Boundaries - Results

Question ID de55ec71
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

Conventions
ID: de55ec71
Generations of mystery and horror ______ have been influenced by the dark, gothic stories of celebrated American author
Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849).
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. writers
B. writers,
C. writers—
D. writers;
ID: de55ec71 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as in this case,
a subject (“Generations of mystery and horror writers”) is immediately followed by a verb (“have been influenced”), no
punctuation is needed.
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice C is incorrect because no
punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between
the subject and the verb.
Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 89fbc3eb

Conventions
ID: 89fbc3eb
The Mission 66 initiative, which was approved by Congress in 1956, represented a major investment in the infrastructure of
overburdened national ______ it prioritized physical improvements to the parks’ roads, utilities, employee housing, and visitor
facilities while also establishing educational programming for the public.
A. parks and
B. parks
C. parks;
D. parks,
ID: 89fbc3eb Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. This choice
uses a semicolon to correctly join the first main clause (“The Mission…parks”) and the second main clause that begins with
“it.”
Choice A is incorrect. When coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use a comma before
the coordinating conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused
without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction
following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.
Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 960dec02

Conventions
ID: 960dec02
A recent study tracked the number of bee species present in twenty-seven New York apple orchards over a ten-year period.
______ found that when wild growth near an orchard was cleared, the number of different bee species visiting the orchard
decreased.
A. Entomologist Heather Grab:
B. Entomologist, Heather Grab,
C. Entomologist Heather Grab
D. Entomologist Heather Grab,
ID: 960dec02 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a name and title and between a
subject and a verb. No punctuation is needed between the proper noun “Heather Grab” and “entomologist,” the title that
describes Grab. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between the sentence’s subject (“Entomologist Heather Grab”) and
the main verb (“found”) that indicates what Grab did.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb. Choice B is incorrect because no
punctuation is needed. Setting the entomologist’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without
affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed
between the subject and the verb.
Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7f226b4b

Conventions
ID: 7f226b4b
In a 2023 study, researchers documented a fascinating behavior in the aquatic plant Elodea densa. When exposed to low
levels of light, the plant’s ______ the cellular organs that generate energy from light—reshuffled to form a tightly packed,
glass-like surface ideal for collecting more light.
A. chloroplasts
B. chloroplasts;
C. chloroplasts,
D. chloroplasts—
ID: 7f226b4b Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a sentence.
The dash after "chloroplasts" pairs with the dash after "from light" to separate the supplementary element "the cellular
organs that generate energy from light" from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element functions to define the
term "chloroplasts," and the pair of dashes indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the grammatical
coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from the rest of
the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be paired with a dash in this way to separate the
supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash in
this way to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.

Question ID 74ce2f05

Conventions
ID: 74ce2f05
A study led by scientist Rebecca Kirby at the University of Wisconsin–Madison found that black bears that eat human food
before hibernation have increased levels of a rare carbon isotope, ______ due to the higher 13C levels in corn and cane sugar.
Bears with these elevated levels were also found to have much shorter hibernation periods on average.
A. carbon-13, (13C)
B. carbon-13 (13C)
C. carbon-13, (13C),
D. carbon-13 (13C),
ID: 74ce2f05 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
The comma after “(13C)” pairs with the comma after “isotope” to separate the supplementary element “carbon-13 (13C)”
from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element defines the “rare carbon isotope,” and the pair of commas
indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element “carbon-13
(13C)” from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the
supplementary element “carbon-13 (13C)” from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because it fails to use
appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element “carbon-13 (13C)” from the rest of the sentence. The
comma after “carbon-13” isn’t necessary because the parentheses around “13C” already separate this element from the rest
of the sentence.

Question ID eb95235b

Conventions
ID: eb95235b
The Limón technique, developed by Mexican-born dancer and choreographer Jose Limón, is known for its emphasis on
breath control and its interplay of weight and ______ dancers may explore, for example, the moment of mid-air suspension at
the top of a jump.
A. weightlessness
B. weightlessness which
C. weightlessness,
D. weightlessness;
ID: eb95235b Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within a sentence. This choice uses a
semicolon in a conventional way to join the first main clause ("The Limón…weightlessness") and the second main clause
("dancers…jump").
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect. The relative pronoun "which" can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice C
is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to
join two main clauses.

Question ID adf210e7

Conventions
ID: adf210e7
The haiku-like poems of Tomas Tranströmer, which present nature- and dream-influenced images in crisp, spare language,
have earned the Swedish poet praise from leading contemporary ______ them Nigerian American essayist and novelist Teju
Cole, who has written that Tranströmer’s works “contain a luminous simplicity.”
A. writers. Among
B. writers among
C. writers; among
D. writers, among
ID: adf210e7 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a supplementary
phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“The haiku-like…writers”) and
the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”) that specifies a contemporary writer who has praised Tomas Tranströmer’s
haiku-like poems.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “among.” Choice B
is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause and the supplementary phrase with appropriate
punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“The haiku-like…
writers”) and the supplementary phrase (“among…Cole”).

Question ID 13fcf575

Conventions
ID: 13fcf575
Roughly 300 nights a year, when the cold air descending from the Andes Mountains meets the warm air rising from
Venezuela’s coastal Lake Maracaibo, the result is a spectacular lightning storm, its strikes so bright, so localized, and so
______ that it has become known as “Maracaibo’s Lighthouse.”
A. dependable:
B. dependable;
C. dependable
D. dependable,
ID: 13fcf575 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of an integrated relative clause. No punctuation
is needed before the relative clause beginning with "that" because the content of the relative clause ("that...Lighthouse") is
integral to the meaning of the coordinated adjectival phrase ("so bright, so localized, and so dependable") that it modifies.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinated adjectival phrase ("so bright...dependable")
and the integrated relative clause that modifies it. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the
coordinated adjectival phrase ("so bright...dependable") and the integrated relative clause that modifies it. Choice D is
incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinated adjectival phrase ("so bright...dependable") and the
integrated relative clause that modifies it.

Question ID 940ff6f7

Conventions
ID: 940ff6f7
Jamaican British artist Willard Wigan is known for his remarkable ______ so small that they are best viewed through a
microscope, Wigan’s sculptures are made from tiny natural materials, such as spiderweb strands.
A. microsculptures creations
B. microsculptures, creations
C. microsculptures. Creations
D. microsculptures and creations
ID: 940ff6f7 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between sentences. In this choice, the period is
used to correctly mark the boundary between one sentence ("Jamaican…microsculptures") and another ("Creations…
strands"). The noun phrase beginning with "creations" modifies the subject of the next sentence, "Wigan’s sculptures."
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences ("Jamaican…microsculptures" and "Creations…
strands") are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A
comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect. Without a comma
preceding it, the conjunction "and" can’t be used in this way to join sentences.

Question ID aaa1907f

Conventions
ID: aaa1907f
To serve local families during the Great Depression, innovative New York City librarian Pura Belpré offered storytelling in both
English and Spanish, an uncommon ______ celebrated el Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, an important community holiday; and
put on puppet shows dramatizing Puerto Rican folktales.
A. practice, at the time
B. practice at the time;
C. practice, at the time,
D. practice at the time,
ID: aaa1907f Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of elements in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice, the
semicolon after "time" is conventionally used to separate the first item ("offered…time") and the second ("celebrated…
holiday") in the series of activities that librarian Pura Belpré offered. Moreover, the semicolon after "time" matches the
semicolon used later to separate the second item ("celebrated...holiday") and the third ("and...folktales") in the series.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the first item and the second item in the
complex series. Furthermore, a comma isn’t needed between the noun "practice" and the prepositional phrase "at the time"
because the prepositional phrase is essential to the full meaning of the phrase "an uncommon practice at the time." Choice C
is incorrect because a comma after "time" doesn’t match the semicolon used later to separate the second
("celebrated...holiday") and third ("and...folktales") items in the series. Furthermore, a comma isn’t needed between the noun
"practice" and the prepositional phrase "at the time" because the prepositional phrase is essential to the full meaning of the
phrase "an uncommon practice at the time." Choice D is incorrect because a comma after "time" doesn’t match the
semicolon used later to separate the second ("celebrated...holiday") and third ("and...folktales") items in the series.

Question ID 7f48b098

Conventions
ID: 7f48b098
Photosynthesis, the mechanism by which plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into ______ is fueled in part by
an enzyme called Photosystem II that harvests energy-giving electrons from water molecules.
A. nutrients
B. nutrients and
C. nutrients,
D. nutrients—
ID: 7f48b098 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary element within a sentence.
The comma after “nutrients” pairs with the comma after “photosynthesis” to separate the supplementary element “the
mechanism by which plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into nutrients” from the rest of the sentence. This
supplementary element functions to define the term “photosynthesis,” and the pair of commas indicates that this element
could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a conjunction can’t be paired with a comma in this way to separate the
supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a dash can’t be paired with a comma in

Question ID a153ad6a

Conventions
ID: a153ad6a
While light is known as one of the fastest-moving substances, it slows down when passing through some types of matter.
One such type of matter is a form of cooled, condensed gas called a Bose-Einstein condensate ______ Dutch physicist Lene
Hau famously used a BEC to slow a beam of light to a complete halt.
A. (BEC),
B. (BEC) and
C. (BEC);
D. (BEC)
ID: a153ad6a Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
correctly uses a semicolon to join the first main clause ("One…(BEC)") and the second main clause ("Dutch…halt").
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this
way to join two main clauses. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. Without a comma preceding it, a
conjunction can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence.
The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 0f39b19c

Conventions
ID: 0f39b19c
After a spate of illnesses as a child, Wilma Rudolph was told she might never walk again. Defying all odds, Rudolph didn’t
just walk, she ______ the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, she won both the 100- and 200-meter dashes and clinched first
place for her team in the 4x100-meter relay, becoming the first US woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.
A. ran—fast—during
B. ran—fast during
C. ran—fast, during
D. ran—fast. During
ID: 0f39b19c Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period is
used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“Defying…fast”) and another sentence that begins with a
supplementary phrase (“During…Olympics”).
Choice A is incorrect. When a dash is present in a sentence (“ran—fast”), it’s not conventional to use another dash (“fast—
during”) to mark the boundary between sentences because it creates a potentially confusing sentence. In this context, a
period, semicolon, or colon would be clear and more conventional. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on
sentence. The sentences (“Defying…fast”) and (“during…Olympics”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between sentences.

Question ID ac5536c1

Conventions
ID: ac5536c1
Beatrix Potter is perhaps best known for writing and illustrating children’s books such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), but
she also dedicated herself to mycology, the study of ______ more than 350 paintings of the fungal species she observed in
nature and submitting her research on spore germination to the Linnean Society of London.
A. fungi; producing
B. fungi. Producing
C. fungi producing
D. fungi, producing
ID: ac5536c1 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between two supplementary phrases following
the coordinate clause (“but she…mycology”). This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the
supplementary noun phrase (“the study of fungi”) that defines the term “mycology” and the supplementary participial phrase
(“producing...London”) that provides additional information about the extent to which Potter dedicated herself to mycology.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join two supplementary phrases following a
coordinate clause. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with
“producing.” Choice C is incorrect. The lack of punctuation results in a sentence that illogically suggests that the study of
fungi is producing more than 350 paintings.

Question ID 9c3630b9

Conventions
ID: 9c3630b9
Using natural debris, such as dried ______ such as plastic bags; and more traditional art supplies, such as tree glue, Ghanaian
artist Ed Franklin Gavua creates his striking Yiiiiikakaii African masks, which he hopes can help viewers rethink how waste is
used in their communities.
A. leaves, man-made trash:
B. leaves; man-made trash,
C. leaves, man-made trash,
D. leaves; man-made trash;
ID: 9c3630b9 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of elements in a complex series. It’s
conventional to use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice, the
semicolon after "leaves" is conventionally used to separate the first item ("natural debris, such as dried leaves") and the
second item ("man-made trash, such as plastic bags") in the series of materials used by Gavua. Further, the comma after
"trash" correctly separates the noun phrase "man-made trash" from the supplementary phrase ("such as plastic bags") that
describes it.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma after "leaves" doesn’t match the semicolon used later to separate the second and
third items in the series ("man-made...bags" and "and...glue"). Additionally, it’s not conventional to use a colon in this way to
separate a supplementary phrase ("such as plastic bags") from the noun phrase it modifies ("man-made trash"). Choice C is
incorrect because a comma after "leaves" doesn’t match the semicolon used later to separate the second and third items in
the series ("man-made...bags" and "and...glue"). Choice D is incorrect because it’s not conventional to use a semicolon in this
way to separate a supplementary phrase ("such as plastic bags") from the noun phrase it modifies ("man-made trash").

Question ID 3a2d77d7

Conventions
ID: 3a2d77d7
In the 1950s, novel audio technologies allowed the addition of another instrument to jazz and swing ______ relatively quiet
instrument, its full range of sound was finally audible alongside the blaring brass instruments of the time, allowing flautists
like Bennie Maupin and Bobbi Humphrey to perform with other jazz greats.
A. music, the flute, a
B. music. The flute, a
C. music; the flute, a
D. music: the flute. A
ID: 3a2d77d7 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within and between sentences. In this
choice, the colon correctly introduces the name of the instrument (the flute) that novel audio technologies allowed to be
added to jazz and swing. In addition, the period is used to correctly mark the boundary between one sentence ("In…flute")
and another ("A relatively…greats").
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses ("In…
quiet instrument" and "its…greats"). Choice B is incorrect. In standard English, it’s unconventional to form a sentence in this
way with two uncoordinated subjects ("the flute" and "its full range of sound"), and the lack of a clear main subject results in
an awkwardly constructed and confusing sentence. Choice C is incorrect. In standard English, it’s unconventional to form an
independent clause in this way with two uncoordinated subjects ("the flute" and "its full range of sound"), and the lack of a
clear main subject results in an awkwardly constructed and confusing clause.

Question ID 435809d8

Conventions
ID: 435809d8
On March 23, 2021, a gust of wind wreaked havoc on global trade. Ever Given, an international shipping container vessel,
became lodged in Egypt’s Suez Canal, a major shipping route between Europe and Asia. The vessel took six days to ______
it’s as heavy as two thousand blue whales when fully loaded.
A. dislodge in part due to its sheer size,
B. dislodge, in part due to its sheer size:
C. dislodge, in part due to its sheer size,
D. dislodge, in part, due to its sheer size
ID: 435809d8 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between main clauses and a supplementary
element. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause ("The vessel took six days to
dislodge") and the supplementary element ("in part due to its sheer size") that provides additional information on why the
vessel was difficult to dislodge. Additionally, this choice correctly uses a colon to introduce another main clause that
describes the vessel’s size ("it’s as heavy as two thousand blue whales when fully loaded").
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between two main clauses ("The vessel…size" and "it’s…loaded"). Additionally, it fails to mark the boundary between the main
clause ("The vessel took six days to dislodge") and the supplementary element ("in part due to its sheer size"). Choice C is
incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between two main
clauses ("The vessel…size" and "it’s…loaded"). Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main
clauses ("The vessel…size" and "it’s…loaded") are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 83898524

Conventions
ID: 83898524
In addition to advocating for South America’s independence in two political treatises, the Cartagena Manifesto and the Letter
from Jamaica, Simón Bolívar personally led armies against the Spanish, liberating three South American territories—New
Granada (present-day Colombia and Panama), Venezuela, and Quito (present-day ______ from colonial rule.
A. Ecuador,)
B. Ecuador)
C. Ecuador),
D. Ecuador)—
ID: 83898524 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
The dash after “Ecuador” and the closing parenthesis pairs with the dash after “territories” to separate the supplementary
element (“New…Ecuador”) from the rest of the sentence. The supplementary element specifies the three South American
territories that Simón Bolívar liberated, and the pair of dashes indicates that this element could be removed without affecting
the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
the sentence. Furthermore, punctuation isn’t needed between “Ecuador” and the closing parenthesis. Choice B is incorrect
because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice
C is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the
sentence.

Question ID fba5d8d1

Conventions
ID: fba5d8d1
In a 2016 study, Eastern Washington University psychologist Amani El-Alayli found that, among the study participants who
experienced frisson (a physiological response akin to goosebumps or getting the chills) while listening to music, there was
one personality trait that they scored particularly ______ openness to experience.
A. high. On
B. high on;
C. high on
D. high on:
ID: fba5d8d1 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause ("there...on") and the
supplementary phrase ("openness to experience") and to introduce the information that identifies which personality trait
participants scored especially high on.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with "on" and separates a
necessary preposition from the clause beginning with "there." Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this
way to join the main clause ("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to experience"). A semicolon is
conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally used to introduce an element that explains
or amplifies the information in the preceding clause, making the colon the better choice in this context. Choice C is incorrect
because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause ("there...on") and the supplementary phrase ("openness to
experience").

Question ID 886dc9f9

Conventions
ID: 886dc9f9
On July 23, 1854, a clipper ship called the Flying Cloud entered San Francisco ______ left New York Harbor under the
guidance of Captain Josiah Perkins Creesy and his wife, navigator Eleanor Creesy, a mere 89 days and 8 hours earlier, the
celebrated ship set a record that would stand for 135 years.
A. Bay and having
B. Bay. Having
C. Bay, having
D. Bay having
ID: 886dc9f9 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period
after “Bay” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“On…Bay”) and another sentence that begins with
a supplementary phrase (“Having…years”). Here, the supplementary phrase beginning with “having” modifies the subject of
the second sentence, “the celebrated ship.”
Choice A is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join sentences.
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two sentences. Choice
D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“On…Bay” and “having…years”) are fused without
punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 59a246dc

Conventions
ID: 59a246dc
When external forces are applied to common glass made from silicates, energy builds up around minuscule defects in the
material, resulting in fractures. Recently, engineer Erkka Frankberg of Tampere University in Finland used the chemical ______
to make a glassy solid that can withstand higher strain than silicate glass can before fracturing.
A. compound, aluminum oxide
B. compound aluminum oxide,
C. compound, aluminum oxide,
D. compound aluminum oxide
ID: 59a246dc Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation around noun phrases. No punctuation is
needed because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive, meaning that it provides essential identifying
information about the noun phrase before it, “the chemical compound,” and thus doesn’t require punctuation around it.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice C
is incorrect because the noun phrase “aluminum oxide” is a restrictive appositive. Setting the phrase off with punctuation
suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case.

Question ID be34a3df

Conventions
ID: be34a3df
In 2008, two years after the death of science fiction writer Octavia Butler, the Huntington Library in ______ received a
collection of more than 8,000 items, including Butler’s private notes, research materials, manuscripts, photos, and drawings.
Today, the Octavia E. Butler Collection is one of the most researched archives at the library.
A. California,
B. California:
C. California—
D. California
ID: be34a3df Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. No punctuation should separate the subject of the sentence (“the Huntington Library in
California”) from its verb (“received”).
Choice A is incorrect. No punctuation should separate the subject of the sentence (“the Huntington Library in California”)
from its verb (“received”). Choice B is incorrect. No punctuation should separate the subject of the sentence (“the Huntington
Library in California”) from its verb (“received”). Choice C is incorrect. No punctuation should separate the subject of the
sentence (“the Huntington Library in California”) from its verb (“received”).

Question ID 083a35dc

Conventions
ID: 083a35dc
Po’Pay was a Tewa leader from Ohkay Owingeh, a pueblo located about twenty-five miles north of present-day Santa Fe, New
Mexico. He was instrumental in organizing the Pueblo Revolt of ______ as a result of his leadership, the Spanish colonizers
were expelled from the region for a time.
A. 1680
B. 1680 and
C. 1680,
D. 1680, and
ID: 083a35dc Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. This choice
correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction “and” to join the first main clause (“He…1680”) and the second
main clause (“as…time”).
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to
use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a
conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.

Question ID 145d5ca7

Conventions
ID: 145d5ca7
Gathering accurate data on water flow in the United States is challenging because of the country’s millions of miles of ______
the volume and speed of water at any given location can vary drastically over time.
A. waterways and the fact that,
B. waterways, and the fact that,
C. waterways, and, the fact that
D. waterways and the fact that
ID: 145d5ca7 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation within two coordinated noun phrases. When, as in
this case, a noun phrase (“the country’s millions of miles of waterways”) is coordinated with another noun phrase (“the fact”)
followed by an integrated relative clause (“that the volume...time”), no punctuation is needed.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice C
is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.

Question ID 6e071432

Conventions
ID: 6e071432
In 1986, conceptual artist Sophie Calle asked twenty-three people, all of whom had been born without sight, to describe “their
image of beauty” in rich detail. Calle paired excerpts of these conversations with photographs—both of interviewees and the
items they ______ to powerful effect in her exhibition The Blind.
A. described, from hair to grass to sculptures
B. described, from hair to grass to sculptures—
C. described—from hair to grass to sculptures,
D. described: from hair to grass to sculptures
ID: 6e071432 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of supplementary elements within a sentence.
The comma after "described" separates the first supplementary element ("both of interviewees and the items they
described") from the second supplementary element ("from hair to grass to sculptures"). Furthermore, the dash after
"sculptures" pairs with the dash after "photographs" to separate these two supplementary elements from the rest of the
sentence. The pair of dashes, which operate at a higher organizing level than the comma, indicates that the elements
between the dashes function together—in this case, the second supplement ("from…sculptures") describes the range of
items mentioned in the first supplement—and could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the
sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to appropriately punctuate the supplementary elements in the sentence. A dash is
needed after "sculptures" to separate the supplementary elements ("both…sculptures") from the rest of the sentence. Choice
C is incorrect because it fails to appropriately punctuate the supplementary elements in the sentence. The two
supplementary elements "both…described" and "from…sculptures" function together to describe the photographs, and
placing a dash between them would make this relationship less clear, suggesting that the supplement "both...described" is a
standalone element that could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the
case. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to appropriately punctuate the supplementary elements in the sentence. A colon
isn’t conventionally used in this way to separate a supplementary element ("from hair to grass to sculptures") from the noun
phrase it is modifying ("items they described"). Additionally, a dash is needed after "sculptures" to separate the
supplementary elements ("both…sculptures") from the rest of the sentence.

Question ID 6ea8c23f

Conventions
ID: 6ea8c23f
In 2018, a team of researchers led by Dr. Caitlin Whalen compiled every available measurement of ocean mixing rates from
the past two decades. With this novel data set, the team was able to determine how current-driven mixing varies across
______ and what impact it has on the distribution of heat and nutrients in the ocean.
A. regions,
B. regions:
C. regions;
D. regions
ID: 6ea8c23f Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between coordinates in a sentence. The two
elements "how…regions" and "what…ocean" work together as coordinates to complete the description of what the team was
able to determine. Because there are only two coordinates in this case (as opposed to a series of three or more), no
punctuation is needed between them.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean." Choice
B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean." Choice C is
incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the coordinates "how…regions" and "what…ocean."

Question ID a9e5b788

Conventions
ID: a9e5b788
In discussing Mary Shelley’s 1818 epistolary novel Frankenstein, literary theorist Gayatri Spivak directs the reader’s attention
to the character of Margaret Saville. As Spivak points out, Saville is not the protagonist of Shelley’s ______ as the recipient of
the letters that frame the book’s narrative, she’s the “occasion” of it.
A. novel
B. novel,
C. novel; rather,
D. novel, rather,
ID: a9e5b788 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
correctly uses a semicolon to join a main clause (“Saville...novel”) and a second main clause (“she’s...it”) preceded by
supplementary elements (“rather...narrative”).
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be
used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction
following it, the comma after “novel” can’t be used in this way to join the two main clauses.

Question ID cdbbbf94

Conventions
ID: cdbbbf94
As British scientist Peter Whibberley has observed, “the Earth is not a very good timekeeper.” Earth’s slightly irregular rotation
rate means that measurements of time must be periodically adjusted. Specifically, an extra “leap second” (the 86,401st
second of the day) is ______ time based on the planet’s rotation lags a full nine-tenths of a second behind time kept by
precise atomic clocks.
A. added, whenever
B. added; whenever
C. added. Whenever
D. added whenever
ID: cdbbbf94 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a verb and a preposition. When, as in this
case, a verb (“is added”) is immediately followed by a preposition (“whenever”), no punctuation is needed.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb and the preposition. Choice B is incorrect because
no punctuation is needed between the verb and the preposition. Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed
between the verb and the preposition.

Question ID a3e87535

Conventions
ID: a3e87535
Julia Alvarez’s 1994 novel In the Time of the Butterflies, a fictionalized account of the lives of the Mirabal ______ can serve as
a starting point for those wanting to explore how the rule of dictator Rafael Trujillo has been represented in Dominican
American literature.
A. sisters, and
B. sisters and
C. sisters,
D. sisters
ID: a3e87535 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
The comma after "sisters" pairs with the comma after "Butterflies" to separate the supplementary element "a fictionalized
account of the lives of the Mirabal sisters" from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element functions to describe
the novel In the Time of the Butterflies, and the pair of commas indicates that this element could be removed without
affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma and conjunction can’t be used in this way to separate the supplementary element
from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the
supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation
to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.

Question ID e76e74e8

Conventions
ID: e76e74e8
Over twenty years ago, in a landmark experiment in the psychology of choice, professor Sheena Iyengar set up a jam-tasting
booth at a grocery store. The number of jams available for tasting ______ some shoppers had twenty-four different options,
others only six. Interestingly, the shoppers with fewer jams to choose from purchased more jam.
A. varied:
B. varied,
C. varied, while
D. varied while
ID: e76e74e8 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of a colon within a sentence. In this choice, the colon is
used in a conventional way to introduce the following description of how the number of jams available varied.
Choice B is incorrect because it creates a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses (“the
number…varied” and “some…six”). Choice C is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing sentence. Using the
conjunction “while” to join the main clause (“the number…varied”) with the following clause’s description of the number of
jams available suggests that the variation in the number of jams is in contrast to some shoppers having twenty-four options.
Choice D is incorrect because it results in an illogical and confusing sentence. Using “while” in this way suggests that the
number of jams available varied during the time in which some shoppers had twenty-four options and others had six. The
sentence makes clear, however, that what follows “varied” is a description of the variation, not a separate, simultaneous
occurrence.

Question ID aab74a3b

Conventions
ID: aab74a3b
Researcher Lin Zhi developed a process for increasing the tensile strength—measured in gigapascals, or GPa—of silkworm
______ dissolving and reweaving the silk in a solution of iron metal ions, zinc, and sugar, Zhi increased the amount of force
required to stretch it from approximately 0.5 GPa to 2 GPa.
A. silk, by
B. silk by
C. silk and by
D. silk. By
ID: aab74a3b Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The independent clauses "researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" can be
grammatically separated by a period. They can stand alone as sentences, and this is the only choice that lets them do that.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by
dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with punctuation like a period or a
semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and." A comma alone isn’t
enough. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and
"by dissolving…2 GPa" are both independent clauses. They need to either be separated with punctuation like a period or a
semicolon, or they need to be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and." Choice C is incorrect. This
choice results in a grammar error called a run-on sentence. "Researcher Lin Zhi…silk" and "by dissolving…2 GPa" are both
independent clauses. The coordinating conjunction "and" isn’t enough to link them by itself. We need a comma, too.


Conventions
ID: 62120607
From afar, African American fiber artist Bisa Butler’s portraits look like paintings, their depictions of human faces, bodies,
and clothing so intricate that it seems only a fine brush could have rendered them. When viewed up close, however, the
portraits reveal themselves to be ______ stitching barely visible among the thousands of pieces of printed, microcut fabric.
A. quilts, and the
B. quilts, the
C. quilts; the
D. quilts. The
ID: 62120607 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a supplementary
phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“the portraits...quilts”) and the
supplementary noun phrase (“the stitching...fabric”) that provides a further description of how the portraits can be identified
as quilts.
Choice A is incorrect. A comma and the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a
supplementary noun phrase. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a
supplementary noun phrase. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment
beginning with “the stitching.”

Question ID 73a6603c

Conventions
ID: 73a6603c
On sunny days, dark rooftops absorb solar energy and convert it to unwanted heat, raising the surrounding air ______ a light-
colored covering to an existing dark roof, either by attaching prefabricated reflective sheets or spraying on a paint-like
coating, helps combat this effect.
A. temperature; by adding
B. temperature, adding
C. temperature. Adding
D. temperature by adding
ID: 73a6603c Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period is
used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“On…temperature”) and the second sentence (“Adding…
effect”). The gerund phrase beginning with “adding” is the subject of the second sentence, and the verb phrase “helps
combat this effect” describes what adding a light-colored covering can do.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the sentence “On...temperature” and the
supplementary phrases that follow. Doing so leaves the verb phrase “helps combat” without a subject and thus results in a
grammatically unconventional sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used
in this way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a confusing and illogical
sentence that suggests that adding a light-colored covering to an existing dark roof raises the temperature of the
surrounding air. Furthermore, it creates ambiguity by leaving the verb phrase “helps combat” without a subject (so it isn’t
clear what helps combat the effect).

Question ID 6fac7f45

Conventions
ID: 6fac7f45
Butterfly is a 1988 painting by the Japanese artist Ay-O. Like many of Ay-O’s paintings, Butterfly, which portrays a swimmer
performing the butterfly stroke, attempts to make use of the entire visual light ______ sporting rainbow-striped goggles, the
rainbow-hued swimmer splashes through a wavy rainbow of water.
A. spectrum
B. spectrum:
C. spectrum while
D. spectrum, while
ID: 6fac7f45 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of a colon within a sentence. In this choice, the colon
correctly introduces the following description of how the painting makes use of the entire visual light spectrum by depicting
a rainbow-hued swimmer.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The main clauses ("Like…spectrum" and "sporting…water") are
fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The main
clauses ("Like…spectrum" and "while…water") are fused without punctuation. Furthermore, the conjunction "while" fails to
indicate that what follows is a description of how the painting makes use of the entire visual light spectrum. Choice D is
incorrect because it results in a logically confusing sentence. The conjunction "while," which suggests that what follows is
occurring at the same time as or despite what came before, fails to indicate that what follows is a description of how the
painting makes use of the entire visual light spectrum.

Question ID 8f6d6ae6

Conventions
ID: 8f6d6ae6
Archaeologists have estimated that the pre-Columbian Native American city of Cahokia, located across the Mississippi River
from modern-day St. Louis, Missouri, had as many as 20,000 inhabitants in the year 1150 ______ it one of the largest cities in
North America at the time.
A. CE making
B. CE. Making
C. CE, making
D. CE; making
ID: 8f6d6ae6 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The phrase “making…at the time” provides additional information about Cahokia that’s not
required for the sentence to make sense or function grammatically. As a nonessential supplement, this phrase should be
separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence. The nonessential descriptive aside “making…at the time”
needs to be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma. Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a sentence
fragment. “Making…at the time” doesn’t have a subject and can’t stand on its own as a sentence. Thus, it can’t be separated
from the rest of the sentence with a period. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error. “Making…at the
time” doesn’t have a subject and can’t stand on its own as an independent clause. Since a semicolon can only link two
independent clauses, using one here creates an error.

Question ID c06af4d8

Conventions
ID: c06af4d8
Sociologist Alton Okinaka sits on the review board tasked with adding new sites to the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places,
which includes Pi‘ilanihale Heiau and the ‘Ōpaeka‘a Road Bridge. Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions ______ all historical
designations must be approved by a group of nine other experts from the fields of architecture, archaeology, history, and
Hawaiian culture.
A. single-handedly, however;
B. single-handedly; however,
C. single-handedly, however,
D. single-handedly however
ID: c06af4d8 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary word or phrase between two
main clauses. This choice correctly uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb “however” from the preceding
main clause (“Okinaka doesn’t…single-handedly”) and a semicolon to join the next main clause (“all…culture”) to the rest of
the sentence. Further, placing the semicolon after “however” correctly indicates that the information in the preceding main
clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions single-handedly) is contrary to what might be assumed from the information in
the previous sentence (Okinaka sits on the review board that adds new sites to the Hawaii Register of Historic Places).
Choice B is incorrect because placing the semicolon after “single-handedly” and the comma after “however” illogically
indicates that the information in the next main clause (all historical designations must be approved by a group of experts) is
contrary to the information in the previous clause (Okinaka doesn’t make such decisions single-handedly). Choice C is
incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Commas can’t be used in this way to punctuate a supplementary word or
phrase between two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are
fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID e9aee0d8

Conventions
ID: e9aee0d8
On November 2, 1772, amid rising tensions with Great Britain, Boston colonists formed the Boston Committee of
Correspondence. By 1774, what had started as a local means of mobilizing support for the Patriot cause had grown into
something far more ______ network of such committees that, facilitating communication among the colonies, helped lay the
groundwork for the Continental Congress.
A. extensive: a
B. extensive; a
C. extensive, it was a
D. extensive. A
ID: e9aee0d8 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of a colon within a sentence. In this choice, the colon is
correctly used to introduce the following explanation of what the Patriot cause had grown into by 1774.
Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause ("what…extensive") and the
supplementary element ("a network…Congress"). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a
colon is conventionally used to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause,
making the colon the better choice in this context. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. The addition of
the pronoun and verb "it was" forms the start of a new main clause in the sentence, and a comma can’t be used in this way
to mark the boundary between two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable
sentence fragment beginning with "a network."

Question ID 2b512e65

Conventions
ID: 2b512e65
Eli Eisenberg, a genetics expert at Tel Aviv University in Israel, recently discovered that ______ have a special genetic ability
called RNA editing that confers evolutionary advantages.
A. cephalopods, ocean dwellers that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish
B. cephalopods—ocean dwellers—that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish,
C. cephalopods, ocean dwellers that include: the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish,
D. cephalopods—ocean dwellers that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish—
ID: 2b512e65 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
In this choice, the dash after “cephalopods” pairs with the dash after “cuttlefish” to clearly separate the supplementary
element “ocean dwellers that include the squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish” from the rest of the sentence. This
supplementary element functions to explain what cephalopds are, and the pair of dashes indicates that this element could
be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element that explains
what cephalopods are from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to
separate the supplementary element that explains what cephalopods are from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect
because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the supplementary element that explains what cephalopods are
from the rest of the sentence.

Question ID 870ae7ec

Conventions
ID: 870ae7ec
Detroit natives Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey have combined their two passions, Detroit and beekeeping, to improve the
health of their city’s flowers and other vegetation. In 2017, the couple converted a vacant lot in the city into an ______ in the
years that followed they acquired nine additional lots and established more than 35 hives.
A. apiary,
B. apiary, and
C. apiary and
D. apiary
ID: 870ae7ec Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. Both clauses in this sentence could stand alone as complete sentences, which means they are
both independent clauses. This choice uses a comma plus a coordinating conjunction to link them together, which is one of
the correct ways to link two independent clauses.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence error. Both clauses in this sentence could stand alone as
complete sentences, which means they are both independent clauses. A comma by itself is not enough punctuation to link
two independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence error. Both clauses in this sentence
could stand alone as complete sentences, which means they are both independent clauses. Independent clauses can only
be linked in a few ways, including with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. This choice uses the coordinating
conjunction “and,” but it is missing the comma beforehand. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence
error. Both clauses in this sentence could stand alone as complete sentences, which means they are both independent
clauses. Independent clauses need to have certain kinds of punctuation marks between them. This choice doesn’t use any
punctuation between the two clauses.

Question ID 790fc366

Conventions
ID: 790fc366
Using satellite remote sensing, Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, director of NASA’s Harvest Africa initiative, gathers important data
on crop health. Nakalembe doesn’t just compile the ______ she also shares her findings with African farmers, enabling them
to make data-driven decisions about managing critical food crops.
A. information, though;
B. information, though,
C. information; though
D. information though,
ID: 790fc366 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses ("Nakalembe doesn’t just…
though" and "she also shares..."). This choice also appropriately includes "though" in the first clause, where it logically
belongs.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly joins two independent
clauses with only a comma instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but." "Though" is a transition
word, but it’s not a coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error. A semicolon
can only be used to link two independent clauses. However, if "though" is included in the second clause, it turns the second
clause into a dependent clause, so a semicolon can’t be used after "information." Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in
a grammar error called a comma splice. It incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma instead of a comma
and a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but."

Question ID fcaff694

Conventions
ID: fcaff694
The city of Pompeii, which was buried in ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, continues to be studied by
archaeologists. Unfortunately, as ______ attest, archaeological excavations have disrupted ash deposits at the site, causing
valuable information about the eruption to be lost.
A. researchers, Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn,
B. researchers, Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn
C. researchers Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn
D. researchers Roberto Scandone, and Christopher Kilburn
ID: fcaff694 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a restrictive coordinated noun phrase. No
punctuation is needed within or around the coordinated noun phrase “researchers Roberto Scandone and Christopher
Kilburn” because it would create an illogical separation between the noun “researchers” and the coordinated noun phrase
“Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn.”
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Placing a pair of commas around the coordinated noun phrase
“Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn” creates an illogical separation between the noun “researchers” and the
aforementioned coordinated noun phrase. In this case, it illogically suggests that researchers in general bear the specific
names Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the
noun “researchers” and the coordinated noun phrase “Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn.” Choice D is incorrect
because no punctuation is needed within the coordinated noun phrase “Roberto Scandone and Christopher Kilburn.”

Question ID ace95f84

Conventions
ID: ace95f84
By analyzing the level of radioactive decay within a fossil specimen, scientists can establish the age of that fossil with a high
degree of precision. When radioactive elements aren’t present, scientists turn to ______ analysis of Earth’s sediment layers
(strata)—to estimate how old a fossil is based on the age of the strata in which the fossil is found.
A. stratigraphy—the
B. stratigraphy (the
C. stratigraphy: the
D. stratigraphy, the
ID: ace95f84 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within a sentence. The dash after
"stratigraphy" pairs with the dash after "(strata)" to separate the supplementary element "the analysis of Earth’s sediment
layers (strata)" from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element functions to define the term "stratigraphy," and the
pair of dashes indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because a parenthesis can’t be paired with a dash in this way to separate the supplementary element
from the rest of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because a colon can’t be paired with a dash in this way to separate the
supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash in

Question ID 2bb7416a

Conventions
ID: 2bb7416a
In paleontology, the term “Elvis taxon” gets applied to a newly identified living species that was once presumed to be extinct.
Like an Elvis impersonator who might bear a striking resemblance to the late musical icon Elvis Presley himself, an Elvis
taxon is not the real thing, ______ is a misidentified look-alike.
A. however but it
B. however it
C. however, it
D. however. It
ID: 2bb7416a Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both
independent clauses, so making them into two separate sentences is grammatically correct.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the
clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with at least a comma + a coordinating
conjunction. This choice provides the coordinating conjunction “but,” but it’s missing a comma. Choice B is incorrect. This
choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike”
are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with a semicolon, a colon, a dash, a period, or a comma + a
coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a run-on sentence error. The clause “Like an Elvis
impersonator…real thing” and the clause “it is…look-alike” are both independent clauses, so they need to be separated with at
least a comma + a coordinating conjunction. This choice provides a comma, but it’s missing a coordinating conjunction.

Question ID b0a525be

Conventions
ID: b0a525be
Santa Clara Pueblo artist Roxanne Swentzell’s sculpture Mud Woman Rolls On consists of five human figures made of clay
and plant fiber and arranged in descending size; each figure holds the smaller one in front of it. The arrangement of the
figures, according to ______ represents her idea that “we all come from the Earth, generation after generation.”
A. Swentzell
B. Swentzell,
C. Swentzell:
D. Swentzell—
ID: b0a525be Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The phrase “according to Swentzell” is an aside that interrupts the flow of the sentence, so it
needs to be separated from the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks: two commas, two dashes, or a pair of
parentheses. We already have a comma before “according,” so we must add a comma after “Swentzell.” .
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. The phrase “according to Swentzell” is an aside that interrupts
the flow of the sentence, so it needs to be separated from the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks: one
before and one after the phrase. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The arrangement of the
figures, according to Swentzell” is not an independent clause, so it can’t come before a colon. Choice D is incorrect. This
choice creates a punctuation error. The phrase “according to Swentzell” is an aside that interrupts the flow of the sentence,
so it needs to be separated from the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already have a comma at the
beginning, so we have to use another comma here to match. We can’t just switch to a dash! .

Question ID eef91a50

Conventions
ID: eef91a50
Nine months before Rosa Parks made history by refusing to comply with the segregated seating policy on a Montgomery,
Alabama, bus, a fifteen-year-old Montgomery girl named Claudette Colvin was arrested for the same ______ to some
historians, Colvin’s arrest led to Parks’s action and eventually to the desegregation of Montgomery’s bus system.
A. offense. According
B. offense, according
C. offense according
D. offense and according
ID: eef91a50 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system” are both independent clauses. Separating
them with a period and turning them into their own sentences is the only grammatically correct choice among the provided
options.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a comma splice error, which is a punctuation error that occurs when two
independent clauses are joined by only a comma. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system” are both independent
clauses, so they need to be either joined by a semicolon, joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, or separated by
a period. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence, which occurs when two independent clauses are
joined without punctuation. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system” are both independent clauses, so they need
to be either joined by a semicolon, joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, or separated by a period. Choice D is
incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined without
punctuation. “Nine months…offense” and “according to…system” are independent clauses, so we would need to put a
comma before the coordinating conjunction “and” to join them properly.

Question ID 01a32c84

Conventions
ID: 01a32c84
The first computerized spreadsheet, Dan Bricklin’s VisiCalc, improved financial recordkeeping not only by providing users
with an easy means of adjusting data in spreadsheets but also by automatically updating all calculations that were
dependent on these ______ to VisiCalc’s release, changing a paper spreadsheet often required redoing the entire sheet by
hand, a process that could take days.
A. adjustments prior
B. adjustments, prior
C. adjustments. Prior
D. adjustments and prior
ID: 01a32c84 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“The...adjustments”) and the second sentence
(“Prior...days”). Because the adverbial phrase beginning with “prior” indicates when changing a spreadsheet required redoing
the sheet by hand, that phrase belongs with the second sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. Two sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in
this way to join the sentences.

Question ID 548f4956

Conventions
ID: 548f4956
It is generally true that technological change is a linear process, in which once-useful technologies are replaced by new and
better ______ the reawakening of interest in the steam engine (from advocates of carbon-neutral rail travel) reminds us that
ostensibly obsolete technologies may be brought back into service to address society’s changing needs.
A. ones, even so;
B. ones even so,
C. ones; even so,
D. ones, even so,
ID: 548f4956 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
uses a semicolon in a conventional way to join the first main clause (“It is…ones”) and the second main clause (“even so…
needs”). Furthermore, the placement of the semicolon after “ones” indicates that the supplementary phrase “even so”
modifies the following clause (“the reawakening...needs”), resulting in the most logical and grammatically complete
sentence. With this punctuation, the sentence logically indicates that the recent interest in an old technology like steam
engines is despite the fact that technological change typically seeks out new technologies.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a confusing and illogical sentence. Placing the semicolon after “so” indicates that
the supplementary element “even so” modifies the first clause of the sentence, which doesn’t make sense in this context.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. It fails to mark the boundary between the two main clauses
with appropriate punctuation. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it,
a comma can’t be used in this way to join the two main clauses of the sentence.

Question ID 2c84f96a

Conventions
ID: 2c84f96a
In 2017, artists Isabel and Ruben Toledo redesigned the costumes and sets for The Miami City Ballet’s production of The
______ to reviewers, the Toledos’ designs helped infuse the production with elements of Miami’s Latin American culture.
A. Nutcracker according,
B. Nutcracker, according
C. Nutcracker according
D. Nutcracker. According
ID: 2c84f96a Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“In 2017...Nutcracker”) and another (“According...culture”). The
supplementary element “according to reviewers” modifies the main clause of the second sentence (“the Toledos’...culture”).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Furthermore, no punctuation is needed within the supplementary element “according to reviewers.” Choice B is
incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction.

Question ID 4ba99a6f

Conventions
ID: 4ba99a6f
Seneca sculptor Marie Watt’s blanket art comes in a range of shapes and sizes. In 2004, Watt sewed strips of blankets
together to craft a 10-by-13-inch ______ in 2014, she arranged folded blankets into two large stacks and then cast them in
bronze, creating two curving 18-foot-tall blue-bronze pillars.
A. sampler later,
B. sampler;
C. sampler,
D. sampler, later,
ID: 4ba99a6f Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. This choice
uses a semicolon in a conventional way to join the first main clause (“In 2004…sampler”) and the second main clause (“in
2014…pillars”).
way to join two main clauses. The word “later” is an adverb and cannot be used to join two main clauses unless it is
preceded by a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a
comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice.
Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. The word “later” is an adverb
and cannot be used to join two main clauses unless it is preceded by a conjunction.

Question ID db24ecc9

Conventions
ID: db24ecc9
The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Norway and the Jardim Botânico of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil are two of many botanical
gardens around the world dedicated to growing diverse plant ______ fostering scientific research; and educating the public
about plant conservation.
A. species, both native and nonnative,
B. species, both native and nonnative;
C. species; both native and nonnative,
D. species both native and nonnative,
ID: db24ecc9 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series including
internal punctuation). The semicolon after “nonnative” is correctly used to separate the first item (“growing diverse plant
species, both native and nonnative”) and the second item (“fostering scientific research”) in the series of things that
botanical gardens are dedicated to. Further, the comma after “species” is correctly used to separate the noun phrase “diverse
plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma (specifically, the comma after “nonnative”) can’t be used in this way to separate
items in a complex series. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to separate the noun phrase
“diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies it. Further, a comma can’t be
used in this way to separate items in a complex series. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation
to separate the noun phrase “diverse plant species” and the supplementary phrase “both native and nonnative” that modifies
it. Further, a comma can’t be used in this way to separate items in a complex series.

Question ID 0fa289a7

Conventions
ID: 0fa289a7
In 1955, Indian Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray released his first movie, Pather ______ quiet black-and-white drama about a
family in rural India, Ray’s film was quite different from the loud, colorful action-romance movies that were popular at the
time.
A. Panchali a
B. Panchali, which was a
C. Panchali, a
D. Panchali. A
ID: 0fa289a7 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("In…Panchali") and another ("A quiet…time"). The phrase
beginning with "a quiet" modifies the subject of the next sentence, "Ray’s film."
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences are fused without punctuation and/or a
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way
to mark the boundary between sentences.

Question ID 8772475b

Conventions
ID: 8772475b
For thousands of years, humans have used domesticated goats (Capra hircus) to clear land of unwanted vegetation. When it
comes to their diets, goats are notoriously ______ they will devour all kinds of shrubs and weeds, leaving virtually no part of
any plant unconsumed.
A. indiscriminate and
B. indiscriminate,
C. indiscriminate
D. indiscriminate:
ID: 8772475b Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between two main clauses. In this choice, a
colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between one main clause ("goats are notoriously indiscriminate") and another
main clause ("they will devour all kinds of shrubs and weeds") and to introduce the following explanation of goats’
nondiscriminatory behavior when it comes to what they eat.
Choice A is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use a comma
before the coordinating conjunction. Furthermore, the conjunction "and" fails to indicate that what follows is an explanation
of goats’ nondiscriminatory behavior when it comes to their diets. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice.
A comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses ("goats…indiscriminate" and "they…weeds"). Choice C is
incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses ("goats…indiscriminate" and "they…weeds") are fused
without punctuation and/or a conjunction.


Conventions
ID: 59094d87
The Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville, Connecticut, was founded in 1931 with the goal of showcasing the culture and
history of the Mohegan ______ today, nearly a century later, it is the oldest Native-owned and -operated museum in the
country.
A. Tribe, and
B. Tribe
C. Tribe and
D. Tribe,
ID: 59094d87 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction (“and”) to join two independent
clauses (“The Tantaquidgeon…Tribe” and “Today…country”).
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a grammar error known as a run-on sentence. The clauses before and after
“Tribe” are both independent, so they need to be separated with some sort of punctuation. Choice C is incorrect. This choice
results in a grammar error known as a run-on sentence. The clauses before and after “and” are both independent, so they
can’t be linked with just a conjunction. A comma would also be required. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in a
grammar error called a comma splice. The clauses before and after “Tribe” are both independent, so they can’t be linked with
just a comma. A coordinating conjunction like “and” or “but” would also be required.

Question ID 6b49f5f1

Conventions
ID: 6b49f5f1
In 1727, dramatist Lewis Theobald presented a new play, Double Falsehood, at a London theater. Theobald claimed that his
drama was based on a little-known play by William Shakespeare, Cardenio. Many, including poet Alexander Pope, were ______
historians have determined that Shakespeare’s company did perform a play called Cardenio in 1613.
A. skeptical but
B. skeptical, but
C. skeptical,
D. skeptical
ID: 6b49f5f1 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. There are two independent clauses in the sentence, each with a subject and a verb:
"many...were skeptical" and "historians have determined…." These clauses can be grammatically joined by a comma and the
coordinating conjunction "but."
Choice A is incorrect. This choice results in a run-on sentence, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined
without punctuation. Two independent clauses can’t be joined by just the coordinating conjunction "but." A comma would
also be required. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error called a comma splice. This sentence
contains two independent clauses ("Many…were skeptical" and "historians have determined…"). A comma alone can’t join
two independent clauses. That requires a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results
in a run-on sentence, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined without punctuation. This sentence contains
two independent clauses ("Many…were skeptical" and "historians have determined…"), which need to be either joined by a
semicolon, joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, or separated by a period.

Question ID 267a13e2

Conventions
ID: 267a13e2
In 2010, archaeologist Noel Hidalgo Tan was visiting the twelfth-century temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia when he noticed
markings of red paint on the temple ______ the help of digital imaging techniques, he discovered the markings to be part of
an elaborate mural containing over 200 paintings.
A. walls, with
B. walls with
C. walls so with
D. walls. With
ID: 267a13e2 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period
after “walls” is used correctly to mark the boundary between the first sentence (“In...walls”) and the second sentence (“With…
techniques”), which starts with a supplementary phrase.
between sentences. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“In...walls” and
“with...paintings”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it,
the conjunction “so” can’t be used in this way to join sentences.

Question ID 432b1ede

Conventions
ID: 432b1ede
The forty-seven geothermal springs of Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park are sourced via a process known as natural
groundwater recharge, in which rainwater percolates downward through the earth—in this case, the porous rocks of the hills
around Hot ______ collect in a subterranean basin.
A. Springs to
B. Springs: to
C. Springs—to
D. Springs, to
ID: 432b1ede Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
The dash after “Springs” pairs with the dash after “earth” to separate the supplementary element “in this case, the porous
rocks of the hills around Hot Springs” from the rest of the sentence.
the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a colon can’t be paired with a dash in this way to separate the supplementary
element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a comma can’t be paired with a dash in this way to
separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.

Question ID 403d7bb5

Conventions
ID: 403d7bb5
According to Naomi Nakayama of the University of Edinburgh, the reason seeds from a dying dandelion appear to float in the
air while ______ is that their porous plumes enhance drag, allowing the seeds to stay airborne long enough for the wind to
disperse them throughout the surrounding area.
A. falling,
B. falling:
C. falling;
D. falling
ID: 403d7bb5 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The word “falling” occurs in the middle of a clause and isn’t part of a supplement, so we don’t
need any punctuation after it. We can see this more clearly if we simplify the rest of the sentence: “The reason seeds appear
to float while falling is that their plumes enhance drag.” .
Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. The
word “falling” occurs in the middle of a clause and isn’t part of a supplement, so we don’t need any punctuation after it. We
can see this more clearly if we simplify the sentence: “The reason seeds appear to float while falling is that their plumes
enhance drag.” . Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard
English. The word “falling” occurs in the middle of a clause and isn’t part of a supplement, so we don’t need any punctuation
after it. We can see this more clearly if we simplify the sentence: “The reason seeds appear to float while falling is that their
plumes enhance drag.” . Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of
Standard English. The word “falling” occurs in the middle of a clause and isn’t part of a supplement, so we don’t need any
punctuation after it. We can see this more clearly if we simplify the sentence: “The reason seeds appear to float while falling
is that their plumes enhance drag.” .

Question ID b6560e5a

Conventions
ID: b6560e5a
Materials scientist Marie-Agathe Charpagne and her colleagues believed they could improve on the multicomponent alloy
NiCoCr, an equal-proportions mixture of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and chromium (Cr), by replacing chromium with ruthenium
______ the alloy that resulted, NiCoRu, turned out to be an unsuitable replacement for NiCoCr.
A. (Ru)
B. (Ru) but
C. (Ru),
D. (Ru), but
ID: b6560e5a Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses. This choice correctly uses a
comma and the coordinating conjunction “but” to join the first main clause (“Materials…Ru”) and the second main clause
(“the alloy…NiCoCr”).
conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to
use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a
conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.


Conventions
ID: 67667d72
Humans were long thought to have begun occupying the Peruvian settlement of Machu Picchu between 1440 and 1450 CE.
However, a team led by anthropologist Dr. Richard Burger used accelerator mass spectrometry to uncover evidence that it
was occupied ______ 1420 CE, according to Burger, humans were likely inhabiting the area.
A. earlier. In
B. earlier, in
C. earlier, which in
D. earlier in
ID: 67667d72 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period is
used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“However...earlier”) and another (“In...area”). The supplementary
phrase “in 1420 CE” modifies “humans,” the subject of the third sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between
sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between sentences. Moreover, the subordinating conjunction “which” creates a confusing and illogical sentence
that suggests that the supplementary phrase beginning with “in” modifies the previous information (“However...earlier”)
rather than the information that follows. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences
(“However...earlier” and “in...area”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID f30a478e

Conventions
ID: f30a478e
A study published by Rice University geoscientist Ming Tang in 2019 offers a new explanation for the origin of Earth’s ______
structures called arcs, towering ridges that form when a dense oceanic plate subducts under a less dense continental plate,
melts in the mantle below, and then rises and bursts through the continental crust above.
A. continents geological
B. continents: geological
C. continents; geological
D. continents. Geological
ID: f30a478e Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a supplementary
phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A study…continents”) and
the supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) and to introduce the following explanation of the origin of Earth’s continents.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the
supplementary phrase (“geological…above”) with appropriate punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon can’t
be used in this way to join the main clause (“A study…continents”) and the supplementary phrase (“geological…above”). A
semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally used to introduce an element
that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause, making it the better choice in this context. Choice D is
incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “geological.”

Question ID 6df020e6

Conventions
ID: 6df020e6
A study showed that a solar park caused nearby land to cool, though the ecological impact of this temperature decrease isn’t
yet known. Before the park’s construction, the surface temperature 30 meters outside of the park boundary was 0.1°C cooler
than that of a control ______ construction, the temperature 30 meters outside of the boundary was 1.7°C cooler than that of
the control area.
A. area after
B. area after,
C. area. After
D. area, after
ID: 6df020e6 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
used to correctly mark the boundary between one sentence ("Before...area") and another ("After...area"). The phrase "After
construction" modifies the next sentence to indicate that the temperature was cooler after construction.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence that fuses the two sentences ("Before...area" and "after...area")
without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence that connects the
two sentences ("Before...area" and "after...area") without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Additionally, no punctuation is
needed between "after" and "construction." Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be
used in this way to mark the boundary between the two sentences ("Before...area" and "after...area").

Question ID 594b4a94

Conventions
ID: 594b4a94
The field of geological oceanography owes much to American ______ Marie Tharp, a pioneering oceanographic cartographer
whose detailed topographical maps of the ocean floor and its multiple rift valleys helped garner acceptance for the theories
of plate tectonics and continental drift.
A. geologist,
B. geologist
C. geologist;
D. geologist:
ID: 594b4a94 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. “Marie tharp” is essential information that completes the first clause — the first clause doesn’t
function without it. So we don’t want to separate it with punctuation.
Choice A is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to
American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s
essential information and should not be separated by a comma. Choice C is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation
error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much to American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking
about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means it’s essential information and should not be separated by a
semicolon. Choice D is incorrect. This choice creates a punctuation error. “The field of geological oceanography owes much
to American geologist” is unclear: which geologist are we talking about? We need the “Marie Tharp” for clarity, which means
it’s essential information and should not be separated by a colon.

Question ID 615f001e

Conventions
ID: 615f001e
Consider the mechanics of the pinhole camera: light passes through a small hole, resulting in a focused projected image. A
ray diagram reveals how this ______ the hole’s small size restricts light to a single ray, all light passing through the hole can
only arrive at a single destination, eliminating diffraction and ensuring a clear image.
A. works because
B. works. Because
C. works, it’s because
D. works: it’s because
ID: 615f001e Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period is
used to correctly mark the boundary between one sentence ("A ray...works") and another ("Because...image").
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two sentences ("A ray…works" and "Because…image") are
fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t
be used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice.
Since the contraction "it’s" creates a main clause, the comma after "single ray" can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between two main clauses ("it’s...ray" and "all light…image").

Question ID b15724fc

Conventions
ID: b15724fc
American writer Edwidge Danticat, who emigrated from Haiti in 1981, has won acclaim for her powerful short stories, novels,
and ______ her lyrical yet unflinching depictions of her native country’s turbulent history, writer Robert Antoni has compared
Danticat to Nobel Prize–winning novelist Toni Morrison.
A. essays, praising
B. essays and praising
C. essays praising
D. essays. Praising
ID: b15724fc Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period
after “essays” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“American…essays”) and another (“praising…
Morrison”). The participial phrase beginning with “Praising” modifies the subject of the second sentence, “writer Robert
Antoni.”
between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to
join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“American…essays” and
“Praising…Morrison”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID a8fa749a

Conventions
ID: a8fa749a
Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta’s celebrated literary oeuvre includes The Joys of Motherhood, a novel about the changing
roles of women in 1950s ______ a television play about the private struggles of a newlywed couple in Nigeria; and Head
Above Water, her autobiography.
A. Lagos, A Kind of Marriage,
B. Lagos; A Kind of Marriage,
C. Lagos, A Kind of Marriage:
D. Lagos; A Kind of Marriage
ID: a8fa749a Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series (a series including
internal punctuation). In this choice, the semicolon after “Lagos” is conventionally used to separate the first item (“The Joys…
Lagos”) and the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) in the series. Further, the comma after “Marriage” correctly separates the
title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it.
Choice A is incorrect because the comma after “Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to separate the
second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) from the third item (“and…autobiography”). Choice C is incorrect because the comma after
“Lagos” doesn’t match the semicolon used later in the series to separate the second item (“A Kind…Nigeria”) from the third
item (“and…autobiography”). Additionally, a colon can’t be used in this way to separate the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the
supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes it. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate
punctuation to separate the title “A Kind of Marriage” from the supplementary phrase (“a television…Nigeria”) that describes
it.

Question ID fa36d803

Conventions
ID: fa36d803
Long attributed to Jacques-Louis David, the preeminent Neoclassical painter of his day, the 1801 painting Marie Joséphine
Charlotte du Val d’Ognes gained fresh attention in the 1990s when art historians discovered that the painting—which depicts
a solitary young woman sketching—was actually the work of little-known French portrait ______ Marie-Denise Villers (1774–
1821).
A. artist—
B. artist
C. artist:
D. artist,
ID: fa36d803 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns. No
punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun "Marie-Denise Villers" from the title that describes Villers, "little-known
French portrait artist."
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice D
is incorrect because no punctuation is needed.


Conventions
ID: 84658166
In 1943, in the midst of World War II, mathematics professor Grace Hopper was recruited by the US military to help the war
effort by solving complex equations. Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just ______ as a pioneering
computer programmer, Hopper would help usher in the digital age.
A. equations, though:
B. equations, though,
C. equations. Though,
D. equations though
ID: 84658166 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation to mark boundaries between
supplements and clauses. The comma after “equations” is used to separate the independent clause (“Hopper’s…equation”)
from the supplementary adverb phrase “though.” The colon after “though” is used to mark the boundary between the clause
ending with “though” and the following clause (“as…age”). A colon used in this way introduces information that illustrates or
explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon after “though” introduces the following explanation of
how Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just solving equations: she would become a pioneering computer
programmer.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two independent
clauses (“Hopper’s…though” and “as…age”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results in an illogical sequence of
sentences. Placing the period after “equations” and beginning the next sentence with “Though” illogically suggests that the
following information (that Hopper would help usher in the digital age) is contrary to the information in the previous
sentence (Hopper’s subsequent career would involve more than just solving equations). Instead, the information that follows
supports the information from the previous sentence by explaining how her work and influence extended beyond solely
solving equations. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two independent clauses (“Hopper’s…
though” and “as…age”) are fused without punctuation.

Question ID 5cc85f01

Conventions
ID: 5cc85f01
A conceptual artist and designer embraced by both the art world and the fashion ______ Mary Ping was chosen to curate the
exhibition Front Row: Chinese American Designers for the Museum of Chinese in America.
A. world
B. world:
C. world;
D. world,
ID: 5cc85f01 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a supplementary phrase and a main
clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase (“A conceptual artist…
world”), which describes Mary Ping, and the main clause (“Mary…America”).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase (“A conceptual artist…world”)
and the main clause (“Mary…America”) with appropriate punctuation. Choice B is incorrect because a colon can’t be used in
this way to join the supplementary phrase (“A conceptual artist…world”) and the main clause (“Mary…America”). In this
context, the colon incorrectly suggests that the information in the supplementary phrase is an explanation or amplification of
the information in the main clause (Mary Ping being chosen to curate the exhibition), which isn’t the case. Choice C is
incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the supplementary phrase (“A conceptual artist…world”) and
the main clause (“Mary…America”). Semicolons are conventionally used to separate two main clauses or to separate items in
a complex series.

Question ID 1b97cce9

Conventions
ID: 1b97cce9
Hegra is an archaeological site in present-day Saudi Arabia and was the second largest city of the Nabataean Kingdom
(fourth century BCE to first century CE). Archaeologist Laila Nehmé recently traveled to Hegra to study its ancient ______ into
the rocky outcrops of a vast desert, these burial chambers seem to blend seamlessly with nature.
A. tombs. Built
B. tombs, built
C. tombs and built
D. tombs built
ID: 1b97cce9 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between sentences. In this choice, the period
after “tombs” is used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence (“Archaeologist...tombs”) and another
(“Built...nature”).
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary between
sentences. Choice C is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to join the
two sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences (“Archaeologist...tombs” and
“Built...nature”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 40c3589d

Conventions
ID: 40c3589d
Luci Tapahonso is the inaugural poet laureate of the Navajo Nation. Her book Sáanii Dahataal/The Women Are Singing—a
combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and ______ serves as a testament to her versatility as a writer.
A. prose;
B. prose
C. prose,
D. prose—
ID: 40c3589d Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. “A combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and prose” is a nonessential supplement, so it
needs to be set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already have a dash at the
beginning of the supplement, so we need to add a dash at the end of the supplement to match.
Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. “A
combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and prose” is a nonessential supplement, so it needs to be set off from the rest of
the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already have a dash at the beginning of the supplement, so we
need to add a dash at the end of the supplement to match. Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that
conforms to the conventions of Standard English. “A combination of fiction and memoir, poetry and prose” is a nonessential
supplement, so it needs to be set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already
have a dash at the beginning of the supplement, so we need to add a dash at the end of the supplement to match. Choice C
is incorrect. This doesn’t complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. “A combination of
fiction and memoir, poetry and prose” is a nonessential supplement, so it needs to be set off from the rest of the sentence
with a pair of matching punctuation marks. We already have a dash at the beginning of the supplement, so we need to add a
dash at the end of the supplement to match.

Question ID ba8ebf49

Conventions
ID: ba8ebf49
The poem Beowulf begins with the word “hwæt,” which is an Old English ______ as “hark!” or “listen!” in some versions, the
word was playfully rendered as “bro!” by Maria Dahvana Headley in her 2020 translation of the poem.
A. exclamation, translated
B. exclamation and translated
C. exclamation translated
D. exclamation. Translated
ID: ba8ebf49 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("The poem…exclamation") and another sentence that begins
with a supplementary element ("Translated…poem"). The supplementary element "translated as ‘hark!’ or ‘listen!’ in some
versions" modifies the subject of the second sentence, "the word" (referring to hwæt).
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after "exclamation." A comma can’t be used in this way to mark
the boundary between sentences. Choice B is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction "and" can’t be used in
this way to join sentences. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice after "versions." A comma can’t be
used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.

Question ID 5aae2475

Conventions
ID: 5aae2475
Stomata, tiny pore structures in a leaf that absorb gases needed for plant growth, open when guard cells surrounding each
pore swell with water. In a pivotal 2007 article, plant cell ______ showed that lipid molecules called phosphatidylinositol
phosphates are responsible for signaling guard cells to open stomata.
A. biologist, Yuree Lee
B. biologist Yuree Lee,
C. biologist Yuree Lee
D. biologist, Yuree Lee,
ID: 5aae2475 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns. No
punctuation is needed to offset the proper noun “Yuree Lee” form the title “plant cell biologist” that describes Lee.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed. Choice D
is incorrect because no punctuation is needed around the proper noun “Yuree Lee.” Setting the phrase off with punctuation
suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case.

Question ID ad046778

Conventions
ID: ad046778
To humans, it does not appear that the golden orb-weaver spider uses camouflage to capture its ______ the brightly colored
arachnid seems to wait conspicuously in the center of its large circular web for insects to approach. Researcher Po Peng of
the University of Melbourne has explained that the spider’s distinctive coloration may in fact be part of its appeal.
A. prey, rather,
B. prey rather,
C. prey, rather;
D. prey; rather,
ID: ad046778 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. The
semicolon is correctly used to join the first main clause (“To humans…prey”) and the second main clause (“rather…
approach”). Further, the comma after the adverb “rather” is correctly used to separate the adverb from the main clause (“the
brightly…approach”) it modifies, logically indicating that the information in this clause (how the spider’s behavior appears to
humans) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (how the spider’s behavior does not appear to humans).
way to join two main clauses. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused
without appropriate punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect. Placing the comma between the first main
clause “To humans…prey” and the adverb “rather” illogically indicates that the information in the first main clause is contrary
to what came before, which doesn’t make sense in this context.

Question ID c15069eb

Conventions
ID: c15069eb
Latin America is known to have dozens, if not hundreds, of popular dance forms. Only five of these dances are included in
international ballroom dance ______ rumba, samba, cha-cha-cha, paso doble, and jive—the last of which is grouped with the
other Latin dances despite not having Latin roots.
A. competitions, however:
B. competitions, however,
C. competitions, however;
D. competitions; however,
ID: c15069eb Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of supplementary elements within a sentence.
This choice correctly uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb "however" from the preceding main clause
("only...competitions"), and it uses a colon to introduce the list of dances that follows ("rumba…jive"). Further, placing the
colon after "however" rather than before indicates that the information in the preceding main clause (only...competitions) is
contrary to what might be assumed from the information in the previous sentence (Latin America has many more dance
forms).
Choice B is incorrect. The comma after "however" can’t be used in this way to introduce a series ("rumba...jive"). Choice C is
incorrect because it isn’t conventional to use a semicolon in this way to introduce a series of items, such as the list of
dances. Choice D is incorrect because placing the semicolon after "competitions" illogically indicates that the following list
of five Latin American dances ("rumba...jive") is contrary to the information in the previous clause (only five Latin American
dances are included in international ballroom dance competitions).

Question ID 2fd05c15

Conventions
ID: 2fd05c15
In crafting her fantasy fiction, Nigerian-born British author Helen Oyeyemi has drawn inspiration from the classic nineteenth-
century fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Her 2014 novel Boy, Snow, Bird, for instance, is a complex retelling of the story of
Snow White, while her 2019 novel ______ offers a delicious twist on the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel.
A. Gingerbread—
B. Gingerbread,
C. Gingerbread
D. Gingerbread:
ID: 2fd05c15 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as in this case,
a subject (“her 2019 novel Gingerbread”) is immediately followed by a verb (“offers”), no punctuation is needed.

Question ID c8540a5b

Conventions
ID: c8540a5b
Swedish scientists Eva Engvall and Peter Perlmann developed a method for measuring the concentration of different
proteins in a biological sample. Their ______ ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), is used to detect and measure
proteins that indicate the presence of certain diseases.
A. method (called
B. method—called
C. method, called
D. method called
ID: c8540a5b Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
The comma after “method” pairs with the comma after the closing parenthesis to separate the supplementary element
“called ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)” from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element functions
to identify the name of Engvall and Perlmann’s method, and the pair of commas indicates that this element could be
removed without affecting the grammatical coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because an opening parenthesis can’t be paired with a comma to separate the supplementary element
from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a dash can’t be paired with a comma to separate the
supplementary element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation
to separate the supplementary element from the rest of the sentence.

Question ID fdb16e20

Conventions
ID: fdb16e20
Quantum particles of light—photons—provide an unhackable means of transmitting encryption keys over networks, as
attempts to observe particles in quantum states will invariably alter the particles ______ dismantle any information they
transmit.
A. and in the process,
B. and, in the process,
C. and in the process—
D. and, in the process
ID: fdb16e20 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. This choice uses paired punctuation in the form of two commas to set off the nonessential
phrase "in the process."
Choice A is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired punctuation.
We need a comma after "and" to match the one after "process." Choice C is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a
nonessential element and needs to be set off with paired punctuation, so we would need a dash after "and" to match the one
following "process." Choice D is incorrect. The phrase "in the process" is a nonessential element and needs to be set off with
paired punctuation. We would need a comma after "process" to match the one following "and."

Question ID f45ae404

Conventions
ID: f45ae404
The city of Amsterdam partnered with consultants to develop Public Eye—an ethical AI-powered crowd-monitoring ______
video streamed from cameras in heavily touristed areas, the AI algorithm determines crowd sizes without, in the interest of
protecting individuals’ privacy, retaining the footage.
A. system—analyzing
B. system, analyzing
C. system. Analyzing
D. system analyzing
ID: f45ae404 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("The city…system") and another ("Analyzing…footage"). The
participial phrase beginning with "analyzing" modifies the subject of the second sentence, "the AI algorithm."
Choice A is incorrect. Placing a dash before "analyzing" creates a confusing and ambiguous modifying element
("analyzing...areas") and a comma splice between "areas" and "the AI algorithm." (A comma can’t be used in this way to mark
the boundary between sentences.) Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this
way to mark the boundary between sentences. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences
("The city…system" and "analyzing…footage") are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 1ee4485c

Conventions
ID: 1ee4485c
Journalists have dubbed Gil Scott-Heron the “godfather of rap,” a title that has appeared in hundreds of articles about him
since the 1990s. Scott-Heron himself resisted the godfather ______ feeling that it didn’t encapsulate his devotion to the
broader African American blues music tradition as well as “bluesologist,” the moniker he preferred.
A. nickname, however
B. nickname, however;
C. nickname, however,
D. nickname; however,
ID: 1ee4485c Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and two supplementary
elements. In this choice, the commas after “nickname” and “however” are correctly used to separate the supplementary
adverb “however” from the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”) on one side and the supplementary participial phrase
(“feeling…bluesologist”) on the other.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary adverb “however” and the
supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join
the supplementary adverb “however” and the supplementary phrase (“feeling…bluesologist”). Choice D is incorrect because a
semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“Scott-Heron…nickname”) and the supplementary word and
phrase (“however” and “feeling…bluesologist”). Moreover, placing the semicolon after “nickname” illogically signals that the
following information (Scott-Heron’s feeling that the nickname didn’t encapsulate his devotion to the blues tradition) is
contrary to the information in the previous clause (Scott-Heron’s resistance to the nickname).

Question ID c101fc44

Conventions
ID: c101fc44
How do scientists determine what foods were eaten by extinct hominins such as Neanderthals? In the past, researchers
were limited to studying the marks found on the fossilized teeth of skeletons, but in 2017 a team led by Laura Weyrich of the
Australian Centre for Ancient DNA tried something ______ the DNA found in Neanderthals’ fossilized dental plaque.
A. new: sequencing
B. new; sequencing
C. new, sequencing:
D. new. Sequencing
ID: c101fc44 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. “A team…tried something new” is an independent clause leading to an explanation of what the
new thing was. A colon can only be used at the end of an independent clause, and typically introduces further explanation
that expands upon the first clause, which makes a colon the perfect choice here.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error. “Sequencing…dental plaque” can’t stand on its own as a
sentence, and so it can’t be linked to the independent clause “a team…tried something new” with a semicolon. Only two
independent clauses can be connected in this way. Choice C is incorrect. This choice results in a punctuation error. If
“sequencing” is included in the first clause, it can no longer stand on its own as a complete idea. Since a colon can only
come at the end of an independent clause, using one in this way creates an error. Choice D is incorrect. This choice results in
a sentence fragment. “Sequencing…dental plaque” can’t stand on its own as a sentence.

Question ID be37d4ae

Conventions
ID: be37d4ae
During the English neoclassical period (1660–1789), many writers imitated the epic poetry and satires of ancient Greece and
Rome. They were not the first in England to adopt the literary modes of classical ______ some of the most prominent figures
of the earlier Renaissance period were also influenced by ancient Greek and Roman literature.
A. antiquity, however
B. antiquity, however,
C. antiquity, however;
D. antiquity; however,
ID: be37d4ae Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of a supplementary phrase following a clause.
This choice uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb phrase “however” from the independent clause it modifies
(“They …antiquity”) and uses a semicolon to join the first independent clause (“They …antiquity”) and the second independent
clause (“some…literature”). Further, placing the semicolon after “however” indicates that the information in the clause that
this part of (that neoclassical writers were not the first to adopt classical literary modes) is contrary to what might be
assumed from the information in the previous sentence (that the neoclassical writers were unique in imitating classical epic
poetry and satires).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary after “however” between the two independent clauses with
appropriate punctuation. Choice B is incorrect because the comma after “however” can’t be used in this way to mark the
boundary between the two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because placing the semicolon after “antiquity”
illogically indicates that the information in the clause that this part of (that prominent Renaissance figures were also
influenced by classical literature) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (that neoclassical writers were not the
first to adopt classical literary modes).

Question ID 5ee7fb04

Conventions
ID: 5ee7fb04
In modern plays, actors typically won’t acknowledge the ______ do so breaks the fourth wall, a metaphorical barrier between
actors and audiences that allows viewers to suspend the knowledge that they’re watching a staged performance.
A. audience. As to
B. audience to
C. audience. To
D. audience, to
ID: 5ee7fb04 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
used correctly to mark the boundary between one sentence ("In modern…audience") and another ("To do…performance").
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with "as." Choice B is
incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The sentences ("In modern…audience" and "To do…performance") are fused
without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be
used in this way to mark the boundary between sentences.

Question ID 7ce4ee13

Conventions
ID: 7ce4ee13
After immigrating from Mexico and obtaining U.S. citizenship, Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo entered politics, earning a
reputation for being a fervent defender of Hispanic civil rights. In 1919 Larrazolo was elected governor of ______ in 1928 he
became the nation’s first Hispanic U.S. Senator.
A. New Mexico and
B. New Mexico,
C. New Mexico, and
D. New Mexico
ID: 7ce4ee13 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction "and" to join the first main clause ("In 1919 Larrazolo was elected
governor of New Mexico") and the second main clause ("in 1928 he became the nation’s first Hispanic US Senator").
Choice A is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use a comma
before the coordinating conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction
following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on
sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 0a114526

Conventions
ID: 0a114526
In 1937, Chinese American screen actor Anna May Wong, who had portrayed numerous villains and secondary characters
but never a heroine, finally got a starring role in Paramount Pictures’ Daughter of Shanghai, a film that ______ “expanded the
range of possibilities for Asian images on screen.”
A. critic, Stina Chyn, claims
B. critic, Stina Chyn, claims,
C. critic Stina Chyn claims
D. critic Stina Chyn, claims,
ID: 0a114526 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The conventions being tested are punctuation use between titles and proper nouns and
between verbs and integrated quotations. No punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun “Stina Chyn” from the title that
describes Chyn, “critic.” Because “Stina Chyn” is essential information identifying the “critic,” no punctuation is necessary.
Further, no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and the following quotation because the quotation is integrated
into the structure of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun “Stina Chyn.” Setting the critic’s
name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the
case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun “Stina Chyn.” Setting the critic’s
name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the
case. Additionally, no punctuation is needed between “claims” and the integrated quotation. Choice D is incorrect because
no punctuation is needed between the verb “claims” and its subject, “critic Stina Chyn.” Additionally, no punctuation is
needed between the verb “claims” and the integrated quotation.

Question ID a5079e0d

Conventions
ID: a5079e0d
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to determine how much power a vehicle produces. The measurement is based
on how much and how quickly weight can be ______ one unit of mechanical horsepower is equivalent to the amount of power
it takes to lift 550 pounds one foot off the ground in one second.
A. moved, for example,
B. moved,
C. moved; for example,
D. moved
ID: a5079e0d Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within a sentence. This choice uses a
semicolon in a conventional way to join the first main clause ("The measurement...moved") and the second main clause ("for
example...second").
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a coordinating conjunction, a comma can’t be used in
this way to join the two main clauses ("The measurement…moved" and "for example…second"). Choice B is incorrect
because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join the two
main clauses ("The measurement…moved" and "one unit…second"). Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on
sentence. The two main clauses ("The measurement…moved" and "one unit…second") are fused without punctuation and/or
a conjunction.

Question ID f868d438

Conventions
ID: f868d438
In 2018, the innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek ______ were featured in City Dreams, a solo
exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
A. Kingelez;
B. Kingelez,
C. Kingelez
D. Kingelez:
ID: f868d438 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. No punctuation is
needed when the subject of a sentence is immediately followed by a main verb. In this case, the sentence’s subject (“the
innovative works of Congolese sculptor and architect Bodys Isek Kingelez”) is followed by the main verb “were featured,” and
no punctuation should come between them.

Question ID 6d4b2e1e

Conventions
ID: 6d4b2e1e
The 1977 play And the Soul Shall Dance depicts two Japanese American farming families in Depression-era Southern
California. Critics have noted the way pioneering ______ compares the experiences of issei (Japanese nationals who
emigrated to America) and nisei (their American-born children).
A. playwright, Wakako Yamauchi,
B. playwright, Wakako Yamauchi
C. playwright Wakako Yamauchi,
D. playwright Wakako Yamauchi
ID: 6d4b2e1e Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation between titles and proper nouns. No
punctuation is needed to set off the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi" from the title that describes Yamauchi, "pioneering
playwright." Because "Wakako Yamauchi" is essential information identifying the "pioneering playwright," no punctuation is
necessary.
Choice A is incorrect because no punctuation is needed before or after the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi." Setting the
playwright’s name off with commas suggests that it could be removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence,
which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the title "pioneering playwright" and
the proper noun "Wakako Yamauchi." Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the proper noun
"Wakako Yamauchi" and the verb "compares."

Question ID 109d5bbb

Conventions
ID: 109d5bbb
With some 16,000 in attendance, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and ______ or FESTAC ‘77, as the event
was more commonly known—became the largest pan-African event on record. FESTAC drew people from around the world
to Lagos, Nigeria, for a monthlong celebration of Black and African art, scholarship, and activism.
A. Culture:
B. Culture—
C. Culture,
D. Culture
ID: 109d5bbb Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is the best answer. The text uses a dash to introduce a nonessential element that explains the acronym FESTAC.
The dash matches the dash that comes after “known,” ending the descriptive aside.
Choice A is incorrect. A colon can only come after an independent clause, which isn’t the case here. Choice C is incorrect.
While punctuation is required to set off “or FESTAC…known” from the rest of the sentence, nonessential elements must be
separated from the sentence with matching punctuation. Since a dash appears on the other side of the element, we can’t use
a comma here. Choice D is incorrect. The descriptive aside “or FESTAC…known” is a nonessential element that must be
separated with punctuation from the rest of the sentence. This choice fails to add the necessary punctuation before the
nonessential element.

Question ID c468db1c

Conventions
ID: c468db1c
A group of ecologists led by Axel Mithöfer at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Germany examined the
defensive responses of two varieties of the sweet potato ______ TN57, which is known for its insect resistance, and TN66,
which is much more susceptible to pests.
A. plant.
B. plant;
C. plant
D. plant:
ID: c468db1c Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
phrase. In this choice, a colon is correctly used to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A group…plant”) and the
supplementary element (“TN57…pests”) and to introduce the following elaboration on the specific varieties of sweet potato
plants that were examined.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “TN57.” Choice B is
incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join the main clause (“A group…plant”) and the supplementary
element (“TN57…pests”). A semicolon is conventionally used to join two main clauses, whereas a colon is conventionally
used to introduce an element that explains or amplifies the information in the preceding clause. Choice C is incorrect
because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause (“A group...plant”) and the supplementary element
(“TN57...pests”) with appropriate punctuation.

Question ID bb4557cf

Conventions
ID: bb4557cf
The relationship between genomes and epigenomes reveals how cells with identical DNA develop different ______ whereas
the genome in each cell contains a complete DNA sequence, the epigenome consists of chemical compounds that
determine which traits in the sequence will be expressed.
A. functions
B. functions,
C. functions and,
D. functions:
ID: bb4557cf Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of a colon within a sentence. In this choice, the colon
correctly introduces the following explanation of the different functions of genomes and epigenomes.
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses ("The relationship…functions" and
"whereas…expressed") are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a
comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses ("The relationship…functions" and "whereas…
expressed"). Choice C is incorrect. Without a comma preceding it, the conjunction "and" can’t be used in this way to join two
main clauses. Furthermore, "and" fails to indicate that what follows is an explanation of how cells with identical DNA develop
different functions.

Question ID a427a52c

Conventions
ID: a427a52c
The Lion Light system, developed by Kenyan inventor Richard Turere, consists of LED lights installed around the perimeter of
livestock pastures. Powered with ______ the blinking LEDs keep lions away at night, thus protecting the livestock without
risking harm to the endangered lions.
A. energy collected, by solar panels, during the day
B. energy collected by solar panels during the day
C. energy collected by solar panels during the day,
D. energy, collected by solar panels during the day,
ID: a427a52c Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a supplementary phrase and a main
clause. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase (“powered…day”),
which describes how the LEDs are powered, and the main clause (“the blinking…night”).
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the supplementary phrase and the main clause with
appropriate punctuation. Furthermore, placing commas around the phrase “by solar panels” suggests that it could be
removed without affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to mark
the boundary between the supplementary phrase and the main clause with appropriate punctuation. Choice D is incorrect.
Placing commas around the phrase “collected by solar panels during the day″ suggests that it could be removed without
affecting the coherence of the sentence, which isn’t the case.

Question ID 78b88c04

Conventions
ID: 78b88c04
Joshua Hinson, director of the language revitalization program of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, helped produce the
world’s first Indigenous-language instructional app, Chickasaw ______ Chickasaw TV, in 2010; and a Rosetta Stone language
course in Chickasaw, in 2015.
A. Basic; in 2009, an online television network;
B. Basic; in 2009, an online television network,
C. Basic, in 2009; an online television network,
D. Basic, in 2009, an online television network,
ID: 78b88c04 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the punctuation of items in a complex series. It’s conventional to
use a semicolon to separate items in a complex series with internal punctuation, and in this choice, the semicolon after
“2009” is conventionally used to separate the first item (“the world’s…2009”) and the second item (“an online…2010”) in the
series of things that Hinson helped create. Further, the comma after “Basic” correctly pairs with the comma after “app,” and
the comma after “network” correctly pairs with the comma after “TV” to set off the supplemental elements (“Chickasaw
Basic” and “Chickasaw TV”) that provide the names of the app and the TV network, respectively. Altogether, the punctuation
in this choice results in a sentence that clearly indicates that Hinson helped make a language app in 2009, an online TV
network in 2010, and a language course in 2015.
Choice A is incorrect because it fails to punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped make a
language app in 2009, an online TV network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to
punctuate the complex series in a way that makes clear that Hinson helped make a language app in 2009, an online TV
network in 2010, and a language course in 2015. Choice D is incorrect because the comma after “2009” doesn’t match the
semicolon used to separate the second and third items in the complex series.

Question ID a12e3b8a

Conventions
ID: a12e3b8a
Customers who are satisfied with how a company resolves a service issue may regard that company more positively than
they would if no such issue had occurred. This idea is known as the service recovery ______ research suggests that it has
important implications for customer loyalty and retention.
A. paradox,
B. paradox
C. paradox, and
D. paradox and,
ID: a12e3b8a Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction "and" to join the first main clause ("This idea…paradox") and the
second main clause ("research…retention").
way to join two main clauses. Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused
without punctuation and/or a conjunction. Choice D is incorrect because when coordinating two longer main clauses such
as these, it’s conventional to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction, not after it.

Question ID c04e9136

Conventions
ID: c04e9136
The 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three pioneers in the field of click chemistry: two-time Nobel laureate
Barry Sharpless, who coined the term “click chemistry” in 1998; Carolyn Bertozzi, founder of the Bertozzi Group at ______ and
Morten Meldal, a professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
A. Stanford
B. Stanford,
C. Stanford:
D. Stanford;
ID: c04e9136 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is the best answer. This choice correctly uses a semicolon to punctuate a complex list (which is made up of items
that have commas in them).
Choice A is incorrect. This is a complex list, indicated by the semicolon between "1998" and "Carolyn Bertozzi." What comes
after the blank is a separate list item, so punctuation is needed after "Stanford." Choice B is incorrect. This is a complex list,
indicated by the semicolon between "1998" and "Carolyn Bertozzi." The items in this list have internal punctuation in the form
of commas and must therefore be separated by semicolons to avoid confusion. Choice C is incorrect. This is a complex list,
indicated by the semicolon between "1998" and "Carolyn Bertozzi." Colons aren’t used to separate items in a list.

Question ID fe41f258

Conventions
ID: fe41f258
In ancient Greece, an Epicurean was a follower of Epicurus, a philosopher whose beliefs revolved around the pursuit of
pleasure. Epicurus defined pleasure as “the absence of pain in the body and of trouble in the ______ that all life’s virtues
derived from this absence.
A. soul,” positing
B. soul”: positing
C. soul”; positing
D. soul.” Positing
ID: fe41f258 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation use between a main clause and a participial phrase.
This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“Epicurus…‘soul’”) and the participial
phrase (“positing…absence”) that provides additional information about how Epicurus defined pleasure.
Choice B is incorrect because a colon can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a participial phrase. Choice C is
incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to join a main clause and a participial phrase. Choice D is incorrect
because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with “positing.”


Conventions
ID: 8790d061
While constructing the Limyra Bridge, ancient Roman builders relied on temporary wooden beams to support the stone and
brick structure. These temporary supports, a construction system known as ______ were removed when the bridge was
completed.
A. falsework;
B. falsework
C. falsework,
D. falsework:
ID: 8790d061 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within a sentence. The comma after
"falsework" pairs with the comma after "supports" to separate the supplementary element "a construction system known as
falsework" from the rest of the sentence. This supplementary element functions to clarify the term "these temporary
supports," and the pair of commas indicates that this element could be removed without affecting the grammatical
coherence of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be paired with a comma in this way to separate the supplementary element
from the rest of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use appropriate punctuation to separate the
supplemental element from the rest of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because a colon can’t be paired with a comma in

Question ID 2c4cd76d

Conventions
ID: 2c4cd76d
Researchers studying magnetosensation have determined why some soil-dwelling roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere
move in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field when searching for ______ in the Northern Hemisphere, the magnetic
field points down, into the ground, but in the Southern Hemisphere, it points up, toward the surface and away from worms’
food sources.
A. food:
B. food,
C. food while
D. food
ID: 2c4cd76d Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is colon use within a sentence. A colon used in this way introduces
information that illustrates or explains information that has come before it. In this case, the colon introduces the following
explanation of why some roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere move in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field.
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. A comma can’t be used in this way to join two long independent
clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) such as these. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence.
The two clauses (“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without punctuation. Furthermore, the conjunction “while”
fails to indicate that what follows is an explanation of why some roundworms in the Southern Hemisphere move in the
opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two clauses
(“Researchers…food” and “in…sources”) are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.

Question ID 3ed5ebb4

Conventions
ID: 3ed5ebb4
In her analysis of Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth (1905), scholar Candace Waid observes that the novel depicts the
upper classes of New York society as “consumed by the appetite of a soulless ______ an apt assessment given that The
House of Mirth is set during the Gilded Age, a period marked by rapid industrialization, economic greed, and widening wealth
disparities.
A. materialism”; and
B. materialism” and
C. materialism,”
D. materialism”
ID: 3ed5ebb4 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a main clause and a supplementary noun
phrase. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the main clause (“scholar…materialism”) and the
supplementary noun phrase (“an apt assessment”) that describes Waid’s observation about how The House of Mirth depicts
the upper classes of New York society.
Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon and the conjunction “and” can’t be used in this way to mark the boundary
between a main clause and a supplementary noun phrase. Choice B is incorrect. Joining the main clause (“scholar…
materialism”) and the following noun phrase with the conjunction “and” results in a confusing and illogical sentence that
suggests that the novel depicts the upper classes of New York society as “an apt assessment,” which doesn’t make sense in
this context. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to mark the boundary between the main clause and the supplementary
noun phrase with appropriate punctuation.

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Question ID de55ec71

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: de55ec71 Answer

Question Difficulty: Easy

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 89fbc3eb Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

A. Entomologist Heather Grab:

B. Entomologist, Heather Grab,

C. Entomologist Heather Grab

D. Entomologist Heather Grab,

ID: 960dec02 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 7f226b4b Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 74ce2f05 Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: eb95235b Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: adf210e7 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 13fcf575 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

D. microsculptures and creations

ID: 940ff6f7 Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

A. practice, at the time

B. practice at the time;

C. practice, at the time,

D. practice at the time,

ID: aaa1907f Answer

Question Difficulty: Hard

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 7f48b098 Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: a153ad6a Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: 0f39b19c Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

ID: ac5536c1 Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium

SAT Reading and Writing Standard English Boundaries

A. leaves, man-made trash:

B. leaves; man-made trash,

C. leaves, man-made trash,

D. leaves; man-made trash;

ID: 9c3630b9 Answer