ACT English multiple-choice practice

Front

What is the purpose of punctuation in writing?

Back

Punctuation helps clarify meaning, indicate pauses, and separate ideas in writing.

Front

Define 'run-on sentence'.

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction.

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice is the incorrect use of a comma to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Front

Explain the difference between 'its' and 'it's'.

Back

'Its' is a possessive pronoun meaning 'belonging to it', while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.

Front

What is the function of a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon connects closely related independent clauses and can also separate items in a complex list.

Front

Define 'subject-verb agreement'.

Back

Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural).

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

Front

What is the role of conjunctions in sentences?

Back

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses, helping to create complex and compound sentences.

Front

Define 'fragment'.

Back

A fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought and is often missing a subject or verb.