RLA Sentence Structure and Punctuation 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

She studied hard; she passed the exam.

Answer

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 2

Identify the dangling modifier in: 'Walking down the street, the rain began to fall.'

Accepted Answer

'Walking down the street' has no clear subject to modify.

Answer

The participial phrase 'Walking down the street' has no logical subject since rain cannot walk.

Question 3

Which option correctly punctuates a list using the Oxford comma?

Accepted Answer

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Answer

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

Question 4

What is the grammatical error in: 'Running to the store, my keys were lost.'

Accepted Answer

Dangling modifier

Answer

The participial phrase 'Running to the store' illogically modifies 'my keys,' which cannot run.

Question 5

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

Accepted Answer

He brought everything: his books, notes, and pencils.

Answer

A colon after a complete clause correctly introduces a list or explanation.

RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Practice Test