PSAT Grammar Prep

What is the purpose of quotation marks?

• To indicate direct speech, quotations, or titles of short works.

• To emphasize important words in a sentence.

• To separate items in a list.

• To indicate a pause in a sentence.

What is the function of a semicolon?

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

• A semicolon is used to end a sentence completely.

• A semicolon is used to introduce a list of items.

• A semicolon is used to separate two unrelated sentences.

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

• A comma should be placed after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

• A comma should be placed before an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

• No comma is needed with introductory phrases regardless of length.

• A comma should be placed at the end of the introductory phrase to indicate a pause.

Identify the correct punctuation for this sentence: 'I want to go to the park but it is raining.'

• 'I want to go to the park but it is raining.'

• 'I want to go to the park; but it is raining.'

• 'I want to go to the park, but it is raining.'

• 'I want to go to the park: but it is raining.'

How do you punctuate a sentence with a dependent clause?

• If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma.

• Always use a semicolon before the dependent clause.

• Dependent clauses do not require any punctuation.

• If the dependent clause follows the independent clause, use a period.

What is a compound sentence?

• A sentence that contains only one independent clause.

• A sentence that contains two or more dependent clauses.

• A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

• A sentence that uses complex punctuation to connect ideas.

What is the correct way to punctuate this sentence: 'Although it was late we decided to continue.'

• 'Although it was late we decided to continue.'

• 'Although it was late, we decided to continue.'

• 'Although, it was late we decided to continue.'

• 'Although it was late; we decided to continue.'

When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?

• A comma should be used before 'and' in a list of three or more items (Oxford comma) to clarify the separation of items.

• A comma should be used before 'and' only in formal writing.

• A comma should never be used before 'and' in any list.

• A comma should be used before 'and' in a list of two items only.

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

• To indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, and clarify meaning.

• To connect two independent clauses without a conjunction.

• To end a sentence abruptly.

• To replace a period in a sentence.

What is an example of a correctly punctuated sentence with a list?

• For breakfast, I had eggs, toast, and orange juice.

• I enjoy reading cooking, and traveling books.

• The dog barked loudly and ran fast.

• She likes to swim, dance, and to sing.