choose the sentence that demonstrates correct use of the semicolon

ATI TEAS 7

Practice English TEAS TEST

1. Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct use of the semicolon.

A. I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.
B. I have a test; tomorrow I need to study.
C. I have a test tomorrow.
D. I have a test tomorrow; and I need to study.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is demonstrated in sentence A: 'I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.' Semicolons are used to connect closely related independent clauses. In this sentence, the semicolon correctly separates the two independent clauses 'I have a test tomorrow' and 'I need to study.' Choice B is incorrect because it separates the clauses improperly by using the semicolon after 'test' instead of after 'tomorrow.' Choice C is incorrect as it lacks a second independent clause to be connected using a semicolon. Choice D is incorrect as it inappropriately adds 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct use of the punctuation mark to link independent clauses.

2. Which of the following uses correct spelling?

A. Leslie knew that training for the Philadelphia Marathon would take discipline and perseverance, but she was up to the challenge.
B. Leslie knew that training for the Philadelphia Marathon would take discipline and perseverance, but she was up to the challenge.
C. Leslie knew that training for the Philadelphia Marathon would take disiplin and perservearance, but she was up to the challenge.
D. Leslie knew that training for the Philadelphia Marathon would take discipline and perseverance, but she was up to the challenge.

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.

3. What specific task should you perform if you are the last one to leave the office?

A. Ensure you are the last one to leave the office.
B. Check to see that the coffee maker in the breakroom is unplugged.
C. We appreciate your cooperation.
D. This will make life easier for everyone.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Check to see that the coffee maker in the breakroom is unplugged.' This task is explicitly mentioned in the memo as one of the tasks to be performed when leaving the office. Choices A, C, and D are not specific tasks listed in the memo and do not directly relate to the instructions provided. Therefore, they are incorrect choices. It is essential to pay attention to the specific details mentioned in the instructions to identify the correct task to perform.

4. She is a fierce competitor, and nothing is going to keep her from running that marathon despite a hamstring injury. Which of the following describes the grammar problem in the sentence above?

A. Poor diction
B. Ambiguous word choice
C. Tense disagreement
D. Inappropriate transition word choice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, tense disagreement. The sentence contains a tense disagreement between 'was' and 'is.' 'She is a fierce competitor' and 'nothing is going to keep her' are in the present tense, while 'was going to keep her' should also be in the present tense to maintain consistency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the issue in the sentence is related to verb tense, not diction, word choice, or transition words.

5. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A. Krista was not sure who to hold responsible for the broken window.
B. Krista was not sure whom was responsible for the broken window.
C. Krista was not sure whom to hold responsible for the broken window.
D. Krista was not sure on who she should place responsibility for the broken window.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct structure is 'whom to hold responsible' as 'whom' is the object of the verb 'to hold.' In choice A, 'who' should be 'whom' to indicate the object of the verb. Choice B is incorrect as 'whom' is incorrectly placed before 'was responsible.' Choice D is also incorrect due to the awkward phrasing and the use of 'on' which is unnecessary.