NoRedInk Skill Mastery 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

She studied hard; she passed the test.

Answer

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 2

In the sentence 'The team, exhausted from the long game, decided to rest,' what is the phrase 'exhausted from the long game'?

Accepted Answer

A participial phrase used as a nonessential modifier

Answer

A participial phrase built on a past participle ('exhausted') that modifies 'the team' and is set off by commas as nonessential.

Question 3

Which of the following demonstrates correct use of the Oxford comma?

Accepted Answer

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Answer

The Oxford comma is placed before the final 'and' in a list of three or more items.

Question 4

Which verb form correctly completes this sentence: 'Neither the coach nor the players _____ ready'?

Accepted Answer

were

Answer

When 'neither/nor' connects subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it ('players'), which is plural.

Question 5

What is the function of a conjunctive adverb like 'however' or 'therefore' when it joins two independent clauses?

Accepted Answer

It requires a semicolon before it and a comma after it.

Answer

Conjunctive adverbs joining two independent clauses require a semicolon before and a comma after.

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