SAT Sentence Structure & Punctuation 2

Question 1

Which choice correctly joins two independent clauses? "The lab closed early ___ the students finished their experiments at home."

Accepted Answer

, so

Answer

A comma plus the coordinating conjunction "so" correctly joins two independent clauses.

Question 2

Identify the error: "Walking quickly to class, the backpack felt heavy on her shoulders."

Accepted Answer

Dangling modifier

Answer

The opening modifier illogically describes the backpack rather than the person walking.

Question 3

Which choice best uses a semicolon correctly?

Accepted Answer

The trip was long; we arrived exhausted.

Answer

A semicolon links two independent clauses without a conjunction.

Question 4

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

Accepted Answer

My sister, who lives in Maine, visits often.

Answer

Nonessential clauses are set off by a pair of commas.

Question 5

Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

The rain stopped, so we went outside.

Answer

A coordinating conjunction after the comma correctly joins the clauses.

SAT Practice Test