Punctuation
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SAT Reading & Writing › Punctuation
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Tariqs' and Linas'
Tariq and Linas's
Tariq's and Lina's
Tariq and Lina's
Explanation
B is correct because a single presentation jointly owned by two people takes an apostrophe on only the second name. A implies separate ownership, C incorrectly forms plural possessives, and D misforms the possessive of 'Lina'.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
therefore, the
nevertheless: the
nevertheless; the
nevertheless, the
Explanation
After a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb such as 'nevertheless' should be followed by a comma. The other choices misuse punctuation or create an illogical causal relationship.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Therefore,
Nevertheless;
However,
However:
Explanation
The second sentence contrasts the optimistic projection with unrealistic assumptions, so "However," is the logical and correctly punctuated transition. "Therefore" is illogical, and a semicolon or colon after the introductory adverb is incorrect.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
because,
and,
consequently;
consequently,
Explanation
A semicolon should be followed by a conjunctive adverb and a comma: 'consequently,' correctly links the independent clauses. The other options either attempt to combine a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction or use incorrect punctuation after the transition.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
counts; however, the team cautioned
counts. However the team cautioned
counts however, the team cautioned
counts, however the team cautioned
Explanation
When linking two independent clauses with however, use a semicolon before however and a comma after it. A, B, and C each omit one of the required marks or place punctuation incorrectly.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
program: the committee revised its recommendation to the board, arguing that the proposed schedule would minimize disruptions and reduce overtime costs for staff across campuses
program the committee revised its recommendation to the board, arguing that the proposed schedule would minimize disruptions and reduce overtime costs for staff across campuses
program; the committee revised its recommendation to the board, arguing that the proposed schedule would minimize disruptions and reduce overtime costs for staff across campuses
program, the committee revised its recommendation to the board, arguing that the proposed schedule would minimize disruptions and reduce overtime costs for staff across campuses
Explanation
A comma correctly follows the introductory participial phrase. A omits the necessary comma, B misuses a semicolon after an introductory phrase, and D incorrectly uses a colon.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
who is, known
who is known
who is: known
who is; known
Explanation
No comma is needed within the restrictive clause "who is known" inside the nonessential appositive. The comma, semicolon, and colon incorrectly interrupt the clause.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
advisors will
advisors, will
advisors: will
advisors; will
Explanation
The nonessential participial phrase 'selected by a panel...' must be closed with a comma before 'will'. Omitting the comma or using a colon or semicolon mispunctuates the sentence.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
clear; to
clear: to
clear, to
clear to
Explanation
A colon correctly introduces the explanation after the complete statement 'The mission is clear.' A comma or semicolon is incorrect here, and 'clear to' changes the meaning of the sentence.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
steps;
steps,
steps—
steps:
Explanation
Use a colon after 'the following steps' to introduce the list. A comma, semicolon, or dash does not correctly introduce the series in formal prose.