SAT Boundaries (Punctuation)
Pick the punctuation that joins or separates clauses correctly.
How to score it
- Decide first: are the two parts independent clauses? That determines what punctuation is even legal.
- Two independent clauses need a period, semicolon, or comma + FANBOYS — never a bare comma.
- Never put a single mark between a subject and its verb.
Common traps
- Comma splice — a bare comma joining two full sentences.
- Mismatched paired punctuation around a nonrestrictive element.
- A mark that separates the subject from its verb.
The 1 question type, with real examples
Conforms to conventions (punctuation)
“Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?”
Archaeologist Zahi Hawass has spent decades excavating sites throughout Egypt, uncovering artifacts that shed light on ancient Egyptian civilization. His most famous discovery occurred in 2010, when he and his team located the tomb of two royal ______ the find included jewelry, pottery, and perfectly preserved mummies.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Achildren
- Bchildren; since
- Cchildren:✓
- Dchildren,
Choice C is correct. A colon is used here to introduce an explanation or elaboration of what came before. The first clause sets up the discovery of the tomb, and what follows the colon specifies what the find included.
Want to try the hard ones? 25 hard Boundaries (Punctuation) questions with full explanations — free, no account needed.
Drill Boundaries (Punctuation) — free trial→