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 pieces of writing should include citations?

A. A comparison of the language used in two different Shakespeare plays
B. A news article describing a burglary
C. A description of your favorite play
D. A personal essay about your lifelong interest in marine biology

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A comparison of the language used in two different Shakespeare plays should include citations to support the analysis. Citations are necessary in academic or analytical pieces to give credit to the original sources, especially when comparing specific works. Choices B, C, and D do not require citations as they are more subjective or personal in nature. Choice B, a news article, should be based on facts and not personal analysis. Choice C is a personal opinion, and choice D is a personal essay based on the author's experiences and interests, where citations are not typically needed.

3. Which sentence uses comma splices incorrectly?

A. The baker kneaded the dough, flour dusted her apron, and the oven warmed up.
B. The mountains, shrouded in mist, seemed to disappear into the clouds.
C. He arrived late, having forgotten his keys, and the meeting had already started.
D. The movie, despite its flaws, was surprisingly enjoyable.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option (C) incorrectly combines two independent clauses with only a comma, resulting in a comma splice. A comma should not be used to connect independent clauses; instead, a semicolon, conjunction, or period is needed to properly separate the ideas in the sentence. Choices (A), (B), and (D) do not contain comma splices and present their ideas in a grammatically correct manner.

4. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun usage.

A. “This mystery concerns my friend Watson and me.”
B. “This mystery concerns me and my friend Watson.”
C. “This mystery concerns my friend Watson and I.”
D. “This mystery concerns I and my friend Watson.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct pronoun usage is 'me' when it is the object of a verb or preposition. In this sentence, 'me' is the object of the verb 'concerns,' so it should be used instead of 'I.' Additionally, the correct order for objects in a sentence is 'my friend Watson and me.' Choice B is incorrect because 'me' should come before 'my friend Watson' to maintain the correct order. Choice C is incorrect as 'I' is incorrectly used instead of 'me.' Choice D is incorrect because 'I' is used incorrectly as the object pronoun, and the order is reversed.

5. Which version of the sentence does NOT contain any misspelled words?

A. The suspect remained detained while the police conducted their inquisition.
B. The suspect remained detained while the police conducted their inquisition.
C. The suspect remained detained while the police conducted their inquisition.
D. The suspect remained detained while the police conducted their inquisition.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct version of the sentence is option D: 'The suspect remained detained while the police conducted their inquisition.' This option is correct as it does not contain any misspelled words. 'Inquisition' is spelled correctly in this option, while the other options have misspelled variations of the word. Option A, B, and C all contain misspelled versions of 'inquisition,' making them incorrect choices.