not fit well as it does not imply any sense of surprise or contrast. Option C, 'Furthermore,' is used to add information rather than to indicate a surprising turn of events. Option D, 'Instead,' suggests a replacement or choice between alternatives, which is not suitable in this context.