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 phrases follows the rules of capitalization?

A. President Carter and his advisors
B. Robert Jones, the senior Senator from California
C. my Aunt and Uncle who live out West
D. the party on New Year’s Eve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In this phrase, the words 'Senator' and 'California' are capitalized correctly since they refer to a specific position and a proper noun, respectively. 'Senator' is capitalized as it is part of the title and 'California' is capitalized as a proper noun. Choice A is incorrect because 'President' should be capitalized when it precedes a specific name, like 'President Carter.' Choice C is incorrect because 'Aunt' and 'Uncle' are not proper nouns and should not be capitalized. Choice D is incorrect because only 'New Year's Eve' should be capitalized as it is a proper noun for the event.

3. After a long, exhausting hike, Stephanie went home and fell asleep on the couch, which she had done many times before. Which comma should be removed in the sentence above?

A. The comma after the word 'long'
B. The comma after the word 'hike'
C. The comma after the word 'home'
D. The comma after the word 'couch'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The comma after 'home' is unnecessary and should be removed. In this sentence, 'and' is joining two independent clauses, which doesn't require a comma before it. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are correctly placed commas within the sentence.

4. Which of the following would belong in a formal speech?

A. We all need to work together to make this school better. First, we need to organize a list of our issues. Then we need to form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. Finally, we need to implement those solutions.
B. Our purpose is to work together to improve the quality of education at this school. Ideally, we need to organize a list of our issues. Secondly, we need to form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. Then, we need to implement some solutions.
C. We all have to work together to make this school much better than before. First, we need to express what is on our minds. We have to form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. And, we need to talk about those solutions.
D. It is possible for us to discuss the problems in school and solve them. Certainly, we need to organize a list of our issues. For instance, we should form small groups to discuss them and find solutions. Finally, we need to implement those solutions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it uses formal language, appropriate structure, and organized transitions like 'Ideally,' 'Secondly,' and 'Then,' which are essential for a formal speech. The tone is professional and clear, with well-constructed sentences that effectively convey the necessary information. Options A, C, and D either use informal language, lack the organized flow needed in a formal setting, or have less professional tone. Therefore, Option B stands out as the best fit for a formal speech.

5. Which of the following represents the correct plural form of the word 'syllabus'?

A. Syllabus
B. Syllaba
C. Syllabi
D. Syllabis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct plural form of 'syllabus' is 'syllabi.' In English, when a word ends in -us, the plural form is often changed to -i. Therefore, 'Syllabi' is the correct plural form. Choice A, 'Syllabus,' is the singular form, not the plural. Choice B, 'Syllaba,' does not follow the standard pluralization rule for words ending in -us. Choice D, 'Syllabis,' is an incorrect plural form that does not follow the standard English pluralization rules.