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 sentences follows the rules of capitalization?

A. Dashiell visited his cousin Elaine on Tuesday.
B. Juniper sent a card to Uncle Archibald, who has been unwell.
C. Flicka and her mother spent the day setting up the rummage sale.
D. Lowell and his twin sister look alike but have very different personalities.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Titles used before names, like 'Uncle' in 'Uncle Archibald,' should be capitalized. In choices A, C, and D, 'cousin,' 'mother,' and 'sister' are common nouns and should not be capitalized unless used before the name as part of the title. Therefore, they are incorrect choices. Choice B demonstrates proper capitalization rules by capitalizing 'Uncle Archibald,' making it the correct option.

3. What is the correct way to write "25th anniversary" as a word?

A. Twenty-fiveth anniversary
B. Twenty Fiveth Anniversary
C. Twenty fifth anniversary
D. twenty-fifth anniversary

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ordinals (numbers with "th", "st", "nd", etc.) are generally written as words when used before nouns. Option (d) is correct.

4. Which of the following is the correct tense used in the bold part in this sentence? My grandpa WILL BE WRITING a memoir...

A. Future progressive
B. Past perfect
C. Future simple
D. Present perfective

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Future progressive. 'Will be writing' indicates an ongoing action that will occur in the future, which is the future progressive tense. Choice B, Past perfect, is incorrect as it refers to an action completed before a specified time in the past. Choice C, Future simple, is incorrect as it refers to a simple future action without indicating ongoing progress. Choice D, Present perfective, is incorrect as it does not match the tense used in the sentence.

5. What is the meaning of the idiom 'to bite off more than one can chew'?

A. To be overly confident
B. To take on more than one can handle
C. To be easily discouraged
D. To be meticulous in planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To bite off more than one can chew' means to take on more than one can handle or to undertake a task exceeding one's capabilities. This idiom warns against overcommitting oneself and facing difficulties in managing the workload effectively. Choice A, 'To be overly confident,' is incorrect as the idiom implies a situation of overestimating one's capacity rather than confidence. Choice C, 'To be easily discouraged,' is not related to the idiom's meaning, which focuses on task difficulty rather than emotional response. Choice D, 'To be meticulous in planning,' is not accurate as the idiom refers to the execution of tasks rather than the planning phase.