Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C is a compound sentence because it consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction ('and then'). The first independent clause is 'Alex and Shane spent the morning coloring,' and the second independent clause is 'they took a walk down to the park.' Choices A, B, and D are not compound sentences. In choice A, although there are two actions mentioned, they are not independent clauses; they are part of a single sentence. Choice B is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('After coloring all morning') and an independent clause. Choice D is a complex sentence with a compound predicate ('After coloring all morning and spending part of the day at the park') followed by an independent clause.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: I was mowing the lawn.' This sentence correctly uses the past continuous tense to indicate an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past when the thunderstorm started. Choice A 'I mowed the lawn' is in simple past tense, not past continuous, and does not convey the ongoing nature of the action. Choice B 'I am mowing the lawn' is in present continuous tense, not past continuous, and does not match the past timeframe. Choice D 'I have mowed the lawn' is in present perfect tense, not past continuous, and does not convey the ongoing action at a specific past time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'graceless' in this context means lacking elegance or poise. Janine's nervousness caused her to act awkwardly and without the elegance one would typically expect on stage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Against fear,' 'Without religion,' and 'Full of caution' do not accurately capture the meaning of 'graceless' in the given sentence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this context, the word 'prodigious' is used to describe the Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza. The tour group's nervousness about climbing its distant peak indicates that the pyramid is impressive in size and scale, invoking a sense of awe or grandeur. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'prodigious' in this context would be 'very large.' Choice B, 'Famous,' is incorrect as the sentence focuses on the size rather than the fame of the pyramid. Choice C, 'Very old,' and choice D, 'Fancy,' do not accurately capture the intended meaning of 'prodigious' as used in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D correctly spells the words 'discipline' and 'perseverance.' The correct spelling of these words is crucial for effective communication and clarity in writing. In options A, B, and C, there are misspellings of 'discipline' and 'perseverance,' which can lead to confusion and impact the overall quality of the writing. Thus, option D is the correct choice as it accurately represents the correct spelling of both words.