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. Every morning we would wake up, eat breakfast, and break camp. Which of the following is the correct revision for the sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. we would wake up, eat breakfast, and break camp.
C. would we wake up, eat breakfast, and break camp?
D. we are waking up, eating breakfast, and breaking camp.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'we would wake up, eat breakfast, and break camp.' The original sentence is a list of actions in the past, so the verb 'break' should also be in the past tense to maintain consistency. Choice A is incorrect because 'broke' is incorrect in this context. Choice C is a question format and does not fit the original sentence structure. Choice D changes the tense to present progressive, which does not match the past tense context of the sentence.

3. “His ego was as big as the tallest mountain.” This sentence is an example of which figure of speech?

A. Hyperbole
B. Idiom
C. Simile
D. Metaphor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: This sentence is an example of a simile because it compares 'his ego' to 'the tallest mountain' using the word 'as.' Similes use 'like' or 'as' to create a comparison, which is the case here. A metaphor, on the other hand, does not use 'like' or 'as' but instead states that one thing is another. Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, while idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal interpretation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'C: Simile.'

4. Select the meaning of the word 'somnambulist' in the sentence based on the context clues: 'If you wake up outside in your pajamas in the middle of the night, you may be a somnambulist.'

A. Explorer
B. Magician
C. Insomniac
D. Sleepwalker

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Sleepwalker.' A somnambulist is someone who walks or performs other activities while asleep, commonly known as a sleepwalker. In the given sentence, the context of waking up outside in pajamas in the middle of the night indicates an occurrence associated with sleepwalking. Choice A, 'Explorer,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the behavior described. Choice B, 'Magician,' is not related to the context of sleepwalking. Choice C, 'Insomniac,' refers to a person who has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which is not the meaning conveyed in the sentence. Therefore, 'D: Sleepwalker' is the most appropriate choice based on the context clues provided.

5. Which word in the following sentence is an adverb?

A. Likely
B. Annoyed
C. Assigned
D. Unnecessary

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Likely.' An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this sentence, 'likely' is an adverb that modifies the verb 'annoyed,' expressing the probability or likelihood of the action. The other choices, 'B: Annoyed,' 'C: Assigned,' and 'D: Unnecessary,' are not adverbs. 'Annoyed' is a past tense verb, 'Assigned' is a past tense verb, and 'Unnecessary' is an adjective describing the type of busy work assigned. Therefore, 'A: Likely' is the only adverb in the sentence.