CAHSEE Writing Conventions 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses commas correctly with a nonrestrictive clause?

Accepted Answer

My sister, who lives in Seattle, moved here last year.

Answer

A nonrestrictive clause (extra information not essential to identify the noun) must be set off by commas on both sides.

Question 2

Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?

Accepted Answer

The dog's bowl is empty.

Answer

Singular possession is shown by adding 's, making 'dog's' the correct form for one dog's bowl.

Question 3

Which sentence is punctuated correctly when writing dialogue?

Accepted Answer

She asked, "Where are you going?"

Answer

A comma follows the attribution before a quote, the first word of the quote is capitalized, and the question mark goes inside the closing quotation mark.

Question 4

Which pair of words should be capitalized in this sentence? 'We traveled to the grand canyon last summer.'

Accepted Answer

grand and canyon

Answer

'Grand Canyon' is a proper noun (a specific named place) and both words must be capitalized.

Question 5

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Accepted Answer

She loves reading; her favorite genre is mystery.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

CAHSEE - California High School Exit Examination Practice Test

CAHSEE - California High School Exit Examination Practice Test

CAHSEE Writing Conventions 2