which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation?

A. Carole is not currently working; her focus is on her children at the moment.
B. Carole is not currently working, and her focus is on her children at the moment.
C. Carole is not currently working; her focus is on her children at the moment.
D. Carole is not currently working, her focus is on her children at the moment.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A uses correct punctuation by correctly utilizing the semicolon to separate two closely related independent clauses. This punctuation choice effectively conveys the relationship between the two ideas presented in the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it uses a comma without a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as it lacks the coordinating conjunction 'and' after the comma to connect the two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it lacks any punctuation or conjunction to properly separate the two independent clauses, leading to a run-on sentence.

2. The connection caused an insatiable curiosity within Helen. What does the word 'engendered' mean as used in this sentence?

A. Caused to exist
B. Made sense of
C. Connected
D. Satisfied

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'engendered' in this context means to cause something to come into existence or to bring about. In the sentence, it indicates that the connection sparked an insatiable curiosity within Helen, suggesting that it created or triggered this strong curiosity in her. Choice B, 'Made sense of,' is incorrect as 'engendered' does not imply making sense of something. Choice C, 'Connected,' is incorrect as 'engendered' goes beyond just establishing a connection, it means to cause or produce. Choice D, 'Satisfied,' is incorrect as 'engendered' does not mean satisfied, but rather initiating or creating something.

3. Which of the following points of view is indicated by the word 'she' in the sentence: 'She went to the store after school'?

A. first-person singular
B. third-person plural
C. second-person plural
D. third-person singular

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'third-person singular.' In the sentence 'She went to the store after school,' the word 'she' is a third-person pronoun, indicating that the narrator is talking about someone else (not themselves) in singular form. First-person singular involves the narrator talking about themselves, second-person plural would involve addressing a group of people, and third-person plural would refer to multiple individuals, which are not the case in this sentence.

4. What is the most effective way to combine the two sentences below?

A. German cuisine is known for its hearty meat and potato dishes but families often enjoy a rich Sunday dinner of roast meat, potatoes, and cabbage.
B. German cuisine is known for its hearty meat and potato dishes, but families often enjoy a rich Sunday dinner of roast meat, potatoes, and cabbage.
C. German cuisine is known for its hearty meat and potato dishes and families often enjoy a rich Sunday dinner of roast meat, potatoes, and cabbage.
D. German cuisine is known for its hearty meat and potato dishes, and families often enjoy a rich Sunday dinner of roast meat, potatoes, and cabbage.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. This choice effectively combines the two sentences with the use of a comma before 'and' to connect the two related but independent clauses. The comma helps to separate the contrasting information about German cuisine and the Sunday dinner, maintaining a clear and coherent structure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they either lack the necessary punctuation or use 'but' instead of 'and,' which disrupts the flow of the combined sentence and fails to convey the intended relationship between the two ideas.

5. Parrots, among the most intelligent birds in the world, have been prized pets for many centuries; in fact, the first recorded instance of parrot training was written in the thirteenth century. Which of the following is a synonym for prized as used in the sentence?

A. unlikely
B. misunderstood
C. rewarded
D. valued

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, 'prized' is used to describe how much people value parrots as pets. Synonyms for 'prized' in this context would include esteemed, cherished, or valued, making option D the most suitable choice. Options A, B, and C do not accurately capture the meaning of 'prized' in this sentence.