PARCC Comma Usage Practice Questions 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction?

Accepted Answer

She wanted to go to the movies, but she was too tired.

Answer

A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses. 'But' joins two independent clauses, so a comma precedes it.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses commas with introductory elements?

Accepted Answer

After the long game, the players rested.

Answer

A comma follows an introductory phrase or clause. 'After the long game' is an introductory prepositional phrase and requires a comma before the main clause.

Question 3

In which sentence are commas used correctly in a series?

Accepted Answer

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Answer

Items in a series are separated by commas, including before the final 'and' (the Oxford comma). 'Apples, oranges, and bananas' is correctly punctuated with commas after each item.

Question 4

Which sentence uses a comma correctly with a nonrestrictive clause?

Accepted Answer

Ms. Garcia, who is my favorite teacher, assigns a lot of homework.

Answer

A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information and is set off by commas. 'Who is my favorite teacher' is nonrestrictive because we already know which teacher (Ms. Garcia), so it is enclosed in commas.

Question 5

Which sentence uses a comma correctly in a date?

Accepted Answer

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Answer

In a full date (month, day, year), a comma separates the day from the year, and another comma follows the year when the date appears mid-sentence.

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Comma Usage Practice Questions 2