Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

"Benevolent" means kind or charitable. The other words have negative meanings.

Starting with 3 sets the scene, 4 introduces conflict, 2 shows the dog's reaction, and 1 provides a concluding statement. This order follows a logical chronological progression.

"On the other hand" signals contrast and helps connect ideas smoothly. The other options are adverbs describing manner or time, not transitions.

Option D uses formal standard English without contractions or slang. The other options contain contractions or informal phrases less suitable for formal writing.

Onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it describes, like "rustled."

A thesis statement clearly presents the paper's main argument or claim, which option C does. The other choices are descriptive or neutral.

Option D provides a broad overview and sets the stage for a detailed discussion, which is typical of an introductory sentence. The other options are more specific and suit body paragraphs rather than introductions.

The prefix "il-" means "not," so "illiterate" means unable to read or write. Other options have different meanings: alliteration is a literary device, obliterate means to destroy, and preliterate refers to before literacy.

A complex sentence contains an independent and at least one dependent clause, as in option B.

Option C correctly includes a comma after the introductory phrase and before the coordinating conjunction "but," separating two independent clauses. Proper punctuation enhances clarity and improves sentence structure.