Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A semicolon is used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. In the sentence provided, 'playing video games' and 'spending time with friends' are the items that contain commas.
Therefore, the correct placement of the semicolon is before the conjunction 'and,' as shown in option (
B).
Choice (
A) incorrectly places the semicolon after 'comics,' disrupting the parallel structure.
Choice (
C) does not use a semicolon where needed.
Choice (
D) is incorrect as a semicolon is required in this context to maintain proper punctuation in the list.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this context, 'study' is a verb, not a noun. 'Studied' is the past tense form of the verb 'study.' The plural form of a verb does not exist in the same way as it does for nouns. 'Studied' is the correct form for the past tense of 'study,' not a plural form. 'Studies' (choice
A) is the third-person singular present tense form of 'study,' 'studying' (choice
B) is the present participle form, and 'studier' (choice
D) is not a correct form related to the verb 'study.'
Therefore, 'studied' is the most appropriate choice here.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A correctly uses the gerund form 'playing' as the direct object of the verb 'is.' In option B, 'traveling' is used correctly as a gerund after 'enjoys.' Option C also correctly uses 'Reading' as a gerund at the beginning of the sentence. However, in option D, 'Writing' is used as a gerund, but it lacks context or a clear function for the -ing form in the sentence, unlike the other options. The gerund form should serve a purpose in the sentence structure, which is not evident in option D.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The expression 'think outside the box' promotes creativity and innovation by urging individuals to consider unconventional and original ideas to solve problems or tasks, rather than sticking to conventional or traditional methods. This phrase emphasizes the importance of exploring new perspectives and solutions that are not limited by existing boundaries or norms.
Choice A is incorrect because 'think outside the box' encourages individuals to break away from established procedures.
Choice C is incorrect as the phrase contradicts accepting traditional ideas.
Choice D is incorrect because 'think outside the box' does not focus on avoiding mistakes but rather on exploring new and innovative solutions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'a drop in the bucket' is an idiom that means a very small or insignificant amount in comparison to a much larger total. In this context, 'bucket' symbolizes a large quantity, emphasizing the idea that the 'drop' is minimal or inconsequential when considering the overall amount.
Choice A, 'A literal container,' is incorrect as 'bucket' in this phrase is not meant to be taken literally but rather symbolically.
Choice C, 'A specific goal,' is incorrect as the phrase does not refer to achieving a specific target.
Choice D, 'An obstacle,' is incorrect as 'bucket' is not presented as a hindrance or barrier in this idiom.