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. Which sentence uses the gerund (-ing) form correctly?

A. My favorite activity is playing tennis.
B. He enjoys traveling to new places.
C. Reading a good book is relaxing.
D. Writing is her passion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A correctly uses the gerund form 'playing' as the direct object of the verb 'is.' In option B, 'traveling' is used correctly as a gerund after 'enjoys.' Option C also correctly uses 'Reading' as a gerund at the beginning of the sentence. However, in option D, 'Writing' is used as a gerund, but it lacks context or a clear function for the -ing form in the sentence, unlike the other options. The gerund form should serve a purpose in the sentence structure, which is not evident in option D.

3. Which of the following verb forms correctly completes the sentence? His charismatic personality, organizational abilities, sheer determination, and rhetorical skills enable him to quickly rise through the chapter's ranks.

A. NO CHANGE
B. are enabling him to quickly rise
C. enabled him to quickly rise
D. will enable him to quickly rise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C, 'enabled him to quickly rise,' is the correct choice. The sentence is referring to a past action, so the verb should be in the past tense. 'Enabled' is the correct past tense form of 'enable' in this context. Choice A ('NO CHANGE') is incorrect because it does not match the past tense required by the sentence. Option B ('are enabling him to quickly rise') is incorrect as it uses the present continuous tense, which is not suitable for the past action described. Choice D ('will enable him to quickly rise') is incorrect as it implies a future action, which is not consistent with the context of the sentence.

4. Which of the following choices shows the best chronological order for the sentences within the paragraph?

A. IV, II, I, III
B. III, IV, II, I
C. I, II, III, IV
D. III, I, IV, II

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct chronological order for the sentences within a paragraph should follow the sequence of events logically. In this case, 'I, II, III, IV' is the correct order. Sentence I usually sets the stage or introduces the main idea, followed by sentence II, which provides additional information. Sentence III usually presents the climax or a turning point, leading to sentence IV, which wraps up the paragraph. Choice C, 'I, II, III, IV,' maintains this logical progression, making it the best chronological order. Choices A, B, and D do not follow a coherent chronological sequence and disrupt the flow of events within the paragraph.

5. The Black Panther Party (BPP) was another activist group that formed around the same time as and was similar in function to the NAACP. What revision best improves this sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. was another activist group that
C. had a lot of members that
D. was another school that

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Describing the BPP as 'another activist group' provides clarity and relevance. Choice B correctly identifies the Black Panther Party as an activist group, aligning with its historical context and function. Choices C and D introduce irrelevant or inaccurate information, making them incorrect. Choice A, 'NO CHANGE,' leaves the sentence vague and does not provide the necessary clarification about the nature of the Black Panther Party.