Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C correctly uses the phrase 'by the way' to introduce additional information that is not directly related to the previous sentence, making it a natural and appropriate use of the phrase in casual conversation. Choices A, B, and D do not use 'by the way' in the same context as option C. Choice A incorrectly uses 'by the way' to convey winning the lottery, which is not a casual or incidental piece of information. Choice B incorrectly uses 'by the way' after a semicolon in a way that disrupts the flow of the sentence. Choice D correctly uses 'by the way' but the information provided about the movie starting time is not a casual or incidental addition, unlike in option C.

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: Metaphor. The statement 'His words were a dagger to my heart' is a metaphor. A metaphor directly compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. In this case, the pain caused by his words is compared to a physical object, a dagger, emphasizing the intensity of the emotional impact. Choice A, Metonymy, is incorrect as metonymy involves substituting the name of one object with another closely related object. Choice B, Simile, is incorrect as a simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as,' which is not present in the given statement. Choice D, Hyperbole, is incorrect as hyperbole involves exaggeration for emphasis, which is not the case in the given statement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The clause 'as the sun dipped below the horizon' functions as a subordinate clause because it provides additional information about the main clause 'We sat on the beach,' indicating a dependent relationship between the two clauses. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, which is not the case here. Appositive clauses rename or explain nouns, while noun clauses act as nouns within a sentence. In this context, 'as the sun dipped below the horizon' acts as a dependent clause, making it a subordinate clause.

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.