which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon

ATI TEAS 7

Practice English TEAS TEST

1. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
B. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
C. I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.
D. I have a big test tomorrow; but I can't go out tonight.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is to join two closely related independent clauses. Choice A is the only option that correctly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses: 'I have a big test tomorrow' and 'I can't go out tonight.' Choice B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a semicolon. Choice C adds an unnecessary 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct punctuation usage. Choice D introduces a contradictory conjunction 'but' after the semicolon, which is not necessary for the given context. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

2. In which of the following situations is a citation needed?

A. A professor teaches a concept from a book she wrote.
B. A speaker recites an original poem.
C. A student quotes song lyrics to support his point.
D. A writer states a well-known and accepted fact.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A citation is necessary when using someone else's work, such as song lyrics, to support an argument in academic writing. In options A, B, and D, there is no need for a citation. Option A involves the professor teaching her own work, so no external citation is required. Option B refers to an original work by the speaker, which does not require citation. Option D mentions a well-known and accepted fact, which generally does not need a citation in academic writing.

3. Which of the following choices is NOT an appropriate way to express an opinion in a formal debate?

A. There are still many arguments concerning the nature of space-time, including whether Einstein's theory of relativity is applicable in every natural situation.
B. The study of climate science is an ever-evolving field, but it is important to recognize that the tools being utilized have been tested in other fields.
C. Energy independence is an important topic that needs to be addressed in a thoughtful, careful manner that considers the far-reaching impact of any proposed changes.
D. It is the height of hypocrisy to acknowledge that global warming is a problem and then still tool around in a gas-guzzling vehicle.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a formal debate, it is essential to maintain a respectful and professional tone when expressing opinions. Choice D uses hyperbolic language like 'height of hypocrisy,' which is inappropriate for a formal setting. It is important to avoid personal attacks or extreme statements that can detract from the credibility of the argument. Choices A, B, and C present opinions in a more neutral and respectful manner, focusing on discussing the topic without resorting to emotional or accusatory language. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it does not align with the standards of formal debate etiquette.

4. Which of the following sentences follows the rules of capitalization?

A. As juveniles, African white-backed vultures are darkly colored, developing their white feathers only as they grow into adulthood.
B. Ukrainians celebrate a holiday called Malanka during which men dress in costumes and masks and play tricks on their neighbors.
C. Because of its distance from the sun, the planet Neptune has seasons that last the equivalent of forty-one Earth years.
D. Edward Jenner, considered the Father of Immunology, invented the world’s first vaccine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In sentence B, "Ukrainians" is capitalized because it is referring to a specific group of people, and "Malanka" is also capitalized as it is a holiday name. This follows the rules of capitalization for proper nouns. Choices A, C, and D contain correct capitalization, but they also include additional capitalizations that are unnecessary. For instance, in choice A, "African white-backed vultures" should not be capitalized unless it is part of a proper noun or a title. In choice C, while "Neptune" and "Earth" should be capitalized as they are names of celestial bodies, the word "sun" is not capitalized unless it is used as part of the proper noun "Sun." Choice D correctly capitalizes proper nouns like "Edward Jenner" and "Immunology," but the general terms like "Father" and "vaccine" do not need capitalization unless they are part of a title or a specific name.

5. What is the most effective way to combine the following sentences? 1. The colonists refused to buy stamps. 2. They were determined to get the Stamp Act repealed.

A. The colonists refused to buy stamps and they were determined to get the Stamp Act repealed.
B. The colonists refused to buy stamps, and they were determined to get the Stamp Act repealed.
C. The colonists refused to buy stamps, and were determined to get the Stamp Act repealed.
D. The colonists refused to buy stamps, were determined to get the Stamp Act repealed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The conjunction 'and' is used to connect the two independent clauses in the most effective and grammatically correct way. This choice maintains the clarity of the sentence and the relationship between the two ideas. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks the necessary conjunction to properly connect the two independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as it misses the subject 'they' before 'were determined.' Choice D is incorrect as it lacks the necessary coordinating conjunction 'and' before 'were determined,' resulting in a run-on sentence.