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: A

Rationale: The word 'apprise' is used incorrectly in the sentence. The correct word to use in this context is 'appraise,' which means to assess the value or quality of something, such as appraising the worth of an item. 'Apprise' means to inform or notify someone about something. Therefore, 'appraise' is the correct word choice. Choices B, C, and D are all used appropriately in the sentence and do not need to be changed.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Period'. The sentence 'Take this fast-acting cough medicine after your next meal.' is a complete sentence and requires a period at the end to indicate a full stop. A comma (Choice B) is not suitable here as it would create a comma splice. A colon (Choice C) is not needed as there is no introductory clause or list following it. A hyphen (Choice D) is used to join compound words or for other specific purposes, not to end a 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.