The chairperson of the English Department and instructor (is / are) Dr. Ruth M. Johnson.

Here are the answers to the English exam questions:

1. The chairperson of the English Department and instructor (is / are) Dr. Ruth M. Johnson.

   • The subject "The chairperson... and instructor" refers to a single person holding both roles.
   • Answer: The chairperson of the English Department and instructor is Dr. Ruth M. Johnson.

2. The selection of fifteen most intelligent students who is under (18 / 18) and have never been to the U.S.A.

   • The options provided are identical (18 / 18), making it impossible to select a distinct answer.
   • Answer: This question cannot be answered as written due to identical options.

3. She should receive a copy of the three (thesis / theses). I have (already / all ready) answered the question.

   • "Three" requires the plural form of "thesis," which is "theses." "Already" means prior to a specific time, while "all ready" means completely prepared.
   • Answer: She should receive a copy of the three theses. I have already answered the question.

4. The only one of the immigrants that never been refused by the embassy (was / were) my cousin.

   • The subject "The only one" is singular, requiring a singular verb.
   • Answer: The only one of the immigrants that never been refused by the embassy was my cousin.

5. The boy is (all together / altogether) too lazy to work.

   • "Altogether" means entirely or completely, which fits the context of being "too lazy." "All together" means in a group.
   • Answer: The boy is altogether too lazy to work.

6. The team is (all ready / already) to play.

   • "All ready" means completely prepared, which fits the context of being prepared to play. "Already" means prior to a specific time.
   • Answer: The team is all ready to play.

7. The students (are / is) going to the party next night.

   • The subject "The students" is plural, requiring a plural verb.
   • Answer: The students are going to the party next night.

8. Neither of the boys (is / are) going to the party.

   • "Neither of" typically takes a singular verb when referring to two singular subjects.
   • Answer: Neither of the boys is going to the party.

Questions 9 through 17 are repetitions of questions 5 through 8. The answers for these repeated questions are the same as provided above.