Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

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.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A, 'I have been working on this project since morning,' uses the present perfect continuous tense correctly. This structure implies an action that started in the past (working on the project) and is still ongoing up to the present moment. Choice B is incorrect as it uses the present perfect tense ('has finished'), which indicates a completed action with relevance to the present. Choice C uses the future continuous tense ('will be leaving'), and Choice D uses the past perfect continuous tense ('had been living'). Therefore, only Choice A fits the criteria for the present perfect continuous tense.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A correctly uses the gerund form 'playing' as the direct object of the verb 'is.' In option B, 'traveling' is used correctly as a gerund after 'enjoys.' Option C also correctly uses 'Reading' as a gerund at the beginning of the sentence. However, in option D, 'Writing' is used as a gerund, but it lacks context or a clear function for the -ing form in the sentence, unlike the other options. The gerund form should serve a purpose in the sentence structure, which is not evident in option D.

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: B

Rationale: In the sentence, 'He was bewildered by the unexpected turn of events,' the word 'bewildered' means confused, which is the most suitable choice to convey the feeling caused by unexpected events. 'Elated' means joyful, 'vindicated' means justified, and 'apathetic' means uninterested, making them less fitting in the context of being surprised or thrown off by unexpected events.