Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Colons are used to introduce a list or explanation that follows an independent clause. In this case, option A correctly uses a colon to introduce a list of snacks after an independent clause. Choice B lacks an independent clause before the colon, making it incorrect. Choice C is incorrect as it should have an independent clause before the colon. Choice D incorrectly uses a colon as a comma would be more appropriate to introduce the list of items.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The term 'captivated' in the sentence indicates that the audience was completely engrossed and engaged by the speaker's compelling story. This implies that they were absorbed and highly interested in what was being presented. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'captivated' suggests a positive and attentive reaction from the audience rather than boredom, confusion, or disagreement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'joyous.' 'Pensive' means engaged in deep or serious thought, often with a hint of sadness. The antonym 'joyous' represents a state of great happiness and delight, contrasting with the contemplative and somewhat melancholic nature of being pensive. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Thoughtful' is not an antonym but rather a synonym, meaning showing consideration or careful thought. 'Curious' and 'introspective' are also not antonyms; 'curious' means eager to know or learn something, and 'introspective' means examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it uses 'literally' to emphasize the magnitude of work, not to exaggerate a simple action. In this sentence, 'literally' is used to convey the idea that the person climbed a significant amount of paperwork, highlighting the challenging and overwhelming nature of the task. Choices A, C, and D use 'literally' inappropriately by exaggerating or using the word in a non-literal sense. In choice A, 'died laughing' is a common expression and not meant to be taken literally. Choice C describes a figurative expression, not a literal one. Choice D involves the supernatural, which is not a literal occurrence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sentence contains two independent clauses that should be separated by a semicolon or period, not a comma. The incorrect punctuation is the period after 'outside.' A period or semicolon is needed to correctly separate the two independent clauses. The comma after 'children' and 'play' are correctly used to set off non-essential participial phrases. Choice D is incorrect as there is a punctuation error in the sentence.