DSE English Writing: Punctuation & Style (Hard)

詳解：A colon is correct when it follows an independent clause and introduces a list. Choice A has an independent clause before the colon. Choice B incorrectly places a colon after a verb without an independent clause. Choice C uses a semicolon, which is incorrect for introducing a list. Choice D uses a comma, which is not appropriate to introduce a list.

詳解：A semicolon connects two independent clauses without a conjunction. Choice B is correct because both parts are independent. Choice A is wrong because 'because' makes the second part dependent. Choice C is a comma splice. Choice D uses a colon, but a colon is usually used for explanation or list, not just to connect two independent clauses unless the second explains the first; here it's not.

詳解：In formal writing, it's better to avoid informal intensifiers like 'totally' and contractions. Choice C uses a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses, which is stylistically strong. Choice A is informal ('totally', 'right'). Choice B is okay but uses a comma and conjunction, which is less sophisticated than a semicolon. Choice D uses a colon, but the second clause doesn't explain or exemplify the first; it's more of a result, so semicolon is better.

詳解：An em-dash can indicate an abrupt break or change in thought. Choice A uses it correctly. Choice B uses a semicolon, which is too strong and not appropriate for a sudden shift. Choice C is correct grammar but less dramatic. Choice D uses a colon, which is not used for a shift in thought.

詳解：Parentheses are used to add supplementary or non-essential information. Choice A uses parentheses correctly. Choice B uses commas, which is also correct but not parentheses. Choice C uses em-dashes, which give more emphasis. Choice D uses a colon incorrectly. The question asks for parentheses, so A is the best.

詳解：When a quoted sentence is interrupted by an attribution like 'she said', you use a comma after the first part and after the attribution, and the second part continues without a capital letter if it's the same sentence. Choice A is correct. Choice B is missing a comma after 'it'. Choice C incorrectly uses a period after 'said', making it a separate sentence. Choice D incorrectly capitalizes 'He'.

詳解：In formal writing, ellipsis is rarely used because it suggests hesitation or trailing off, which is informal. It can be used to indicate omitted words in quotations, but in formal essay style, it's often avoided. Choice A is the best. Choice B is incorrect because an ellipsis does not indicate an incomplete list; a colon is used for that. Choice C is wrong because it's not generally appropriate for academic writing. Choice D is incorrect because even in quotations, overuse is discouraged.

詳解：Parallel structure requires items in a list to be in the same grammatical form. Choice B uses all gerunds. Choice A mixes gerund and infinitive. Choice C mixes infinitive and gerunds. Choice D mixes gerund and infinitives. So B is correct.

詳解：When a subordinate clause begins the sentence, it should be followed by a comma. Choice A is correct. Choice B uses a semicolon incorrectly. Choice C uses a colon incorrectly. Choice D uses a period, which creates a sentence fragment because 'Because the weather was bad' is not a complete sentence.

詳解：In formal academic style, 'data' is a plural noun, so it takes a plural verb 'show'. Also, 'correct' is more formal than 'true' in this context. Choice B uses 'show' and 'correct', making it the most appropriate. Choice A uses 'shows' incorrectly. Choice C has 'shows' and 'true'. Choice D has 'show' but 'true' is less formal.