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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Which of the following types of writing would include a bibliography of sources at the end?
- A. An article for a school paper
- B. A research paper on the Great Migration
- C. A short story for a magazine
- D. A personal essay about someone's father
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A research paper typically includes a bibliography of sources to document the research conducted. In this case, a research paper on the Great Migration would require a bibliography to cite the sources used. Choices A, C, and D do not typically require a bibliography as they are not research-based and focus more on personal or fictional content.
She is a fierce competitor, and nothing is going to keep her from running that marathon despite a hamstring injury. Which of the following describes the grammar problem in the sentence above?
- A. Poor diction
- B. Ambiguous word choice
- C. Tense disagreement
- D. Inappropriate transition word choice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, tense disagreement. The sentence contains a tense disagreement between 'was' and 'is.' 'She is a fierce competitor' and 'nothing is going to keep her' are in the present tense, while 'was going to keep her' should also be in the present tense to maintain consistency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the issue in the sentence is related to verb tense, not diction, word choice, or transition words.
The glittering lights in the garden were meant to entrance the guests as they arrived. What is the meaning of the homograph 'entrance' as used in the sentence above?
- A. enter
- B. passage
- C. opportunity
- D. enchant
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this context, 'entrance' is used as a verb meaning to enchant or captivate. The glittering lights were intended to captivate or charm the guests as they arrived, not to physically enter them (choice A), provide a passage (choice B), or present an opportunity (choice C). Therefore, the correct answer is 'enchant.'
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.
In the sentence, 'The receptionist explained that we would be the next to see the doctor,' which of the following is the complete predicate?
- A. explained that we would be the next to see the doctor
- B. next to see the doctor
- C. explained that we would be next
- D. see the doctor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The complete predicate is 'explained that we would be the next to see the doctor.' In a sentence, the complete predicate includes the main verb (explained) and all the words that complete its meaning (that we would be the next to see the doctor). Choices B, C, and D do not constitute the complete predicate as they do not include the main verb 'explained' and all associated words that complete its meaning.
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