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. What is the correct plural form of the noun 'class'?

A. Class
B. Class'
C. Class's
D. Classes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct plural form of the noun 'class' is 'classes.' When forming the plural of 'class,' you add 'es' to the singular form. Choices A, B, and C do not correctly represent the plural form of 'class' and are therefore incorrect. Choice A is the singular form, choice B is incorrect as it includes an apostrophe, and choice C shows possession which is not required for pluralization.

3. Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct use of an apostrophe?

A. In one version of the story, there are seven fairies invited to the christening, while in another version there are twelve fairies.
B. Some historians believe that the number twelve represents the shift from a lunar year of thirteen months to a solar year of twelve months.
C. Other historians claim that the symbolism in the fairy tale is more about nature and the shifting seasons.
D. Regardless of its meaning, the fairy tale remains popular and has been immortalized in Tchaikovsky's music for the ballet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'Other historians claim that the symbolism in the fairy tale is more about nature and the shifting seasons,' demonstrates the correct use of an apostrophe. The apostrophe in 'season’s' indicates the possessive form of 'seasons,' correctly showing ownership by the shifting seasons. Choices A, B, and D do not showcase the correct use of an apostrophe. Choice A incorrectly uses 'fairy’s' instead of 'fairies,' which is the plural form of 'fairy.' Choice B uses 'historians’' which is correct for the possessive form but does not relate to the use of an apostrophe. Choice D correctly uses 'Tchaikovsky's' to indicate possession by Tchaikovsky.

4. What kinds of clauses does the following sentence contain? "Although Ted had an impressive education, he had little experience working with individuals, which made him less effective at relating to them."

A. Two dependent clauses and one independent clause
B. One dependent clause and two independent clauses
C. Two independent clauses and no dependent clauses
D. One dependent clause and one independent clause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sentence consists of one dependent clause, 'Although Ted had an impressive education,' which introduces a condition. It also contains two independent clauses: 'he had little experience working with individuals,' which presents a fact, and 'which made him less effective at relating to them,' which provides additional information. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because it incorrectly identifies the number of independent and dependent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as it wrongly states that there are no dependent clauses in the sentence. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the structure of the sentence.

5. I truly believe that one cup of coffee a day is neither too much nor too little caffeine for me, but exactly the right amount. Which of the following words is misspelled in the sentence above?

A. caffeine
B. truly
C. neither
D. exactly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'caffeine.' The word 'caffeine' is spelled with only one 'e' after the 'f,' not 'caffiene.' 'Truly,' 'neither,' and 'exactly' are all spelled correctly in the sentence provided.