Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses related to the same event. In this sentence, 'The guests arrived' and 'Sarah greeted them at the door' are both independent clauses that are appropriately connected using a semicolon. Choice A incorrectly uses a semicolon before 'however,' which is a conjunction that should be preceded by a comma. Choice C incorrectly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are not closely related. Choice D incorrectly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses without a clear relationship or cohesion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C correctly places the participle phrase 'Reading the book' directly in front of the subject 'I,' ensuring that there is no dangling modifier. This structure establishes a clear connection between the action described in the introductory phrase and the subject performing the action, resulting in a grammatically correct sentence. Choice A, B, and D have dangling modifiers. In choice A, the phrase 'Walking down the street' should be followed by the noun it is describing to avoid the dangling modifier. Choice B has a dangling modifier as 'Having finished the report' does not have a clear subject to relate to. Choice D also has a dangling modifier as 'Exhausted from the hike' is not properly connected to the subject in the sentence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The phrase 'a bold new world' is a metaphor. Metaphors make direct comparisons between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.' In this case, 'a bold new world' is not meant to be taken literally but is used to convey the idea of a fresh, innovative, and adventurous situation. It goes beyond a mere exaggeration (hyperbole), a contradictory phrase (oxymoron), or a comparison using 'like' or 'as' (simile), making 'metaphor' the correct choice in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it uses a question mark within the quoted material as it is a direct question. In this case, the sentence is a reported question, so it does not need additional punctuation within the reported speech. Choice A is incorrect as it incorrectly adds a comma before 'if.' Choice B is incorrect because a colon is not appropriate before 'if' in this context. Choice C is incorrect as it adds an unnecessary comma after 'wanted.'

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The error in the sentence is a misplaced modifier. The phrase 'except for me' should ideally modify 'me,' but it is incorrectly placed after 'knew,' leading to confusion about who the exception applies to. 'Subject-verb agreement' is incorrect as there is no disagreement between the subject and the verb. 'Dangling participle' is incorrect as there are no dangling participles in the sentence. 'Pronoun-antecedent agreement' is incorrect as the pronoun 'me' correctly refers to the antecedent 'I'; the issue lies with the placement of the modifier.