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 examples uses the correct plural form?

A. Tomatoes
B. Analysis
C. Cacti
D. Criterion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct plural form of 'cactus' is 'cacti' according to the English language rules for forming plural nouns ending in -us. The word 'cacti' is the plural form of 'cactus,' which follows this particular rule. Choice A 'Tomatoes' is incorrect because the correct plural form of 'tomato' is 'tomatoes,' not 'tomatos.' Choice B 'Analysis' is incorrect as it is already the plural form. Choice D 'Criterion' is incorrect as its plural form is 'criteria,' not 'criterion.'

3. What is a recommended strategy during the drafting phase?

A. List all ideas that come to mind without worrying about whether they are good or on-topic.
B. Note where you got your information; save that step for the end.
C. Avoid stopping frequently to look up grammar rules and words you don't know how to spell.
D. Get the ideas down on paper, even if some sentences sound awkward or contain errors.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct strategy during the drafting phase is to get the ideas down on paper, even if some sentences sound awkward or contain errors. It is essential to focus on capturing thoughts and concepts first, as editing and refining can be done in subsequent stages. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests listing all ideas without worrying about their quality or relevance, which may result in a disorganized draft. Choice B is incorrect as noting sources typically occurs during the research or referencing phase, not drafting. Choice C is incorrect because stopping frequently to look up grammar rules and spellings can disrupt the flow of ideas during drafting, which should prioritize content creation over minor details.

4. The test was ridiculously easy, and the entire class got every question right. Which of the following parts of speech is 'ridiculously' as used in the sentence above?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 'Ridiculously' is an adverb in this sentence, modifying the adjective 'easy.' Adverbs typically modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. In this case, 'ridiculously' is describing the adjective 'easy,' indicating the degree or manner of the adjective. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Ridiculously' is not a verb (choice A) as it is not expressing an action or state. It is not an interjection (choice B) since it is not an abrupt exclamation. Also, it is not an adjective (choice C) as it is not directly modifying a noun or pronoun.

5. The friendly baker offered us chocolate cookies and vanilla cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles. Which of the following is the direct object in the sentence above?

A. offered us
B. with the rainbow sprinkles
C. The friendly baker
D. chocolate cookies and vanilla cupcakes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'chocolate cookies and vanilla cupcakes.' In this sentence, the friendly baker is the subject, 'offered' is the verb, and 'chocolate cookies and vanilla cupcakes' receive the action of the verb, making them the direct object. Choices A, B, and C do not directly receive the action of the verb 'offered,' so they are not the direct object. Choice A is the verb phrase, choice B is a prepositional phrase, and choice C is the subject of the sentence.