Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ordinals (numbers with "th", "st", "nd", etc.) are generally written as words when used before nouns. Option (d) is correct.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The present participle form of a verb is used to indicate continuous or ongoing action. In this case, 'running' is the present participle of the verb 'run.' It shows that the action is in progress, unlike the past tense 'ran' or the simple present 'runs.' 'Runner' is a noun derived from the verb but not the present participle form.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The statement 'Her laughter was music to my ears' directly equates her laughter to music, implying a deeper connection between the two. This direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as' indicates a metaphorical expression. The correct answer is 'Metaphor' because it asserts a direct comparison between two unlike things. 'Simile' would involve using 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison. 'Hyperbole' would be an exaggerated statement not intended to be taken literally. 'Personification' would involve giving human qualities to something that is not human, which is not present in this statement.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B' because in the present tense, the third-person singular form of the verb 'paint' is 'paints.' When conjugating verbs, it is essential to match the verb form with the subject. 'Paints' is the correct form for the third-person singular subject 'artist' in this sentence. Choices 'A,' 'C,' and 'D' are incorrect. 'A' is in the past tense, 'C' is a gerund form, and 'D' is a noun, not a verb form, which does not match the tense and subject in the sentence.