Conventions of Punctuation Adapted from Kaplan SAT Premier 2017 Chapter 25

End-of-Sentence and Within-Sentence Punctuation

How It Is Addressed You must identify and correct inappropriate use of ending punctuation. You will need to identify and correct inappropriate colons, semicolons, and dashes to indicate breaks. Punctuation questions are indicated by an underlined portion of text that includes a punctuation mark. Answer choices will move the punctuation mark around or replace it with a different mark of punctuation. When you see an underlined comma, ask yourself, “Can the comma be replaced by a period or a semicolon?” If yes, the comma is grammatically incorrect and needs to be changed.

Commas… Separate independent clauses connected by a FANBOYS conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Jess finished her homework earlier than expected, so she started on a project that was due the following week. Separate an introductory or modifying phrase from the rest of the sentence. Knowing that soccer practice would be especially strenuous, Tia filled up three water bottles and spent extra time stretching beforehand. Set off three or more items in a series or list. Jeremiah packed a sleeping bag, a raincoat, and a lantern for his upcoming camping trip.

Commas, Continued… Separate nonessential information from the rest of the sentence. Professor Mann, who was head of the English department, was known for including a wide variety of reading materials in the curriculum. Separate an independent and dependent clause. Tyson arrived at school a few minutes early, which gave him time to clean his locker before class.

Semicolons… Join two independent clauses that are not connected by a FANBOYS conjunction. Gaby knew that her term paper would take at least four more hours to write; she got started in study hall and then finished it at home. Separate items in a series or list if those items already include commas. The team needed to bring uniforms, helmets, and gloves; oranges, almonds, and water; and hockey sticks, pucks and skates. *When you see an underlined semicolon, ask yourself, “Can the semicolon be replaced by a comma?” If yes, the semicolon is grammatically incorrect and needs to be changed. If the semicolon is separating two independent clauses and can be replaced with a period, it is grammatically correct!

Colons… Colons introduce and/or emphasize a short phrase, quotation, explanation, example, or list. Sanjay had two important projects to complete: a science experiment and an expository essay.

Dashes… Dashes indicate a hesitation or break in thought. Going to a history museum is a good way to begin researching prehistoric creatures-on second thought, heading to the library will likely be much more efficient. *When you see an underlined colon or dash, ask yourself, “Has the author included a new idea by introducing or explaining something, or by breaking his or her thought process?” If yes, the punctuation is often grammatically correct.

Examples Go to pages 56-562 of the text. Review the example and the rationale for the answers.

Possessive Nouns and Pronouns Indicate who or what possesses another noun or pronoun. Each follows different rules, and the SAT will test both. You must identify both the singular and plural form. My oldest sister’s soccer game is on Saturday. (singular) My two older sisters’ soccer games are on Saturday. (plural) You can spot errors in possessive noun and pronoun construction by looking for: Two nouns in a row Context clues Pronouns with apostrophes Words that sound alike

More About Possessive Pronouns Questions about possessive pronouns often require you to watch our for contractions and sound-alike words. Possessive Pronouns and Words to Watch Out For *Go to pages 563-564 of the text and review the examples and rationale. Its = possessive It’s = it is Their = possessive There = location/place Whose = possessive Who’s = who is/who has

Parenthetical/Nonrestrictive Elements and Unnecessary Punctuation Parenthetical or nonrestrictive information includes words or phrases that aren’t essential to the sentence structure or content. Sometimes this information is explanatory. Use commas, dashes, or parentheses to set off parenthetical or nonrestrictive information in a sentence. You will also be asked to recognize instances of unnecessary punctuation, particularly commas! More isn’t necessarily better! To determine if information is nonessential, read the sentence without the information. If the sentence still makes sense without the omitted words, then those words need to be set off with punctuation.

DO NOT USE A COMMA TO… separate a subject from its predicate. separate a verb from its object or its subject, or a preposition from its object. set off restrictive elements. precede a dependent clause that comes after an independent clause. separate adjectives that work together to modify a noun.

Examples Go to pages 565-566 of the text. Review the questions and rationale for the answers.

Go to pages 567-571 of the text. Review the techniques from this presentation to answer the questions. Discuss the process and answers with your teacher. Complete the exercises on pages 572-575 (typo is page 647) as if it is Test Day. Review the answers with your teacher.