English 10 MCAP Test Prep Boxes 19 - 24

English 10

MCAP Test Prep

Boxes 19 - 24

By Cynthia Phillips

​Box 19

​Colons and Semicolons

A colon is a punctuation mark that is most often used to introduce a list, a quotation, an explanation, or an example. When a colon is used in the following situations, it must come after a complete sentence.​

A semicolon is a punctuation mark that joins two closely related complete sentences or separates items in a list.​

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Commas with Phrases and Clauses​

Use a comma after an introductory phrase.​

Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause.​

When you need a pick me up, you should try listening to some music.​

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​Mrs. Farley said that she'd see to it that the incomplete was erased from my record; I checked the next morning and, sure enough, it had been expunged.

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What does the word expunged mean?​

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​Adapted or evolved 

Wiped out or obliterated 

Forgotten about or ignored 

Enhanced or magnified

Which sentence needs a comma after an introductory phrase?​

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​Finding a piece of driftwood that looks like a human heart is lucky. 

In the middle of my speech someone sneezed and broke my concentration. 

Everybody knows the team can't win without Keisha. 

The brown bear lumbered across Darla's yard. 

In which sentence is a semicolon used correctly?​

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​Of all twin types, identical girl twin pairs are closest to each other; while fraternal boy pairs tend to experience less closeness than any other twin pair. 

Regardless of similarities in appearance; identical twins may have personalities that are almost opposite. 

Studies of twins indicate that some kinds of twins tend to have closer relationships with each other; than other kinds do. 

Twins share a special and complex likeness; this likeness illuminates the ways we all are like and unlike other people. 

Which of the following sentences uses a colon incorrectly?​

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Some of the most popular TV programs are reality shows: One follows gold miners into the jungle. 

My best friend Becca happens to love reality TV adventure shows: "They are always so suspenseful and engaging!" 

The networks that broadcast reality TV shows are: NBC, ABC, CBS, and many others. 

A significant television craze is reality TV: Almost all networks have reality TV shows. 

Which sentence option correctly uses a colon?​

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When Ariana goes shopping, there is only one thing to do: plan to spend the whole day at the mall. 

When Ariana goes shopping: there is only one thing to do plan to spend the whole day at the mall. 

When Ariana goes shopping, there is only one thing to do plan to spend: the whole day at the mall. 

When Ariana goes shopping, there is only one thing: to do plan to spend the whole day at the mall. 

​Using Contextual Clues

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Connotation and Denotation​

​Box 20

Select the phrase that offers the best clue to the meaning of the word deleterious.​

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​We all like a day at the beach — ocean, lake, river, as long as there is a bit of sand, some warm rays, and some relatively clean water, we're usually fine with it. Regardless of the spot, though, it's important during the summer months to always wear sunscreen and, whenever possible, a wide-brimmed hat to counteract the deleterious effects of the sun. Those rays can do a lot of damage, so make sure to protect yourself!

​Box 21

​Analyzing Figures of Speech and Idioms

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Word Patterns​

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When I first met him, we talked for hours and hours​. Now that we've been together for years, we still get along like peas and carrots.

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What does the phrase "peas and carrots" suggest about the couple?​

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​They have unpredictable tempers. 

They sacrifice for each other. 

They are compatible.  

They resemble each other. 

​Box 22

​Formal and Informal Language

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Using the dictionary and thesaurus​

​Choose which sentence is the most formal.

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I would be delighted to attend your celebration. 

I would really like an invite to your shindig. 

I'd love to come to your party. 

I want to come celebrate with you. 

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​A student in Professor Henderson's Biology 101 Class sends the following email on the morning term papers are due.

​Box 23

​Using Style Guides

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Spelling Rules​

Which word in the sentence is misspelled?​

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Damion applied for a job at the café, thinking about all of the terrific lunchs he’d be eating every day.

​Box 24

​Introductions

Conclusions

Integrating Graphics and Multimedia​