Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Comma.' In the sentence, a comma is needed to separate the independent clauses 'I will check the supply closet' and 'you can look in the laundry.' This comma helps to indicate a pause between the two related but separate actions that each person is taking. Choice A (Period) is incorrect because a period would create two separate sentences. Choice C (Colon) is incorrect as a colon is used to introduce a list or explanation. Choice D (Semicolon) is incorrect as a semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct preposition to use in this sentence is 'for.' The sentence should read: 'We had been working for nine hours.' This preposition is used to indicate the duration of time something has been happening. Choice A ('since') is incorrect because it is used to indicate a specific point in time when an action started. Choice B ('near') is incorrect as it does not convey the intended meaning of the sentence. Choice D ('in') is incorrect as it does not appropriately indicate the duration of time the action has been taking place.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Comma.' In the sentence, a comma is needed to separate the independent clauses 'I will check the supply closet' and 'you can look in the laundry.' This comma helps to indicate a pause between the two related but separate actions that each person is taking. Choice A (Period) is incorrect because a period would create two separate sentences. Choice C (Colon) is incorrect as a colon is used to introduce a list or explanation. Choice D (Semicolon) is incorrect as a semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, the word 'wound' is not used correctly. It should be 'wove' instead of 'wound.' The correct word usage should be: 'The staunch hikers took a torturous downhill path that wove through thick vegetation.' 'Wound' is the past tense of 'wind,' while 'wove' is the past tense of 'weave,' which is the appropriate verb to describe a path navigating through vegetation. Choice A, 'staunch,' Choice B, 'torturous,' and Choice D, 'vegetation,' are all used appropriately in the sentence and do not contain any errors.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'Although' is the correct choice as it is used to introduce a contrast between two ideas. In this sentence, it highlights the unexpected nature of Octavia being taller than her classmates despite being the youngest member of her class. This conjunction effectively conveys the discrepancy between her age and height in the context of the sentence. Choice A ('Despite') indicates a contradiction or contrast but does not capture the nuance of unexpectedness present in the sentence. Choice B ('Since') implies a causal relationship, which is not the intended meaning. Choice D ('Provided') suggests a condition or stipulation, which is not suitable for the context of the sentence. Therefore, 'Although' is the most appropriate choice.