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 of the following movie titles contains a pronoun?

A. Rear Window
B. North by Northwest
C. The Trouble with Harry
D. The Man Who Knew Too Much

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The title "The Man Who Knew Too Much" contains the pronoun "who."

3. Julia is writing an essay about the influence of technology on interpersonal relationships. Which of the following sentences would NOT be a relevant supporting detail?

A. Studies show that the more teenagers engage in social media, the less they engage with their peers.
B. College students study and work on homework an average of 4-6 hours a day.
C. Use of technology such as smartphones can lead to a lack of engagement in conversations.
D. Some psychologists think that watching TV activates the same part of the brain as having an in-depth conversation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In an essay focusing on the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships, details about college students' study habits and homework workload are not directly related to the influence of technology on relationships. Choices A, C, and D are more relevant as they directly address the impact of technology, such as social media engagement, smartphone usage affecting conversations, and the comparison between TV-watching and brain activity during conversations.

4. He had to fill out a health history ____ before seeing the doctor.

A. questionnaire
B. questionaire
C. questionnare
D. questionairre

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'questionnaire.' A questionnaire is a set of questions used for gathering information. The incorrect choices B, C, and D have misspellings of the word 'questionnaire.' 'Questionaire,' 'questionnare,' and 'questionairre' are not correct spellings and may lead to confusion or misunderstanding. It is essential to use the correct spelling to ensure clear communication in healthcare settings.

5. She is a fierce competitor, and nothing is going to keep her from running that marathon despite a hamstring injury. Which of the following describes the grammar problem in the sentence above?

A. Poor diction
B. Ambiguous word choice
C. Tense disagreement
D. Inappropriate transition word choice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, tense disagreement. The sentence contains a tense disagreement between 'was' and 'is.' 'She is a fierce competitor' and 'nothing is going to keep her' are in the present tense, while 'was going to keep her' should also be in the present tense to maintain consistency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the issue in the sentence is related to verb tense, not diction, word choice, or transition words.