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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Lots of people were auditioning for the singing competition on Saturday." The subject "Lots of people" is plural, so the verb "were auditioning" agrees in number. "Lots of people" is the subject of the sentence, and "were auditioning" is the plural verb that agrees with the plural subject. A: "There are two constellations that can be seen from the back of the house." - Incorrect. The subject "There" is singular, but the verb "are" is plural. B: "At least four of the sheep need to be sheared before the end of summer." - Incorrect. The subject "four of the sheep" is plural, but the verb "need" is plural, not singular. D: "Everyone in the group has completed the assignment on time." - Incorrect. The subject "Everyone" is singular, but the verb "has" is singular, not plural.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Complex. This sentence has an independent clause 'the picnic will be canceled' and a dependent clause 'If it rains tomorrow'. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, making it a complex sentence. A simple sentence (A) consists of just one independent clause, a compound sentence (B) has two or more independent clauses, and a compound-complex sentence (D) has at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

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.