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 types of writing would include a bibliography of sources at the end?

A. An article for a school paper
B. A research paper on the Great Migration
C. A short story for a magazine
D. A personal essay about someone's father

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A research paper typically includes a bibliography of sources to document the research conducted. In this case, a research paper on the Great Migration would require a bibliography to cite the sources used. Choices A, C, and D do not typically require a bibliography as they are not research-based and focus more on personal or fictional content.

3. Identify the type of clause in the sentence: 'While the rain poured, they huddled inside for warmth.'

A. Main clause
B. Subordinate clause
C. Appositive clause
D. Noun clause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The clause 'While the rain poured' is a subordinate clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and provides additional information about the main action 'they huddled inside'. Subordinate clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'while', 'because', 'if', etc. They rely on the main clause for context and meaning. In this sentence, the main action is 'they huddled inside,' making 'While the rain poured' a subordinate clause. The other choices are incorrect: An appositive clause renames or explains a noun, a noun clause functions as a noun within a sentence, and a main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

4. What is the meaning of the idiom 'to bite off more than one can chew'?

A. To be overly confident
B. To take on more than one can handle
C. To be easily discouraged
D. To be meticulous in planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To bite off more than one can chew' means to take on more than one can handle or to undertake a task exceeding one's capabilities. This idiom warns against overcommitting oneself and facing difficulties in managing the workload effectively. Choice A, 'To be overly confident,' is incorrect as the idiom implies a situation of overestimating one's capacity rather than confidence. Choice C, 'To be easily discouraged,' is not related to the idiom's meaning, which focuses on task difficulty rather than emotional response. Choice D, 'To be meticulous in planning,' is not accurate as the idiom refers to the execution of tasks rather than the planning phase.

5. Which of the following is NOT an example of a phrase that might be found within the transition sentence of a paragraph?

A. In the same way
B. Research proves that
C. Another reason for this is
D. As a result

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In academic writing, transition sentences are used to connect ideas within a paragraph. Phrases like 'In the same way,' 'Another reason for this is,' and 'As a result' are commonly used to transition between different points. However, 'Research proves that' is more indicative of a factual statement rather than a transitional phrase. It presents information rather than smoothly transitioning between ideas, making it the correct choice as it does not fit the typical structure and function of a transition sentence.