ENGL000: Pre-College English

Practice I: Punctuate the following sentences using the comma rules: Answers may vary.

Original Sentences:

Possible Corrections:

1. When the 1989 earthquake shook Santa Cruz, Peter decided to move back to New York.
2. Peter is majoring in Elementary Education; isn't that right?
3. Tim made a three-layer chocolate cake while Nina tuned up the car.
4. Lars has been studying Chinese for more than ten years, but he's never had the opportunity to visit China.
5. She was on time for the date, but when she arrived, he wasn't there.

Practice II: Correct FIVE of the following comma splices and run-on sentences by adding a period. Correct the other FIVE by using a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Original Sentences:

1. She doubted the value of yoga she decided to try it just once.
2. I asked the guard for directions, she told me what time it was.
3. California is suffering an energy crisis, everyone needs to conserve.
4. Ruby is tiny she is less than five feet tall and weighs ninety-five pounds.
5. First we hiked in the forest, we drove up to Mount Baker.
6. Television commercials can have an adverse impact on children, it's hard to prevent them from watching TV.
7. I loved the movie, most of my friends hated it.
8. He has never won a dime playing the lottery every week he spends ten dollars on tickets.
9. My high school adviser was close to me she was almost my best friend.
10. Writing is sending, reading is receiving.

Possible Corrections:

1. She doubted the value of yoga, but she decided to try it just once.
2. I asked the guard for directions, yet she told me what time it was.
3. California is suffering an energy crisis, so everyone needs to conserve.
4. Ruby is tiny. She is less than five feet tall and weighs ninety-five pounds.
5. First we hiked in the forest. Then we drove up to Mount Baker.
6. Television commercials can have an adverse impact on children, but it's hard to prevent them from watching TV.
7. I loved the movie. Most of my friends hated it.
8. He has never won a dime playing the lottery, but every week he spends ten dollars on tickets.
9. My high school adviser was close to me. She was almost my best friend.
10. Writing is sending. Reading is receiving.