Examkin

Conventions of Punctuation

374 questions

All types374Multiple choice326Fill in the blank48
Question 101Question →

Before Alan Turing's famous work at Bletchley Park, a team of Polish mathematicians cracked the early military Enigma cipher. Marian Rejewski solved the mathematical equations underlying the machine's rotor permutations. The card catalog that Rejewski compiled during his research, which contained over 100,000 permutations, allowed the team to decrypt messages in minutes.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The original phrasing, which leaves the restrictive clause unpunctuated and encloses the nonessential clause within commas, is correct.
The correct choice properly distinguishes between the restrictive clause 'that Rejewski compiled during his research' and the nonessential clause 'which contained over 100,000 permutations'. Because the 'that' clause is essential to defining the specific catalog, it requires no commas. The 'which' clause is nonessential, so it must be enclosed by a matched pair of commas—one before 'which' and one after 'permutations'—allowing the main subject 'The card catalog' to link to its verb 'allowed'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clauses modifying the noun 'card catalog' and determine if they are essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive).
The clause 'that Rejewski compiled during his research' is restrictive because it specifies which catalog is being discussed. The clause 'which contained over 100,000 permutations' is nonessential because it provides additional, non-identifying detail about the catalog.
Understanding the semantic role of each clause dictates the correct punctuation rules to apply.
2
Apply the punctuation rules for restrictive and nonessential clauses.
Do not place commas around the restrictive clause starting with 'that'. Place a pair of commas around the nonessential relative clause starting with 'which' to set it off from the rest of the sentence.
Restrictive clauses are essential to the sentence's meaning and must not be separated from their referent, whereas nonessential elements must be set off by a matched pair of commas.
3
Evaluate the choices to ensure no punctuation marks are misplaced or create grammatical fragments.
The original punctuation maintains the integrity of both clauses and allows the subject 'The card catalog' to connect smoothly to the verb 'allowed'. Alternatives introduce errors such as dangling commas, separated restrictive clauses, or a semicolon that cuts off a dependent clause.
This guarantees that the sentence remains grammatically complete and clear.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 102Question →

Biologists studying the isolated Tepui tablelands of South America have observed a rare ecological phenomenon: evolutionary stasis, which is the preservation of ancestral traits over millions of years.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: phenomenon: evolutionary stasis, which is

Answer

phenomenon: evolutionary stasis, which is
The correct answer is the option that keeps the colon after 'phenomenon' because the preceding clause is independent, and the colon appropriately introduces the explanation of the phenomenon ('evolutionary stasis'). The comma after 'stasis' correctly introduces the nonessential relative clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the clause before the punctuation mark is independent.
The clause 'Biologists studying the isolated Tepui tablelands of South America have observed a rare ecological phenomenon' is independent because it contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Colons must be preceded by a complete independent clause.
2
Evaluate the structure of the phrase following the punctuation mark.
The phrase 'evolutionary stasis, which is the preservation...' is a noun phrase followed by a nonessential relative clause, meaning it is a dependent phrase.
This helps rule out punctuation marks like semicolons, which require independent clauses on both sides.
3
Apply grammar rules to test the punctuation choices.
A colon is appropriate here because it follows an independent clause and introduces an explanation. Using a semicolon creates a fragment, using a comma with 'this is' creates a comma splice, and putting the colon after 'that is' leaves the preceding clause incomplete.
To identify the only grammatically correct option.

Key Concept

A colon must be preceded by an independent clause and can be used to introduce an explanation, list, or clarification.

Alternative Method

Try reading the sentence up to the colon. If it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, a colon cannot be used. If it can, verify that the following part explains or defines what came before.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 103Question →

The sentence below contains a list of items that have internal commas. What punctuation mark should be placed in both blank spaces to clearly separate the items in this list?

Fill in the blanks below

The chef prepared three signature dishes for the tasting menu: a savory, slow-roasted duck breast a delicate, herb-infused wild mushroom tart and a rich, dark chocolate soufflé served with raspberry coulis.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon (;) must be used in both blanks to separate the items in the complex list.
A semicolon is required in both blanks because the items in the list contain internal commas. When list items have their own internal punctuation, semicolons must be used as the outer separators to keep the list organized and clear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the list of items being presented.
The sentence lists three distinct dishes: a duck breast, a wild mushroom tart, and a chocolate soufflé.
Understanding the structure of the list is necessary to determine the correct punctuation.
2
Examine the internal punctuation of each item in the list.
Each dish has coordinate adjectives separated by commas, such as 'savory, slow-roasted' and 'delicate, herb-infused'.
If list items contain internal commas, standard commas cannot be used to separate the items themselves without causing reader confusion.
3
Apply the rule for complex lists.
Use semicolons to separate the main items in the list.
Semicolons clearly mark the boundaries of each complex item, preventing a confusing or run-on list.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to separate items in a complex list containing internal punctuation.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 104Question →

Many masterpieces of modernist music premiered in Paris during the early twentieth century. The composition, that Stravinsky wrote for the Ballets Russes, which featured jarring rhythms and dissonant chords, provoked a riot at its premiere. Critics and audiences alike were unprepared for such avant-garde sounds.

Which of the following options most effectively punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: composition that Stravinsky wrote for the Ballets Russes, which featured jarring rhythms and dissonant chords,

Answer

The correct option is the one that does not place commas around the restrictive clause 'that Stravinsky wrote for the Ballets Russes' but correctly places a comma before and after the nonessential clause 'which featured jarring rhythms and dissonant chords'.
The correct option properly leaves the restrictive clause 'that Stravinsky wrote for the Ballets Russes' unpunctuated and encloses the nonessential relative clause 'which featured jarring rhythms and dissonant chords' with a pair of commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the restrictive and nonessential clauses in the sentence.
The clause 'that Stravinsky wrote for the Ballets Russes' is restrictive because it identifies the specific composition. The clause 'which featured jarring rhythms and dissonant chords' is nonessential because it adds extra description rather than defining the noun.
Restrictive clauses do not take commas, while nonessential clauses must be set off by commas.
2
Evaluate the punctuation around the restrictive clause.
Commas should not be placed around 'that Stravinsky wrote for the Ballets Russes'.
Separating a restrictive clause with commas incorrectly suggests the information is optional.
3
Evaluate the punctuation around the nonessential clause.
A comma must appear both before 'which' and after 'chords' to enclose the clause.
Omitting either comma in a parenthetical pair or using an incorrect punctuation mark like a semicolon violates standard conventions.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Estimated Time:45s
Question 105Question →

Many tourists visit the Grand Canyon to see its famous red rock layers; others prefer to hike down to the Colorado River.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct option is the one that keeps the semicolon to join the two independent clauses: 'layers; others'.
The original sentence contains two independent clauses: 'Many tourists visit the Grand Canyon to see its famous red rock layers' and 'others prefer to hike down to the Colorado River.' A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark to join these two independent clauses when no coordinating conjunction is present.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses surrounding the punctuation mark.
The first clause is 'Many tourists visit the Grand Canyon to see its famous red rock layers,' and the second clause is 'others prefer to hike down to the Colorado River.'
To determine the correct punctuation, we must first analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses.
2
Determine if both clauses are independent.
Both clauses can stand alone as complete sentences because they each contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought.
Independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.
3
Select the option that correctly joins the two independent clauses.
The semicolon in the original phrasing correctly joins the two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, so the original sentence requires no changes.
A semicolon is appropriate here because there is no coordinating conjunction (such as 'and' or 'but') to link the two independent clauses.

Key Concept

Semicolons are used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, without using a coordinating conjunction.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 106Question →

The following sentence contains two independent clauses that are closely related. What punctuation mark should be placed in the blank to grammatically join these two clauses into a single sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The astronomer pointed her telescope toward the night sky she immediately spotted the rings of Saturn.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon is the correct punctuation mark to join these two independent clauses.
A semicolon is correct because it grammatically links two closely related independent clauses without the use of a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clauses on both sides of the blank.
The clause before the blank ('The astronomer pointed her telescope toward the night sky') and the clause after the blank ('she immediately spotted the rings of Saturn') are both independent clauses because each can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Identifying the clause type is necessary to determine the proper punctuation rules to apply.
2
Select the correct punctuation mark to connect the two independent clauses without any coordinating conjunctions.
Use a semicolon to separate the clauses.
Two independent clauses that are closely related and not joined by a coordinating conjunction (like 'and', 'but', or 'so') must be separated by a semicolon.

Key Concept

Using a semicolon to link two independent clauses
Question 107Question →

The restorers worked under a tight deadline to clean the exceedingly, rare, oil, paintings, and they documented each step of the conservation process.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: exceedingly rare oil paintings, and they

Answer

The correct punctuation is 'exceedingly rare oil paintings, and they' because no commas should separate the adverb modifying the adjective, or the cumulative adjectives modifying the noun, but a comma is required before the coordinating conjunction joining the two independent clauses.
The correct option correctly recognizes that no commas should separate the adverb 'exceedingly' from the adjective 'rare', or the cumulative modifiers 'rare' and 'oil' from the noun 'paintings'. It also correctly places a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'and' to connect the two independent clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between 'exceedingly' and 'rare'.
'Exceedingly' is an adverb modifying the adjective 'rare', so no comma should separate them.
Adverbs modifying adjectives are never separated from those adjectives by commas.
2
Analyze the relationship between 'rare', 'oil', and 'paintings'.
'Rare' and 'oil' are cumulative adjectives modifying 'paintings', where 'oil' acts as a noun adjunct closely tied to 'paintings'. Therefore, no commas should separate 'rare' and 'oil', or 'oil' and 'paintings'.
Cumulative adjectives cannot be reordered or separated by 'and', so they must not be separated by commas, and commas should never separate the final adjective from the noun it modifies.
3
Evaluate the clause boundary and structure after 'paintings'.
The sentence contains two independent clauses: 'The restorers worked under a tight deadline to clean the exceedingly rare oil paintings' and 'they documented each step of the conservation process'. Joining them requires a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction 'and'.
A comma and a coordinating conjunction are required to join two independent clauses to avoid a run-on sentence or a comma splice.

Key Concept

Punctuation of coordinate vs. cumulative adjectives, adverbs modifying adjectives, and independent clause coordination.
Question 108Question →

In 1912, Alfred Wegener introduced a revolutionary idea that would reshape our understanding of Earth. Wegener, the meteorologist who proposed the theory of continental drift, faced intense skepticism from his peers. Decades later, the discovery of seafloor spreading finally vindicated his vision.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The correct option preserves the two commas enclosing the nonessential appositive 'the meteorologist who proposed the theory of continental drift' without inserting an incorrect comma before the restrictive relative clause 'who proposed...'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the syntactic role of the underlined phrase relative to the subject.
The phrase 'the meteorologist who proposed the theory of continental drift' is an appositive renaming the subject 'Wegener'. Because 'Wegener' is a proper noun, this descriptive information is nonessential and must be enclosed in commas.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence by a pair of matching commas.
2
Evaluate the restrictive status of the relative clause within the appositive.
The relative clause 'who proposed the theory of continental drift' is restrictive (essential) because it defines which meteorologist is being discussed. Therefore, there should be no comma before 'who'.
Restrictive elements should not be set off or separated from their referents by commas.
3
Select the option that maintains the correct parenthetical commas without introducing internal punctuation errors.
The version with a comma after Wegener and a comma after drift, with no internal comma before who, is correct.
This punctuation correctly distinguishes essential and nonessential modifications.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Question 109Question →

In the early twentieth century, German mathematician Emmy Noether proved a theorem that fundamentally linked symmetry and conservation laws. Although her work laid the cornerstone for modern theoretical physics, she initially faced immense institutional barriers due to her gender. The university administration that governed Göttingen, which refused to grant her a formal faculty position allowed her to lecture only under David Hilbert's name.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence to conform to the conventions of standard written English?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: that governed Göttingen, which refused to grant her a formal faculty position, allowed

Answer

that governed Göttingen, which refused to grant her a formal faculty position, allowed
The correct option correctly leaves the restrictive clause 'that governed Göttingen' without surrounding commas, and properly encloses the nonessential clause 'which refused to grant her a formal faculty position' with a pair of commas (one before 'which' and one after 'position').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relative clauses in the sentence.
The sentence contains two relative clauses: 'that governed Göttingen' and 'which refused to grant her a formal faculty position'.
Understanding the function of each clause is necessary to determine the correct punctuation.
2
Evaluate the clause 'that governed Göttingen'.
This clause is restrictive (essential) because it identifies which specific university administration is being discussed.
Restrictive clauses must not be set off by commas.
3
Evaluate the clause 'which refused to grant her a formal faculty position'.
This clause is nonrestrictive (nonessential) because it provides additional, non-defining information about the administration.
Nonessential clauses must be enclosed by a pair of commas.
4
Check the punctuation before the main verb 'allowed'.
A comma is required after 'position' to close the nonessential clause, and no commas should surround 'that governed Göttingen'. Semicolons must be avoided as they create fragments when setting off dependent clauses.
This ensures the sentence is grammatically correct and coherent.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between restrictive (essential) and nonrestrictive (nonessential) clauses to apply correct punctuation.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 110Question →

In the mid-twentieth century, researchers mapped the ocean floor using sonar. The maps that Tharp created, which she drafted by hand, proved the existence of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This discovery supported the theory of continental drift and revolutionized modern geology.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: that Tharp created, which she drafted by hand,

Answer

The correct answer is the option that leaves the restrictive clause unpunctuated and sets off the nonessential clause with a pair of commas.
The correct answer correctly leaves the restrictive clause 'that Tharp created' unpunctuated and sets off the nonessential relative clause 'which she drafted by hand' with a matching pair of commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause 'that Tharp created' to determine if it is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive).
Since 'that Tharp created' specifies which particular maps proved the existence of the ridge, it is restrictive and must not be separated from 'The maps' by a comma.
Restrictive clauses are necessary to define the noun they modify and should never be enclosed in commas.
2
Analyze the clause 'which she drafted by hand' to determine if it is essential or nonessential.
The clause 'which she drafted by hand' provides additional, nonessential information about the maps and must be set off with a pair of commas.
Nonessential elements must be set off by parenthetical punctuation (commas, dashes, or parentheses) to indicate they can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that correctly applies these rules.
The original phrasing contains no comma before 'that' and has commas both before 'which' and after 'hand'.
Only this arrangement correctly maintains the distinction between the restrictive and nonrestrictive elements.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Question 111Question →

Before the tournament, each players' jersey has it's number printed on the back.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: player's jersey has its

Answer

player's jersey has its
The correct option is 'player's jersey has its' because the singular modifier 'each' requires the singular possessive noun 'player's'. Additionally, the possessive pronoun 'its' is needed to show that the number belongs to the jersey.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun modified by the singular distributor should be singular or plural.
The word 'each' requires a singular noun, so the possessive form must be singular: 'player's'.
To maintain correct grammatical agreement between the singular modifier and the noun.
2
Determine whether to use a possessive pronoun or a contraction.
The sentence indicates possession over the number, so the possessive pronoun 'its' is correct.
The contraction 'it's' means 'it is' or 'it has', which is grammatically incorrect in this context.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions
Question 112Question →

Although the national park employs two conservation agencies, each agencies' primary goal is to preserve it's designated wetlands.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: agency's primary goal is to preserve its

Answer

The correct answer is the option that uses 'agency's' and 'its' because 'each' modifies a singular noun, and 'its' is the correct possessive pronoun.
The correct option correctly pairs the singular possessive noun 'agency's' with the singular determiner 'each,' and uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to denote ownership of the wetlands.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine whether the noun modified by 'each' should be singular or plural.
Since 'each' is a singular modifier, it must modify a singular noun. The singular form of the noun is 'agency.'
Grammatical agreement requires singular determiners to pair with singular nouns.
2
Determine the correct possessive punctuation for the singular noun.
To show that the goal belongs to the singular agency, add an apostrophe and an 's' to form 'agency's.'
Singular nouns show possession by adding an apostrophe followed by 's.'
3
Choose the correct pronoun to refer to the wetlands belonging to the agency.
The possessive pronoun is 'its.' The contraction 'it's' (meaning 'it is') is incorrect in this context.
The sentence requires a possessive pronoun to show ownership of the designated wetlands.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between singular and plural possessive nouns, and distinguishing between the contraction 'it's' and the possessive pronoun 'its.'
Question 113Question →

In 1943, Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan co-invented a new breathing apparatus for underwater exploration. The Aqua-Lung , which allowed divers to breathe underwater, revolutionized marine research. Scientists could finally observe aquatic life for hours at a time.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The relative clause starting with 'which' is nonessential because 'the Aqua-Lung' is a specific, named device. As a nonessential element in the middle of a sentence, it must be enclosed by a pair of commas. The original text correctly places a comma before 'which' and after 'underwater.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the underlined clause is essential or nonessential.
The clause 'which allowed divers to breathe underwater' provides extra information about 'the Aqua-Lung' but is not needed to identify what the device is. It is nonessential.
Nonessential information must be set off from the rest of the sentence with punctuation, while essential information should not be set off.
2
Choose the correct punctuation to set off the nonessential clause.
Since the clause appears in the middle of the sentence, it requires a pair of commas—one before and one after the clause.
Setting off a middle-of-the-sentence parenthetical element requires punctuation on both sides to prevent grammatical errors.
3
Evaluate the choices for comma placement and pronoun usage.
The option containing the original phrasing correctly uses a pair of commas. The option missing the second comma is incomplete. The option using 'that' with commas incorrectly punctuates a restrictive pronoun. The option using a semicolon creates a fragment.
Only the original punctuation maintains correct sentence structure.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Question 114Question →

Read the sentence below. What single punctuation symbol should be placed in the blank to grammatically join the two independent clauses within a single sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The modern library is no longer just a repository for printed books it has, furthermore, become a vital community hub offering digital literacy programs and public workspaces.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon (;) is the correct punctuation mark to join the two independent clauses.
A semicolon is the correct choice because it is used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought when no coordinating conjunction (like 'and' or 'but') is present. In this sentence, both the clause preceding the blank and the clause succeeding the blank are independent clauses, so they must be separated by a semicolon.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clause before the blank.
The clause 'The modern library is no longer just a repository for printed books' contains a subject ('library') and a verb ('is') and expresses a complete thought, making it an independent clause.
Identifying whether a clause is dependent or independent is necessary to determine the appropriate punctuation for joining them.
2
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clause after the blank.
The clause 'it has, furthermore, become a vital community hub offering digital literacy programs and public workspaces' contains a subject ('it') and a verb ('has become') and expresses a complete thought, making it a second independent clause.
Two independent clauses cannot be joined by a comma alone (which creates a comma splice) or left with no punctuation (which creates a run-on sentence).
3
Select the correct punctuation mark to join the two independent clauses.
A semicolon (;) is the correct punctuation mark to join two independent clauses in a single sentence without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon acts as a separator between two closely related independent clauses, preventing both run-on sentences and comma splices.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to connect independent clauses
Question 115Question →

The captain navigated the vessel through the unpredictable, turbulent, currents of the channel, the crew struggled to secure the heavy cargo before the storm hit.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unpredictable, turbulent currents of the channel; the crew struggled

Answer

The correct option is the one that uses a comma between the coordinate adjectives 'unpredictable' and 'turbulent', omits any punctuation between the adjective 'turbulent' and the noun 'currents', and separates the two independent clauses with a semicolon.
The correct answer correctly separates the coordinate adjectives 'unpredictable' and 'turbulent' with a comma, avoids placing a comma between the final adjective and the noun 'currents', and uses a semicolon to properly link the two independent clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if a comma is needed between the adjectives 'unpredictable' and 'turbulent'.
The adjectives are coordinate because they can be reversed ('turbulent, unpredictable currents') and can be connected by 'and' ('unpredictable and turbulent currents'). Therefore, they must be separated by a comma.
Coordinate adjectives modify a noun in parallel and require a comma between them.
2
Verify the punctuation between the final adjective 'turbulent' and the noun 'currents'.
No comma should be placed between 'turbulent' and 'currents'.
A comma should never separate the last adjective in a series from the noun it modifies.
3
Identify the clause boundary and the correct punctuation to join the clauses.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'The captain navigated the vessel through the currents' and 'the crew struggled to secure the cargo'. They must be joined by a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction.
Joining two independent clauses with only a comma results in a comma splice, and using a semicolon followed by 'because' creates a dependent clause fragment.

Key Concept

Coordinate Adjectives and Clause Separation
Question 116Question →

In the sentence below, a portion is underlined:

A standard violin consists of dozens of wood pieces, and the quality of each instrument's soundboard has it's own profound effect on the overall tone.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: instrument's soundboard has its

Answer

The correct option is the one that uses the singular possessive 'instrument's' and the possessive adjective 'its'.
The correct choice uses the singular possessive form 'instrument's' because it is preceded by the singular determiner 'each'. It also uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'own profound effect', avoiding the contraction 'it's' (it is/has).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun 'instrument' should be singular or plural possessive.
The word 'each' modifies a singular noun. Therefore, the singular possessive form 'instrument's' is correct.
We are referring to one instrument at a time, so we need the singular possessive form, not the plural possessive 'instruments'.
2
Determine whether the contraction 'it's' or the possessive adjective 'its' is appropriate in this context.
The sentence requires a possessive adjective to modify 'own profound effect'. Therefore, 'its' is correct.
'it's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has', which does not make sense in 'has it is own profound effect'.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between singular and plural possessives, and between possessive pronouns and contractions.
Question 117Question →

Every pupils' desk was polished until it's surface shined.

Which choice is the correct spelling and punctuation of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: pupil's desk was polished until its

Answer

pupil's desk was polished until its
The correct choice uses the singular possessive 'pupil's' because the determiner 'Every' modifies a singular noun. It also correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'surface' because the sentence refers to the surface of the desk, not 'it is surface'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the singular or plural possessive requirement for the subject.
The distributive determiner 'Every' requires a singular noun. Therefore, the singular possessive form 'pupil's' is correct.
To maintain proper subject-modifier agreement.
2
Determine whether to use a contraction or a possessive pronoun.
The sentence indicates that the surface belongs to the desk. The possessive pronoun 'its' must be used, rather than the contraction 'it's' (it is).
To show possession without introducing an illogical verb phrase.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for possessives and contractions
Question 118Question →

Identify the single punctuation mark that should replace the blank to correctly join the two independent clauses in the sentence below.

Fill in the blanks below

Geothermal power plants harness the Earth's internal heat to generate clean electricity nevertheless, their installation requires significant upfront capital investment.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A semicolon (;) is the correct punctuation mark.
A semicolon (;) is the correct punctuation mark because it connects two closely related independent clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb 'nevertheless'. Since 'nevertheless' starts with a lowercase letter, a period is grammatically incorrect, and a comma would create a comma splice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses surrounding the blank.
The clause before the blank ('Geothermal power plants harness the Earth's internal heat to generate clean electricity') and the clause after the blank ('nevertheless, their installation requires significant upfront capital investment') are both independent clauses.
Understanding clause boundaries is essential for choosing the correct punctuation.
2
Identify the transition word.
The word 'nevertheless' is a conjunctive adverb.
Conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon (or a period and capitalization) when linking two independent clauses.
3
Select the correct punctuation mark.
A semicolon must be used. Since 'nevertheless' is lowercase, a period cannot be used. A comma would result in a comma splice.
A semicolon successfully connects independent clauses joined by transitional adverbs without creating a run-on sentence or a comma splice.

Key Concept

Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs
Question 119Question →

Although the superb lyrebird is best known for its ability to mimic human sounds like chainsaws and car alarms, its natural song is equally complex. The male bird sings for hours during the breeding season to attract a mate, however, the female bird remains relatively quiet, focusing her energy on building a nest.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: mate; however, the

Answer

The correct option is the one that punctuates the transition with a semicolon before 'however' and a comma after it.
The correct option properly separates two independent clauses using a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb 'however' and a comma immediately following it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
Clause 1 ('The male bird sings for hours during the breeding season to attract a mate') and Clause 2 ('the female bird remains relatively quiet, focusing her energy on building a nest') are both independent clauses.
Determining whether the clauses are independent or dependent dictates the punctuation needed to join them.
2
Evaluate the transition word 'however' connecting these clauses.
'However' is a conjunctive adverb used to transition between two independent clauses.
Conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon before them and a comma after them when linking two independent clauses.
3
Select the punctuation choice that correctly applies these rules.
The choice using a semicolon before 'however' and a comma after it is correct, while avoiding comma splices and fragment errors.
This is the only grammatically correct way to join these two independent clauses without creating a comma splice or run-on sentence.

Key Concept

Semicolons are used to link two independent clauses, especially when joined by a conjunctive adverb like 'however'.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 120Question →

In the sentence below, a portion is underlined:

Although both archeological teams analyzed the same tomb, each team's researchers questioned it's dating and authenticity.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: team's researchers questioned its

Answer

team's researchers questioned its
The correct option correctly uses the singular possessive noun 'team's' to agree with the singular modifier 'each' and the possessive pronoun 'its' to indicate ownership of the dating of the tomb.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the subject of the clause to determine the correct noun possession form.
The word 'each' requires a singular noun, so the possessive form must be singular ('team's') rather than plural ('teams'').
This establishes that the researchers belong to each individual team.
2
Determine the correct form of the pronoun referring to the tomb's dating.
The possessive pronoun 'its' (no apostrophe) is required to show possession of 'dating'.
The contraction 'it's' means 'it is' or 'it has' and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
3
Combine the singular possessive noun and the correct possessive pronoun.
The correct phrasing is 'team's researchers questioned its'.
This resolves both the punctuation error of the noun possessive and the homophone confusion of the pronoun.

Key Concept

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions
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