SAT Writing : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
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Example Question #51 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The truth of the matter is that he was utterly unprepared for the test, that's why he performed so poorly.
The truth of the matter is that he was utterly unprepared for the test that's why he performed so poorly.
The truth of the matter is that he was utterly unprepared for the test, so that's why he performed so poorly.
The truth of the matter is that he was utterly unprepared for the test, that's why he performed so poorly.
The truth of the matter is that he was utterly unprepared for the test; so that's why he performed so poorly.
The truth of the matter is that he was utterly unprepared for the test so that's why he performed so poorly.
The truth of the matter is that he was utterly unprepared for the test, so that's why he performed so poorly.
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma, this results in an error known as a comma splice. The three options are a comma with a conjunction, a semicolon, or a period. In the example above, a comma with a conjunction is probably the smoothest choice, as it causally connects the two clauses.
Example Question #52 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The trial was going extremely poorly, the defendant was excruciatingly worried.
The trial was going extremely poorly, the defendant was excruciatingly worried.
The trial was going extremely poorly; and the defendant was excruciatingly worried.
The trial was going extremely poorly; the defendant was excruciatingly worried.
The trial was going extreme poorly, the defendant was excruciatingly worried.
The trial was going extreme poorly, the defendant was excruciating worried.
The trial was going extremely poorly; the defendant was excruciatingly worried.
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma, this results in an error known as a comma splice. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The best choice of the answers above is: "The trial was going extremely poorly; the defendant was excruciatingly worried." A semicolon works here to connect the two independent clauses, and suggest that they are contextually related, as opposed to two entirely separate sentences.
Example Question #51 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The shame of the failure was too great for the minister to bear, he defenestrated from the highest tower of the castle and died instantly.
The shame of the failure was too great, for the minister to bear,
The shame of the failure was too great for the minister to bear,
The shame of the failure was too great for the minister too bear,
The shame of the failure was too great for the minister two bear,
The shame of the failure was too great for the minister to bear;
The shame of the failure was too great for the minister to bear;
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma, this results in an error known as a comma splice. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses.
Example Question #54 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures, they are not to be trifled with.
Gremlns are extraordinarily mischievious creatures,
Gremlins are extraordinary mischievous creatures:
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures, or
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures;
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures;
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma, this results in an error known as a comma splice. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The choice of a semicolon, rather than a period, indicates that the author wishes to indicate a connection, on some level, between the content of the two clauses. When it comes to separating independent clauses, it is important to remember that using a period, a semicolon, or a comma with a conjunction are all equally grammatically correct. Whichever of these options you choose is a reflection on your writing style, not your grammatical correctness.
Example Question #51 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Comma Splices
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence
Political scandals take a massive toll on our politicians, the public should spend its time focused on the issues rather than such distractions.
Political scandals take a massive toll on our politicians;
Political scandals take a massive toll on our politicians, with
Political scandals take a massive toll on our politicians but
Political scandals take a massive toll on our politicians,
Political scandals take a massive toll on our politicians; and
Political scandals take a massive toll on our politicians;
Comma splice errors occur when only a comma is used to create a compound sentence. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The answer provided is a semicolon, but a comma with a coordinating conjunction, or a period would also be grammatically correct.
Example Question #52 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Comma Splices
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
There is too much to do today, I'm just not sure how I want to spend my time.
There is to much too do today,
There is too much to do today,
There is too much to do today; so
There is too much too do today,
There is too much to do today, so
There is too much to do today, so
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma a comma splice error is created. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. A comma and a conjunction, a semicolon, and simply splitting the sentence into two separate sentences are all grammatically correct options.
Example Question #57 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach, if even a single lawyer or judge breaks the law it damages our very way of life.
It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach,
It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach, and
It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach.
It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach, with
It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach; and
It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach, and
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma it results in a comma splice error. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "It's extremely important that the justice system is beyond reproach, and"
A coordinating conjunction and a comma here is a good stylistic choice, since it more directly connects the two independent clauses, and thus suggests a connection in the content of the two sentences, as opposed to making the clauses two entirely separate sentences.
Example Question #53 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Comma Splices
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
It can be very difficult to ferret out the full truth, it is exceedingly important that you do so.
it is exceedingly important that you do so.
nevertheless it is exceedingly, important that you do so.
it's exceedingly important that you do so.
it is exceedingly, important that you do so.
but it is exceedingly important that you do so.
but it is exceedingly important that you do so.
Comma splices occur when two independent clauses are joined by a comma with no coordinating conjunction. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "but it is exceedingly important that you do so."
A semicolon or a period (and a capital first letter for "it") would also be grammatically correct options for this sentence.
Example Question #59 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
There is nothing to be done for that patient, his injuries are too catastrophic.
There is nothing to be done for that patient; his injuries are too catastrophic.
There is nothing to be done for that patient, his injuries are too catastrophic.
There is nothing to be done for that patient. his injuries are too catastrophic.
There's nothing to be done for that patient, his injuries are too catastrophic.
There is nothing to be done for that patient, his injuries are two catastrophic.
There is nothing to be done for that patient; his injuries are too catastrophic.
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma it results in a comma splice error. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "There is nothing to be done for that patient; his injuries are too catastrophic."
Example Question #60 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The government's catastrophic failure to contain the disease resulted in reduced public confidence, the citizens felt that they could not trust their representatives.
The government's catastrophic failure to contain the disease resulted in reduced public confidence; and the citizens felt that they could not trust their representatives.
The government's catastrophic failure to contain the disease resulted in reduced public confidence, the citizens felt that they could not trust their representatives.
The governments catastrophic failure to contain the disease resulted in reduced confidence! the citizens felt that they could not trust their overlords.
The government's catastrophic failure to contain the disease resulted in reduced public confidence... the citizens felt that they could not trust their representatives.
The government's catastrophic failure to contain the disease resulted in reduced public confidence; the citizens felt that they could not trust their representatives.
The government's catastrophic failure to contain the disease resulted in reduced public confidence; the citizens felt that they could not trust their representatives.
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma it results in a comma splice. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses, either a semicolon or a comma with a conjunction would be appropriate.
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