Compound-Complex Sentences - Grade 8 Assessment

Which sentence uses the correct punctuation for a compound-complex sentence?

• Although it was late we decided to stay, and we enjoyed the movie.

• Although it was late, we decided to stay and we enjoyed the movie.

• Although it was late, we decided to stay, and we enjoyed the movie.

• Although it was late we decided to stay and we enjoyed the movie.

Answer explanation

A comma is needed after the dependent clause and before the conjunction connecting the two independent clauses.

Complete the sentence: As soon as the bell rang, _____, and the students quickly left the classroom.

• the teacher had finished the lesson

• the teacher finishes the lesson

• the teacher finished the lesson

• the teacher will finish the lesson

Answer explanation

The past tense 'finished' is correct to maintain consistency with the past tense 'rang'.

True or False: A compound-complex sentence must have at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences, requiring at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

In which sentence is the punctuation used correctly?

• When the storm passed we went outside and we saw the rainbow.

• When the storm passed, we went outside, and we saw the rainbow.

• When the storm passed we went outside, and we saw the rainbow.

• When the storm passed, we went outside and we saw the rainbow.

Answer explanation

The comma after the dependent clause and before the conjunction is necessary for correct punctuation.

Complete the sentence: Though the task was challenging, _____, and we felt accomplished.

• we decided to give up

• we completed it

• we are completing it

• we will complete it

Answer explanation

The past tense 'completed' matches the past tense 'was challenging' for consistency.

Which of the following sentences is a compound-complex sentence?

• The lights went out, and the movie stopped suddenly.

• While the lights went out, the movie stopped.

• The lights went out, the movie stopped, and the audience gasped.

• While the lights went out, the movie stopped, and the audience gasped.

Answer explanation

This sentence contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause, making it compound-complex.

True or False: The sentence 'We were tired, but we stayed up late because we had a project to complete.' is a compound-complex sentence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This sentence has two independent clauses and one dependent clause, meeting the criteria for a compound-complex sentence.

Choose the sentence that correctly uses commas with a compound-complex structure.

• We went to the park because the weather was nice and played all afternoon.

• We went to the park, because the weather was nice, and played all afternoon.

• We went to the park because the weather was nice, and we played all afternoon.

• We went to the park, because the weather was nice and we played all afternoon.

Answer explanation

A comma is required before the coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.

Complete the sentence: She planned to visit the museum, _____, and learn about the new exhibit.

• although it was closed

• because it was closed

• but it was closed

• since it was closed

Answer explanation

The structure requires a contrast, so 'but' fits the context when the museum is unexpectedly closed.

True or False: The sentence 'Even though it was raining, we went hiking, and we had a wonderful time.' contains a dependent clause.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The clause 'Even though it was raining' is a dependent clause, which makes the sentence compound-complex.