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: C

Rationale: The word 'elated' means extremely happy and joyful. 'Excited' is the best synonym as it also conveys feelings of happiness and enthusiasm, similar to 'elated'. On the other hand, 'angry', 'sad', and 'confused' represent different emotions that are not synonymous with 'elated'. Choosing 'angry' indicates a strong negative emotion, 'sad' represents a feeling of sorrow, and 'confused' implies a state of being unclear or uncertain, which are all contrary to the meaning of 'elated'. Therefore, 'Excited' is the correct choice in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The predicate in a sentence is the part that tells what the subject is doing or what is being done to the subject. In this sentence, 'built a sandcastle' is the predicate as it is the action performed by the subject 'children.' 'On the beach' is a prepositional phrase that provides additional information but is not the predicate. Choice C 'children' is the subject of the sentence, and choice D 'the' is an article referring to 'children,' making them incorrect choices for the predicate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: will have been working on.' In this sentence, the future perfect continuous tense is needed to convey that the action of working on the project will continue up to a specific future point (next month). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B ('will work on') indicates a future action without emphasizing the duration of the action. Choice C ('has been working on') is in the present perfect continuous tense, which does not convey the future duration of the action. Choice D ('had worked on') is in the past perfect tense, which is not suitable for indicating an action continuing up to a future point.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A semicolon is used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. In the sentence provided, 'playing video games' and 'spending time with friends' are the items that contain commas. Therefore, the correct placement of the semicolon is before the conjunction 'and,' as shown in option (B). Choice (A) incorrectly places the semicolon after 'comics,' disrupting the parallel structure. Choice (C) does not use a semicolon where needed. Choice (D) is incorrect as a semicolon is required in this context to maintain proper punctuation in the list.