ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses?

Accepted Answer

The rain stopped; we went outside to play.

Answer

The rain stopped; and we went outside.

Answer

Although the rain stopped; we stayed inside.

Answer

The rain stopped; quickly and quietly.

Question 2

Choose the correct punctuation: "The committee reviewed the proposal ___ however, it rejected the budget."

Accepted Answer

;

Answer

, and

Answer

,

Answer

:

Question 3

Which sentence correctly punctuates an introductory dependent clause?

Accepted Answer

Because she studied hard, she passed.

Answer

Because she studied hard she passed.

Answer

Because she studied hard; she passed.

Answer

Because, she studied hard she passed.

Question 4

Identify the sentence with a correctly punctuated nonessential clause.

Accepted Answer

My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting.

Answer

My brother who lives in Texas, is visiting.

Answer

My brother, who lives in Texas is visiting.

Answer

My brother who lives in Texas is visiting,

Question 5

Which option correctly fixes this comma splice: "The store was closed, we drove home."?

Accepted Answer

The store was closed, so we drove home.

Answer

The store was closed we drove home.

Answer

The store was closed, we, drove home.

Answer

The store was closed: we drove home.

Question 6

Choose the correct punctuation: "She wanted three things ___ patience, courage, and luck."

Accepted Answer

:

Answer

;

Answer

,

Answer

—and

Question 7

Which sentence correctly uses a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Accepted Answer

I packed lunch, and I headed out.

Answer

I packed lunch, and headed out.

Answer

I packed lunch and, headed out.

Answer

I packed, lunch and I headed out.