1. Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly to connect two closely related clauses?

Question

A) The ocean is a paradise for surfers; ocean temperatures are getting warmer as time goes on.
B) Some people choose to climb mountains for the challenge; others simply enjoy being in nature.
C) The tourists talked about the beautiful sunsets they saw; the sun rises at different times throughout the year.
D) Many people choose not to mow their lawns during early spring; lawns in the city are typically small.

2. Which questions would best help someone decide whether to use a semicolon to connect clauses in a sentence? Select the two correct answers.
A) Are there more than two clauses?
B) How long are the clauses?
C) Are the clauses about closely related ideas?
D) Is each clause independent?
E) Which clause is the most interesting?

3. Use the sentence to answer the question.

The words of our company’s president say it all “We either change with the times or fall behind.”
Where should the colon be placed?
A) after the word president
B) after the word say
C) after the word all
D) after the word times

Answer 1

1. The correct answer is:
   B) Some people choose to climb mountains for the challenge; others simply enjoy being in nature.
   (This sentence correctly uses a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses.)

2. The two correct answers are:
   C) Are the clauses about closely related ideas?
   D) Is each clause independent?
   (These questions help determine if a semicolon is appropriate for connecting two independent clauses.)

3. The colon should be placed:
   C) after the word all
   (The correct sentence would be: The words of our company’s president say it all: “We either change with the times or fall behind.”)