choose the sentence that demonstrates correct use of the semicolon

ATI TEAS 7

Practice English TEAS TEST

1. Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct use of the semicolon.

A. I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.
B. I have a test; tomorrow I need to study.
C. I have a test tomorrow.
D. I have a test tomorrow; and I need to study.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is demonstrated in sentence A: 'I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.' Semicolons are used to connect closely related independent clauses. In this sentence, the semicolon correctly separates the two independent clauses 'I have a test tomorrow' and 'I need to study.' Choice B is incorrect because it separates the clauses improperly by using the semicolon after 'test' instead of after 'tomorrow.' Choice C is incorrect as it lacks a second independent clause to be connected using a semicolon. Choice D is incorrect as it inappropriately adds 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct use of the punctuation mark to link independent clauses.

2. 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.

3. Caret, carrot, and to, two, and too share something in common. They:

A. Are nouns
B. Are monosyllabic
C. Are homophones
D. Represent things in nature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Caret, carrot, and to, two, and too are all examples of homophones. Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. In this case, while these words are spelled differently and have different meanings, they are pronounced the same way. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because these words being discussed do not all fall under the same grammatical category as nouns, monosyllabic words, or representations of things in nature. The commonality among these words lies in being homophones, not in being nouns, monosyllabic, or representations of nature.

4. Which of the following sentences is written in the active voice?

A. John threw the ball.
B. The ball was thrown by John.
C. The ball had been thrown by John.
D. The ball is thrown by John.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'John threw the ball.' Active voice sentences have the subject performing the action, which is the case in this sentence where 'John' is the subject performing the action 'threw.' Choices A, C, and D are in passive voice where the subject receives the action rather than performing it.

5. Where can you typically find the thesis statement of an essay?

A. Conclusion
B. Introduction
C. Body paragraph
D. Bibliography

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The thesis statement of an essay is usually located in the introduction. This is where the author establishes the main idea or argument that will be developed throughout the essay. The conclusion (Choice A) summarizes the main points and restates the thesis but does not introduce it. Body paragraphs (Choice C) provide supporting details and arguments, while the bibliography (Choice D) lists the sources used in the essay, not the thesis statement.