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. In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

A. In a seminar
B. Writing a postcard
C. Talking to your boss
D. Participating in a professional conference

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is writing a postcard (Choice B). A postcard is a casual form of communication, typically sent to friends or family, making it a suitable context for informal language. Using informal language in a seminar (Choice A) would be inappropriate as it is a formal setting where professional language is expected. Talking to your boss (Choice C) and participating in a professional conference (Choice D) also require formal language to maintain professionalism and respect for the workplace environment.

3. What part of speech is the word 'results' in the sentence 'The students eagerly awaited the results'?

A. Verb
B. Noun
C. Adjective
D. Adverb

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, 'results' is the direct object of the verb 'awaited,' functioning as a noun. Hence, option B, 'Noun,' is correct. The students were eagerly waiting for what? The results - which makes 'results' a noun in this context. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Results' is not describing a verb, an adjective, or an adverb in the sentence; it is the object of the students' anticipation, indicating a noun.

4. What is the part of speech of the word 'fresh' in the sentence: 'We need to come up with a fresh approach to this problem'?

A. Noun
B. Verb
C. Adverb
D. Adjective

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'fresh' is an adjective in this sentence. Adjectives modify or describe nouns, and in this case, 'fresh' describes the noun 'approach.' A noun refers to a person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., 'apple'). A verb is a word that expresses action or state of being (e.g., 'run'). An adverb usually modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb by providing more information about how, when, where, or to what extent something is done (e.g., 'quickly'). In this sentence, 'fresh' is not a noun, verb, or adverb, making 'adjective' the correct choice.

5. Identify the conjunction in the following sentence:

A. went
B. to
C. but
D. they

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: but.' Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. In the sentence 'He went to the store, but they were already closed,' 'but' is a conjunction that joins two contrasting ideas - him going to the store and finding it closed. Choice 'A: went' is a verb, not a conjunction. Choice 'B: to' is a preposition, not a conjunction. Choice 'D: they' is a pronoun, not a conjunction.