Free ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases Questions and Answers

Question 1

The ancient Roman aqueducts were marvels of engineering, some are still standing today, a testament to their builders' skill.

Accepted Answer

engineering; some are still standing today, a testament

Answer

This sentence contains a comma splice, which is an error where two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. A semicolon is used to correctly connect two closely related independent clauses. The phrase 'a testament to their builders' skill' correctly modifies the preceding clause.

Question 2

To prepare for the marathon, the runner followed a strict regimen that included three things: a balanced diet, consistent training, and adequate rest.

Accepted Answer

three things: a balanced diet, consistent training, and adequate rest.

Answer

A colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation that follows an independent clause. The clause 'the runner followed a strict regimen that included three things' is a complete thought, making the colon the appropriate punctuation to introduce the list of three items.

Question 3

Because the museum's new exhibit on deep-sea life was so popular, the museum extended its hours to accommodate the crowds.

Accepted Answer

popular, the museum extended its hours

Answer

An introductory dependent clause ('Because the museum's new exhibit on deep-sea life was so popular') must be followed by a comma before the main independent clause begins. Removing the comma creates a run-on sentence.

Question 4

The lead scientist, a brilliant researcher from a small university, made a discovery that could change the field of medicine.

Accepted Answer

scientist, a brilliant researcher from a small university, made

Answer

The phrase 'a brilliant researcher from a small university' is a non-restrictive appositive, meaning it provides extra information about 'The lead scientist' but is not essential to the sentence's meaning. Non-restrictive elements must be set off by commas on both sides.

Question 5

The defendant remained stoic and impassive; his family, however, could not hide their anxiety.

Accepted Answer

impassive; his family, however,

Answer

A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses. When the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb like 'however,' a comma should follow it to separate it from the rest of the clause. This structure correctly links the two contrasting ideas.

ACT Practice Test

ACT Practice Test

Free ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases Questions and Answers