Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasySemicolons

Identify the single punctuation mark that must be inserted in the blank to correctly join the two independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction.

Answer:The jazz band played an energetic set at the local cafe【;】 the audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Answer

A semicolon (;) is the correct punctuation mark to join the two independent clauses.
A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark because it is used to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause before the blank.
The clause 'The jazz band played an energetic set at the local cafe' contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, making it an independent clause.
To determine correct punctuation, we must identify if the clauses are independent or dependent.
2
Analyze the clause after the blank.
The clause 'the audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation' also contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, making it a second independent clause.
Identifying the structure of both parts of the sentence determines how they can be joined.
3
Choose the punctuation mark that links two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon must be used.
Two independent clauses cannot be joined by a comma alone (which creates a comma splice) and require a semicolon when no coordinating conjunction is present.

Key Concept

Semicolons
Rate this question

Topics

Semicolons

More questions from this topic