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 pieces of information would NOT support a thesis about the importance of hands-on learning in early education?

A. Building structures with blocks helps develop fine-motor skills.
B. Using modeling clay helps strengthen small finger and hand muscles.
C. Learning to take good notes helps young students become better listeners.
D. Hopscotch helps children develop coordination and counting skills.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Taking good notes is not a hands-on activity; it is a cognitive skill that does not involve physical interaction or manipulation. Choices A, B, and D all involve physical activities that directly engage a child's hands and body, supporting the thesis about the importance of hands-on learning in early education. Building structures with blocks, using modeling clay, and playing hopscotch all require physical manipulation and engagement, which are key aspects of hands-on learning.

3. Which of the following examples is the correct way for punctuating this quotation?

A. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite, said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookies away."
B. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite" said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookies away.
C. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite," said Philip, "as he pushed the plate of cookies away."
D. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite," said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookies away.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D correctly punctuates the quotation with commas separating the dialogue from the tag and action.

4. 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.

5. Which verb tense is most appropriate to complete this sentence: 'By next week, I _____ the project'?

A. I will be finishing
B. I will have finished
C. I am finishing
D. I would finish

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is option B, 'I will have finished'. This choice correctly expresses a future event (finishing the project) that will be completed before another future point in time (next week). The future perfect tense 'will have finished' is used to show an action that will be completed before a specified future time. Choice A, 'I will be finishing', is incorrect as it indicates an ongoing action that will still be in progress by next week, which is not the intended meaning. Choice C, 'I am finishing', is incorrect as it indicates a present action that is ongoing, not a future event. Choice D, 'I would finish', is incorrect as 'would' is used for hypothetical situations or polite requests, which is not suitable in this context of a future project completion.