Examkin

Conventions of Punctuation

374 questions

All types374Multiple choice326Fill in the blank48
Question 81Question →

The passage below contains a blank where a punctuation mark has been omitted from a complex list. To ensure the sentence is punctuated correctly and its structure is clear, what punctuation mark should be placed in the blank? Enter the punctuation mark symbol (e.g., ;) or its name in lowercase (e.g., semicolon).

Fill in the blanks below

The curator organized the retrospective exhibition into three main galleries: the first featured early, monochromatic sketches that highlighted the artist's draftsmanship; the second displayed vibrant, large-scale oil paintings from her middle period and the third was dedicated to her late-career, mixed-media sculptures.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon (;) must be used in the blank to separate the items in the complex list.
A semicolon is correct because the list items themselves contain internal punctuation (commas separating coordinate adjectives). To prevent confusion and clearly define the boundaries of each item in the list, semicolons must be used as the separators, even when a coordinating conjunction like 'and' is present.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the sentence and identify the list.
The sentence contains a colon introducing a list of three distinct galleries: the first gallery, the second gallery, and the third gallery.
Understanding the overall sentence architecture is necessary to determine how the components relate to one another.
2
Identify the internal punctuation within the list items.
Each list item contains coordinate adjectives separated by commas: 'early, monochromatic', 'vibrant, large-scale', and 'late-career, mixed-media'.
Knowing that the individual items already contain internal commas prevents us from using standard commas as list separators, as this would cause confusion.
3
Apply the rule for complex lists with internal punctuation.
When items in a list contain internal commas, semicolons must be used as the major separators between the items, even before the coordinating conjunction 'and'.
Using a semicolon ensures that the reader can clearly distinguish where one list item ends and the next begins, maintaining grammatical clarity.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to separate items in a complex list that contains internal punctuation.
Question 82Question →

To prepare for the grueling winter expedition, the team acquired several, durable subzero sleeping bags, dried rations, and portable stoves, but they forgot to pack the emergency radio.

Which option best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: several durable, subzero sleeping bags, dried rations, and

Answer

several durable, subzero sleeping bags, dried rations, and
The correct option correctly identifies that 'several' is cumulative and does not take a comma, whereas 'durable' and 'subzero' are coordinate and require a comma. It also correctly separates the three list items with commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the adjectives preceding 'sleeping bags' to determine if they are coordinate or cumulative.
The word 'several' is a cumulative adjective because it cannot be rearranged ('durable several sleeping bags' is incorrect). The words 'durable' and 'subzero' are coordinate adjectives because they can be reversed ('subzero, durable sleeping bags') and can be joined by 'and' ('durable and subzero').
Cumulative adjectives should not be separated by commas, whereas coordinate adjectives must be separated by a comma.
2
Determine the comma requirements for the items in the series.
The sentence lists three separate items: 'sleeping bags', 'dried rations', and 'portable stoves'. These items must be separated by commas, including the serial (Oxford) comma before the coordinating conjunction 'and'.
Standard English conventions require commas to separate three or more items in a list.
3
Evaluate the use of alternative punctuation marks such as semicolons.
A semicolon is incorrect because semicolons are only used to separate items in a list if the items themselves contain internal commas. Here, the list items are simple, so a semicolon creates an inappropriate sentence fragment.
Semicolons must not be used to separate simple list items.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between coordinate and cumulative adjectives, and punctuating items in a series.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 83Question →

Although the research team tracked only one migratory flock, they noticed that the flocks' leader had lost it's tracking collar during the storm.

Which of the following options is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: flock's leader had lost its

Answer

flock's leader had lost its
The correct option correctly uses 'flock's' as a singular possessive noun because the context specifies 'only one migratory flock.' It also correctly uses 'its' as a possessive pronoun indicating that the tracking collar belongs to the leader. Unlike contractions, possessive pronouns do not take apostrophes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct number and possessive form for the noun 'flock'.
The phrase 'only one migratory flock' indicates the singular noun 'flock'. Since the leader belongs to the flock, the singular possessive form 'flock's' is required.
Identifying the noun context prevents using the plural possessive form.
2
Determine the correct word for showing possession of the tracking collar.
The tracking collar belongs to the leader, so the possessive pronoun 'its' is correct. The contraction 'it's' stands for 'it is' or 'it has', which is incorrect here.
Differentiating between the possessive pronoun and the contraction prevents homophone confusion.
3
Combine these findings to select the correct phrase.
The combined correct forms yield 'flock's leader had lost its'.
This is the only choice that resolves both grammatical errors.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 84Question →

For centuries, the production of Tyrian purple dye was a labor-intensive process restricted to royalty; indeed, harvesting thousands of spiny dye-murex snails was required to extract just a single gram of the vibrant pigment.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: royalty; indeed, harvesting

Answer

The correct option is 'royalty; indeed, harvesting', which properly uses a semicolon to connect two related independent clauses.
The correct option preserves the original structure, which correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. The conjunctive adverb 'indeed' is properly positioned after the semicolon and followed by a comma, establishing a logical connection between the difficulty of the process and the specific requirements of harvesting the snails.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses flanking the punctuation.
The first clause ('For centuries, the production of Tyrian purple dye was a labor-intensive process restricted to royalty') is an independent clause. The second clause ('indeed, harvesting thousands of spiny dye-murex snails was required to extract just a single gram of the vibrant pigment') is also an independent clause.
To determine the correct punctuation, we must identify if the clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
2
Evaluate the joining punctuation and transition words.
Since both clauses are independent, they must be separated by a period, a semicolon, or a comma paired with a coordinating conjunction. The transitional adverb 'indeed' is used here, which requires a semicolon before it and a comma after it when joining two independent clauses.
This ensures the sentence avoids comma splices and run-on structures while maintaining the logical transition.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to connect independent clauses linked by a conjunctive adverb
Question 85Question →

In the sentence below, a portion of the text is underlined.

Bristlecone pines are among the oldest living organisms on Earth; some of these trees have survived for over 4,000 years in the harsh climates of the American West.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The semicolon is the correct punctuation to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, so the original punctuation is correct.
The underlined portion correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses. 'Bristlecone pines are among the oldest living organisms on Earth' and 'some of these trees have survived for over 4,000 years in the harsh climates of the American West' are both complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences. A semicolon is the proper punctuation to link them without a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses in the sentence.
The first clause is 'Bristlecone pines are among the oldest living organisms on Earth' and the second is 'some of these trees have survived for over 4,000 years in the harsh climates of the American West'.
Determining whether these are independent or dependent clauses dictates what punctuation is required.
2
Determine the grammatical status of both clauses.
Both clauses contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought, meaning they are both independent clauses.
Independent clauses must be separated by a period, a semicolon, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.
3
Evaluate the punctuation options to connect the two independent clauses.
A semicolon alone correctly joins the two independent clauses. A comma alone is a comma splice, and adding subordinating conjunctions like 'because' or 'since' turns the second clause into a fragment.
Using a semicolon ensures the sentence is grammatically complete and avoids both comma splices and fragments.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to connect independent clauses
Question 86Question →

During the excavation of the ancient settlement, the research team spent months collecting dry, sandy, soil samples in the valley, they hoped to analyze the chemical composition, map the nutrient distribution, and identifying potential contaminants.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: dry, sandy soil samples in the valley; they hoped to analyze the chemical composition, map the nutrient distribution, and identify

Answer

dry, sandy soil samples in the valley; they hoped to analyze the chemical composition, map the nutrient distribution, and identify
The correct option properly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses, resolving the comma splice. It correctly places a single comma between the coordinate adjectives 'dry' and 'sandy' while leaving 'sandy soil samples' unseparated by a comma, as 'soil' is a noun adjunct. Finally, it uses the base verb 'identify' to complete the parallel list of actions ('analyze', 'map', and 'identify').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two main clauses in the sentence.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'During the excavation... samples in the valley' and 'they hoped to... potential contaminants.' Joining them with only a comma creates a comma splice. A semicolon is needed to connect them without a coordinating conjunction.
Correctly identifying clause boundaries prevents comma splices and fragments.
2
Evaluate the punctuation of the adjectives modifying 'soil samples'.
The adjectives 'dry' and 'sandy' are coordinate adjectives because they can be reversed ('sandy, dry') and joined by 'and' ('dry and sandy'). Therefore, a comma must separate them. However, 'soil' is a noun adjunct modifying 'samples' and acts cumulatively with 'sandy', so no comma should separate 'sandy' from 'soil samples'.
Coordinate adjectives require separating commas, but cumulative adjectives or noun adjuncts do not.
3
Check the parallel structure of the list of infinitive verbs following 'hoped to'.
The list consists of three actions: 'analyze', 'map', and the third item. To maintain parallel structure, the third verb must be in its base form 'identify' to match the active base verbs 'analyze' and 'map'.
Items in a list must share the same grammatical form.

Key Concept

Commas with Lists, Clauses, and Coordinate Adjectives
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 87Question →

When analyzing the blueprints for the new library, the head architect noticed that the two consultants' proposal had its own set of structural flaws.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct option is 'NO CHANGE' because it correctly uses the plural possessive 'consultants\'' to show that the proposal belongs to two consultants, and the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'own set of structural flaws'.
The sentence correctly uses the plural possessive 'consultants\'' to indicate that the proposal belongs to two individuals, and the possessive pronoun 'its' (without an apostrophe) to show that the structural flaws belong to the proposal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun 'consultants' should be singular or plural, and possessive or not.
The sentence specifies 'two consultants,' indicating a plural noun. Since they possess the proposal, we need the plural possessive form, which is written as 'consultants\'' with the apostrophe after the 's'.
Using 'consultant's' would incorrectly indicate that only one consultant is involved.
2
Determine if a contraction or possessive pronoun is needed before 'own set'.
We need to show that the flaws belong to the singular proposal, which requires the possessive pronoun 'its'.
The contraction 'it's' stands for 'it is' or 'it has,' which would result in 'had it is own set,' which is grammatically incorrect. There is no such word as 'its\''.
3
Compare these findings to the original underlined text.
The original underlined text matches the correct grammatical choices: 'consultants' proposal had its'.
Since the original phrasing is correct, 'NO CHANGE' is the correct selection.

Key Concept

Possessive apostrophe placement for plural nouns and distinguishing possessive pronouns from contractions.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 88Question →

The two guitarist's instruments were carefully tuned before the concert began.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: guitarists'

Answer

The correct option is the plural possessive form 'guitarists''.
The correct answer is the plural possessive form 'guitarists''. Since the sentence describes two individuals who own the instruments, a plural possessive is required. For regular plural nouns ending in 's', possession is shown by adding an apostrophe after the 's'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun should be singular or plural based on context clues.
The sentence contains the number 'two' right before the noun, indicating that there is more than one guitarist. Thus, a plural noun is needed.
The modifier 'two' establishes that the noun represents multiple entities.
2
Determine if the noun needs to be possessive.
The instruments belong to the guitarists, meaning a possessive form is necessary.
Possession must be marked to connect the owners (guitarists) to the owned objects (instruments).
3
Apply the punctuation rule for forming plural possessives for nouns ending in 's'.
The plural of 'guitarist' is 'guitarists'. To make a regular plural noun ending in 's' possessive, add an apostrophe at the end of the word, resulting in 'guitarists''.
Following standard punctuation rules ensures grammatical correctness.

Key Concept

Forming plural possessives for regular nouns ending in 's'.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 89Question →

The following passage is about the work of medieval scribes.

To preserve classical knowledge, medieval scribes spent countless hours copying texts in cold monasteries. They painstakingly reproduced scientific, philosophical, and literary manuscripts, despite the poor lighting and fatigue. Consequently, modern scholars must compare multiple versions of the same text. To reconstruct the original content as accurately as possible.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: text to reconstruct

Answer

text to reconstruct
The correct option removes the punctuation between the main clause and the infinitive phrase of purpose. In the sentence, the phrase beginning with 'to reconstruct' explains why modern scholars must compare the texts. Since this is an adverbial phrase rather than a separate independent clause, no punctuation is required to connect it to the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
The clause before the boundary ('Consequently, modern scholars must compare multiple versions of the same text') is independent. The phrase following the boundary ('To reconstruct the original content as accurately as possible') is an infinitive phrase.
Identifying clause boundaries and structures is necessary to determine the appropriate punctuation.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the independent clause and the following infinitive phrase.
The infinitive phrase acts as an adverbial modifier explaining the purpose of comparing the texts, meaning it is dependent on the main clause.
Understanding the function of the phrase helps determine if it should be separated by terminal punctuation.
3
Select the punctuation option that connects the phrase to the main clause without creating a fragment or comma splice.
Connecting them with no punctuation ('text to reconstruct') creates a single, grammatically correct sentence.
An infinitive phrase of purpose following a main clause does not require punctuation to separate it.

Key Concept

Identifying sentence fragments and choosing appropriate end-of-sentence punctuation to connect clauses and phrases.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 90Question →

The restoration of the ancient Roman aqueduct has sparked intense debate among architectural historians; the primary source of contention is the controversial materials used to reinforce the arches.

Which option best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to join the two independent clauses, keeping the finite verb 'is' in the second clause.
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. The first clause, 'The restoration of the ancient Roman aqueduct has sparked intense debate among architectural historians,' and the second clause, 'the primary source of contention is the controversial materials used to reinforce the arches,' are both independent clauses capable of standing alone as complete sentences. A semicolon is the proper punctuation to join them without a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structure before the punctuation mark.
The clause 'The restoration of the ancient Roman aqueduct has sparked intense debate among architectural historians' is an independent clause because it contains a subject ('restoration') and a finite verb ('has sparked') and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
To determine the correct punctuation, you must first analyze the grammatical status of the preceding clause.
2
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clause following the punctuation mark for each option.
In the correct version, the clause 'the primary source of contention is the controversial materials used to reinforce the arches' contains a subject ('source') and a finite verb ('is'), making it an independent clause. In the version with 'being', the phrase lacks a finite verb, making it a fragment.
A semicolon can only join two independent clauses. If the second clause is a fragment, a semicolon cannot be used.
3
Evaluate the punctuation options to avoid comma splices or fragments.
Joining the two independent clauses with only a comma creates an ungrammatical comma splice. Joining them with a semicolon is correct.
Independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon, a period, or a comma accompanied by a coordinating conjunction.

Key Concept

Semicolons
Question 91Question →

The passage below contains a blank at the end of the first sentence. Which punctuation mark best fills the blank to correctly punctuate the end of the first sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The archivist wondered whether the fragile parchment, which had been sealed in a lead box for centuries, would crumble upon exposure to the air, and if so, how the museum could possibly hope to preserve the faded ink This dilemma kept her awake at night, prompting her to consult with conservation specialists from around the world.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A period (.)
The sentence is a declarative statement reporting what the archivist was wondering, which makes the clauses starting with 'whether' and 'how' indirect questions. Declarative sentences must end with a period.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the sentence containing the blank.
The sentence begins with the main clause 'The archivist wondered.'
This main clause introduces a statement reporting a thought or question, rather than asking a question directly.
2
Determine the nature of the subsequent clauses introduced by 'whether' and 'how'.
The clauses 'whether the fragile parchment... would crumble' and 'how the museum could... preserve the faded ink' are indirect questions acting as noun clauses.
Indirect questions report what someone asked or wondered and do not perform the speech act of asking a direct question.
3
Identify the appropriate end-of-sentence punctuation mark.
Since the sentence is a declarative statement containing indirect questions, it must end with a period.
Declarative sentences are always punctuated with a period, even if they contain embedded indirect questions.

Key Concept

Declarative sentences that contain indirect questions must end with a period rather than a question mark.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 92Question →

As the storm approached the coast, the lone lighthouse's beacon flashed its warning to passing ships.

Which of the following is the correct spelling and punctuation of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: lighthouse's beacon flashed its

Answer

The correct answer is the option that reads 'lighthouse's beacon flashed its', as it correctly uses the singular possessive noun 'lighthouse's' and the possessive pronoun 'its'.
The correct answer correctly features the singular possessive noun 'lighthouse's' to show that the beacon belongs to the single ('lone') lighthouse. It also uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'warning', showing that the warning belongs to the beacon.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context to determine whether the noun 'lighthouse' is singular or plural, and if it requires possession.
The word 'lone' indicates a single lighthouse. Since the beacon belongs to the lighthouse, we need the singular possessive form, which is 'lighthouse's'.
Singular possessive nouns are formed by adding an apostrophe and an 's' to the singular noun.
2
Determine if the word before 'warning' should be a contraction or a possessive pronoun.
The warning belongs to the beacon, so we need the possessive pronoun 'its'. The contraction 'it's' (meaning 'it is') would make the phrase 'flashed it is warning', which is grammatically incorrect.
Possessive pronouns like 'its' do not take apostrophes, whereas 'it's' is a contraction.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between singular and plural possessive nouns, and between the possessive pronoun 'its' and the contraction 'it's'.
Question 93Question →

Organic architecture seeks to promote harmony between human habitation and the natural world. The architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed Fallingwater in 1935, revolutionized modern American home design by integrating structures directly into their surroundings. By building the house over a waterfall, he created a masterpiece that seamlessly blended art and nature.

Which of the following choices best punctuates the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed Fallingwater in 1935,

Answer

The correct option is the one that has no comma before the name and places commas around the nonessential relative clause: 'Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed Fallingwater in 1935,'.
The correct answer does not place a comma between the noun 'architect' and the essential appositive 'Frank Lloyd Wright,' but it correctly sets off the nonessential relative clause 'who designed Fallingwater in 1935' with commas at both the beginning and the end.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the name 'Frank Lloyd Wright' is an essential or nonessential appositive.
Since 'The architect' is a broad category, the specific name is essential to identify who is being discussed, so no comma should precede the name.
Essential (restrictive) elements should not be separated from their referent by commas.
2
Determine if the relative clause 'who designed Fallingwater in 1935' is essential or nonessential.
Because the subject has already been specifically identified by name, this descriptive clause is nonessential.
Nonessential (parenthetical) information must be completely set off by commas.
3
Select the option that matches these rules.
The option that leaves the space before the name unpunctuated and encloses the relative clause with two commas is correct.
This maintains the correct grammatical boundary for both restrictive and nonrestrictive elements.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Question 94Question →

Although the botanist collected samples from multiple orchids, she noted that the single rare flowers' vibrant color had lost it's intensity when kept in the shade. Which of the following is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: flower's vibrant color had lost its

Answer

flower's vibrant color had lost its
The context specifies a 'single rare' orchid, which requires the singular possessive noun 'flower's'. Additionally, the possessive pronoun 'its' is required to show possession of the intensity, as the contraction 'it's' (meaning 'it is') is grammatically incorrect in this position.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun modifying 'vibrant color' is singular or plural.
The context mentions a 'single rare' orchid, indicating that the noun must be singular possessive: 'flower's'.
An apostrophe followed by 's' is used to show possession for singular nouns.
2
Determine whether to use a contraction or a possessive pronoun for the word indicating ownership of intensity.
The word refers to the intensity belonging to the color, requiring the possessive pronoun 'its'.
The form 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has' and cannot be used to show possession.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions
Question 95Question →

The sentence below is missing a crucial punctuation mark between two independent clauses linked by a conjunctive adverb. What punctuation mark should be placed in the blank to correctly join these clauses?

Fill in the blanks below

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on a remote Norwegian island, acts as a safety net for the world's crops consequently, the facility is built deep inside a sandstone mountain to withstand catastrophic events.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon (;) must be used to separate the two independent clauses before the conjunctive adverb 'consequently'.
A semicolon is required to separate the two independent clauses because they are joined by the conjunctive adverb 'consequently'. A comma is insufficient because it results in a comma splice, and a period is incorrect because the transitional word 'consequently' is not capitalized and remains part of the same sentence flow.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses in the sentence and determine their relationship.
The first clause ('The Svalbard Global Seed Vault... acts as a safety net for the world's crops') and the second clause ('the facility is built deep inside... to withstand catastrophic events') are both independent clauses because they can stand alone as complete sentences.
Before deciding on the punctuation, we must analyze the structure of the clauses to see if they are independent or dependent.
2
Examine how the two independent clauses are connected.
The clauses are linked by the conjunctive adverb 'consequently', which introduces a cause-and-effect transition.
Recognizing the transitional word helps determine the punctuation style required.
3
Apply the appropriate punctuation rule for joining independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
When joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb like 'consequently', a semicolon must precede the adverb, and a comma typically follows it.
Using a comma instead of a semicolon would result in a comma splice, while omitting punctuation entirely would create a run-on sentence.

Key Concept

Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 96Question →

For decades, art historians debated the authenticity of the Renaissance portrait. The local historian who discovered the forgotten letters, an expert on the artist’s early life recently published a groundbreaking study that resolved the mystery. This publication has sparked renewed interest in the painter's early works.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: who discovered the forgotten letters, an expert on the artist’s early life, recently published

Answer

The correct option is the one that leaves the restrictive clause unpunctuated while properly enclosing the nonessential appositive phrase in commas.
The correct choice leaves 'who discovered the forgotten letters' without a preceding comma because it is a restrictive relative clause that identifies the specific historian. It also correctly places a pair of commas around 'an expert on the artist’s early life' because it is a nonessential appositive phrase providing extra detail.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the clause 'who discovered the forgotten letters' is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive) to the meaning of the sentence.
The clause is restrictive because it identifies which specific local historian is being discussed. Therefore, no comma should precede 'who'.
Restrictive elements define the preceding noun and are not set off by commas.
2
Determine if the appositive phrase 'an expert on the artist's early life' is essential or nonessential.
The phrase is nonessential because it provides supplementary information about the historian, who is already identified. It must be enclosed in commas.
Nonessential appositives must be set off by a pair of commas to show they are parenthetical.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between restrictive and nonessential modifiers to apply punctuation correctly.
Question 97Question →

During a stormy summer in Switzerland, Mary Shelley began writing her famous novel *Frankenstein*. The young author, who was only eighteen at the time, drew inspiration from conversations about galvanism and scientific discoveries. Today, the book is celebrated as a pioneering masterpiece of science fiction.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The correct choice is 'NO CHANGE' because the clause 'who was only eighteen at the time' is a nonessential relative clause. It provides extra, parenthetical information about the young author. Nonessential clauses must be set off from the rest of the sentence by a matching pair of commas—one before the clause and one after it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify whether the underlined clause 'who was only eighteen at the time' is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive) to the meaning of the sentence.
The clause is nonessential because the subject 'The young author' is already clearly identified, and removing the clause does not change the core meaning of the sentence.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence using commas, dashes, or parentheses.
2
Punctuate the nonessential clause correctly by surrounding it with a pair of commas.
The clause starts after 'author' and ends after 'time', requiring a comma in both locations: ', who was only eighteen at the time,'.
Enclosing a nonessential clause with a matching pair of commas correctly separates it from the main clause without disrupting the subject-verb connection.

Key Concept

Setting off nonessential relative clauses with a pair of commas.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 98Question →

Although the two research teams agreed on the single fossil's age, they disagreed on the specimens' origin and it's classification within the dinosaur family tree.

Which choice most effectively and grammatically completes the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: specimen's origin and its

Answer

specimen's origin and its
The correct option correctly uses the singular possessive noun 'specimen's' because the context refers to a single fossil. It also correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to show that the classification belongs to the specimen, avoiding the contraction 'it's' (which means 'it is').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun modifying 'origin' should be singular or plural.
The sentence specifies 'the single fossil's age,' which means only one specimen is being discussed. Therefore, the singular possessive form 'specimen's' must be used.
To show ownership or association for a singular noun, add an apostrophe followed by an 's'.
2
Determine if a possessive pronoun or a contraction is needed before 'classification.'
The word modifies 'classification' to show that the classification belongs to the specimen, requiring the possessive pronoun 'its'. The contraction 'it's' (meaning 'it is' or 'it has') would create an ungrammatical phrase ('it is classification').
Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes, whereas apostrophes in pronouns indicate contractions.
3
Combine the correct singular possessive noun and the correct possessive pronoun.
The combined phrase is 'specimen's origin and its'.
This is the only combination that is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions
Question 99Question →

During the excavation, the team discovered a well-preserved *Triceratops* skeleton, but the fossils' tail was missing it's unique defensive spikes.

Which choice most effectively corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fossil's tail was missing its

Answer

fossil's tail was missing its
The sentence describes a single skeleton ('a well-preserved Triceratops skeleton'), which means the singular possessive form 'fossil's' is required. Additionally, the sentence needs the possessive pronoun 'its' to show ownership of the defensive spikes. The option 'fossil's tail was missing its' is correct because it satisfies both of these conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun 'fossil' should be singular or plural, and possessive or not.
The sentence mentions 'a well-preserved Triceratops skeleton', which indicates a single fossil. The tail belongs to this fossil, so we need the singular possessive form 'fossil's'.
Establishing the singular versus plural context determines where the apostrophe belongs.
2
Determine if the pronoun referring to the fossil should be a contraction or a possessive.
The sentence refers to the fossil's own defensive spikes, which requires the possessive pronoun 'its'. The contraction 'it's' (short for 'it is' or 'it has') does not make sense in this context.
Differentiating between the homophones 'its' and 'it's' is necessary for proper grammatical conventions.
3
Identify the option that correctly combines both grammatical forms.
The choice containing 'fossil's tail was missing its' is correct.
This option contains both 'fossil's' and 'its' correctly.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions
Question 100Question →

A writer is revising the sentence below to connect two closely related ideas. What punctuation mark must be placed in the blank to grammatically join the two independent clauses?

Fill in the blanks below

The local bakery is famous for its sourdough bread customers line up down the block every morning to buy a fresh loaf.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon (;) must be used to join the two independent clauses.
A semicolon is required to join the two independent clauses because they are closely related in meaning and there is no coordinating conjunction to connect them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the two clauses on either side of the blank.
The clause before the blank ('The local bakery is famous for its sourdough bread') and the clause after the blank ('customers line up down the block every morning to buy a fresh loaf') are both independent clauses.
Each clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, meaning each could stand alone as a complete sentence.
2
Determine the appropriate punctuation to connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark to join these two clauses.
A semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as 'and', 'but', or 'so').

Key Concept

A semicolon is used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
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Conventions of Punctuation Practice Questions — ACT — Page 5 | Examkin