PARCC Comma 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses commas in a series?
- We bought apples oranges and pears.
- We bought apples, oranges, and pears. (Correct answer)
- We bought, apples oranges and pears.
- We bought apples oranges, and pears.
Correct answer: We bought apples, oranges, and pears.
Items in a series are separated by commas, including before the final 'and' (Oxford comma).
Question 2: Where should a comma go? 'After the long meeting we went home.'
- After 'long'
- After 'meeting' (Correct answer)
- After 'we'
- No comma needed
Correct answer: After 'meeting'
An introductory phrase is followed by a comma before the main clause.
Question 3: Which sentence correctly joins two independent clauses?
- I was tired, I went to bed.
- I was tired so I went to bed.
- I was tired, so I went to bed. (Correct answer)
- I was tired so, I went to bed.
Correct answer: I was tired, so I went to bed.
A comma plus a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses.
Question 4: Which sentence correctly sets off a nonessential clause?
- My brother who lives in Ohio is visiting.
- My brother, who lives in Ohio, is visiting. (Correct answer)
- My brother who lives in Ohio, is visiting.
- My brother, who lives in Ohio is visiting.
Correct answer: My brother, who lives in Ohio, is visiting.
Nonessential clauses are enclosed by commas on both sides.
Question 5: Where does a comma belong? 'Yes I would love to come.'
- After 'Yes' (Correct answer)
- After 'would'
- After 'love'
- No comma needed
Correct answer: After 'Yes'
An introductory word like 'Yes' is followed by a comma.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses a comma in a direct address?
- Maria can you help me?
- Maria, can you help me? (Correct answer)
- Maria can you, help me?
- Maria can, you help me?
Correct answer: Maria, can you help me?
A name used in direct address is followed by a comma.
Question 7: Which sentence correctly separates two coordinate adjectives?
- It was a cold, rainy day. (Correct answer)
- It was a cold rainy, day.
- It was a, cold rainy day.
- It was a cold rainy day,
Correct answer: It was a cold, rainy day.
Coordinate adjectives that equally modify a noun are separated by a comma.
PARCC Comma 2
Which sentence correctly uses commas in a series?