which sentence correctly uses a semicolon

HESI A2

Quizlet Vocabulary HESI A2

1. Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
B. She likes apples; oranges are her favorite.
C. I went to the store; and I bought some milk.
D. I like apples, but oranges are better.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sentence 'She likes apples; oranges are her favorite.' correctly uses a semicolon to connect two related independent clauses. The semicolon is used to separate two closely related ideas in a way that is stronger than a comma but not as final as a period. Choice A is incorrect because the conjunction 'but' is missing before 'I can't go out tonight.' Choice C is incorrect as the conjunction 'and' after the semicolon is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because the semicolon is incorrectly placed before 'oranges are better,' where a comma or period would be more appropriate.

2. Select the sentence in which 'snake' is used as a verb.

A. The snake is in the grass
B. He had to snake his way through the crowd
C. The snake slithered away
D. The spy had to snake his way onto the train

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The sentence 'The spy had to snake his way onto the train' correctly uses 'snake' as a verb. In this context, 'snake' is used to describe the spy's action of moving cunningly and stealthily, similar to how a snake slithers, making it the appropriate choice where 'snake' functions as a verb. The other choices use 'snake' as a noun to refer to the reptile itself or its movement, not as a verb.

3. What does 'invasive' mean?

A. Harmless
B. Entering into a body part
C. Mildly irritating
D. Non-penetrative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Entering into a body part.' 'Invasive' refers to something that invades or penetrates into a body part. Choice A, 'Harmless,' is incorrect as invasive implies a negative impact. Choice C, 'Mildly irritating,' is incorrect as invasive implies a more serious intrusion. Choice D, 'Non-penetrative,' is incorrect as invasive specifically denotes penetration or entry.

4. What does Milieu mean?

A. A person's background
B. The environmental condition or setting
C. A person's history
D. The chemical composition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The environmental condition or setting.' Milieu refers to the surroundings or environment in which a person lives or operates. Choice A ('A person's background') is incorrect as it refers more to someone's personal history rather than the external environment. Choice C ('A person's history') is also incorrect as it specifically relates to an individual's past events and experiences. Choice D ('The chemical composition') is unrelated to the meaning of milieu, which pertains to the physical or social setting.

5. The rain will CEASE at sundown.

A. Decrease
B. Begin
C. Stop
D. Increase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'cease' means to stop or come to an end. In the given sentence, it is implied that the rain will stop at sundown, not decrease, begin, or increase. Therefore, the correct option is 'Stop.' 'Decrease' means to become smaller or less, which doesn't fit the context. 'Begin' means to start, which is the opposite of what is stated. 'Increase' means to become or make greater in amount, which is also contrary to the statement.