The passage below will be used for the next 15 questions. Read the passage and answer question : DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered . The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases. you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". The Spine [1] Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body’s organs, and receives the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. [2] There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body’s natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which decreases the spines ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. [3] Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its natural curve during the night. When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. [4] Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen. While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The sunshine is a body’s best source. At least ten minutes of day sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body’s systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter.

The human spine supports the weight of the head, protects the body’s organs, and receives

The original sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error and a lack of parallelism. The singular subject 'The human spine' requires a singular verb form, so 'support' should be 'supports.' Additionally, for proper parallelism in the list of actions ('supports the weight,' 'protects the body’s organs,' 'receives the gravitational pull'), all verbs must be in the same singular third-person form. Option B corrects 'support' to 'supports,' making all verbs agree with the singular subject and maintaining parallel structure.

Read the passage and answer question : The Spine [1] Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body’s organs, and receives the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. [2] There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body’s natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which decreases the spines ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. [3] Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its natural curve during the night. When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. [4] Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen. While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The sunshine is a body’s best source. At least ten minutes of day sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body’s systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter.

The original sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list of five regions of the spine. The items in the list ('cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal') are properly separated by commas, including the Oxford comma before 'and coccygeal,' which enhances clarity in a series of three or more items. Therefore, no revision is needed, and 'NO CHANGE' is the correct choice.

Read the passage and answer question : The Spine [1] Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body’s organs, and receives the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. [2] There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body’s natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which decreases the spines ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. [3] Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its natural curve during the night. When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. [4] Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen. While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The sunshine is a body’s best source. At least ten minutes of day sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body’s systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter.

The phrase 'like us' is informal and unnecessary in this informative passage, which aims for a more formal and objective tone. Removing 'like us' (as in option B) makes the sentence more concise and appropriate for the passage's style without losing any essential meaning. The focus is on the fact that *some people* are born with defects, not on the author's personal relation to this fact.

Read the passage and answer question : The Spine [1] Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body’s organs, and receives the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. [2] There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body’s natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which decreases the spines ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. [3] Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its natural curve during the night. When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. [4] Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen. While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The sunshine is a body’s best source. At least ten minutes of day sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body’s systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter.

The phrase 'infant brain and spine development' implies that the development belongs to or is characteristic of infants. To correctly show possession or association for a plural noun, the apostrophe should be placed after the 's'. Therefore, 'infants'' (plural possessive) is the correct form, indicating the development *of* infants' brains and spines.

ead the passage and answer question : The Spine [1] Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body’s organs, and receives the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. [2] There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body’s natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which decreases the spines ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. [3] Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its natural curve during the night. When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. [4] Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen. While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The sunshine is a body’s best source. At least ten minutes of day sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body’s systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter.

The original phrase 'in addition when' is grammatically awkward and doesn't convey the intended meaning. The sentence aims to emphasize that trauma creates problems, *particularly* when the damage is irreversible. Option B, 'especially,' correctly serves as an adverb to highlight the specific condition under which the problems are most severe, making the sentence clear and grammatically sound.

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TASC Writing Practice Quiz 3

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