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.
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Be sure to prepare for an interview, including for an internship. Read any materials sent to you, and practice answering questions out loud so that you're less nervous during the actual interview. Be on time, dress appropriately for the type of job you're interviewing for, and thank the interviewers for interviewing you even if the interview doesn't go as well as you hope. Which of the following styles of writing is illustrated in the passage?
- A. Formal
- B. Informal
- C. Colloquial
- D. Slang
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'B - Informal.' The passage provides practical advice in a casual and conversational tone, making it suitable for informal writing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Formal' writing would be more structured and sophisticated, often used in professional or academic settings. 'Colloquial' writing involves informal, everyday language specific to a particular region or group, which is not the case here. 'Slang' is informal language that is more casual and may not be appropriate for professional advice like in the given passage.
Please don't take what I said so personally. Which of the following parts of speech is 'personally' as used above?
- A. Article
- B. Adjective
- C. Verb
- D. Adverb
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the sentence, 'personally' is modifying the verb 'take,' indicating how the action is done. Adverbs often answer questions like how, when, where, and to what extent. 'Personally' in this context is an adverb, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as 'personally' does not function as an article (a, an, the), adjective (describing a noun), or verb (action word) in this sentence.
Who is probably the oldest person in my family?
- A. My Uncle Johan
- B. The oldest person
- C. The oldest person in my family
- D. Family
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: The oldest person in my family.' The complete subject of the sentence is 'The oldest person in my family,' which includes all the words that describe who or what the sentence is about. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not form a complete subject that accurately represents who the sentence is referring to in the context of the family relationship.
Which of the following sentences has correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?
- A. Because the students in the chemistry class did poorly on the exam, they had to take a make-up exam.
- B. Since the doctor has a lot of experience with this illness, she should know how to treat it.
- C. If the choir has a problem with my music, they can sing something else.
- D. The party of five was late for its reservation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sentence B has correct pronoun-antecedent agreement with 'she' correctly referring to 'the doctor.' In sentence A, 'it' is unclear and doesn't have a clear antecedent. In sentence C, 'they' does not agree with 'choir,' which is a singular noun. In sentence D, 'their' should be 'its' to agree with the singular noun 'party.'
Why is it not recommended to edit while writing your first draft?
- A. It is considered prewriting.
- B. It wastes effort.
- C. It clouds judgment.
- D. It changes the organization.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It wastes effort.' Editing while writing the first draft can be counterproductive as it interrupts the flow of ideas and slows down the writing process. Instead of focusing on perfecting each sentence or paragraph, it is more beneficial to get all ideas down first during the initial drafting phase. Choice A is incorrect as editing is not part of the prewriting stage. Choice C is incorrect because editing may affect the quality of judgment but is not the primary reason to avoid it during the first draft. Choice D is incorrect because changes in organization can be made during the revision stage, not necessarily while writing the initial draft.