Compound Sentences

In a compound sentence, the comma comes ______________ the coordinating conjunction.

• after
• before
• there is no comma

Does this sentence need a comma?
I wanted to go to the store but I decided to stay home instead.

• Yes 
• No

Does this sentence need a comma?
I went to dance and then went home.

• Yes
• No

Does this sentence need a comma?
Should I go to the mall or movies?

• Yes
• No

Does this sentence need a comma?
She said you were in shock but I think you're just lazy.

• Yes
• No

Which conjunction would best join the two sentences together? 
The teacher could take her class to the zoo.
She could take them to the museum.

• ,nor
• ,but
• ,or
• ,for

Which sentence IS a compound sentence?

• The class went on a field trip, and they learned a lot.
• Manny and Johnny played video games all day and night.
• Maria wanted to go to the mall but didn't.
• My birthday and Fourth of July fall on the same day. 

Which sentence IS a compound sentence?

• The seagull and the child battled over the bag of chips.
• The octopus said hello to the sea turtle and continued on his way back home.
• The fisherman decided to reel in his pole and try another spot.
• Fifth grade students are the best, and their teachers are amazing, too!

Which sentence is  NOT a compound sentence?

• Little Billy cried out to his mom, and she came running to see what was wrong.
• The hiking trail was closed, so we decided to go out for ice cream instead.
• The blue and green monster truck were in a race, and no one knew who would win.
• The costume and mask made the perfect recipe for scaring my little brother.

What is the best way to combine the sentences below?

• I wanted to go to the zoo, so my sister insisted that we go to the movies.
• I wanted to go to the zoo, and my sister insisted that we go to the movies.
• I wanted to go to the zoo, but my sister insisted that we go to the movies.
• I wanted to go to the zoo, for my sister insisted that we go to the movies.