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: 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: The word 'thunderous' is the most suitable choice in this context. It accurately conveys the idea of loud, intense, and enthusiastic applause, which aligns with the significance of the breakthrough mentioned in the sentence. 'Scattered,' 'polite,' and 'hesitant' do not adequately capture the level of excitement and appreciation conveyed by the word 'thunderous' in the context of a significant scientific breakthrough.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C - colorful.' Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. In this sentence, 'colorful' describes the noun 'sunset,' making it the adjective in the sentence. Choice A, 'sunset,' is a noun, not an adjective. Choice B, 'with,' is a preposition. Choice D, 'painted,' is a verb, not an adjective. Therefore, the correct answer is 'C - colorful.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'flagrant' in option A is the most appropriate choice for the blank because it conveys the idea of errors that are glaringly obvious and inexcusable. In this context, the research paper is described as being 'riddled with errors,' suggesting a significant amount of mistakes that stand out and are severe. Choice B, 'cursory,' meaning superficial, does not accurately describe the seriousness of the errors. Choice C, 'innocuous,' meaning harmless, is the opposite of what is implied by the sentence. Choice D, 'meticulous,' meaning carefully detailed, is the opposite of what is needed to describe errors in this context.