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 a run-on sentence?

A. I went to the store, and I bought some milk.
B. The cat slept on the mat; she purred softly.
C. He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
D. We can go to the park, or we can stay home.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The cat slept on the mat; she purred softly.' This sentence is a run-on because it contains two independent clauses ('The cat slept on the mat' and 'she purred softly') without proper punctuation. Choice A is incorrect as it is a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction 'and' joining two independent clauses. Choice C is also incorrect as it is a compound sentence connected by a coordinating conjunction 'so.' Choice D is not a run-on sentence; it is a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction 'or' joining two independent clauses.

3. Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to set off a non-essential element?

A. The teacher, who lives next door, will visit our class next week.
B. The teacher who lives next door will visit our class next week.
C. The teacher, who, by the way, lives next door, will visit our class next week.
D. The teacher will visit our class next week, who lives next door.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In this sentence, the phrase 'who lives next door' is a non-essential element providing additional information about the teacher. It is correctly set off by commas. Choice B does not use any commas to set off the non-essential element, making the information essential to the sentence. Choice C uses an unnecessary comma before 'who,' which disrupts the flow of the sentence. Choice D incorrectly places the non-essential element at the end of the sentence without appropriate commas, making it less clear and concise.

4. Which of the following demonstrates correct punctuation of a quotation?

A. "You should have never invited Shane to that party," said Jessica, "if you didn't want him to run into Blayne."
B. "You should have never invited Shane to that party," said Jessica. "If you didn't want him to run into Blayne."
C. "You should have never invited Shane to that party," said Jessica, "if you didn't want him to run into Blayne."
D. "You should have never invited Shane to that party," said Jessica, "If you didn't want him to run into Blayne."

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as it demonstrates the correct punctuation of a quotation. In this sentence, the comma is correctly placed inside the quotation marks after 'party' and 'Blayne.' This follows the standard rule in punctuation where commas and periods should always be placed inside the closing quotation mark. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B incorrectly places a period before the closing quotation mark after 'Jessica,' which is not necessary. Choice C misses a comma inside the quotation marks after 'party,' leading to incorrect punctuation. Choice D incorrectly capitalizes 'If' within the quotation, which is not part of the original sentence.

5. Which word is most closely associated with the adjective 'ambiguous'?

A. Precise
B. Vague
C. Definite
D. Straightforward

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'ambiguous' implies having multiple interpretations or uncertainty, which aligns closely with 'vague,' the correct answer. 'Vague' denotes a lack of clarity or definiteness, making it the most appropriate synonym in this context. 'Precise' (Choice A) is the opposite of ambiguous, indicating exactness and clarity, so it is not the best choice. 'Definite' (Choice C) also contrasts with ambiguous as it suggests clear and certain meaning. 'Straightforward' (Choice D) implies directness and simplicity, which does not capture the essence of ambiguity.