What punctuation is needed in this sentence to make it correct? I finished the project early; however, I really should edit my work.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the given sentence, a semicolon is needed after 'early' to join the two independent clauses 'I finished the project early' and 'however, I really should edit my work.' This punctuation mark helps to connect the related ideas in the sentence while maintaining the separation between the clauses. The other choices are incorrect because an apostrophe is used to show possession or to indicate missing letters; a colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation; and a comma alone would not provide the necessary separation between the two independent clauses in this context.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct form to use in this sentence is the present participle 'taking.' The sentence should read, 'Before taking this medicine, consume a modest meal.' It is important to use the present participle form when talking about an action that occurs before another action. Choice A 'having taken' is incorrect as it suggests a completed action before consuming a meal. Choice C 'took' is in the past tense, not suitable for indicating an action that should happen before another. Choice D 'will take' is in the future tense, which does not fit the context of the sentence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, 'to throw' is the correct form to use after the verb 'started' to indicate the action that the children began doing. The infinitive form 'to throw' is needed after the verb 'started' to show the purpose or action that is about to happen. When an action follows another action that has already started, the infinitive form is typically used to express the purpose or intention behind the subsequent action, making 'to throw' the most appropriate choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'throw' is not the correct form to follow 'started' as it needs an infinitive form, 'threw' is the past tense which is not suitable in this context, and 'threwing' is an incorrect form of the verb that does not exist in standard English.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the given sentence, a semicolon is needed after 'early' to join the two independent clauses 'I finished the project early' and 'however, I really should edit my work.' This punctuation mark helps to connect the related ideas in the sentence while maintaining the separation between the clauses. The other choices are incorrect because an apostrophe is used to show possession or to indicate missing letters; a colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation; and a comma alone would not provide the necessary separation between the two independent clauses in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, the subject 'board of education' is singular, so the verb should also be singular to match. 'Plans' is the correct form of the verb to use with a singular subject. The correct sentence should be: 'The board of education plans to hold a special meeting.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not agree in number with the singular subject 'board of education.' 'Plan' is plural, 'planning' is a gerund form, and 'do plan' is not the correct verb form for the subject-verb agreement in this sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this sentence, the correct word to use is 'them.' The subject of the sentence is 'the intern and another person,' indicating more than one individual. Therefore, the pronoun 'them' is the appropriate choice to refer to multiple people engaged in folding the bandages. Choice A ('us') is incorrect as it refers to the speaker and the intern, not the intern and another person. Choice B ('he') is singular and does not match the plural subject of the sentence. Choice D ('her') is also singular and does not agree with the plural subject 'the intern and another person.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct spelling of the word in the sentence should be 'counsel' instead of 'council.' 'Counsel' refers to legal advice or a person or group of people giving advice or guidance. The other choices ('accused,' 'serious,' 'crime') are spelled correctly and are relevant in the context of the sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the sentence, 'The children and their parents handed water in tiny cups to the runners,' the phrase 'to the runners' is misplaced. Placing it at the end of the sentence can create a clearer and more direct connection between the action of handing water in tiny cups and the recipients, the runners. Rearranging the sentence in this way enhances its clarity and coherence. Choice A ('and their parents') is correctly positioned as it connects 'the children' with 'their parents.' Choice B ('handed water in tiny cups') is the main action being performed and is appropriately placed. Choice D ('in tiny cups') appropriately describes how the water was handed. Therefore, the correct answer is C.