Creating Compound Sentences

What is usually used to join two shorter sentences in a compound sentence?

• A period

• A comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, or)

• A semicolon

• A colon

Answer explanation

In a compound sentence, two shorter sentences are typically joined using a comma and a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, so, or). This structure helps clarify the relationship between the ideas.

Which of the following is a compound sentence?

• Reina planned to write her speech alone.

• Reina planned to write her speech alone, but her friends offered to help.

• Her friends offered to help.

• Reina wrote her speech.

Answer explanation

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses. The correct choice, 'Reina planned to write her speech alone, but her friends offered to help,' has two clauses joined by 'but,' making it a compound sentence.

Select the correct punctuation and conjunction to complete the sentence: Blue and red confetti fell from the ceiling _____ it covered the winner.

• ; and

• , and

• , but

• . And

Answer explanation

The correct choice is ', and' because it connects two related clauses: the falling confetti and its effect of covering the winner. A comma before 'and' is needed to separate the independent clauses properly.

Which word is used to join the sentences in the following compound sentence? "Music played in the auditorium, but we thought it was too loud."

• and

• but

• so

• or

Answer explanation

The word 'but' is used to join the two clauses in the compound sentence, indicating a contrast between the loud music and the opinion of the speakers. It effectively connects the ideas while showing their opposing nature.

Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentence: The winner wanted to give a speech _____ a teacher turned down the music.

• and

• but

• so

• or

Answer explanation

The correct conjunction is 'but' because it indicates a contrast between the winner wanting to give a speech and the teacher's action of turning down the music, suggesting that the two actions are happening simultaneously but are in opposition.

Which punctuation is needed before the conjunction in a compound sentence?

• Period

• Comma

• Colon

• Exclamation mark

Answer explanation

In a compound sentence, a comma is needed before the conjunction (like 'and' or 'but') to separate the independent clauses. This helps clarify the sentence structure and improves readability.

Select the correct conjunction to complete the sentence: Reina thanked everyone for voting _____ she promised to work hard for the school.

• and

• but

• so

• or

Answer explanation

The correct conjunction is 'and' because it connects two related ideas: Reina thanked everyone and promised to work hard. 'But' suggests a contrast, 'so' implies a result, and 'or' presents an alternative, which do not fit here.

Which word is used to join the sentences in the following compound sentence? "She wanted to raise funds by selling class T-shirts, or the class could wash cars."

• and

• but

• so

• or

Answer explanation

The word 'or' is used to join the two options in the compound sentence, indicating a choice between raising funds by selling T-shirts or washing cars.

Which of the following is NOT a coordinating conjunction used in compound sentences?

• and

• but

• so

• because

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'because' as it is a subordinating conjunction, not a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', and 'so' connect independent clauses in compound sentences.

What is the purpose of using a compound sentence?

• To make writing more complex

• To join two related ideas into one sentence

• To confuse the reader

• To use more punctuation

Answer explanation

The purpose of using a compound sentence is to join two related ideas into one sentence, allowing for more fluid and connected writing. This enhances clarity and coherence in communication.