NM-MSSA Writing Conventions 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses commas correctly with a nonrestrictive clause?

Accepted Answer

My sister, who lives in Albuquerque, is a teacher.

Answer

Nonrestrictive (non-essential) clauses must be set off by commas on both sides.

Question 2

Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'Neither the students _____ the teacher was late.'

Accepted Answer

nor

Answer

'Neither…nor' is the correct paired conjunction when negating two subjects.

Question 3

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

She almost drove her kids to school every day.

Answer

'Almost' is misplaced; it should be 'She drove her kids to school almost every day' to modify 'every day.'

Question 4

Which option correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially before conjunctive adverbs like 'therefore.'

Question 5

Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

Accepted Answer

The students' notebooks were left on the bus.

Answer

To show possession for a plural noun ending in -s, add only an apostrophe after the s.

(NM-MSSA) New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement Practice Test