Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is to join two closely related independent clauses. Choice A is the only option that correctly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses: 'I have a big test tomorrow' and 'I can't go out tonight.' Choice B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a semicolon. Choice C adds an unnecessary 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct punctuation usage. Choice D introduces a contradictory conjunction 'but' after the semicolon, which is not necessary for the given context. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The upholstered couch and rocking chair we bought together look great in the living room.' This sentence has correct subject-verb agreement with a compound subject. 'The crowd standing outside the club are getting restless' (Choice A) has incorrect agreement as 'crowd' is singular and should be paired with 'is'. 'Most of the cookies we left out on the counter was eaten by the dog' (Choice B) has incorrect agreement as 'cookies' is plural and should be paired with 'were'. 'Ricotta cheese and pesto tastes great on pizza' (Choice D) has incorrect agreement as 'cheese' and 'pesto' form a compound subject that is plural and should be paired with 'taste'.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A presents a correctly punctuated compound sentence. It consists of two independent clauses 'Condors are protected by laws' and 'many people fear they will soon become extinct,' which are appropriately joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but.' In contrast, in option B, the sentence only lists items without independent clauses. Option C combines phrases without independent clauses, and Option D incorrectly uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'but' without an independent clause following it.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When writing the first draft of a research paper, it is crucial to include the complete structure, which consists of the introduction, body, and conclusion. This approach helps in organizing your thoughts and ideas cohesively, ensuring that your paper flows logically. Choice A is not directly related to the drafting process. Choice B suggests an incorrect sequence by proposing to write the conclusion first, which should actually be crafted after the body of the paper. Choice D is important but typically done during the editing and revision stages rather than in the initial draft.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: 'Halves' is the correct plural form of 'half.' In this case, 'halves' is the plural form of 'half,' referring to two equal parts of a whole. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as 'chieves,' 'prooves,' and 'razores' are not valid plural forms of the respective singular nouns.