Question

there are many answers to this question, but there is one skill that is more important than all of them communication.
options:
there is: one skill that is more important than all of them communication
there is one skill: that is more important than all of them communication
there is one skill that is more important: than all of them communication
there is one skill that is more important than all of them: communication

choose the phrase that uses the correct punctuation with an absolute phrase in the underlined section of the sentence below.
lacking communication skills a person may not be able to pursue his or her goals as effectively.
options:
lacking communication skills. a person
lacking communication skills: a person
lacking communication skills. a person,
correct as is

Explanation:

1. For the first question: The clause "there is one skill that is more important than all of them" sets up an appositive "communication" that identifies the skill. A colon should follow the complete independent clause to introduce the defining noun, so the colon goes after the full clause.
2. For the second question: "Lacking communication skills" is a participial phrase acting as an absolute phrase modifying the main clause. It needs a comma after it to separate it from the independent clause "a person may not be able to pursue his or her goals as effectively". No extra comma is needed after "a person" as it starts the main clause.

Answer:

First question: there is one skill that is more important than all of them: communication
Second question: Lacking communication skills, a person