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 contains a homophone error?

A. Their decision to stay home was vindicated when they heard about what happened.
B. Jane was given a prescription for oral paste to put on her mouth ulcers.
C. The team from Cincinnati led the league in scoring last year.
D. What effect will this new legislation have on hospital policy?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because 'aural' and 'oral' are homophones, but they have different meanings. 'Aural' refers to hearing, while 'oral' refers to the mouth or spoken words. In the context of treating mouth ulcers, the correct term should be 'oral paste.' Choices A, C, and D do not contain homophone errors. In choice A, 'heard' is correctly used in the context of listening. Choice C is grammatically correct and does not involve homophones. Choice D correctly uses 'effect' and does not involve homophones.

3. Which of the following prefixes means 'with'?

A. bio-
B. per-
C. con-
D. trans-

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: con-'. The prefix 'con-' means 'with', indicating being together or having a connection. - 'Bio-' means life or living organisms, not 'with'. - 'Per-' means through or completely, not 'with'. - 'Trans-' means across or beyond, not 'with'. Therefore, 'con-' is the only prefix among the options provided that signifies the meaning 'with'.

4. In the phrase 'a drop in the bucket,' what does 'bucket' represent?

A. A literal container
B. A large quantity
C. A specific goal
D. An obstacle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'a drop in the bucket' is an idiom that means a very small or insignificant amount in comparison to a much larger total. In this context, 'bucket' symbolizes a large quantity, emphasizing the idea that the 'drop' is minimal or inconsequential when considering the overall amount. Choice A, 'A literal container,' is incorrect as 'bucket' in this phrase is not meant to be taken literally but rather symbolically. Choice C, 'A specific goal,' is incorrect as the phrase does not refer to achieving a specific target. Choice D, 'An obstacle,' is incorrect as 'bucket' is not presented as a hindrance or barrier in this idiom.

5. The hike became increasingly difficult as we got closer to the top of the mountain. Which of the following parts of speech is 'increasingly' as used in the sentence above?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this sentence, 'increasingly' is functioning as an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner, degree, or frequency of an action. In this case, 'increasingly' describes how the difficulty of the hike was growing as we approached the mountain top. Choice A, 'Adjective,' is incorrect as adjectives modify nouns or pronouns, not verbs. Choice B, 'Interjection,' is also incorrect because interjections are words used to express strong emotions or sentiments, not to describe actions or qualities. Choice C, 'Verb,' is incorrect as 'increasingly' is not a verb; it does not express an action or state of being.