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. Select the book title that does not contain a preposition.

A. The Man in the Brown Suit
B. The Secret of Chimneys
C. Murder on the Orient Express
D. And Then There Were None

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D' - 'And Then There Were None.' This title does not contain a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. In this title, 'And,' 'Then,' 'There,' and 'None' are not prepositions; they are conjunctions and pronouns. Choices A, B, and C all contain prepositions: 'in,' 'of,' and 'on,' respectively. Therefore, they are incorrect answers for this question.

3. Which of the following is a correct thesis statement?

A. President Perez pledged to improve living conditions for all during her well-attended inauguration speech, which drew thunderous applause.
B. President Perez graduated first in her class at Harvard University after defending a capstone project on inequality.
C. President Perez is our greatest leader because her proposal of a universal income will eradicate inequity among citizens.
D. President Perez was interviewed on television in February, where she spoke without commercial interruption for 1 hour.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct thesis statement because it presents a clear argument or claim, making it a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement asserts President Perez as the greatest leader based on her proposal of a universal income to eradicate inequity among citizens. This statement sets a specific focus and direction for the essay or discussion that follows. Choices A, B, and D do not function as thesis statements. Choice A provides a descriptive event but lacks a clear argument. Choice B highlights an achievement but does not establish a central claim. Choice D mentions an interview but does not present a focused argument as required in a thesis statement.

4. Which of the following statements would require a citation?

A. The rate of increase in gasoline prices is unprecedented.
B. I saw on the news that gas prices are increasing.
C. Economic Times reported that gas prices are up 11% from last month.
D. My friend and I were shocked by how much gas cost when we filled up yesterday.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because when referencing a specific report, publication, or statistic like 'gas prices are up 11% from last month,' a citation is necessary to provide credibility and allow readers to verify the information. Choice A is a general statement about gasoline prices and does not require a citation as it is commonly known information. Choice B is a personal observation and not a direct reference to a specific source that would require a citation. Choice D is an anecdotal experience and does not present verifiable data that necessitates a citation.

5. Which of the following examples from the paragraph about the Silk Road is a transition sentence?

A. The Silk Road got its name from Chinese silk, which was a major item traded along the route.
B. However, there were many other important trade items, some of which would end up changing the world forever.
C. Because the Silk Road was not just one single road, historians also use the term 'Silk Routes' to describe the network.
D. The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that stretched from China through India all the way to Africa, Greece, Rome, and Great Britain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer because it serves as a transition sentence in the paragraph about the Silk Road. It shifts the focus from Chinese silk being a major trade item to the introduction of other important trade items that had a significant impact on the world. This transition indicates a change in the topic being discussed within the paragraph. Choices A, C, and D do not serve as transition sentences. Choice A simply introduces the origin of the Silk Road's name, choice C provides additional information about the network without transitioning to a new topic, and choice D gives a general description of the Silk Road without transitioning to a different aspect of the trade routes.