Which sentence is an example of direct speech?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is choice C: "I'm tired," she said. Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by someone, typically indicated by quotation marks. In this sentence, the speaker's words are directly quoted within quotation marks, making it an example of direct speech. Choices A, B, and D do not directly quote the speaker's words within quotation marks, making them indirect speech examples.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is demonstrated in sentence A: 'I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.' Semicolons are used to connect closely related independent clauses. In this sentence, the semicolon correctly separates the two independent clauses 'I have a test tomorrow' and 'I need to study.' Choice B is incorrect because it separates the clauses improperly by using the semicolon after 'test' instead of after 'tomorrow.' Choice C is incorrect as it lacks a second independent clause to be connected using a semicolon. Choice D is incorrect as it inappropriately adds 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct use of the punctuation mark to link independent clauses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In sentence A, the modifier 'Running through the park' is misplaced because it makes it seem like the dog was the one running through the park rather than the intended meaning that the speaker was running through the park. In choices B, C, and D, the modifiers are correctly placed, providing clear and concise descriptions without causing confusion about who or what is performing the action.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'After the game.' A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and its object, describing a relationship in time, location, or direction. In this case, 'After' is the preposition, and 'the game' is its object, making it a prepositional phrase. Choices B, C, and D do not contain prepositional phrases. Choice B, 'Running fast,' is a gerund phrase with an adverb modifying a verb. Choice C, 'She sings,' is a subject-verb sentence construction. Choice D, 'Can you help me?' is an interrogative sentence asking for assistance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of quotation marks involves enclosing the exact words of a speaker, with punctuation placed inside the quotes. Choice A is the correct answer as it correctly uses quotation marks to enclose the spoken words 'Did you finish your homework?' with the appropriate punctuation inside the quotes. Choices B, C, and D incorrectly position the quotation marks or omit necessary punctuation, making them grammatically incorrect. In choice B, the closing quotation mark is missing. In choice C, the punctuation is placed outside the closing quotation mark, and in choice D, the quotation mark is incorrectly placed after 'homework,' disrupting the flow of the quoted speech.