Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When writing dialogue, it is crucial to create realistic speech patterns that reflect the characters' personalities. This approach helps to bring the characters to life, making them more authentic and engaging to the readers. By capturing the unique voices of the characters through their speech, the dialogue becomes more compelling and adds depth to the narrative. Choices A and B are incorrect because avoiding contractions and using formal vocabulary can make the dialogue sound unnatural and stilted. Choice D is incorrect as focusing solely on descriptive narrative without meaningful character interactions can lead to a lack of engagement and depth in the storytelling.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'ouch'. Interjections are words or phrases used to express strong emotions or sudden feelings. In this sentence, 'ouch' expresses pain, making it an interjection in the given context. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent interjections. 'Table' and 'leg' are nouns, while 'stubbed' is a past tense verb, none of which serve as interjections in this sentence.

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: 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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C uses a semicolon to correctly separate the two independent clauses 'The movie was entertaining' and 'it was also thought-provoking.' This usage of a semicolon avoids a comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction or appropriate punctuation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they all contain comma splices. In choice A, the comma splice is present between 'The wind howled' and 'the branches swayed.' In choice B, the comma splice occurs between 'He packed his bags' and 'checked the weather forecast.' Choice D has a comma splice between 'Tired and hungry' and 'she stopped for a quick bite at the cafe.'