Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer because it correctly punctuates the compound sentence with a semicolon separating the two independent clauses. The use of a semicolon is appropriate when two closely related independent clauses are joined without a coordinating conjunction. Choices A, B, and C have incorrect punctuation or conjunction usage. Choice A incorrectly uses a comma before 'and,' while Choice B uses 'though' which is not the best conjunction to join the two clauses. Choice C also lacks appropriate punctuation to separate the two independent clauses.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'thought.' 'Thought' is the correct past tense form of 'think.' In this sentence, 'thought' is used to indicate that the thinking process happened in the past before deciding to major in criminal justice. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Think' is the present tense form, 'thank' is a different verb with a different meaning, and 'thinked' is not a valid past tense form of 'think.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The prefix 'inter-' means 'among' or 'between,' which is most fitting in the context of 'intergalactic' as 'among galaxies.' 'Below,' 'around,' and 'above' do not convey the correct meaning of the prefix 'inter-' in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The topic sentence in a paragraph typically introduces the main idea or topic of the paragraph. In this case, choice B correctly serves as the topic sentence by clearly stating that gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by bacteria that leads to inflammation of the gums. Choices A, C, and D provide additional information that supports or follows the main idea but do not present the overarching topic of the paragraph.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the sentence 'The swirling snow drifted down all afternoon,' 'swirling' is functioning as an adjective. Adjectives modify or describe nouns, and in this case, 'swirling' describes the noun 'snow.' The word 'swirling' is giving more information about the nature or quality of the snow, indicating that it is moving in a circular motion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. An interjection is a word or phrase used to express strong emotions or sentiments, which 'swirling' does not do in this context. An article is a determiner that introduces a noun, and 'swirling' is not serving this function. An adverb typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, but in this sentence, 'swirling' is not modifying a verb, making it an incorrect choice.