which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation?

A. Carole is not currently working; her focus is on her children at the moment.
B. Carole is not currently working, and her focus is on her children at the moment.
C. Carole is not currently working; her focus is on her children at the moment.
D. Carole is not currently working, her focus is on her children at the moment.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A uses correct punctuation by correctly utilizing the semicolon to separate two closely related independent clauses. This punctuation choice effectively conveys the relationship between the two ideas presented in the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it uses a comma without a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as it lacks the coordinating conjunction 'and' after the comma to connect the two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it lacks any punctuation or conjunction to properly separate the two independent clauses, leading to a run-on sentence.

2. A student is writing a paper for their basic anatomy class and is unsure how they should cite their sources. What should the student do?

A. Look for a citation style online and use it.
B. Find out from the instructor what citation style to use.
C. Use the citation style used in other science classes.
D. Alternate between different citation styles, assuming that one will be correct.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to find out from the instructor what citation style to use. In academic writing, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by the instructor to ensure consistency and correctness. Option A is not recommended as different disciplines may have different citation requirements. Option C is not advisable as citation styles can vary between different fields even within the broader category of science. Option D is incorrect as using multiple citation styles in the same paper can lead to confusion and lack of clarity.

3. Which of the following movie titles contains a pronoun?

A. Rear Window
B. North by Northwest
C. The Trouble with Harry
D. The Man Who Knew Too Much

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The title "The Man Who Knew Too Much" contains the pronoun "who."

4. After a long, exhausting hike, Stephanie went home and fell asleep on the couch, which she had done many times before. Which comma should be removed in the sentence above?

A. The comma after the word 'long'
B. The comma after the word 'hike'
C. The comma after the word 'home'
D. The comma after the word 'couch'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The comma after 'home' is unnecessary and should be removed. In this sentence, 'and' is joining two independent clauses, which doesn't require a comma before it. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are correctly placed commas within the sentence.

5. Unfortunately, the belief that changelings could be convinced to leave was not just an innocuous superstition; however, on some occasions, harm came to the individual who was thought to be a changeling. Which is the best way to revise and combine the underlined portion of the sentences?

A. an innocuous superstition, on some occasions,
B. an innocuous superstition, but on some occasions,
C. an innocuous superstition; however, on some occasions,
D. an innocuous superstition: on some occasions,

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way to revise and combine the underlined portion of the sentences is by using a semicolon to show a stronger connection between the two ideas. Using 'however' after the semicolon helps to contrast the innocuous superstition with the negative outcome that sometimes occurred, providing a smoother flow between the ideas. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks a proper conjunction or punctuation to connect the ideas. Choice B is incorrect as 'but' does not effectively contrast the ideas as 'however' does. Choice D is incorrect as a colon is used to introduce a list or explanation, which is not suitable in this context where a contrast is needed.