Punctuation Test 200 points NAME:
Warning: Mr. Winter will choose portions to grade. PERIOD:
Your score will be based on these results. You must neatly print your answers.
A1. Define
Phrase – A phrase is a group of words acting together.
Clause – A clause can stand as a complete thought.
A2. Label the following as a phrase or a clause.
Joe’s nails are green – Clause Loudly farting during a wedding – Phrase We ran – Clause
Birds puke in their babies’ mouths – Clause Running down the long windy road – Phrase A woman – Phrase
The man in the blue smelly shirt – Phrase Will you dance — Clause The blue squirrel – Phrase
Coordinating Conjunctions
B1. List all the coordinating conjunctions. FANBOYS
FOR, AND, NOR, BUT, OR, YET, SO
B2. Write out the rule for coordinating conjunctions.
Use a comma if both sides are complete thoughts (clauses).
Don’t use a comma if one side is NOT a complete thought (clause).
B3. Write out two sentences that illustrate the rules for punctuating coordinating conjunctions.
Bill went to the store and to the bank. Bill and Jane went to the bank.
Bill went to the store, and Jane went to the bank.
Subordinate Conjunctions
C1. List seven subordinate conjunctions. UUBBAAWWI
UNLESS, UNTIL, BEFORE, BECAUSE, AFTER, AS, WHILE, WHEN, IF - Partial list. There are other subordinate conjunctions.
C2. Write out the rules for subordinate conjunctions.
Never use a comma when a subordinate conjunction is in the middle of a sentence. * CONTRAST exception
If the subordinate conjunction starts the sentence, use a comma. * SHORT and SMOOTH exception
C3. Write out two sentences that illustrate the rules of punctuating subordinate conjunctions.
The booger will sing if it is picked out of your nose.
If it is picked out of your nose, the booger will sing.
Series and List
D1. Write out the rule for punctuating items in series or in a list.
Place commas for items in series. The comma next to the conjunction is optional.
D2. Write out two examples for the rule.
Jill, Jack, Bart and Lisa will puke on the cute giraffe.
Lisa will run a mile, box for an hour, bike to the lake and lift weights during her workout.
Ben will buy the following items at the store: salt, pepper, snot crayons, eggs and yak milk.
Quotation / Dialogue
E1. Write out two sentences that illustrate the proper way to punctuate a quotation or dialogue.
Write out one sentence then flip it.
“The squirrel is responsible for mugging three people,” said the officer.
The officer said, “The squirrel is responsible for mugging three people.”
MLA in text citation
F1. Write out three sentences that illustrate the proper way to punctuate an in text MLA citation. One sentence should paraphrase, one sentence should use a quote, and one should cite a source with no author.
Quote: Mr. Hunter said, “A squirrel mugged me and stole my wallet” (Smith 50).
Paraphrase: Mr. Hunter claimed that a squirrel had stolen his wallet (Smith 50).
No Author: Mrs. Hamm struck the lion with a log (“Grandmother Fights Lion” 50).
Transitions
G1. List four transitions. (You may use only one number.) - SITIFF
Similarly In conclusion Therefore - Partial list
In addition For example First
G2. Write two sentences that use transitions and properly punctuate them.
First, I will fart. In other words, I will release smelly hot gas.
After doing this, I will laugh at all the people stuck in the elevator.
Appositives and Interrupters
H1. Write out the rule for punctuating interrupters.
If the phrase is non-essential or interrupts the sentence, use commas.
If the phrase is essential or restrictive, do NOT use commas.
H2. Write out two sentences that illustrate the rule.
Restrictive / Essential: The woman who is wearing the bloody shirt is the one who robbed the bank.
Nonrestrictive / Nonessential: The squirrel, the little beast, was in the tree.
Restrictive / Essential: The car that you bought last week needs to be checked by a mechanic.
Nonrestrictive / Nonessential: My dog, the poop machine, was in the living room leaving a present on the floor.
Restrictive / Essential: My little brother Steve likes to play video games.
Nonrestrictive / Nonessential: My friend, who was born in Seattle, likes to watch football.
Attached Phrase
J1. Write two sentences that have a phrase attached to the end.
The woman braided her hair with nimble fingers, humming joyfully as she worked.
The man knew it was a great invention, a device that would save many lives.
It was a zombie, the hungry undead.
The fart quickly spread, reaching every nostril in the room in seconds.
Hyphen
K1. Explain how hyphens work.
A. Hyphens connect adjectives to the word that is being modified. Hyphens point to the word being modified.
B. Join compound words. Three-year-old
K2. Write out two examples that illustrate how hyphens work.
The evil squirrel hunter followed the tracks. The hunter is evil.
The evil-squirrel hunter followed the tracks. The squirrel is evil.
The used oil container is sitting in the garage. The container is used.
The used-oil container is sitting in the garage. The oil is used.
The used used-oil container is sitting in the garage.
The hot red car was speeding. The car is hot. The hot-red car was speeding. The red is hot.
Dash
M1. Explain how a dash may be used. Note: Hyphens and dashes are different punctuation marks.
A. May be used for emphasis. They are often used in place of commas.
B. May be used for a parenthetical material—material that explains.
M2. Write two examples of sentences that use dashes.
The storm—the hurricane of the century—destroyed the small town.
My dog—the evil poop machine—left a huge smelly pile in the living room.
She needed money—money to pay her rent.