Which sentence uses the comparative degree of an adjective correctly?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A correctly uses the comparative degree by comparing the quality of two movies with the word 'better.' This sentence demonstrates a comparison between two items in terms of quality, making it the correct use of the comparative degree of an adjective. Choice B uses the superlative degree ('tallest') instead of the comparative degree. Choice C uses the comparative degree correctly but with an adverb ('harder') instead of an adjective. Choice D uses the comparative degree correctly, but it compares the temperature of two coffees rather than the quality of the coffee.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'and.' 'And' is the most appropriate conjunction here as it simply adds information about her love for animals without implying cause or effect. It connects two independent clauses in a neutral way, indicating that she loves animals and also volunteers at the shelter. The other choices, 'because,' 'therefore,' and 'so,' suggest a cause-and-effect relationship between loving animals and volunteering at the shelter, which is not the intended meaning in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'unscathed' means without harm or damage. The word 'scratch' shares the same root related to physical marks or damage, making it the correct choice. 'Category' and 'scar' do not have the same root as 'unscathed' and are not related to the concept of being unharmed, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A correctly uses the passive voice by placing the emphasis on the object (letter) that received the action (was written) rather than the subject performing the action. The phrase 'by Mary' indicates the agent who performed the action, making it a clear example of the passive voice structure. Choices B, C, and D are all in the active voice, where the subject performs the action directly on the object. In the context of identifying the correct usage of the passive voice, option A stands out as the only suitable example.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it uses 'literally' to emphasize the magnitude of work, not to exaggerate a simple action. In this sentence, 'literally' is used to convey the idea that the person climbed a significant amount of paperwork, highlighting the challenging and overwhelming nature of the task. Choices A, C, and D use 'literally' inappropriately by exaggerating or using the word in a non-literal sense. In choice A, 'died laughing' is a common expression and not meant to be taken literally. Choice C describes a figurative expression, not a literal one. Choice D involves the supernatural, which is not a literal occurrence.