Examkin

Conventions of Punctuation

374 questions

All types374Multiple choice326Fill in the blank48
Question 21Question →

The passage below contains a blank indicating a missing punctuation mark. Fill in the blank with the punctuation mark that correctly completes the sentence, maintaining consistency with the punctuation already used to set off the nonessential clause.

Fill in the blanks below

In 1967, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell detected a series of repeating radio signals—initially dubbed 'Little Green Men' as a jokethat turned out to be the first discovered pulsar.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

An em dash (—) or double hyphen (--) must be used to close the nonessential parenthetical phrase.
The sentence uses an em dash (—) to open the nonessential parenthetical phrase 'initially dubbed "Little Green Men" as a joke'. Under standard punctuation rules tested on the ACT, nonessential phrases set off by dashes must be closed with a matching dash. Therefore, an em dash (—) or its keyboard representation (--) is required to correctly complete the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the parenthetical (nonessential) clause in the sentence.
The phrase 'initially dubbed "Little Green Men" as a joke' provides extra, nonessential information about the radio signals.
Nonessential information must be set off from the rest of the sentence by matching punctuation marks on both sides.
2
Examine the punctuation mark that opens the parenthetical clause.
An em dash (—) precedes 'initially'.
This establishes that dashes are being used as the punctuation style for this parenthetical element.
3
Determine the matching punctuation mark needed to close the parenthetical clause.
Another em dash (—) or double hyphen (--) is required before 'that'.
To maintain punctuation consistency, a dash must be paired with another dash; pairing a dash with a comma, semicolon, or parenthesis is incorrect.

Key Concept

Punctuation consistency with parenthetical elements requires using matching marks (dash with dash, comma with comma, parenthesis with parenthesis) to set off nonessential information.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 22Question →

The sentence below describes the history of early aviation, but it is missing the necessary punctuation mark between two independent clauses. Which punctuation mark should fill the blank to correctly join these clauses?

Fill in the blanks below

In the early days of aviation, pioneering pilots relied solely on visual flight rules indeed, the lack of reliable gyroscopic instruments made flying through dense fog or cloud cover almost inevitably fatal.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon (;) must fill the blank.
A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark because it links two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. In the given sentence, both 'In the early days of aviation, pioneering pilots relied solely on visual flight rules' and 'indeed, the lack of reliable gyroscopic instruments made flying through dense fog or cloud cover almost inevitably fatal' are complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences. The transition word 'indeed' reinforces the relationship between these two independent clauses, requiring a semicolon before it to separate them grammatically.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses on either side of the blank.
The clause before the blank ('In the early days of aviation, pioneering pilots relied solely on visual flight rules') and the clause after the blank ('indeed, the lack of reliable gyroscopic instruments made flying through dense fog or cloud cover almost inevitably fatal') are both independent clauses because each contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Identifying whether the clauses are independent or dependent is necessary to determine the appropriate punctuation rule.
2
Determine the correct punctuation to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark to link two independent clauses when no coordinating conjunction (such as 'and', 'but', or 'so') is present.
Connecting two independent clauses with a comma alone results in a comma splice, while omitting punctuation entirely results in a run-on sentence.

Key Concept

Semicolons
Question 23Question →

In 2009, chemist Mas Subramanian and his team at Oregon State University accidentally discovered YInMn Blue while researching materials for electronics. The vibrant pigment, which is the first new blue discovered in over two centuries, contains elements of yttrium, indium, and manganese. Because it reflects infrared light, it could also help keep buildings cool if used as paint.

Which choice most correctly punctuates the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The choice that reads 'NO CHANGE' is correct because it properly encloses the nonessential relative clause with a pair of commas.
The correct answer properly uses a pair of commas to enclose the nonessential relative clause 'which is the first new blue discovered in over two centuries'. Because 'The vibrant pigment' is already defined, this clause acts as parenthetical information that can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence. Therefore, it must be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas on both sides.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to determine if the relative clause 'which is the first new blue discovered in over two centuries' is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive).
The clause is nonessential because the subject 'The vibrant pigment' is already specific and its identity does not depend on the relative clause.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence by punctuation, usually commas.
2
Check the punctuation around the nonessential clause in each option to find the grammatically correct arrangement.
The original phrasing correctly uses a comma before 'which' and a comma after 'centuries' to enclose the clause.
This configuration correctly sets off the parenthetical information, whereas other choices omit one comma, create a fragment with a semicolon, or use commas around a restrictive 'that' clause.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Question 24Question →

Read the following passage:

For decades, researchers struggled to map the deep ocean floor, as sonar technology was still in its infancy. The breakthrough arrived in the mid-twentieth century. Cartographer Marie Tharp began analyzing raw sonar profiles, she painstakingly drew the first comprehensive maps of the Atlantic rift valley. Her work eventually revolutionized the scientific understanding of continental drift.

Which of the following choices is the most grammatically correct revision of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: profiles; she

Answer

The correct option is 'profiles; she'. This choice correctly uses a semicolon to separate two closely related independent clauses.
The semicolon is used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Since 'Cartographer Marie Tharp began analyzing raw sonar profiles' and 'she painstakingly drew the first comprehensive maps of the Atlantic rift valley' are both independent clauses, separating them with a semicolon is grammatically correct and appropriate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause boundary in the underlined portion.
The boundary is between 'profiles' and 'she'.
This is where two grammatical structures meet, and we must determine how they are related.
2
Analyze the grammar of the clauses on either side of the boundary.
'Cartographer Marie Tharp began analyzing raw sonar profiles' is an independent clause. 'she painstakingly drew the first comprehensive maps of the Atlantic rift valley' is also an independent clause.
Understanding the clause types helps identify which punctuation marks can legally join or separate them.
3
Evaluate the punctuation options to connect these two independent clauses.
A semicolon correctly separates two closely related independent clauses. A comma alone creates a comma splice. A period followed by 'Although' creates a dependent clause fragment. A semicolon followed by 'because' also results in a fragment.
This confirms that only the semicolon option creates a grammatically correct sentence structure.

Key Concept

End-of-Sentence Punctuation
Question 25Question →

The majestic oak tree in the center of the park is famous for it's massive, sweeping branches.

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: its

Answer

its
The correct answer is the possessive pronoun 'its'. In the sentence, the branches belong to the singular tree, so a singular possessive pronoun is required. The contraction 'it's' (it is) would make the sentence read 'famous for it is massive...', which is grammatically incorrect. Therefore, the simple possessive form without any apostrophe is the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the relationship between the tree and the branches.
The branches belong to the tree, which means we need a possessive form.
This helps determine whether we need a possessive pronoun or a contraction.
2
Identify the number of the noun being referred to.
The noun 'tree' is singular.
The pronoun must agree in number with the noun it represents (singular 'its' vs. plural 'their').
3
Select the correct singular possessive pronoun.
'its' is the correct spelling of the singular possessive pronoun, whereas 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is' and 'its'' is incorrect.
This rules out the contraction 'it's' and the non-existent word 'its''.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the possessive pronoun 'its' and the contraction 'it's.'
Question 26Question →

The marine biologist discovered a new species of bioluminescent jellyfish, indeed, its glow was visible even in the murkiest depths of the ocean.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: jellyfish; indeed, its

Answer

jellyfish; indeed, its
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses and places a comma after the conjunctive adverb. This resolves the comma splice while maintaining the intended flow and relationship between the two complete thoughts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structures on both sides of the underlined transition.
The first part, 'The marine biologist discovered a new species of bioluminescent jellyfish,' is an independent clause. The second part, 'its glow was visible even in the murkiest depths of the ocean,' is also an independent clause.
To determine correct punctuation, we must know if the clauses being joined are independent or dependent.
2
Select the correct punctuation for joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
Two independent clauses linked by a conjunctive adverb like 'indeed' must be separated by a semicolon before the adverb and a comma after it.
Using only a comma creates a grammatical error known as a comma splice, while omitting the semicolon creates a run-on.

Key Concept

Semicolons are used to link two independent clauses, particularly when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb or transition word followed by a comma.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 27Question →

The museum's new exhibit features several [artist's] paintings from the Renaissance, though most of the collection is dedicated to local modern sculptors.

Which of the following is the correct punctuation for the underlined word in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: artists'

Answer

artists'
The correct answer is the plural possessive form of the noun. The context clue 'several' establishes that there are multiple artists. To show that these multiple artists own the paintings, the apostrophe must be placed after the 's' of the plural noun 'artists', resulting in 'artists'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context around the underlined word to determine if the noun is singular or plural.
The word 'several' preceding the noun indicates that there are multiple artists, meaning a plural noun is required.
Correct punctuation depends on whether the noun is singular or plural.
2
Determine if the noun needs to show possession.
The paintings belong to the artists, so a possessive form is necessary.
Possession must be established because the paintings are owned by the artists.
3
Apply the rule for forming the possessive of a plural noun ending in 's'.
The plural noun 'artists' becomes possessive by adding an apostrophe after the 's', yielding 'artists'.
Regular plural nouns ending in 's' form their possessive by adding only an apostrophe at the very end.

Key Concept

Plural possessive nouns are formed by adding an apostrophe after the final 's' of the plural noun.
Question 28Question →

Read the following sentence and focus on the underlined portion:

Although the board approved the new initiative, the two directors' insistence on it's immediate implementation caused widespread concern among the staff.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: directors' insistence on its

Answer

directors' insistence on its
The correct option uses the plural possessive 'directors'' because the context refers to 'two directors.' It also correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'immediate implementation,' referring back to the singular noun 'initiative.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the number of the noun showing possession.
The context mentions 'two directors', indicating a plural noun.
Determining if the noun is singular or plural is necessary to apply the correct possessive punctuation rule.
2
Apply the plural possessive punctuation rule.
The plural noun 'directors' ends in 's', so the apostrophe must go after the 's' to form 'directors'.
For plural nouns ending in 's', possession is indicated by adding only an apostrophe at the end.
3
Determine if a contraction or possessive pronoun is required for the second pronoun.
The sentence refers to the implementation of the initiative, which requires a possessive relationship ('its immediate implementation').
This determines whether 'its' or 'it's' is grammatically appropriate.
4
Select the correct spelling of the possessive pronoun.
The possessive pronoun is spelled 'its'. The spelling 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is', and 'its'' is grammatically invalid.
This avoids homophone and spelling confusion between possessive pronouns and contractions.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between singular and plural possessives, and between contractions and possessive pronouns.
Question 29Question →

The following passage is an excerpt from an art history essay.

Visitors to the museum often overlook the smaller galleries in favor of the grand exhibition halls. However, the Renaissance painting that hangs in the main gallery, a portrait of a wealthy Florentine merchant, was recently restored to its original brilliance. Conservators spent months removing layers of discolored varnish to reveal the vibrant colors underneath.

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 restrictive clause unpunctuated and uses a pair of commas to set off the nonessential appositive phrase.
The correct choice keeps the restrictive clause unpunctuated while correctly isolating the nonessential appositive phrase with a pair of commas. The clause beginning with 'that' defines the specific painting and must not be separated from it by a comma. The appositive 'a portrait of a wealthy Florentine merchant' adds descriptive info and is properly framed by commas on both sides.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the clause 'that hangs in the main gallery' is restrictive or nonrestrictive.
The clause is restrictive because it specifies exactly which painting was restored. It should not be enclosed in commas.
Restrictive elements are essential to the meaning of the sentence and are not punctuated with commas.
2
Determine if the phrase 'a portrait of a wealthy Florentine merchant' is restrictive or nonrestrictive.
The phrase is a nonessential appositive that adds extra detail about the painting but is not essential to the sentence structure. It must be set off with a pair of commas.
Nonessential or parenthetical elements must be set off with a pair of commas, one at the beginning and one at the end of the phrase.
3
Evaluate the punctuation options to find the one that correctly applies both rules.
The original text contains no commas around the restrictive clause and has commas both before and after the nonessential appositive. Therefore, the best choice is the original punctuation.
Maintaining the original structure avoids separating the restrictive clause and correctly bounds the parenthetical appositive.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between restrictive clauses (which require no commas) and nonessential appositives (which require a pair of commas).
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 30Question →

Many artists spend decades perfecting their techniques in relative obscurity. The painter who created the famous mural spent years studying color theory. Today, this artwork attracts thousands of visitors to the city gallery.

Which option represents the correct punctuation for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The relative clause 'who created the famous mural' is restrictive (essential) because it defines which specific painter spent years studying color theory. Essential clauses should not be separated from their referent or the rest of the sentence by commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined relative clause to determine if it is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive) to the meaning of the sentence.
The clause 'who created the famous mural' is essential because it specifies which particular painter is being discussed.
Identifying the clause type is necessary to determine the correct punctuation rules.
2
Apply punctuation rules for essential clauses.
Essential clauses must not be set off by punctuation, meaning no commas or semicolons should separate 'painter' from the clause or the clause from the verb 'spent'.
Punctuation around essential elements mistakenly signals that the information is parenthetical and can be omitted.

Key Concept

Commas with Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Elements
Question 31Question →

The museum will close early today; the staff is preparing for a private gallery opening.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The original phrasing correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses. Both 'The museum will close early today' and 'the staff is preparing for a private gallery opening' are complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences. A semicolon is the proper punctuation mark to connect them without a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structure of the clauses surrounding the underlined punctuation.
The clause before the punctuation ('The museum will close early today') is independent. The clause after the punctuation ('the staff is preparing for a private gallery opening') is also independent.
Determining whether the clauses are independent or dependent dictates the correct punctuation.
2
Evaluate the punctuation rules for joining two independent clauses.
Two independent clauses can be joined by a semicolon alone, or by a comma combined with a coordinating conjunction.
This helps eliminate choices that violate standard sentence structure rules.
3
Analyze each option to see which one correctly applies these rules.
The original sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join the two independent clauses, whereas the other options create either a comma splice or fragments.
This guarantees that only the grammatically correct option is selected.

Key Concept

Semicolons
Question 32Question →

Although the university's department of chemistry boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory for its dozens of scientists, its' researchers' publication rates have declined since the funding cut.

Which of the following choices is the most grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: its researchers'

Answer

its researchers'
The correct choice is 'its researchers''. The possessive pronoun 'its' correctly refers to the singular noun 'department of chemistry' without an apostrophe. The plural possessive noun 'researchers'' correctly places the apostrophe after the 's' to indicate ownership by multiple researchers, consistent with the reference to 'dozens of scientists'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct pronoun to refer to the antecedent.
The antecedent is 'department of chemistry', which is singular and neuter. The possessive pronoun must be 'its'. The spelling 'its'' is not a valid word, and 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is', which does not fit the possessive structure.
To eliminate options containing incorrect pronoun forms.
2
Determine the number and case of the noun modifying 'publication rates'.
The context mentions 'dozens of scientists' and plural 'publication rates', indicating that the noun 'researchers' must be plural. Since they own the publication rates, it must also be possessive. The plural possessive form is written with the apostrophe after the 's' as 'researchers''.
To identify the correct apostrophe placement for plural possession.
3
Combine the correct pronoun and possessive noun forms.
Combining 'its' and 'researchers'' yields the correct answer: 'its researchers''.
To select the choice that maintains correct grammar and punctuation.

Key Concept

Possessive Pronouns vs. Contractions and Plural Possessive Nouns
Question 33Question →

In 1915, Albert Einstein published his theory of general relativity, which revolutionized modern physics. The field of study that he pioneered has since led to the discovery of black holes and gravitational waves. However, the mathematician, who assisted Einstein with the complex geometry, is rarely mentioned in history textbooks.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: mathematician who assisted Einstein with the complex geometry is

Answer

mathematician who assisted Einstein with the complex geometry is
The correct choice omits all punctuation around the relative clause 'who assisted Einstein with the complex geometry' because this clause is restrictive (essential to specifying which mathematician is being discussed). Standard grammar rules dictate that essential relative clauses should not be separated from their referent with commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine whether the relative clause 'who assisted Einstein with the complex geometry' is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive) to the meaning of the sentence.
The clause is restrictive because it identifies which specific mathematician is being discussed. Without it, the sentence 'However, the mathematician is rarely mentioned' would be incomplete or ambiguous.
Essential information must not be set off by commas.
2
Evaluate the punctuation options for the clause.
The correct punctuation is no punctuation at all, as any commas or semicolons would incorrectly disrupt the relationship between the subject and its modifying clause or the main verb.
Commas should not separate a restrictive clause from its referent, and a semicolon cannot be used to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between restrictive and nonrestrictive relative clauses to determine correct comma usage.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 34Question →

Although the two candidates debated fiercely, each politicians' speech focused on the same economic reforms. Which of the following is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: politician's

Answer

politician's
The correct answer is the singular possessive form because the modifier 'each' requires a singular noun, and the noun must show ownership of the following word, 'speech'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical constraint introduced by the modifier preceding the underlined word.
The word 'each' is a singular modifier, meaning it must modify a singular noun.
This rules out plural noun options.
2
Determine if the noun needs to indicate possession.
The noun modifies 'speech' to show ownership of the speech, so it must be possessive.
An apostrophe is required to show that the speech belongs to the politician.
3
Combine the singular noun requirement with the possessive requirement.
The correct form is the singular possessive 'politician's'.
This is the only choice that is both singular and possessive.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives
Question 35Question →

In the context of the passage below, which option correctly punctuates the underlined portion to join the clauses?

A few species of jellyfish are capable of reverting their cells back to a polyp state, this process of biological transdifferentiation; however, is extremely rare in nature.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: state; this process of biological transdifferentiation, however, is

Answer

state; this process of biological transdifferentiation, however, is
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses: the first clause about the jellyfish's ability to revert cells and the second clause about the rarity of this process. It also correctly punctuates the conjunctive adverb 'however' with commas to show its parenthetical function within the second clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the two clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
The first clause ('A few species of jellyfish are capable of reverting their cells back to a polyp state') and the second clause ('this process of biological transdifferentiation... is extremely rare in nature') are both independent clauses.
Identifying clause types determines the appropriate punctuation needed to link them.
2
Determine the proper punctuation to join the two independent clauses.
A semicolon is required to connect them since there is no coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) joining them.
Joining two independent clauses with only a comma creates a comma splice.
3
Evaluate the placement of the transition word 'however' and its surrounding punctuation.
Because 'however' is used parenthetically inside the second clause, it must be surrounded by commas, and the verb 'is' must remain connected to its subject.
Incorrectly placing a semicolon before 'is' separates the subject from the verb, creating a fragment.

Key Concept

Semicolons
Question 36Question →

The primary investigator spent months compiling the archaeological data; consequently, the report was highly detailed, and it convinced the board to renew the project's funding.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The original phrasing, which uses a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb 'consequently' and a comma after it to connect two independent clauses, is correct.
The original phrasing correctly uses a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb 'consequently', which is properly followed by a comma.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause boundary and structure.
The sentence consists of two main parts: 'The primary investigator spent months compiling the archaeological data' (an independent clause) and 'the report was highly detailed, and it convinced the board to renew the project's funding' (also an independent clause).
Understanding clause boundaries helps determine the appropriate punctuation and conjunctions needed.
2
Evaluate the joining element.
The two clauses are linked by 'consequently', which is a conjunctive adverb rather than a coordinating conjunction.
Conjunctive adverbs require specific punctuation patterns to avoid run-on sentences or comma splices.
3
Select the correct punctuation rule.
To join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb, a semicolon must precede the adverb, and a comma must follow it.
This maintains the independence of the clauses while establishing the logical transition between them.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to connect independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 37Question →

During the Renaissance, the construction of the Florence Cathedral's massive dome posed a seemingly impossible challenge. Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect who designed the dome, utilized a unique herringbone brick-laying pattern to prevent the structure from collapsing. Ultimately, this innovative engineering method solved a problem that had puzzled builders for decades.

Which choice represents the correct punctuation for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct answer is the original phrasing, which correctly uses a pair of commas to set off the nonessential appositive phrase without separating the restrictive relative clause from its referent.
The correct choice sets off the nonessential appositive phrase 'the architect who designed the dome' with a pair of commas. The clause 'who designed the dome' is restrictive because it identifies which architect is referred to, so it should not be separated from 'architect' by commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nonessential element in the sentence.
The phrase 'the architect who designed the dome' is an appositive modifying 'Filippo Brunelleschi' and is nonessential to the grammatical structure of the main clause.
The sentence remains a complete, grammatical thought if this descriptive phrase is removed.
2
Determine the correct punctuation for the parenthetical appositive.
It must be enclosed by a matching pair of commas: one before the phrase and one after it.
Nonessential and parenthetical elements must be set off with a pair of punctuation marks to separate them from the rest of the independent clause.
3
Analyze the relative clause within the appositive phrase.
The clause 'who designed the dome' is restrictive to the noun 'architect' because it identifies which architect is being discussed.
Restrictive clauses are essential to define the noun they modify and must not be separated from that noun by commas.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 38Question →

In the sentence below, a punctuation mark is missing between two independent clauses. What punctuation mark should be placed in the blank to correctly join them?

Fill in the blanks below

The team of archaeologists finally located the entrance to the tomb unfortunately, the heavy stone door was sealed shut from the inside.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon should be used to separate the two independent clauses.
A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark because it is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, especially when the transition is marked by a transitional adverb such as 'unfortunately'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses separated by the blank.
Clause 1: 'The team of archaeologists finally located the entrance to the tomb'. Clause 2: 'unfortunately, the heavy stone door was sealed shut from the inside'.
Determining the grammatical nature of each clause helps decide the correct punctuation.
2
Evaluate the grammatical completeness of both clauses.
Both clauses are independent because they both contain a subject and a verb, and can stand alone as complete thoughts.
Independent clauses require strong punctuation or coordinating conjunctions to connect them.
3
Select the correct punctuation mark that can link two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon is the appropriate mark to join the two independent clauses, especially before the transitional adverb 'unfortunately'.
Using a comma alone would cause a comma splice, and no conjunction is present to allow a comma.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to link independent clauses, particularly when the second clause begins with a transitional adverb.
Question 39Question →

The sanctuary's success is due to [it's volunteers'] dedication, as they spend countless hours monitoring the nesting sites of endangered sea turtles.

Which choice is the most effective correction for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: its volunteers'

Answer

its volunteers'
The correct choice is 'its volunteers''. The possessive pronoun 'its' correctly modifies 'volunteers' to show they belong to the sanctuary. The plural possessive 'volunteers'' (with the apostrophe after the 's') correctly agrees with the plural pronoun 'they' later in the sentence and indicates that the dedication belongs to the volunteers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if a contraction or possessive pronoun is needed for the word modifying 'volunteers'.
The sanctuary is a singular noun that owns the volunteers, so we need the singular possessive pronoun 'its'. The contraction 'it's' (it is) is incorrect, and the form 'its'' does not exist.
Choosing the correct pronoun prevents pronoun-contraction confusion.
2
Determine if the noun 'volunteers' should be singular or plural.
The context mentions that 'they' spend countless hours, which indicates multiple people. Therefore, the noun must be plural: 'volunteers'.
Ensuring agreement between the noun and the plural pronoun 'they' that refers to it later.
3
Determine the correct possessive form for the plural noun 'volunteers' modifying 'dedication'.
Since the dedication belongs to the plural volunteers, the apostrophe must go after the 's': 'volunteers''. Without an apostrophe, the relationship is ungrammatical.
Applying the rule for plural possessive nouns ending in 's'.

Key Concept

Possessive pronouns and plural possessive nouns
Question 40Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The jazz band played an energetic set at the local cafe the audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.
Show answer & explanation

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
PreviousPage 2 / 19Next