Take this Quiz: SAT — sentence boundaries and clause punctuation | Zestly

Question 1

“The research team analyzed the data for three months, they concluded that the solar panels were operating at peak efficiency.” Which choice best describes the error in the writer's sentence, and how should it be repaired?

Accepted Answer

The sentence contains a comma splice between two independent clauses; a semicolon or a period should be used to separate them.

Answer

The sentence incorrectly uses a comma to join a subordinate clause to an independent clause; the comma should be removed.

Answer

The sentence contains a run-on error where two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation; a comma and a coordinating conjunction are required.

Answer

The sentence incorrectly places a comma between the subject and the verb; the comma should be deleted to maintain the integrity of the clause.

Question 2

“Although the new administrative policy was implemented in early autumn, the staff members were not informed of the changes.” Which choice best describes the error in the writer's sentence, and how should it be repaired?

Accepted Answer

The sentence is correctly punctuated as written, with a comma properly separating the introductory subordinate clause from the independent clause.

Answer

The sentence incorrectly uses a comma to separate the subject from the verb; the comma should be removed.

Answer

The sentence contains a comma splice between two independent clauses; a semicolon is needed to fix the error.

Answer

The sentence uses a colon incorrectly after a prepositional phrase; the colon should be replaced with a comma.

Question 3

“The architect designed the museum with a focus on natural light, however, the interior galleries remained dim during the winter months.” Which choice best describes the error in the writer's sentence, and how should it be repaired?

Accepted Answer

The sentence uses a comma to join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb; a semicolon should precede the adverb.

Answer

The sentence contains a fragment; the phrase starting with however should be attached to the previous clause with a comma.

Answer

The sentence incorrectly places a comma between the subject and the verb; the comma should be removed.

Answer

The sentence contains a run-on error; a colon should be used to join the two independent clauses.

Question 4

"The survey went out to four hundred households in March only ninety of them had replied by the end of May." Which choice best describes the error in the writer's sentence, and how should it be repaired?

Answer

Two complete sentences run together with nothing between them; a period or a semicolon is needed after March, or else a comma together with a coordinating conjunction.

Answer

Two complete sentences are joined by a comma alone; that comma should be replaced by a semicolon.

Answer

An introductory element is missing its comma; a comma should be placed after March.

Answer

A comma has been placed between the subject and its verb; that comma should be deleted.

Question 5

"Although the committee met four times that winter and heard evidence from every department involved." Which choice best describes the error in the writer's sentence, and how should it be repaired?

Answer

The words make up a subordinate clause standing on its own; either the opening subordinating word should be dropped, or an independent clause should be added to complete the thought.

Answer

A comma is missing after the introductory subordinate clause; a comma should be placed after winter.

Answer

Two complete sentences are joined by a comma alone; a semicolon should replace the comma.

Answer

A conjunctive adverb joins two independent clauses with commas alone; a semicolon should come before it.