ACT Chapter 1: Ambiguity and Series

ACT Chapter 1:

Ambiguity and Series​

Learning Targets

• Identify several different strategies to use in comma usage conflicts

• Use commas for different purposes in several types of sentences

Comma Rule 1

Commas are used with coordinating conjunctions to connect two independent clauses.

Comma Rule 2

Commas are used to separate items in a list or series.

Comma Rule 3

A comma can come between two adjectives when it replaces a conjunction.

Comma Rule 4

Commas come after introductory words, phrases, or prepositional phrases longer than five words.

Multiple Choice

1. My friend and I wanted to go to the beach, so we gathered our change together and got on the bus.

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. the beach so we

• C. the beach so, we

• D. the beach; so we

Multiple Choice

2. The explorers reached the edge of the forest, where they collected water and they decided to set up camp for the night.

• F. NO CHANGE

• G. water and, they decided

• H. water, and they decided

• J. water and, they decided

Multiple Choice

3. Next, my sister and I, braided each other's hair.

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. Next my sister and I,

• C. Next my sister, and I

• D. Next, my sister and I

Multiple Choice

4. I can see him now, standing in the hallway, sweat dripping from his forehead, hands worn from the day's work.

• F. NO CHANGE

• G. sweat dripping, from his forehead

• H. sweat, dripping from his, forehead

• J. sweat dripping from his forehead

Multiple Choice

5. We ordered in French, so it took the waiter a few minutes to understand and bring out our drinks.

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. take the order,

• C. take the order;

• D. understand them

Multiple Choice

6. Once she started the car, she pulled out of the driveway and then, drove around the block and went to the store.

• F. NO CHANGE

• G. then, drove around, the block

• H. then drove around the block,

• J. then drove around the block