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. They were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat. Which of the following sentences is written correctly and provides a clear explanation?

A. Because the majority of survivors came from first class, they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.
B. Because of this, the majority of survivors came from first class, as they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.
C. Because of this, the majority of survivors came from first class, they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.
D. Because of this, the majority of survivors came from first class, as they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B provides a clear and grammatically correct explanation for why the majority of survivors came from first class - they were able to reach the deck fastest to get a seat on a lifeboat. The phrase 'Because of this' properly introduces the reason that follows. In Option A, a comma after 'Because' is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence. In Option C, 'Because this' is incomplete and lacks proper connection to the subsequent clause. Option D, similar to Option C, lacks clarity due to the absence of a full linking phrase. Therefore, Option B is the best choice as it conveys the explanation effectively and without grammatical errors.

3. Who is probably the oldest person in my family?

A. My Uncle Johan
B. The oldest person
C. The oldest person in my family
D. Family

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: The oldest person in my family.' The complete subject of the sentence is 'The oldest person in my family,' which includes all the words that describe who or what the sentence is about. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not form a complete subject that accurately represents who the sentence is referring to in the context of the family relationship.

4. What is the tone of the following sentence: 'The presentation was informative and engaging'?

A. Sarcastic
B. Neutral
C. Angry
D. Confused

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sentence 'The presentation was informative and engaging' conveys a neutral tone because it provides a factual description of the presentation without any hints of sarcasm, anger, or confusion. The use of 'informative and engaging' indicates a positive evaluation but does not express any emotional bias or negativity, qualifying it as a neutral statement. Choice A, 'Sarcastic,' is incorrect because there are no indications of mockery or insincerity in the sentence. Choice C, 'Angry,' is incorrect as there are no elements of displeasure or hostility. Choice D, 'Confused,' is incorrect since the sentence does not suggest any confusion or lack of understanding.

5. What kind of error does the following sentence contain? Some workers use all their sick leave, other workers cash out their leave.

A. Parallelism
B. Comma splice
C. Sentence fragment
D. Subject-verb agreement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Comma splice. A comma splice is present in the sentence, where two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma. In this case, 'Some workers use all their sick leave' and 'other workers cash out their leave' are two independent clauses that should be separated by a conjunction or a stronger punctuation mark like a semicolon or period. Choice A, parallelism, is incorrect because the error in the sentence is not related to maintaining parallel structure. Choice C, sentence fragment, is incorrect as the sentence contains two independent clauses, not fragments. Choice D, subject-verb agreement, is also incorrect as the error in the sentence does not involve agreement between subjects and verbs.