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. Identify the relative clause in the sentence 'The book that won the award was a bestseller.'

A. 'The book'
B. 'that won the award'
C. 'was a bestseller'
D. 'award'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: 'that won the award.' A relative clause provides additional information about a noun in the sentence. In this case, 'that won the award' is the relative clause specifying which book out of all books is being referred to. It is essential to recognize and understand relative clauses for better comprehension of sentence structures. Choice A ('The book') is the main noun phrase and not a relative clause. Choice C ('was a bestseller') is the main clause of the sentence, not a relative clause. Choice D ('award') is a noun but not a relative clause as it does not provide additional information about a noun in the sentence.

3. Which of the following uses introductory punctuation correctly?

A. Since we only have ten minutes, there isn't time for coffee.
B. Since we only have ten minutes; there isn't time for coffee.
C. Since we only have ten minutes, there isn't time for coffee.
D. Since we only have ten minutes: there isn't time for coffee.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is the correct answer as it uses introductory punctuation correctly by placing a comma after the introductory clause 'Since we only have ten minutes.' Commas are used to separate introductory phrases or clauses from the main clause in a sentence. Option A is incorrect as it lacks the necessary comma after the introductory phrase. Option B uses a semicolon, which is not typically used in this context. Option D uses a colon, which is not appropriate for introducing the following clause in this sentence structure.

4. Based on the word choices in the following sentence, which of the following is the most likely meaning of the prefix per-?

A. Across
B. By
C. With
D. Through

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The prefix 'per-' commonly means 'through,' indicating movement from one side to the other or completely through something. In this context, 'through' is the most fitting interpretation as it aligns with the idea of complete passage or thorough involvement. The other options do not convey the concept of going completely through something. 'Across' implies moving from one side to another but not necessarily all the way through. 'By' denotes proximity or secondary involvement rather than passage through. 'With' indicates accompaniment or association, which is not reflective of the prefix per- in terms of movement or completion.

5. As the tour group approached the bottom of Chichen Itza, the prodigious Mayan pyramid, they became nervous about climbing its distant peak. Based on the context of the sentence, which of the following words shows the correct meaning of the word prodigious?

A. Very large
B. Famous
C. Very old
D. Fancy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, the word 'prodigious' is used to describe the Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza. The tour group's nervousness about climbing its distant peak indicates that the pyramid is impressive in size and scale, invoking a sense of awe or grandeur. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'prodigious' in this context would be 'very large.' Choice B, 'Famous,' is incorrect as the sentence focuses on the size rather than the fame of the pyramid. Choice C, 'Very old,' and choice D, 'Fancy,' do not accurately capture the intended meaning of 'prodigious' as used in this context.