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. 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.'

3. Which of the following sentences has the correct subject-verb agreement?

A. The Akhal-Teke horse breed, originally from Turkmenistan, has long enjoyed a reputation for bravery and fortitude.
B. The employer decided that he could not, due to the high cost of health care, afford to offer other benefits to his employees.
C. Though Puerto Rico is known popularly for its beaches, its landscape also includes mountains, which are home to many of the island’s rural villages.
D. Each of the storm chasers decides whether or not to go out when rain makes visibility low.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The subject 'employer' in sentence B agrees with the singular verb 'decided.' In subject-verb agreement, singular subjects need singular verbs, while plural subjects need plural verbs. The use of 'decided' correctly pairs with the singular subject 'employer' in this sentence. Choice A is incorrect as the subject 'Akhal-Teke horse breed' is singular and should be paired with the singular verb 'has,' not 'have.' Choice C is incorrect because the verb 'play' does not agree with the plural subject 'mountains'; it should be 'play host' or 'are home to.' Choice D is incorrect as 'Each of the storm chasers' is a singular subject and should be paired with the singular verb 'decides,' not 'decide.'

4. When writing dialogue, what should you remember to do?

A. Avoid contractions and informal language to maintain realism.
B. Use formal vocabulary to sound sophisticated.
C. Create realistic speech patterns reflecting the characters' personalities.
D. Focus on descriptive narrative over character interactions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When writing dialogue, it is crucial to create realistic speech patterns that reflect the characters' personalities. This approach helps to bring the characters to life, making them more authentic and engaging to the readers. By capturing the unique voices of the characters through their speech, the dialogue becomes more compelling and adds depth to the narrative. Choices A and B are incorrect because avoiding contractions and using formal vocabulary can make the dialogue sound unnatural and stilted. Choice D is incorrect as focusing solely on descriptive narrative without meaningful character interactions can lead to a lack of engagement and depth in the storytelling.

5. Which of the following sentences correctly uses parallel structure?

A. She likes hiking, swimming, and to run.
B. She likes hiking, swimming, and running.
C. She likes hiking, to swim, and running.
D. She likes hiking, and she likes swimming and running.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Parallel structure ensures that items in a series or list are in the same grammatical form. In choice A, 'to run' disrupts the parallel structure since 'hiking' and 'swimming' are gerunds. Choice C similarly breaks the parallelism by using 'to swim' in a different form. Choice D is incorrect because it lacks consistent parallelism, as 'hiking' is not followed by gerunds like 'swimming' and 'running.' Therefore, only choice B maintains proper parallel structure by using gerunds ('hiking,' 'swimming,' and 'running') consistently.