which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon

ATI TEAS 7

Practice English TEAS TEST

1. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
B. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
C. I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.
D. I have a big test tomorrow; but I can't go out tonight.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is to join two closely related independent clauses. Choice A is the only option that correctly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses: 'I have a big test tomorrow' and 'I can't go out tonight.' Choice B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a semicolon. Choice C adds an unnecessary 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct punctuation usage. Choice D introduces a contradictory conjunction 'but' after the semicolon, which is not necessary for the given context. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

2. Which of the following sentences contains a colloquialism?

A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pretty sure that the Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites.
B. Travelers who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should consult a doctor.
C. Some theories on the Zika virus are difficult to understand.
D. In response, the U.S. has taken steps to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the phrase 'pretty sure' is a colloquialism, making the sentence less formal. Choice B is incorrect as it is a formal recommendation. Choice C is incorrect as it contains no colloquial expressions. Choice D is incorrect as it is a straightforward statement without colloquial language.

3. What is the most likely context of the following conversation: 'Yup, you too... hey wait, what are you up to tonight, anyways?'

A. A boss is asking an employee about their schedule to see if they can work late.
B. A speaker is practicing a speech for a debate about working overtime.
C. A friend is asking another friend about their plans for the evening.
D. An investigator is discussing research on acceptable work schedules.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The informal tone and casual language, such as 'hey wait' and 'what are you up to tonight, anyways?' suggest that the speaker is a friend inquiring about the plans of another friend. This type of conversation is typical among peers and not in a professional setting, ruling out choices A and D. Choice B is incorrect because there is no indication of a debate or formal speech practice in the conversation.

4. Which of the following is a run-on sentence?

A. I went to the store, and I bought some milk.
B. The cat slept on the mat; she purred softly.
C. He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
D. We can go to the park, or we can stay home.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The cat slept on the mat; she purred softly.' This sentence is a run-on because it contains two independent clauses ('The cat slept on the mat' and 'she purred softly') without proper punctuation. Choice A is incorrect as it is a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction 'and' joining two independent clauses. Choice C is also incorrect as it is a compound sentence connected by a coordinating conjunction 'so.' Choice D is not a run-on sentence; it is a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction 'or' joining two independent clauses.

5. Brady had never been skiing before. She took to the slopes like a natural.

A. Unless
B. But
C. Therefore
D. Before

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'But.' In this context, 'But' is a conjunction that correctly connects the two independent clauses, indicating a contrast. The first sentence states that Brady had never skied before, while the second sentence reveals that she performed well on the slopes, showing a surprising contrast to her lack of experience. 'Unless' implies a condition that needs to be met for a particular situation, which is not relevant here. 'Therefore' indicates a conclusion or result, which does not fit the context of the contrasting statements. 'Before' is a preposition that doesn't serve the purpose of connecting the two ideas presented in the sentences.