Lesson 1 Exercise

1. While she studied for exams, Kaylee decided to order pizza.
Rule: 2
[Hint: There is an Introductory Adverbial Clause here.]

2. This Comma Sense Class is helpful for my writing, but harmful for my beauty rest.
Rule: 1
[Hint:There are elements of extreme contrast in this non-compound sentence.]

3. The incompetent, arrogant surgeon refused to justify his decision to cut off both of the patient‘s arms.
Rule: 3a
[Hint: What kind of adjectives describe the surgeon?]

4. The specific merit badge that applies to Sara's accomplishments should be chosen carefully. Correct
Rule: 4c
[Hint: There is an Element here modifying 'merit badge" which starts with the word "that."]

5. The disillusioned opera singer was handsome, yet American Idol rejected him.
Rules: 3b and 1
[Hint--There are 2 rules which apply here. First of all, are the adjectives describing the singer equal in importance to the word 'singer'? Secondly, is this a compound sentence with a Coordinating Conjunction?]

6. My youngest brother, who has two cats, lives in Texas.
Rule: 4a
[Hint: I only have ONE 'youngest brother'.]

7. Writing.Com is a site for learning and for sharing what you have learned. Correct
Rule: 1-If the sentence is NOT compound, no comma is needed before the conjunction.
[Hint: Is this a compound sentence with a Coordinating Conjunction?]

8. The student who achieves the highest grade in the Comma Sense Class will be awarded a Merit Badge. correct
Rule: 4b
[Hint: There is an Element here modifying 'student." Is it Essential or Non-Essential?]

9. The sturdy rocking chair was kept on the porch because it matched the decor. correct
Rules: 3b and 1
[Hint--There are 2 rules which apply here. First of all, are the adjectives describing the chair equal in importance to the noun 'chair?' Secondly, is the conjunction in this compound sentence Coordinating or Subordinating?]

10. The comma-usage rules can be a bit confusing, but if you read the lessons, you will ace the class.
Rules:2 and 1
[Hint--There are 2 rules which apply here. First of all, is this a compound sentence with a Coordinating Conjunction? Secondly, is there an Introductory Clause in the middle of the sentence here?]

11. Cherry Anne reads and studies the works of Robert Frost so that she will understand poetic form. correct
Rule: 1
[Hint: Be careful here! This is a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction, but does a comma go before the conjunction?]

12. Barbie paints and she listens to Classic Rock.correct
Rule: 1-under certain circumstances, the comma before the coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence may be left out: if both independent clauses are quite short.
[Hint: The first clause in this compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction is pretty short, huh?]