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 sentence uses the colon correctly?

A. I brought snacks: chips, salsa, and guacamole.
B. The winner is Sarah!
C. He loves all things chocolate: cake, ice cream, and candy bars.
D. Please bring the following items: pen, paper, and stapler.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Colons are used to introduce a list or explanation that follows an independent clause. In this case, option A correctly uses a colon to introduce a list of snacks after an independent clause. Choice B lacks an independent clause before the colon, making it incorrect. Choice C is incorrect as it should have an independent clause before the colon. Choice D incorrectly uses a colon as a comma would be more appropriate to introduce the list of items.

3. Which of the following steps occurs last in the writing process?

A. Revise the content
B. Plan and conduct research
C. Select the topic and write the thesis statement
D. Organize the material into a logical format

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Revise the content.' This step occurs last in the writing process as it involves reviewing the entire work to ensure clarity, coherence, and error-free writing. Choice B, 'Plan and conduct research,' typically takes place at the beginning of the writing process to gather information. Choice C, 'Select the topic and write the thesis statement,' is an early step to define the focus of the writing. Choice D, 'Organize the material into a logical format,' usually occurs after researching and outlining the content but before the final revision stage.

4. Which sentence correctly answers the question: What were you doing when the thunderstorm started?

A. I mowed the lawn.
B. I am mowing the lawn.
C. I was mowing the lawn.
D. I have mowed the lawn.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: I was mowing the lawn.' This sentence correctly uses the past continuous tense to indicate an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past when the thunderstorm started. Choice A 'I mowed the lawn' is in simple past tense, not past continuous, and does not convey the ongoing nature of the action. Choice B 'I am mowing the lawn' is in present continuous tense, not past continuous, and does not match the past timeframe. Choice D 'I have mowed the lawn' is in present perfect tense, not past continuous, and does not convey the ongoing action at a specific past time.

5. By examining the parts of each word, determine which of the following words refers to 'a drug that removes feeling or sensation.'

A. Hyperalgesia
B. Subcranial
C. Hypoglycemic
D. Anaesthetic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Anaesthetic'. 'Anaesthetic' refers to a drug that removes feeling or sensation. The prefix 'ana-' means without, and the root 'esthetic' relates to sensation or feeling. 'Hyperalgesia' refers to increased sensitivity to pain, 'Subcranial' does not relate to drugs or removing sensation, and 'Hypoglycemic' refers to low blood sugar levels, not a drug that removes feeling or sensation.