Punctuation
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PSAT Reading & Writing › Punctuation
The shipment arrived later than expected, and several components were missing. To keep the schedule from slipping further, the project manager documented the discrepancies; however the team proceeded with preliminary tests using substitute parts while the replacements were on the way. Although the setup was imperfect, the early trials helped the engineers identify which procedures needed revision before full production resumed.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
however the
however, the
however: the
however the,
Explanation
After a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb like 'however' is followed by a comma. The other choices misuse or misplace punctuation.
At the first planning retreat, the committee narrowed a long list of possibilities to three core priorities. To guide the next phase, they agreed to focus on the following goals: research, outreach, and equity, and they assigned small teams to each area. Clear benchmarks and timelines would help them measure progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
goals: research, outreach, and equity
goals, research, outreach, and equity
goals. Research, outreach, and equity
goals because research, outreach, and equity
Explanation
A colon correctly introduces a list after an independent clause. The other options either create a comma splice, a fragment, or an illogical connection.
After the exhibit toured the region, many donors expressed enthusiasm for future programs. The museum relied on the donors support to fund conservation work, education events, and internship stipends, all of which expanded its reach into neighboring communities. In return, the staff offered behind-the-scenes tours and public lectures that highlighted recent acquisitions and restoration techniques.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
donors support
donor's support
donors' support
donor's supports
Explanation
Because the support comes from multiple donors, the plural possessive 'donors'' is correct. The other choices are either missing the apostrophe, use singular possessive, or create faulty agreement.
For the comparative urban policy seminar, the class will visit three capitals with distinct transit systems: Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan. Because each stop requires advance reservations, the coordinator asked students to confirm passport validity and dietary restrictions by the end of the week and to submit any special accessibility needs.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Berlin Germany and
Berlin, Germany, and
Berlin; Germany and
Berlin, Germany; and
Explanation
Items in a series that contain internal commas should be separated by semicolons. The other choices either omit necessary commas, use only commas (creating ambiguity), or place the semicolon incorrectly.
Ridership rose steadily last year, and the city expanded several bus routes to meet demand; however the new schedule still leaves some neighborhoods underserved. Transit planners argue that further adjustments are forthcoming, but community groups insist that the gaps should be addressed before winter. Budget constraints, they note, have made staffing and maintenance difficult.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
however; the
however: the
however. The
however, the
Explanation
After a semicolon, use the conjunctive adverb 'however' followed by a comma to introduce the next clause. A and B misplace punctuation after 'however,' and C creates the fragment 'However.'
At the annual open studio tour, visitors can browse pieces by many creators working in dozens of neighborhood workshops. The brochure highlights how local artists works collectively reflect the city's industrial history and its emerging tech scene, inviting residents to see how creativity flourishes in unexpected spaces; proceeds from ticket sales support after-school programs and shared studios.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
artists, works
artists' works
artist's works
artists: works
Explanation
The works belong to multiple artists, so the plural possessive 'artists' works' is correct. 'Artist's' wrongly suggests a single artist, and the comma or colon create illogical apposition.
During the exhibit's final week, which featured works by many painters, a wall displayed the ____ rough sketches alongside the finished paintings, and labels explained which materials had been tested. Viewers could trace how small changes in color and line led to striking shifts in mood, and curators posted notes about mediums and dates to invite comparisons between early ideas and final revisions.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
artist's
artists'
artists's
artist's'
Explanation
Because the exhibit features many painters, the plural possessive 'artists'' is needed. 'artist's' is singular, 'artists's' is nonstandard, and 'artist's'' is incorrect.
Analysts predicted that the new shuttle schedule would increase ridership across the region, citing surveys conducted in spring and arguing that shorter gaps between departures would reduce crowding during peak hours. ____ a field study conducted in midsummer revealed that most commuters preferred the older timetable, which aligned better with shift changes at major hospitals; in interviews, riders said predictability mattered more than frequency.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
However, a
However; a
However: a
However - a
Explanation
At the start of a sentence, the conjunctive adverb 'However' is followed by a comma. A semicolon or colon belongs before 'however' when joining independent clauses, and a hyphen here is nonstandard.
Volunteers spent the morning organizing equipment for the remote research site and checking that labels matched the inventory list. Because clouds were forecast for the afternoon, they prioritized energy supplies: the kit includes the following ____ a solar panel, a battery, and a charge controller, all of which must be logged before the crew departs.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
items, a solar panel, a battery, and a charge controller
items; a solar panel, a battery, and a charge controller
items, namely a solar panel, a battery, and a charge controller
items: a solar panel, a battery, and a charge controller
Explanation
After 'the following,' a colon correctly introduces the list. A comma or semicolon is incorrect here, and the 'namely' construction is needlessly wordy and not preferred in this context.
The software update, ____ fixes several security flaws that allowed unauthorized access to archived files and intermittent crashes on older phones. Because the team is still testing compatibility with legacy devices, the company recommends delaying installation for a day to avoid service interruptions, especially for users who depend on custom plug-ins.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
which was released overnight fixes
which was released overnight; fixes
which was released overnight, fixes
which, was released overnight, fixes
Explanation
A nonessential clause is correctly set off by commas: 'The software update, which was released overnight, fixes...'. The other choices either omit the necessary comma, insert a semicolon incorrectly, or add a comma after 'which,' which is ungrammatical.