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 is a simple sentence?

A. Phillippa walked the dog, and Primula gave the dog a bath.
B. Phillippa walked and bathed the dog, and Primula helped.
C. Phillippa walked the dog, while Primula gave the dog a bath.
D. Phillippa and Primula walked the dog and gave the dog a bath.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A simple sentence contains only one independent clause. Choice D, 'Phillippa and Primula walked the dog and gave the dog a bath,' is a simple sentence as it consists of a single subject (Phillippa and Primula) and predicate (walked the dog and gave the dog a bath). Choices A, B, and C contain multiple clauses or conjunctions that create compound sentences, making them more complex and not fitting the criteria of a simple sentence.

3. What kind of error does the following sentence contain? Some workers use all their sick leave, other workers cash out their leave.

A. Parallelism
B. Comma splice
C. Sentence fragment
D. Subject-verb agreement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Comma splice. A comma splice is present in the sentence, where two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma. In this case, 'Some workers use all their sick leave' and 'other workers cash out their leave' are two independent clauses that should be separated by a conjunction or a stronger punctuation mark like a semicolon or period. Choice A, parallelism, is incorrect because the error in the sentence is not related to maintaining parallel structure. Choice C, sentence fragment, is incorrect as the sentence contains two independent clauses, not fragments. Choice D, subject-verb agreement, is also incorrect as the error in the sentence does not involve agreement between subjects and verbs.

4. Read the following passage and answer the question: The thesis of this paper will be on the development of an experiment designed to detect flaws in how a golf ball is hit. Sometimes it can be hit perfectly, but sometimes it can be a bust. Based on the language in the passage, which of the following scenarios is correct?

A. The writer is a professional in a business environment.
B. The writer is a researcher writing for a scientific journal.
C. The writer is a student writing a first draft of a paper.
D. The writer is an author of literature.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage indicates that the writer is a student writing a first draft of a paper. The language used in the passage is informal and lacks precision, suggesting it is not written by a professional in a business environment or a researcher for a scientific journal. The focus on experimenting with hitting a golf ball also aligns more with a student exploring a topic rather than an established author of literature.

5. Which of the following correctly completes the sentence? 'A childhood reading of Tales from Shakespeare permanently _____ Helene’s interest in studying the Great Bard.'

A. piqued
B. peaked
C. peked
D. peeked

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'piqued' means to stimulate or arouse interest or curiosity. In this context, the sentence is referring to Helene’s interest in Shakespeare being stirred or awakened, which makes 'piqued' the correct word. Both 'peaked' and 'peeked' have different meanings (reaching the highest point and looking quickly, respectively) that do not fit the sentence. 'Peked' is not a valid word and does not make sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, option 'A' is the correct choice.