punctuation

Which sentence correctly uses punctuation to combine clauses and show possession? [Skill: Using Colons and Semicolons; Advanced Apostrophe Usage]

• The storm was intense; its powerful winds rattled the windows.

• The storm was intense, it's powerful winds rattled the windows.

• The storm was intense; therefore, the windows rattled.

• The storms' intensity was frightening; and the winds rattled the windows.

Answer explanation

This sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two related independent clauses and the possessive pronoun 'its'. The other options contain a comma splice with an incorrect contraction ('it's'), a missing comma after a conjunctive adverb ('therefore'), or an incorrect plural possessive ('storms'').

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

The coach had one non-negotiable rule for the team ____ be on time for every practice. [Skill: Using Colons and Semicolons]

• :

• ;

• ,

• —

Answer explanation

A colon is used here to introduce an explanation or clarification of the preceding independent clause. A semicolon connects two independent clauses, a comma would create a splice, and a dash is typically for a more abrupt break.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

True or False: The following sentence uses punctuation correctly: My favorite video games include: Minecraft, Fortnite, and Animal Crossing. [Skill: Using Colons and Semicolons]

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false. A colon should not be used to separate a verb (like 'include') from its direct objects. The sentence should have no punctuation after 'include'.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Which option best combines these two sentences? "The movie had a surprising twist. I never saw the ending coming." [Skill: Using Colons and Semicolons]

• The movie had a surprising twist; I never saw the ending coming.

• The movie had a surprising twist: and I never saw the ending coming.

• The movie had a surprising twist, I never saw the ending coming.

• The movie had: a surprising twist, I never saw the ending coming.

Answer explanation

A semicolon is the best choice to connect two closely related independent clauses. Using a colon with 'and' is incorrect, using only a comma creates a comma splice, and placing the colon after 'had' is grammatically wrong.

Complete the sentence with the correct possessive form: The reunion brought together three _____ traditions for the holidays. [Skill: Advanced Apostrophe Usage]

• families'

• familie's

• families's

• families

Answer explanation

To make a plural noun ending in 's' (families) possessive, add an apostrophe after the 's'. 'Familie's' is not a word, 'families's' is incorrect, and 'families' is simply plural, not possessive.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.3.2D

CCSS.L.3.1A

True or False: The following sentence is grammatically correct: Its' a beautiful day, and the dog is chasing it's tail. [Skill: Advanced Apostrophe Usage]

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because 'Its'' is not a word. The sentence should use 'It's' (a contraction for 'it is') at the beginning and 'its' (the possessive pronoun) for the dog's tail.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.3.2D

CCSS.L.2.2C

Music from the _____ is known for its unique synth-pop sound, a style that defined the _____ culture. [Skill: Advanced Apostrophe Usage]

• '80s, 1980s'

• 80's, 1980's

• '80s, 1980s

• 80s', 1980s

Answer explanation

Use an apostrophe before the numbers ('80s) to show the '19' is omitted. Do not use an apostrophe before the 's' to make a decade plural (1980s), as that would incorrectly indicate possession (1980's).

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.3.2D

CCSS.L.2.2C

The new rules of the school were posted; _____ new policies will affect all students. [Skill: Advanced Apostrophe Usage]

• the school's

• the schools'

• the schools

• the school is

Answer explanation

Since 'school' is a singular noun, the possessive form is created by adding an apostrophe and an 's'. 'Schools'' is for multiple schools, 'the schools' is plural, and 'the school is' is a subject and verb.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.3.2D

CCSS.L.2.2C

Which sentence correctly punctuates interrupted dialogue and an exclamation? [Skill: Quotation Marks for Dialogue and Citations; End of sentence punctuation marks]

• "I think," she whispered, "that we're going the wrong way!"

• "I think," she whispered, "That we're going the wrong way!"

• "I think!" she whispered, "that we're going the wrong way."

• "I think," she whispered. "that we're going the wrong way!"

Answer explanation

A comma follows the first part of the quote, the continuing phrase is not capitalized, and the exclamation point correctly goes inside the final quotation mark. The other options misplace punctuation or use incorrect capitalization.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.5.2D

According to the author, the character felt "utterly defeated____ (Jacobs 21). [Skill: Quotation Marks for Dialogue and Citations]

• "

• ".

• ."

• ".

Answer explanation

When a sentence ends with a quotation followed by a parenthetical citation, the period is placed after the citation. The quotation mark closes the quote directly, without a period inside it.