Examkin

Conventions of Punctuation

374 questions

All types374Multiple choice326Fill in the blank48
Question 201Question →

Maya Angelou wrote seven autobiographies during her lifetime. The first of these books [underlined]—*I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings*, which was published in 1969, became[/underlined] a landmark of American literature.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion to ensure proper punctuation?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: —*I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings*, which was published in 1969—became

Answer

The version that matches the opening dash with a closing dash before the verb 'became' is correct.
The correct option uses a matching dash after '1969' to pair with the dash that appears before the book title. This creates a consistent pair of dashes setting off the nonessential appositive phrase describing the book.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nonessential information in the sentence that is being set off.
The phrase '*I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings*, which was published in 1969' is nonessential appositive information detailing the first book.
Recognizing the boundaries of nonessential information helps determine where the surrounding punctuation must go.
2
Check the punctuation mark that introduces the nonessential phrase.
The phrase is introduced with a dash.
Consistent punctuation is required; a dash at the beginning of a parenthetical insertion must be paired with another dash at the end of the insertion.
3
Select the option that terminates the phrase with a matching dash before resuming the main clause.
The correct option ends the nonessential phrase with a dash right before the verb 'became'.
This ensures the sentence is grammatically correct and consistent in its punctuation.

Key Concept

Dashes are used to set off nonessential (parenthetical) information in a sentence. When doing so, the punctuation marks must be consistent: either a pair of commas or a pair of dashes. A dash at the beginning of a nonessential phrase must be matched by a dash at the end.
Question 202Question →

During the excavation of the ancient Mayan city, archaeologists focused on a single, well-preserved [underlined]structure: the[/underlined] central temple, which had remained hidden under dense vegetation for centuries.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: structure: the

Answer

structure: the
The correct option correctly uses a colon after an independent clause to introduce the specific identification of the structure (the central temple). The clause before the colon is a complete thought, and the phrase after it clarifies the noun 'structure'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause preceding the punctuation mark to determine if it is independent.
The clause 'During the excavation of the ancient Mayan city, archaeologists focused on a single, well-preserved structure' can stand alone as a complete sentence, meaning it is independent.
A colon must always be preceded by a complete independent clause.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the preceding clause and the following phrase.
The phrase 'the central temple' identifies and explains the 'single, well-preserved structure'.
A colon is the appropriate punctuation mark to introduce an explanation, list, or clarification that follows an independent clause.
3
Eliminate the incorrect options based on grammatical rules.
The option with a comma splice, the option with the colon after an incomplete clause, and the option with the semicolon creating a fragment are all grammatically incorrect.
Ensuring the sentence conforms to standard punctuation rules identifies the correct choice.

Key Concept

Colons
Question 203Question →

To determine the composition of the ancient basaltic flow, the volcanologist gathered several dense, dark, obsidian fragments, and she sent them to the laboratory for isotopic analysis.

Which of the following choices best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: dense, dark obsidian fragments, and she sent them

Answer

The correct option is the one that punctuates the coordinate adjectives as 'dense, dark obsidian fragments' and joins the clauses with ', and she sent them'.
The correct choice properly coordinates the adjectives 'dense' and 'dark' with a comma, while correctly omitting a comma before the noun adjunct 'obsidian'. Additionally, it uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'and' to connect the two independent clauses: 'the volcanologist gathered...' and 'she sent them...'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the coordinate adjectives modifying the noun phrase 'obsidian fragments'.
The adjectives 'dense' and 'dark' are coordinate because they can be reversed ('dark, dense') and can be joined by 'and' ('dense and dark'). A comma is required between them. However, 'obsidian' acts as a noun adjunct modifying 'fragments', so no comma should separate 'dark' from 'obsidian'. Thus, the phrase must be written as 'dense, dark obsidian fragments'.
To ensure correct comma placement between coordinate adjectives and to avoid separating a final adjective/noun adjunct from the noun it modifies.
2
Identify the clause boundary and structure following the noun phrase.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'the volcanologist gathered several...' and 'she sent them to the laboratory...'.
To determine what punctuation or conjunction is needed to join them legally without creating a run-on or comma splice.
3
Select the appropriate punctuation and conjunction to link the independent clauses.
The two clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction 'and'. A comma must precede 'and' when linking two independent clauses. Therefore, ', and she sent them' is correct.
To conform to the rules of joining independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction.

Key Concept

Identifying coordinate adjectives (which require commas) versus cumulative adjectives or noun adjuncts (which do not), and correctly punctuating boundaries between independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions.
Question 204Question →

The sentence below contains a nonessential phrase that begins with a dash. To ensure grammatical correctness and punctuation consistency, which punctuation mark should be placed in the blank to close this nonessential phrase?

Fill in the blanks below

Marine biologists have recently discovered that the Greenland shark—the longest-lived vertebrate animal known to sciencecan live for nearly four centuries.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A dash (—)
A dash is the correct punctuation mark because it matches the dash used to open the parenthetical phrase 'the longest-lived vertebrate animal known to science'. In standard English grammar, parenthetical elements set off by dashes must be enclosed by a consistent pair of dashes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nonessential phrase in the sentence.
The phrase 'the longest-lived vertebrate animal known to science' is a nonessential appositive that describes the 'Greenland shark'.
Nonessential elements add extra details but can be removed from the sentence without changing its core meaning.
2
Determine the punctuation mark used to open the nonessential phrase.
The nonessential phrase begins with a dash ('—') after 'Greenland shark'.
Nonessential phrases must be set off by matching punctuation marks on both sides.
3
Select the correct closing punctuation mark.
A matching dash must be placed in the blank to close the nonessential phrase.
Mismatching punctuation marks (such as starting with a dash and ending with a comma) is grammatically incorrect.

Key Concept

Dash Pair Consistency
Estimated Time:45s
Question 205Question →

For centuries, Mayan hieroglyphs remained a profound mystery to scholars who struggled to decipher the complex symbols. A breakthrough came when Yuri Knorozov, a Soviet linguist, proposed that the glyphs that were carved in stone, which had puzzled scholars for years, could finally be deciphered using a phonetic key.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct answer is the option that leaves the sentence unchanged, keeping the restrictive clause unpunctuated and setting off the nonessential clause with a pair of commas.
The correct option preserves the original sentence, which is punctuated correctly. The clause 'that were carved in stone' is restrictive because it identifies the specific type of glyphs being discussed; therefore, it should not be preceded by a comma. The relative clause 'which had puzzled scholars for years' is nonessential and acts as a parenthetical element, so it must be enclosed by a pair of commas: one before 'which' and one after 'years'. The phrase 'could finally' correctly follows the nonessential clause to complete the predicate of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the essential (restrictive) and nonessential (parenthetical) elements in the sentence.
'that were carved in stone' is an essential clause specifying which glyphs are being referred to, while 'which had puzzled scholars for years' is nonessential parenthetical information.
Essential clauses must not be set off by commas, whereas nonessential clauses must be enclosed in a pair of commas.
2
Check the punctuation around both clauses in the options.
Only the original punctuation correctly leaves 'that were carved in stone' joined to 'glyphs' without a comma, and uses a pair of commas to enclose 'which had puzzled scholars for years'.
This maintains the correct grammatical relationship between the referent and its modifiers.

Key Concept

Setting off nonessential parenthetical elements with a pair of commas while leaving restrictive clauses unpunctuated.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 206Question →

In the sentence below, a portion is underlined:

The museum's new digital archive is incredibly detailed; nevertheless, many visitors still prefer browsing the physical card catalog.

Which of the following choices best completes the underlined portion of the sentence grammatically?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct option is the one that leaves the sentence unchanged, using a semicolon to connect two independent clauses with the conjunctive adverb 'nevertheless'.
The original sentence correctly joins two independent clauses using a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb 'nevertheless' and a comma after it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the clauses on either side of the transition are independent.
The first clause is 'The museum's new digital archive is incredibly detailed' and the second is 'many visitors still prefer browsing the physical card catalog'. Both contain subjects and verbs and express complete thoughts, making them independent clauses.
Identifying the clause type is necessary to determine the appropriate punctuation. Semicolons can only connect independent clauses.
2
Evaluate the correct punctuation for joining independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
A semicolon must be placed before the conjunctive adverb 'nevertheless', and a comma must follow it.
When a conjunctive adverb is used to link two independent clauses, a semicolon must precede the transition, and a comma must follow it to avoid run-on sentences and comma splices.

Key Concept

Using a semicolon to connect independent clauses separated by a conjunctive adverb.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 207Question →

The architect Antoni Gaudí designed several whimsical buildings in Spain. The historic cathedral, which is located in Barcelona, remains unfinished today. Despite this, it attracts millions of visitors every year.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct choice is 'NO CHANGE' because it correctly sets off the nonessential relative clause with commas on both sides.
The clause 'which is located in Barcelona' is nonessential because it adds extra, non-defining information about the cathedral. Nonessential clauses must be set off by a matched pair of commas—one before the clause starts and one after it ends. The option 'NO CHANGE' correctly places a comma before 'which' and another after 'Barcelona'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the clause 'which is located in Barcelona' is essential or nonessential to the sentence.
The clause is nonessential because the identity of the specific cathedral is already clear in context, and removing the clause does not change the core meaning of the sentence.
Nonessential information must be set off with punctuation on both sides.
2
Select the option that uses correct punctuation to enclose the nonessential relative clause.
A pair of commas must enclose the clause, starting with 'which'.
Omitting one comma, using a semicolon, or using commas around a 'that' clause violates standard punctuation rules.

Key Concept

Using a matched pair of commas to set off nonessential relative clauses.
Question 208Question →

Deep-sea explorers diving near the Mariana Trench discovered a bizarre survival strategy employed by the telescope octopus: it spends its entire life floating vertically to minimize its silhouette against the faint sunlight from above.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: octopus: it

Answer

The correct option is the original phrasing, which uses a colon to separate the independent clause from the explanation that follows.
The correct choice maintains the original punctuation, using a colon to connect the independent clause about the telescope octopus's strategy to the independent clause explaining what that strategy is. A colon is grammatically correct here because it is preceded by a complete sentence and followed by an explanation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause preceding the punctuation mark.
The clause 'Deep-sea explorers diving near the Mariana Trench discovered a bizarre survival strategy employed by the telescope octopus' contains a subject and a verb and is capable of standing alone as a complete sentence.
A colon requires a complete, independent clause before it.
2
Examine the relationship between the clause before the punctuation and the clause after it.
The clause 'it spends its entire life floating vertically to minimize its silhouette against the faint sunlight from above' explains the specific 'bizarre survival strategy' mentioned in the first clause.
A colon is used to introduce an explanation or elaboration of the preceding independent clause.
3
Evaluate the grammar of the alternative choices.
Using a comma results in a comma splice because both clauses are independent. Using a semicolon followed by 'which' creates a fragment because 'which' makes the second clause dependent. Placing a colon after 'that' makes the first clause incomplete and incorrectly separates the pronoun from its verb.
Each alternative choice violates standard punctuation or clause structure rules, confirming that the colon is the only correct choice.

Key Concept

Colons must be preceded by an independent clause and are used to introduce an explanation, clarification, or list.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 209Question →

Although the two marine biologists documented the migration pattern, the biologists' primary focus was its deviations from previous years.

Which choice best completes the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct option is the one that contains 'biologists' primary focus was its', which correctly uses the plural possessive form 'biologists'' to indicate the focus belonging to the two biologists, and the possessive pronoun 'its' to show that the deviations belong to the migration pattern.
The correct option is the one that contains 'biologists' primary focus was its' because it correctly implements the plural possessive noun 'biologists'' to refer to the two marine biologists and correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'deviations' without an apostrophe.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun referring to the biologists should be singular or plural, and possessive or not.
The phrase 'two marine biologists' establishes that there are multiple biologists, requiring a plural noun. The phrase 'biologists' primary focus' shows that the focus belongs to the biologists, requiring the possessive form.
Determining noun plurality and possession dictates the correct spelling and apostrophe placement.
2
Determine the correct spelling of the plural possessive noun.
For regular plural nouns ending in -s, the possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe after the -s, resulting in 'biologists'.'
This rules out options with incorrect noun punctuation.
3
Determine whether to use 'its' or 'it's' to modify the noun 'deviations'.
The pronoun must show that the deviations belong to the singular 'migration pattern', which requires the possessive pronoun 'its' (without an apostrophe). The contraction 'it's' (it is) is incorrect in this context.
Selecting the grammatically correct pronoun form prevents homophone confusion.

Key Concept

Apostrophes are used to show possession for plural nouns (typically by adding an apostrophe after the final 's') and must be distinguished from possessive pronouns like 'its', which do not contain apostrophes.
Question 210Question →

While exploring the depths of the Mariana Trench, the oceanographers observed several rare, bioluminescent fish species, and they documented the organisms' behavioral patterns.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct option is 'NO CHANGE' because it properly places a comma between the coordinate adjectives 'rare' and 'bioluminescent', avoids a comma between the adjective and the noun phrase 'fish species', and correctly uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'and' to join two independent clauses.
The correct choice properly applies comma rules for both coordinate adjectives and independent clauses. The adjectives 'rare' and 'bioluminescent' are coordinate, meaning they modify 'fish species' individually and can be separated by a comma. There should be no comma after 'bioluminescent' because it modifies the noun phrase 'fish species'. Additionally, the coordinating conjunction 'and' is preceded by a comma because it connects two independent clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the adjectives modifying 'fish species' are coordinate or cumulative.
The adjectives 'rare' and 'bioluminescent' are coordinate because they can be reversed ('bioluminescent, rare fish species') or joined by 'and' ('rare and bioluminescent fish species') naturally. However, 'fish' is cumulative/part of the noun phrase 'fish species' and cannot be reversed with the other adjectives, so there should be a comma only between 'rare' and 'bioluminescent', and no comma after 'bioluminescent'.
Coordinate adjectives require a comma between them, while cumulative adjectives or adjectives directly modifying the noun should not be separated from the noun by a comma.
2
Identify the clause structure after the underlined portion to determine the correct punctuation and conjunction.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'the oceanographers observed several...' and 'they documented the organisms' behavioral patterns.' These clauses must be joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (such as 'and'), or by a semicolon.
Joining two independent clauses with only a comma creates a comma splice, while separating them with a semicolon and a non-finite verb form creates a fragment.
3
Evaluate the options to find the one that meets both punctuation requirements.
Only the original phrasing ('NO CHANGE') correctly uses a comma between the coordinate adjectives and a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'and' to join the independent clauses.
This maintains grammatical correctness and avoids comma splices, misplaced commas, and fragments.

Key Concept

Commas with Lists, Clauses, and Coordinate Adjectives
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 211Question →

To catalog the rare specimens, the botanist collected several fragile, alpine buttercup samples, and she preserved them in hermetically sealed jars.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fragile alpine buttercup samples, and she preserved

Answer

fragile alpine buttercup samples, and she preserved
The correct choice removes the comma between the cumulative adjectives 'fragile' and 'alpine' because 'alpine buttercup' functions as a single noun phrase modified by 'fragile'. Since these adjectives are cumulative and cannot be reversed or joined by 'and', they should not be separated by a comma. The choice also correctly retains the comma before the coordinating conjunction 'and' because it joins two independent clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if 'fragile' and 'alpine' are coordinate or cumulative adjectives.
They are cumulative adjectives because they cannot be reversed ('alpine fragile buttercup') and cannot be logically linked with 'and' ('fragile and alpine buttercup'). Thus, no comma should separate them.
Cumulative adjectives must not be separated by commas.
2
Check the clause structure around the conjunction 'and'.
The sentence is composed of two independent clauses: 'the botanist collected...' and 'she preserved...'.
Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction require a comma before the conjunction.
3
Select the option that corrects the adjective punctuation and properly joins the independent clauses.
The correct choice is 'fragile alpine buttercup samples, and she preserved'.
It removes the comma between the cumulative adjectives and keeps the comma before 'and'.

Key Concept

Identifying cumulative adjectives and punctuating independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 212Question →

During the late Renaissance, a guild of Venetian glassmakers guarded their secret formulas with fierce protectiveness. Any artisan who dared to share these methods, which were considered state secrets, with outsiders faced banishment or worse. Consequently, the island of Murano became the undisputed capital of luxury glasswork in Europe.

Which of the following options represents the correct punctuation for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct choice is the option that makes no change to the sentence, as it correctly maintains a pair of commas around the nonessential clause while keeping the restrictive clause free of commas.
The correct option correctly keeps the sentence as written. The nonessential clause 'which were considered state secrets' is parenthetical and properly enclosed by a pair of commas. The essential relative clause 'who dared to share these methods... with outsiders' defines 'artisan' and is correctly left without surrounding commas, preventing the subject from being separated from its verb.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the sentence to identify restrictive (essential) and nonessential clauses.
The clause 'who dared to share these methods... with outsiders' is restrictive because it defines the specific group of artisans. The clause 'which were considered state secrets' is nonessential because it offers extra detail about 'methods' that is not required to identify them.
Distinguishing between restrictive and nonessential clauses determines whether commas are required.
2
Apply comma rules to the restrictive clause.
Do not set off the clause 'who dared to share these methods... with outsiders' with commas.
Restrictive clauses are necessary for sentence meaning and should not be isolated from the words they modify.
3
Apply comma rules to the nonessential clause.
Enclose the clause 'which were considered state secrets' with a pair of commas: one after 'methods' and one after 'secrets'.
Nonessential elements must be set off by punctuation at both their beginning and end to show they are parenthetical.
4
Evaluate the choices to find the one matching these rules.
The original phrasing correctly punctuation the clauses, making the no change option correct.
Only the original sentence keeps the essential clause unpunctuated while properly pairing commas around the nonessential clause.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Question 213Question →

Although often confused with the giant panda, the red panda is in its own unique evolutionary family. The red panda—a small mammal native to the eastern [underlined]Himalayas, is known[/underlined] for its bright reddish-brown fur and acrobatic climbing skills.

Which of the following choices best maintains punctuation consistency in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Himalayas—is known

Answer

The correct option is the phrase that replaces the comma with a dash to match the opening dash, resulting in 'Himalayas—is known'.
The sentence contains a parenthetical, nonessential phrase ('a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas') that is introduced with a dash. To ensure grammatical correctness and punctuation consistency, the phrase must also be closed with a dash. The correct option successfully provides this matching dash, linking the subject 'red panda' directly and cleanly to its verb 'is known'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the parenthetical nonessential phrase in the sentence.
The phrase is 'a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas'.
Nonessential phrases provide extra information and must be set off from the rest of the sentence by consistent punctuation on both sides.
2
Determine the opening punctuation mark of the parenthetical phrase.
The phrase is introduced with a dash after the word 'panda'.
To maintain punctuation consistency, parenthetical elements must be enclosed by matching punctuation marks: either two commas, two parentheses, or two dashes.
3
Select the option that closes the parenthetical phrase with a matching dash.
Replacing the comma with a dash after 'Himalayas' closes the phrase consistently.
This maintains the matching pair of dashes and avoids punctuation mismatches.

Key Concept

Dashes must be used in consistent pairs when enclosing nonessential or parenthetical information in a sentence.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 214Question →

The following passage contains an underlined portion.

In the early twentieth century, a group of artists shocked the Paris art world with their expressive, non-naturalistic use of color. The French painter Henri Matisse, who pioneered the Fauvism movement, created art that was characterized by bold colors and simplified shapes. His revolutionary style challenged traditional academic representation and paved the way for modern abstract art.

Which choice is the best version of the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The correct choice properly uses a pair of commas to enclose the nonessential relative clause 'who pioneered the Fauvism movement' and correctly avoids placing a comma before the restrictive clause 'that was characterized by bold colors and simplified shapes'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nonessential relative clause in the sentence.
The clause 'who pioneered the Fauvism movement' is nonessential (nonrestrictive) because the subject 'Henri Matisse' is already specific and fully identified.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence using punctuation (usually a pair of commas).
2
Determine the punctuation needed for the nonessential clause and the rest of the underlined portion.
Commas must be placed both before 'who' and after 'movement'. The clause 'that was characterized by bold colors and simplified shapes' is restrictive (essential to define the kind of art Matisse created) and should not be preceded by a comma.
A pair of commas is required to enclose nonessential elements, whereas restrictive clauses must not be set off by commas.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 215Question →

In the sentence below, two independent clauses are joined. Which single punctuation mark must be placed in the blank to correctly join them?

Fill in the blanks below

In the high-altitude forests of the Andes, the spectacled bear relies on bromeliads for nourishment this unique diet distinguishes it from other bear species.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

semicolon (;)
A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark to join two independent clauses that are closely related in thought when no coordinating conjunction is used.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical structure of the clauses before and after the blank.
Both clauses are independent because they contain their own subjects and verbs and express complete thoughts.
Understanding clause structure is necessary to determine the appropriate punctuation rule.
2
Apply the rule for joining two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon is required to connect the clauses.
A semicolon is the standard punctuation mark used to link closely related independent clauses without coordinating conjunctions.

Key Concept

Semicolons
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 216Question →

The following passage contains a sentence with a missing punctuation mark. What punctuation mark should be placed in the blank to complete the sentence with consistent and grammatically correct punctuation?

Fill in the blanks below

Coastal redwoods are among the oldest and most resilient organisms in the world. These massive trees—the tallest living things on Earthcan reach heights of over 350 feet and live for more than two thousand years.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

An em dash (—) or dash
A dash is required to close the nonessential phrase because the phrase was opened with a dash. To maintain punctuation consistency, any parenthetical element set off by dashes must use a dash at both the beginning and the end.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nonessential parenthetical phrase in the sentence.
The phrase is 'the tallest living things on Earth', which provides extra descriptive information about 'These massive trees'.
Recognizing the boundary of the nonessential element is necessary to determine what punctuation is needed to set it off from the rest of the sentence.
2
Examine the punctuation mark that opens the nonessential phrase.
An em dash (—) appears right before 'the tallest living things on Earth'.
Punctuation marks that set off parenthetical elements must be consistent on both sides.
3
Determine the punctuation mark needed to close the nonessential phrase.
A matching em dash (—) is required to close the phrase before the main verb 'can reach'.
Mixing a dash with another punctuation mark (like a comma) is incorrect; a dash must be matched with another dash.

Key Concept

Dashes
Estimated Time:45s
Question 217Question →

The local community center recently launched a rooftop garden project to promote urban sustainability. The garden, which features solar-powered irrigation, grows organic vegetables for nearby families. Volunteers hope this initiative will inspire other neighborhoods to start their own green spaces.

Which of the following choices is the correct punctuation for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: garden, which features solar-powered irrigation, grows

Answer

The correct option is the one that reads 'garden, which features solar-powered irrigation, grows'.
The correct choice is the one that sets off the nonessential relative clause 'which features solar-powered irrigation' with a pair of commas (one after 'garden' and one after 'irrigation'). This correctly indicates that the clause contains extra, nonessential information that can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause 'which features solar-powered irrigation' as a nonessential relative clause because it provides extra descriptive information about the garden but is not required to identify which specific garden is being discussed.
The clause must be set off from the rest of the sentence with punctuation on both sides.
Nonessential elements require punctuation (usually commas) to separate them from the main independent clause.
2
Evaluate the punctuation choices to ensure the clause is properly enclosed.
A comma must be placed after 'garden' and another comma after 'irrigation' to completely enclose the nonessential clause. Using a semicolon creates a fragment, and using commas around a 'that' clause is incorrect because 'that' introduces essential clauses which should not have commas.
Only the choice with commas on both sides of 'which features solar-powered irrigation' is grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Nonessential clauses must be set off with a pair of commas, whereas restrictive clauses should not be punctuated with commas.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 218Question →

To successfully preserve the delicate centuries-old tapestry, the conservators used a highly specialized technique: they kept the exhibition room at a constant humidity level and blocked all UV light.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: technique: they kept

Answer

technique: they kept
The colon is used correctly here because the clause before the colon is independent, and the clause after the colon explains the specific technique that was used.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause preceding the punctuation mark.
The clause 'To successfully preserve the delicate centuries-old tapestry, the conservators used a highly specialized technique' is independent because it contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.
A colon can only be placed after a clause that is grammatically complete.
2
Analyze the clause following the punctuation mark.
The clause 'they kept the exhibition room at a constant humidity level and blocked all UV light' is also independent.
This helps determine if the relationship between the two clauses allows for a colon, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.
3
Evaluate the relationship between the two independent clauses.
The second clause explains and defines the specific technique mentioned in the first clause.
A colon is appropriate when the second independent clause explains, illustrates, or amplifies the first.
4
Eliminate incorrect options based on punctuation rules.
The comma splice option, the option placing a colon after a preposition, and the option placing a comma before a restrictive clause are eliminated.
Only the colon option correctly connects the two independent clauses without grammatical error.

Key Concept

Colon punctuation rules and independent clauses
Question 219Question →

Astronomer Annie Jump Cannon developed a system to organize stellar spectra. The system that she created, which became the standard for modern astrophysics, helped catalog hundreds of thousands of stars. Her work laid the foundation for future generations of astronomers.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The correct answer properly distinguishes between the restrictive modifier 'that she created' (which should not be set off by commas because it is essential to identifying the system) and the nonessential relative clause 'which became the standard for modern astrophysics' (which must be enclosed in a pair of commas because it is parenthetical).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clauses modifying the noun 'system' in the sentence.
The two modifying clauses are 'that she created' and 'which became the standard for modern astrophysics'.
Understanding the function of each clause determines how they should be punctuated.
2
Determine whether each modifying clause is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive).
The clause 'that she created' is restrictive because it identifies which specific system is being discussed. The clause 'which became the standard for modern astrophysics' is nonessential because it adds descriptive information but is not required to identify the system.
Restrictive clauses do not take commas, whereas nonessential clauses must be set off by commas.
3
Apply the appropriate punctuation rules to the clauses.
Do not place commas around 'that she created'. Place a pair of commas around 'which became the standard for modern astrophysics', resulting in a comma before 'which' and a comma after 'astrophysics'.
This configuration correctly sets off the parenthetical information without disrupting the essential connection between the noun and its restrictive modifier.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between restrictive (essential) and nonrestrictive (nonessential) clauses to apply commas correctly.
Question 220Question →

Although the restaurant chain launched three new locations last month, the company's primary goal was to maintain it's high standards of service.

Which of the following is the correct form of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: company's primary goal was to maintain its

Answer

company's primary goal was to maintain its
The correct answer correctly uses the singular possessive noun 'company's' to modify 'goal', as the sentence refers to a single 'restaurant chain'. It also properly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to refer back to the company.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine whether the noun modifying 'primary goal' should be singular or plural.
The sentence refers to 'the restaurant chain' (singular), so the possessive noun must be singular ('company's') rather than plural ('companies'').
The plural possessive form 'companies'' would incorrectly imply that multiple independent companies are being discussed.
2
Determine whether the sentence requires the possessive pronoun 'its' or the contraction 'it's'.
The sentence indicates a possessive relationship for the 'high standards of service', requiring 'its'.
The spelling 'it's' represents the contraction 'it is' or 'it has', which is grammatically incorrect in this context.
3
Combine the correct singular possessive noun and the correct possessive pronoun.
The correct phrasing is 'company's primary goal was to maintain its'.
This choice establishes correct punctuation and correct pronoun usage.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Conventions of Punctuation Practice Questions — ACT — Page 11 | Examkin