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 correctly punctuated compound sentence?

A. Condors are protected by laws, but many people fear they will soon become extinct.
B. Asian elephants, cheetahs, and tigers are all in danger of extinction.
C. Some efforts are being made to protect animals and more people are behind this initiative.
D. Most hunters don't kill endangered species, but some don't care if it's unlawful.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A presents a correctly punctuated compound sentence. It consists of two independent clauses 'Condors are protected by laws' and 'many people fear they will soon become extinct,' which are appropriately joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but.' In contrast, in option B, the sentence only lists items without independent clauses. Option C combines phrases without independent clauses, and Option D incorrectly uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'but' without an independent clause following it.

3. What part of speech is the word 'growing' in the sentence: 'He felt a growing sense of unease'?

A. Verb
B. Adjective
C. Noun
D. Adverb

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'growing' in the sentence 'He felt a growing sense of unease' is functioning as an adjective. It describes the sense of unease, indicating a characteristic of the sense rather than an action (verb), a person, place, thing, or idea (noun), or modifying a verb, an adjective, or another adverb (adverb). Therefore, 'growing' is an adjective in this context.

4. Which of the following sentences shows correct word usage?

A. It's often been said that work is better than rest.
B. Its often been said that work is better than rest.
C. It’s often been said that work is better than rest.
D. Its often been said that work is better than rest.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this sentence, 'It’s' is the contraction for 'it is,' and 'than' is used correctly for comparisons (e.g., better than). Therefore, sentence C is correct because it uses 'It’s' (it is) and 'than' (for comparison) properly. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A lacks the necessary apostrophe in 'It's' (it is) and incorrectly uses 'then' instead of 'than.' Choice B incorrectly uses 'Its' (possessive form) instead of 'It’s.' Choice D lacks the necessary apostrophe in 'It's' (it is) and incorrectly uses 'then' instead of 'than.'

5. Which pronoun correctly replaces the phrase Sarah and me in the sentence: 'Jessica invited Sarah and me to the party, but I forgot to respond to her.'

A. We
B. Us
C. Ours
D. Myself

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Us.' In the sentence, 'Jessica invited Sarah and me to the party,' 'Sarah and me' serve as the object of the verb 'invited.' Therefore, the pronoun 'us' is the correct choice to replace 'Sarah and me' as the object pronoun. Choice A, 'We,' is a subject pronoun and does not fit in this context. Choice C, 'Ours,' is a possessive pronoun and is not appropriate for replacing the object pronoun 'Sarah and me.' Choice D, 'Myself,' is a reflexive pronoun, which is not suitable for this sentence where an object pronoun is needed.