What is the value of -2² + 3(-1)³?

Follow the order of operations: exponents come before multiplication, and the negative sign in $-2^2$ is not squared, because the exponent applies only to $2$. So $-2^2=-(4)=-4$. Next, $(-1)^3=-1$, so $3(-1)=-3$. Then $-4+(-3)=-7$, choice F. Choice G ($1$) treats $-2^2$ as $(-2)^2=4$ and keeps $-3$, giving $4-3$. Choice H ($7$) squares the negative and also changes the sign of the second term, $4+3$. Choice J ($-1$) uses $-4+3$, a sign error on the second term.