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. Which of the following is part of the last step of the writing process?

A. Proofreading
B. Brainstorming
C. Citing primary sources
D. Identifying a thesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proofreading is an essential part of the last step in the writing process. During proofreading, you carefully review your written work to correct errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. This step ensures that your writing is polished and error-free before submission. Brainstorming, citing primary sources, and identifying a thesis are typically parts of the earlier stages of the writing process. Brainstorming involves generating ideas, citing primary sources is about researching and providing evidence, and identifying a thesis is establishing the main argument or focus of your writing.

3. Which sentence correctly answers the question: What were you doing when the thunderstorm started?

A. I mowed the lawn.
B. I am mowing the lawn.
C. I was mowing the lawn.
D. I have mowed the lawn.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: I was mowing the lawn.' This sentence correctly uses the past continuous tense to indicate an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past when the thunderstorm started. Choice A 'I mowed the lawn' is in simple past tense, not past continuous, and does not convey the ongoing nature of the action. Choice B 'I am mowing the lawn' is in present continuous tense, not past continuous, and does not match the past timeframe. Choice D 'I have mowed the lawn' is in present perfect tense, not past continuous, and does not convey the ongoing action at a specific past time.

4. Which sentence does not need quotation marks because it is an indirect quotation?

A. Dr. Martin Luther King said, I have a dream!
B. John F. Kennedy announced plans to go to the moon.
C. We have nothing to fear but fear itself, said President Roosevelt in his inauguration speech.
D. Benjamin Franklin wrote the famous saying, Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An indirect quotation does not require quotation marks as it paraphrases what was said without directly quoting it. Sentence B, 'John F. Kennedy announced plans to go to the moon,' is an example of an indirect quotation as it conveys the information without using the exact words spoken by Kennedy. Choices A, C, and D directly quote the individuals and thus require quotation marks, making them incorrect answers.

5. Which of the following best describes the peer review process?

A. It guarantees acceptance of all papers
B. It requires time and attention to complete
C. It is a straightforward task
D. It enables instant publication of papers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the peer review process demands time and attention for a thorough evaluation by experts. Choice A is incorrect because peer review does not guarantee acceptance of all papers; rather, it aims to assess the quality and validity of research. Choice C is incorrect as peer review is not always a simple or straightforward task due to the detailed scrutiny involved. Choice D is incorrect because peer review does not allow papers to be published instantly; instead, it involves a rigorous evaluation process before publication.