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 examples is a compound-complex sentence?

A. The puppy and his mother both had dark brown eyes and long, floppy ears.
B. The puppy and his mother looked exactly the same; both had shiny, dark brown eyes and long, floppy ears.
C. The puppy, who had dark brown, shiny eyes and long, floppy ears, looked just like his mother.
D. Even though the puppy was much smaller than his mother, his eyes were dark brown and shiny just like hers, and his ears were long and floppy, too.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sentence D is a compound-complex sentence because it contains two independent clauses ('Even though the puppy was much smaller than his mother' and 'his eyes were dark brown and shiny just like hers') and one dependent clause ('and his ears were long and floppy, too'). Choices A, B, and C do not meet the criteria for a compound-complex sentence as they lack a combination of independent and dependent clauses.

3. We rejoiced as 'hackers.' Which of the following is the best revision of the sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. To a nagging technology problem, we rejoiced as 'hackers.'
C. We rejoiced when we figured out how to 'hack' a solution to a nagging technological problem.
D. To 'hack' our way to a solution, we had to rejoice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is the best revision as it provides clarity and context to the sentence. It conveys the idea that the individuals rejoiced after successfully finding a creative solution to a persistent technological issue. Choice A is incorrect as it leaves the sentence unchanged without adding any context. Choice B introduces the phrase 'nagging technology problem,' which alters the original meaning and is not as concise as the correct answer. Choice D alters the sentence structure and does not effectively convey the intended meaning of rejoicing after finding a solution.

4. How should the following clauses be connected: 'He ate a lot on vacation. He did not gain any weight.'

A. He ate a lot on vacation if he did not gain any weight.
B. He ate a lot on vacation, but he did not gain any weight.
C. He ate a lot on vacation since he did not gain any weight.
D. He ate a lot on vacation because he did not gain any weight.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'He ate a lot on vacation, but he did not gain any weight.' The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contrast between the two clauses. Choices A, C, and D do not effectively demonstrate the contrast between eating a lot and not gaining weight, making them incorrect. Choice A introduces a conditional relationship that is not present in the original sentences. Choice C implies a causal relationship that is not intended. Choice D also suggests a causal link that is not appropriate given the context.

5. Which of the examples uses the correct plural form?

A. Tomatoes
B. Analysis
C. Cacti
D. Criterion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct plural form of 'cactus' is 'cacti' according to the English language rules for forming plural nouns ending in -us. The word 'cacti' is the plural form of 'cactus,' which follows this particular rule. Choice A 'Tomatoes' is incorrect because the correct plural form of 'tomato' is 'tomatoes,' not 'tomatos.' Choice B 'Analysis' is incorrect as it is already the plural form. Choice D 'Criterion' is incorrect as its plural form is 'criteria,' not 'criterion.'