Lesson #1 - Exercise

ID: 1841215   (Rated: E) Lesson #1 - Exercise  Placement of commas on test questions. by chip

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

Rule #2-Clause starts with a subordinate conjunction, and is followed by a independent clause. Comma needed before and.

2. This Comma Sense Class is helpful for my writing but harmful for my blood pressure.
One exception to a Rule:
[Hint:There are elements of extreme contrast in this non-compound sentence.]

Rule #1xe-Non-Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunction. No comma.

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

Rule #3a-Coordinate adjectives use commas.

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

Rule #4b-Essential "that" Clause. No commas.

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

Rule #4a-Non essential elements. Use commas.

Rule #1-Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction needs a comma before the conjunction.

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

Rule #4a-Non essential elements. Use commas.

7. Writing.Com is a site for learning and for sharing what you have learned.
One exception to a Rule:
[Hint: Is this a compound sentence or a non-compound sentence with a Coordinating Conjunction? Be careful! Are both clauses INDEPENDENT here?]

Rule #1xD- Non-compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction. No comma.

8. The student who achieves the highest grade in the Comma Sense Class will be awarded a Merit Badge.
One Rule:
[Hint: Is it Essential that we know which "student" we are talking about?]

Rule #4b-Essential elements. Co not use commas.

9. The sturdy rocking chair was kept on the porch because it matched the decor.
Two Rules apply here (one is an exception to a rule):
[Hint--There are 2 rules which apply here. First of all, are the adjectives describing the chair equal in importance to the noun 'chair?' Can you say the chair was rocking and sturdy? Secondly, is the conjunction in this compound sentence Coordinating or Subordinating?]

Rule #3b-Non-Coordinate Adjectives. No comma.

Rule #1b- Compound Sentences with Subordinating Conjunction. No comma.

10. The comma-usage rules can be a bit confusing, but if you read the lessons. you will ace the class.
Two Rules:
[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?]

Rule # 1-Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Use comma before the conjunction.

Rule #2--Introductory Adverbial Clause. Use comma.

11. Winnie reads and studies the beautiful works of Robert Frost so that she will understand poetic form.
One exception to a Rule:
[Hint: Be careful here! This is a compound sentence, but does a comma go before "so"? Doesn't "that" follow "so" making "so that" a subordinating conjunction?]

Rule 1xa-Compound Sentence with the Coordinating Conjunction "so that". Don't use commas.

12. Tina is a newbie and she writes short stories and poetry.
One exception to a Rule:
[Hint: The first clause in this compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction is pretty short, huh? So does it need a comma?]

Rule #1xc-Short Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunction. No comma.