Language Standards: Punctuation and Spelling (CCSS.L.8.2)
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Common Core 8th Grade ELA › Language Standards: Punctuation and Spelling (CCSS.L.8.2)
Today our school shared several updates. The science club which meets on Wednesdays is planning a field trip. Details will be posted on the bulletin board. Permission slips go out Friday.
Which choice corrects the error in punctuation?
The science club which, meets on Wednesdays, is planning a field trip.
The science club which meets on Wednesdays, is planning a field trip.
The science club, which meets on Wednesdays, is planning a field trip.
The science club; which meets on Wednesdays; is planning a field trip.
Explanation
The clause which meets on Wednesdays is nonrestrictive and should be set off with a pair of commas.
Before leaving for the hike, I checked my backpack. I packed these items for the hike, water, a map, and a flashlight. The trailhead is close to the parking lot.
Which choice corrects the error in punctuation?
I packed these items for the hike: water, a map, and a flashlight.
I packed: these items for the hike, water, a map, and a flashlight.
I packed these items for the hike; water, a map, and a flashlight.
I packed these items for the hike water, a map, and a flashlight.
Explanation
Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list.
The clouds gathered over the field, we moved the practice indoors. Coach reminded us to bring water. The storm passed quickly.
Which choice corrects the error in punctuation?
The clouds gathered over the field we moved the practice indoors.
The clouds gathered over the field, we moved the practice indoors.
The clouds gathered over the field: we moved the practice indoors.
The clouds gathered over the field; we moved the practice indoors.
Explanation
A semicolon correctly links two closely related independent clauses; a comma alone creates a comma splice.
Big news spread quickly through the hallways. Ms. Rivera our principal announced a new policy. Students will receive extra time in the library after school. More details come tomorrow.
Which sentence is written correctly?
Ms. Rivera, our principal announced a new policy.
Ms. Rivera, our principal, announced a new policy.
Ms. Rivera our principal, announced a new policy.
Ms. Rivera: our principal, announced a new policy.
Explanation
The appositive our principal is nonrestrictive and should be set off with commas on both sides.
We toured the campus after lunch. The library which was built in 1920 has been renovated recently. Everyone agreed the new study rooms were useful.
Which choice corrects the error in punctuation in sentence 2?
The library, which was built in 1920 has been renovated recently.
The library which was built in 1920, has been renovated recently.
The library which was built in 1920 has, been renovated recently.
The library, which was built in 1920, has been renovated recently.
Explanation
A nonrestrictive clause beginning with "which" should be set off by commas on both sides. Only choice D places commas before and after the clause.
For the camping trip, we packed carefully. Bring the following items; a flashlight, extra batteries, water, and snacks. Check the weather before we leave.
Which sentence is written correctly?
Bring the following items: a flashlight, extra batteries, water, and snacks.
Bring the following items, a flashlight; extra batteries, water and snacks.
Bring the following items— a flashlight, extra batteries, water, and snacks.
Bring the following items; a flashlight; extra batteries; water; and snacks.
Explanation
Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list. Semicolons are for joining closely related independent clauses or separating complex items in a series, not for introducing a list.
Lena studied all week for the science test. She felt ready, however, she still checked her notes once more. The practice problems were helpful.
Which choice corrects the error in punctuation in sentence 2?
She felt ready however she still checked her notes once more.
She felt ready; however, she still checked her notes once more.
She felt ready, however she still checked her notes once more.
She felt ready: however, she still checked her notes once more.
Explanation
When a conjunctive adverb (however) links two independent clauses, use a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
After the announcement the team began planning the fundraiser. The principal said it was definately neccessary to start early. We set goals and made a timeline.
Which sentence is written correctly?
The principal said it was definitley necessary to start early.
the principal said it was definitely necessary to start early.
The principal said it was definitely necessary to start early.
The principal said it was definitely neccessary to start early.
Explanation
The words are spelled correctly as "definitely" and "necessary," and the sentence begins with a capital letter.
I started a chess club at school. My brother who loves chess taught me strategies to share with our club. We meet on Tuesdays.
Which choice corrects the error in punctuation?
My brother, who loves chess, taught me strategies to share with our club.
My brother who loves chess, taught me strategies to share with our club.
My brother who loves chess taught me strategies, to share with our club.
My Brother, who loves chess taught me strategies to share with our club.
Explanation
The phrase who loves chess is nonrestrictive and should be set off with commas. Do not capitalize brother mid-sentence, and avoid inserting unnecessary commas inside the verb phrase.
We followed every step in the lab guide. We set up the experiment however the results surprised us. Our teacher asked us to explain the difference.
Which choice corrects the error in punctuation?
We set up the experiment, however the results surprised us.
We set up the experiment; however, the results surprised us.
We set up the experiment: however, the results surprised us.
We set up the experiment however; the results surprised us.
Explanation
Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (however) and a comma after it to join two independent clauses correctly.