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. Typically, water that has evaporated remains in the sky in cloud form for less than ten days before falling to Earth again as precipitation. Which of the following parts of speech is 'remains' as used in the sentence?

A. noun
B. verb
C. adjective
D. adverb

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the sentence, 'water that has evaporated remains in the sky,' the word 'remains' is functioning as a verb. It is describing the action of water staying in the sky in cloud form for a certain duration. Verbs are words that express actions, occurrences, or states of being, and in this case, 'remains' is indicating the state of the water being in the sky in cloud form. The other choices are incorrect: 'noun' refers to a person, place, thing, or idea; 'adjective' describes or modifies a noun; and 'adverb' typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, but in this sentence, 'remains' is not being modified by an adverb.

3. Julia is writing an essay about the influence of technology on interpersonal relationships. Which of the following sentences would NOT be a relevant supporting detail?

A. Studies show that the more teenagers engage in social media, the less they engage with their peers.
B. College students study and work on homework an average of 4-6 hours a day.
C. Use of technology such as smartphones can lead to a lack of engagement in conversations.
D. Some psychologists think that watching TV activates the same part of the brain as having an in-depth conversation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In an essay focusing on the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships, details about college students' study habits and homework workload are not directly related to the influence of technology on relationships. Choices A, C, and D are more relevant as they directly address the impact of technology, such as social media engagement, smartphone usage affecting conversations, and the comparison between TV-watching and brain activity during conversations.

4. 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.

5. Which word is a synonym for 'brief'?

A. Short
B. Long
C. Detailed
D. Wordy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 'Short' is the correct answer because it is a synonym for 'brief,' meaning concise or not lengthy. 'Long' (Choice B) is the opposite of 'brief.' 'Detailed' (Choice C) and 'Wordy' (Choice D) both imply a level of depth or excess information, making them incorrect choices.