Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Complete ACT Punctuation Practice Quiz

Sharpen punctuation skills with clear exam guidance

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 11
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting Ace ACT Punctuation, a high school level quiz for punctuation skills.

Easy
Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to separate items in a list?
I went to the store to buy milk, eggs, and bread.
I went to the store, to buy milk eggs, and bread.
I went to the store to buy milk eggs and bread.
I went to the store to buy, milk, eggs and, bread.
The correct answer uses commas to clearly separate each item, including the serial comma before 'and'. This punctuation clarifies the list and avoids ambiguity.
In which sentence is the apostrophe used correctly to show possession?
The students' book was left on the desk.
The students book's was left on the desk.
The students book was left on the desk.
The student's book was left on the desk.
The correct option places the apostrophe correctly to indicate that the book belongs to one student. This precise use of punctuation distinguishes singular possession from plural forms.
Which sentence uses a period correctly at the end of a declarative sentence?
She finished her homework
She finished her homework.
She finished her homework?
She finished her homework!
The first option ends with a period, the standard punctuation for a declarative sentence. This properly indicates the sentence is complete and final.
Which of these options is the best way to punctuate a short introductory phrase?
After the game we celebrated the win.
After, the game we celebrated the win.
After the game; we celebrated the win.
After the game, we celebrated the win.
Option 2 correctly places a comma after the introductory phrase, separating it from the main clause. This is the standard punctuation to enhance clarity in sentences with introductory elements.
Identify the sentence that correctly punctuates a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction.
I wanted to go, to the park but it started to rain.
I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.
I wanted to go to the park but it started to rain.
I wanted to go to the park but, it started to rain.
The first option correctly uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'but' to join two independent clauses. This adherence to punctuation rules in compound sentences ensures clarity.
Medium
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses?
She loves classical music her brother prefers jazz;
She loves classical music, her brother prefers jazz.
She loves classical music; her brother prefers jazz.
She loves classical music: her brother prefers jazz.
A semicolon is ideal for joining two independent clauses without a conjunction. Option 1 employs the semicolon correctly, clearly linking related ideas.
Which sentence uses colons correctly to introduce a list?
He brought three things a notebook, a pen, and a calculator:
He brought: three things a notebook, a pen, and a calculator.
He brought three things: a notebook, a pen, and a calculator.
He brought three things, a notebook: a pen, and a calculator.
Option 1 places a colon after the introductory phrase to signal that a list follows. This clear separation of ideas makes the sentence easy to understand.
Which sentence uses quotation marks correctly for dialogue?
"I will join him", he said, and then left.
He said, "I will join him" and then left.
He said, 'I will join him,' and then left.
He said, "I will join him," and then left.
Option 1 correctly uses double quotation marks to enclose the dialogue and places the comma inside the quotes before the dialogue tag. This conforms with standard dialogue punctuation rules.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a nonrestrictive clause?
My brother who lives in New York, is visiting.
My brother who lives in New York is visiting.
My brother, who lives in New York is visiting.
My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.
The nonrestrictive clause 'who lives in New York' is properly enclosed by commas in option 1. This punctuation indicates that the clause provides extra, non-essential information.
Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the em dash to set off a phrase?
The teacher - known for her strictness - arrived early.
The teacher, known for her strictness - arrived early.
The teacher - known for her strictness, arrived early.
The teacher, known for her strictness, arrived early.
Option 1 uses em dashes to enclose the additional phrase, effectively setting it apart from the rest of the sentence. This method provides emphasis and clarity without interrupting the sentence flow.
Identify the correctly punctuated sentence for a title within a sentence.
I just finished reading 'The Great Gatsby'.
I just finished reading The Great Gatsby.
I just finished reading, 'The Great Gatsby'.
I just finished reading 'The Great Gatsby.'
Option 1 correctly sets off the title with quotation marks and includes the terminal punctuation as part of the sentence. This clear delineation helps indicate that the title is a distinct element.
In which sentence is the comma correctly used to separate coordinate adjectives?
It was a long; boring lecture.
It was a long boring lecture.
It was a long and, boring lecture.
It was a long, boring lecture.
When adjectives equally modify a noun, a comma should separate them. Option 1 correctly uses the comma to separate the coordinate adjectives 'long' and 'boring'.
Which sentence is punctuated correctly when dealing with a parenthetical element?
My car as you know, requires regular maintenance.
My car, as you know, requires regular maintenance.
My car as you know requires regular maintenance.
My car, as you know requires regular maintenance.
Option 1 correctly encloses the parenthetical phrase 'as you know' with commas. This use of commas separates nonessential information from the main clause, enhancing clarity.
Which sentence uses a colon correctly to separate an independent clause from an explanation or list?
She had one hobby, painting.
She had one hobby painting:
She had one hobby; painting.
She had one hobby: painting.
The colon in option 1 properly separates the independent clause from the explanation that follows. This clear punctuation helps signal that further information is being provided.
Which sentence correctly handles multiple punctuation marks within dialogue?
"Are you coming to the meeting?" she asked.
"Are you coming to the meeting" she asked?
She asked, "Are you coming to the meeting?"
"Are you coming to the meeting," she asked?
Option 1 demonstrates the correct placement of the question mark inside the quotation marks with the dialogue tag following in lowercase. This format aligns with the standard rules for punctuating dialogue.
Hard
Which sentence best demonstrates correct punctuation in a complex sentence with an introductory clause and an embedded nonrestrictive clause?
After finishing his homework which he had postponed until the last minute, Mark went to bed.
After finishing his homework which he had postponed until the last minute Mark went to bed.
After finishing his homework, which he had postponed until the last minute Mark went to bed.
After finishing his homework, which he had postponed until the last minute, Mark went to bed.
Option 1 effectively uses commas to set off both the introductory clause and the nonrestrictive clause. This proper punctuation clarifies the structure and meaning of the complex sentence.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a quote that includes an internal question?
During the meeting, he asked: "Is it acceptable to omit the serial comma?" and then awaited a response.
During the meeting, he asked, "Is it acceptable to omit the serial comma?" and then awaited a response.
During the meeting, he asked, "Is it acceptable to omit the serial comma," and then awaited a response.
During the meeting he asked, "Is it acceptable to omit the serial comma?" and then awaited a response.
Option 1 places the question mark correctly inside the quotation marks while smoothly integrating the quoted question into the sentence. The other choices misplace or misuse punctuation, leading to errors.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a list where the items already contain commas?
For the picnic, we packed sandwiches with tomato, lettuce, and cheese; fruit salads with apples, oranges, and grapes; and drinks with ice, lemon, and mint.
For the picnic, we packed sandwiches with tomato, lettuce, and cheese, fruit salads with apples, oranges, and grapes, and drinks with ice, lemon, and mint.
For the picnic: we packed sandwiches with tomato, lettuce, and cheese; fruit salads with apples, oranges, and grapes; and drinks with ice, lemon, and mint.
For the picnic, we packed: sandwiches with tomato, lettuce, and cheese; fruit salads with apples, oranges, and grapes; and drinks with ice, lemon, and mint.
Option 1 uses semicolons to separate list items that themselves contain commas, ensuring each complex item is distinct. This method prevents confusion and maintains clear sentence structure.
Which sentence properly uses parentheses to enclose supplementary information?
The novel (which was published last year quickly became a bestseller.
The novel which was published last year) quickly became a bestseller.
The novel (which was published last year) quickly became a bestseller.
The novel, which was published last year) quickly became a bestseller.
Option 1 correctly uses both the opening and closing parentheses to insert additional, nonessential information. This ensures that the main sentence remains intact and easy to read.
Which sentence correctly uses punctuation to separate multiple independent clauses while incorporating transitional words?
She enjoys reading classics, such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Moby-Dick', however, she often finds modern literature more relatable.
She enjoys reading classics; such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Moby-Dick,' however, she often finds modern literature more relatable.
She enjoys reading classics such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Moby-Dick'; however, she often finds modern literature more relatable.
She enjoys reading classics, such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Moby-Dick'; however, she often finds modern literature more relatable.
Option 1 correctly employs a semicolon to separate two independent clauses and uses the transitional adverb 'however' with a preceding comma. This precise punctuation maintains clarity in a compound sentence with contrasting ideas.
0
{"name":"Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to separate items in a list?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Easy, Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to separate items in a list?, In which sentence is the apostrophe used correctly to show possession?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze punctuation rules relevant to the ACT exam.
  2. Identify common punctuation errors in sample texts.
  3. Apply correct punctuation in complex sentence structures.
  4. Evaluate and revise written content for improved clarity.
  5. Enhance overall writing effectiveness through refined punctuation skills.

ACT Punctuation Practice Cheat Sheet

  1. Possession with Apostrophes - Show ownership by adding 's to singular nouns (like "the cat's toy") and just an apostrophe to plural nouns ending in s ("the dogs' leash"). Think of it as a mini-flag marking "this thing belongs to someone." Punctuation on ACT English: Apostrophes, Colons, and More
  2. Master Contractions - Use apostrophes to combine words, such as "don't" for "do not" or "you're" for "you are," and never confuse "its" (ownership) with "it's" (it is). Remember, contractions keep your writing snappy and casual, perfect for conversational ACT questions. Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, & Apostrophes
  3. Semicolons: The Clause Connector - Fuse two related independent clauses without a conjunction using a semicolon, like "I studied all night; I'm ready for the exam." This trick boosts sentence variety and clarifies the relationship between ideas. Punctuation on ACT English: Apostrophes, Colons, and More
  4. Colons to Introduce - Drop a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list or explanation: "Grab your supplies: pencils, erasers, and calculators." It signals to the reader, "Hey, here's what's coming next!" Master Punctuation in the ACT English Section
  5. Dashes for Emphasis - Use em dashes to set off extra info or create dramatic pauses, like "My sister - an ace violinist - performed beautifully." They're the cool cousins of commas and parentheses! Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, & Apostrophes
  6. Its vs. It's Showdown - Remember: "it's" means "it is" and "its" shows possession. When in doubt, try expanding it - if "it is" makes sense, you need an apostrophe! Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, & Apostrophes
  7. Crush Comma Rules - Use commas to separate items in a list, set off introductory phrases, or link independent clauses with conjunctions: "Before the quiz, I ate pizza, cookies, and a fruit snack." Commas help your sentences breathe! Punctuation on ACT English: Apostrophes, Colons, and More
  8. Tame Run-On Sentences - Spot sentences that stretch on forever and break them up with periods, semicolons, or commas plus conjunctions. Your reader will thank you for the clarity! Punctuation on ACT English: Apostrophes, Colons, and More
  9. Quotation Marks 101 - Enclose direct speech or quotes in double quotation marks and tuck punctuation inside (e.g., "Hello," she said). This rule keeps your dialogue and citations precise on the ACT. Punctuation on ACT English: Apostrophes, Colons, and More
  10. Spot ACT Punctuation Traps - Test yourself on ACT-style questions to learn from common mistakes like missing commas or misused apostrophes. Practice makes perfect, and flashcards can turn these traps into triumphs! ACT Punctuation Flashcards
Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

English Language Arts Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker