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. Identify the adjective in the following sentence: The colorful sunset painted the sky with vibrant hues.

A. sunset
B. with
C. colorful
D. painted

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C - colorful.' Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. In this sentence, 'colorful' describes the noun 'sunset,' making it the adjective in the sentence. Choice A, 'sunset,' is a noun, not an adjective. Choice B, 'with,' is a preposition. Choice D, 'painted,' is a verb, not an adjective. Therefore, the correct answer is 'C - colorful.'

4. Which of the following sentences best represents style and clarity of expression?

A. Without adequate preparation, the test was likely to be a failure for Zara.
B. The test was likely to be a failure for Zara without adequate preparation.
C. Without adequate preparation, Zara expected to fail the test.
D. Zara expected to fail the test without adequate preparation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'Without adequate preparation, Zara expected to fail the test,' is the best option as it maintains clarity and conciseness. The subject 'Zara' is directly linked to the action 'expected to fail the test' with the cause 'Without adequate preparation' clearly stated at the beginning. This structure enhances the flow of the sentence and makes it easier to understand. Choices A, B, and D are less clear as they place the cause and effect in less optimal positions, resulting in a less effective and concise expression of the idea.

5. Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

A. Walking down the street, a bird swooped down from a tree.
B. Having finished the report, it was time for lunch.
C. Reading the book, I learned a lot about ancient history.
D. Exhausted from the hike, the tent was a welcome sight.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C correctly places the participle phrase 'Reading the book' directly in front of the subject 'I,' ensuring that there is no dangling modifier. This structure establishes a clear connection between the action described in the introductory phrase and the subject performing the action, resulting in a grammatically correct sentence. Choice A, B, and D have dangling modifiers. In choice A, the phrase 'Walking down the street' should be followed by the noun it is describing to avoid the dangling modifier. Choice B has a dangling modifier as 'Having finished the report' does not have a clear subject to relate to. Choice D also has a dangling modifier as 'Exhausted from the hike' is not properly connected to the subject in the sentence.