Conventions of Standard English > Punctuation
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SAT Reading & Writing › Conventions of Standard English > Punctuation
The district surveyed families in five neighborhoods and learned that crowding often began before sunrise at drop-off. Facilities planners prioritized comfort, especially for staff who monitor early arrivals, so the district remodeled the ____ to include more seating and storage, since multiple schools reported that these spaces had become makeshift meeting rooms and teachers had long requested better ventilation and lighting.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
teacher's lounge
teachers' lounge
teacher's lounges
teachers' lounges
Explanation
The context calls for a plural possessive referring to lounges belonging to teachers at multiple schools: 'teachers' lounges.' The other options have incorrect number or apostrophe placement.
After years of testing recipes, our kitchen team compiled a short manual for new volunteers, many of whom have never cooked for a large group before. The manual emphasizes one crucial rule _____ taste as you go, adjusting seasoning with small increments so that flaws are caught early rather than at the table.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
rule, taste
rule: taste
rule; taste
rule because taste
Explanation
A colon correctly introduces and emphasizes the rule that follows. A comma or semicolon would be incorrect here, and adding 'because' changes the intended structure and meaning.
At the regional robotics fair, teams worked for months to prepare, and the gym buzzed with visitors comparing notes and peering at prototypes. The [blank] varied widely in scope, from simple line-following bots built from kits to elaborate machines that could sort objects on their own.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
student's designs
students' designs'
students' designs
students's designs
Explanation
Because multiple students collectively own the designs, the plural possessive 'students' designs' is correct. The other options either make the owner singular, create an illogical possessive on 'designs,' or form the possessive incorrectly.
After the museum extended its hours and added family workshops, attendance initially remained flat, a perplexing outcome for the staff. ____ the new evening programs soon drew consistent crowds, suggesting that word-of-mouth mattered more than advertising and that the scheduling change simply needed time to take effect in the first month of the rollout.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
However the new
However; the new
However, the new
However: the new
Explanation
A sentence-initial conjunctive adverb like 'However' should be followed by a comma. A semicolon or colon after 'However' is incorrect here, and omitting the comma creates a punctuation error.
The library is busiest at noon; ____ seating is still available near the windows. Staff members have arranged small study carrels to promote quiet work, and signs remind visitors to keep voices low; the goal is to make the space welcoming to students who need a calm place to read or to review notes between classes.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
however,
however;
for example,
therefore,
Explanation
A correctly uses a semicolon before and a comma after a conjunctive adverb to join two independent clauses. B creates an extra semicolon, C is illogical, and D suggests an unsupported cause-and-effect.
At the end of the day, the building feels drowsy, as if the walls themselves are yawning. When the final bell ____ hallways fill instantly, chattering footsteps echoing like rain. Teachers wave from their doorways, reminding students to pick up forms and sports gear before heading home in the drizzle.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
rings, the
rings; the
rings: the
rings— the
Explanation
A dependent clause that begins with 'When' should be followed by a comma before the main clause. A semicolon or colon cannot appropriately follow a dependent clause, and a dash is unnecessary here.
At the neighborhood market, the [blank] carts line the street before sunrise, each piled high with leafy greens and late-summer tomatoes. Regulars weave between the stalls, greeting familiar faces, comparing prices, and swapping recipes while a busker warms up a guitar near the corner bakery, keeping the sleepy block surprisingly lively.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
vendors carts
vendor's carts
vendors' carts
vendorss carts
Explanation
Because multiple vendors own the carts, the plural possessive form "vendors' carts" is required. The other choices are either singular possessive, lack the apostrophe, or are misspelled.
The volunteers arrived early to set up the community fair ____ the gates opened on time, the vendors finished arranging their booths, and the first visitors were welcomed without delay. Many had practiced their roles the week before during a short rehearsal, which made the morning feel unusually calm and well organized.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
fair, the
fair; the
fair: the
fair. the
Explanation
Two independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon (or a period), so "fair; the" is correct. A comma creates a splice, a colon misrepresents the relationship, and a period followed by lowercase "the" is a capitalization error.
Local historians praise the new exhibit for tracing the town's growth through diaries, tools, and maps, and they note that several founders established the settlement together. One label, however, contains an error: it describes the [blank] ambitious in scope yet achievable, as the driving force behind the community's earliest projects, a characterization that the museum plans to correct in the next printing.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
founders' goals,
founder's goals,
founders goals,
founders's goals,
Explanation
Because multiple founders are referenced, the plural possessive 'founders'' is required. The other choices use a singular possessive, omit the apostrophe, or form the possessive incorrectly.
After months of rehearsals ___ the cast felt confident about opening night. Community members had followed their progress through social media updates, and advance ticket sales suggested that the theater would be full; even the balcony, rarely used on weeknights, had been prepared for overflow. The director reminded everyone to breathe and enjoy the moment.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
rehearsals, the
rehearsals; the
rehearsals the
rehearsals. The
Explanation
A comma correctly sets off the introductory phrase. The semicolon or period improperly splits the phrase from its clause, and no punctuation creates a run-on.