English and Language Usage TEAS

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a comma should not be used after 'glasses' as it is not separating independent clauses or items in a list. The semicolon in A correctly separates two independent clauses. The comma in B is correctly used to separate an introductory phrase. The period in D is necessary to end the sentence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the use of dashes between "hammers, saws, chisels" correctly sets off the list of tools within the sentence. The dashes act as a stronger separator compared to commas, making the list more visually distinct. Choice B uses a colon, which is typically used to introduce a list or explanation, not to separate items within a list. Choice C lacks any punctuation to separate the list items, resulting in confusion. Choice D uses a semicolon, which is not appropriate for separating items in a list.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a comma should not be used after 'glasses' as it is not separating independent clauses or items in a list. The semicolon in A correctly separates two independent clauses. The comma in B is correctly used to separate an introductory phrase. The period in D is necessary to end the sentence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the comma after the word 'delicious' is unnecessary. This comma creates a comma splice, where two independent clauses are improperly connected. Removing this comma would result in a correct sentence structure. Choice A is incorrect because the comma after 'market' is necessary to separate the introductory clause. Choice B is incorrect as the comma after 'beef' is needed to separate items in a list. Choice C is also incorrect as the comma after 'celery' is crucial for clarity in the list of items.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: I was mowing the lawn. This choice uses the past continuous tense, which is appropriate for describing an action that was taking place at a specific point in the past when the thunderstorm started. It indicates an ongoing action interrupted by the thunderstorm. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: I mowed the lawn. - This choice uses the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past, rather than an ongoing action. B: I am mowing the lawn. - This choice uses the present continuous tense, indicating an action that is currently happening, which does not fit the context of the past thunderstorm. D: I have mowed the lawn. - This choice uses the present perfect tense, indicating a completed action with relevance to the present, which is not suitable for describing the past event of the thunderstorm starting.