English and Language Usage TEAS

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. The semicolon is appropriate here as the two clauses are related but could stand alone as separate sentences. In contrast, choice B incorrectly uses a comma before "and," choice C repeats the correct punctuation of choice A, and choice D incorrectly uses a comma instead of a semicolon to separate the clauses, leading to a comma splice error.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because "It's" is the contraction for "it is" or "it has," while "its" is the possessive form. In this sentence, the contraction "It's" is correctly used to indicate that something has often been said. Choices A, B, and D all incorrectly use "Its," the possessive form, which does not fit in the context of the sentence. It is important to pay attention to the usage of contractions and possessive forms to ensure correct word usage in sentences.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it uses the appropriate placement of the comma inside the closing quotation mark. In American English punctuation rules, commas and periods should always go inside the closing quotation mark. Choice A incorrectly places the period outside the closing quotation mark. Choice C incorrectly starts the sentence with a period, and choice D incorrectly uses single quotation marks instead of double quotation marks. Therefore, B is the correct choice as it follows the standard punctuation rules for quotations in American English.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because "After" and "then" are transitional words that show the sequence of events in the sentence. "After" indicates the order of events, while "then" further emphasizes the chronological order. These transitional words help connect the actions Tracy took in a logical sequence. Choice B is incorrect because "at," "with," and "to" are prepositions that do not serve as transitional words indicating a sequence of events. Choice C is incorrect because "had" and "took" are verbs describing actions but do not function as transitional words showing the progression of events. Choice D is incorrect because "a" and "the" are articles that do not serve as transitional words indicating the order of events.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Henry is a beagle-mix and is ready for adoption this weekend." The hyphen in "beagle-mix" is correctly used to connect the two words that function as a single descriptor for the type of dog Henry is. This type of compound word usually requires a hyphen to avoid confusion. In this case, "beagle-mix" clarifies that Henry is a mix of beagle breeds. The other choices do not require hyphens as they do not involve compound words that need to be connected for clarity.