PSAT Reading and Writing Flashcards: Punctuation

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Punctuation, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for PSAT Reading and Writing.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify whether commas are needed: "My brother who lives in Denver is visiting."

Answer: No commas (essential clause). Essential clauses identify which specific person/thing; no commas needed.

Flashcard 2: Find and correct the punctuation error: 'I wanted to go; but I was tired.'

Answer: Correct: I wanted to go, but I was tired. Semicolons can't be used with coordinating conjunctions.

Flashcard 3: What punctuation sets off a nonessential (nonrestrictive) clause or appositive?

Answer: Use commas (or matching dashes/parentheses) around it. Nonessential info can be removed without changing meaning.

Flashcard 4: What is the rule for using a comma after an introductory phrase or clause?

Answer: Use a comma after a long intro or any intro clause. Introductory elements need commas to separate from main clause.

Flashcard 5: What is the correct punctuation for items in a simple series (no internal commas)?

Answer: Use commas between items. Standard list punctuation separates each item clearly.

Flashcard 6: What punctuation is used to join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb (for example, however)?

Answer: Semicolon before; comma after the adverb. Conjunctive adverbs need stronger punctuation than commas.

Flashcard 7: What punctuation should follow an introductory word, phrase, or dependent clause?

Answer: Use a comma after the introduction. Comma signals the end of introductory elements before main clause.

Flashcard 8: What is the punctuation rule for a nonessential (parenthetical) clause in the middle of a sentence?

Answer: Set it off with two commas (or two dashes or parentheses). Nonessential info needs matching punctuation on both sides.

Flashcard 9: Find and correct the punctuation error: 'She bought apples oranges and bananas.'

Answer: Correct: She bought apples, oranges, and bananas. Items in a series need commas between each element.

Flashcard 10: Which punctuation is used to set off a nonessential (parenthetical) clause?

Answer: Use two commas, two dashes, or two parentheses. Paired punctuation marks information that can be removed without changing meaning.

Flashcard 11: Which punctuation is best for an abrupt break or emphatic parenthetical information?

Answer: An em dash (—). Em dashes create dramatic pauses or set off emphatic interruptions.

Flashcard 12: What punctuation correctly introduces a quotation with a reporting verb?

Answer: Use a comma: She said, "...". Comma separates the attribution from the quoted material.

Flashcard 13: Identify the correct punctuation: "Its" vs. "It's" for "it is".

Answer: Use "It's" for "it is"; "its" is possessive. Apostrophe shows contraction; no apostrophe for possessive pronoun.

Flashcard 14: What punctuation separates items in a series when the items already contain commas?

Answer: Use semicolons between the items. Semicolons prevent confusion in complex lists.

Flashcard 15: What is the rule for using a comma with a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a comma before the conjunction. This creates a compound sentence by properly joining two complete thoughts.

Flashcard 16: What punctuation is used to indicate possession for a singular noun, including most ending in s?

Answer: Add apostrophe + s: 's. Singular possessives add 's regardless of final letter.

Flashcard 17: What punctuation is required after an introductory word, phrase, or clause?

Answer: Use a comma after the introductory element. Introductory elements need separation from the main clause.

Flashcard 18: Find and correct the punctuation: "After the show ended we left."

Answer: After the show ended, we left. Introductory dependent clause requires comma before main clause.

Flashcard 19: What punctuation best marks an abrupt break or emphatic aside within a sentence?

Answer: Use an em dash (—). Dashes create dramatic pauses or set off interrupting thoughts.

Flashcard 20: What punctuation correctly joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction?

Answer: Use a comma before the conjunction: clause, and clause. Comma + FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) joins complete sentences.

Flashcard 21: What punctuation is used between coordinate adjectives before a noun (e.g., "clear, concise prose")?

Answer: Use a comma between coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives modify equally and can be reordered.

Flashcard 22: What punctuation correctly shows possession for a singular noun (e.g., "the teacher")?

Answer: Add apostrophe + $s$ (e.g., "teacher's"). Singular possessives add apostrophe + $s$.

Flashcard 23: What punctuation is used to show possession for a singular noun (for example, the book of Alex)?

Answer: Add apostrophe + s: Alex's book. Shows ownership by adding 's to singular nouns.

Flashcard 24: Which option correctly punctuates: She said "I will go."

Answer: She said, "I will go.". Direct quotes after reporting verbs need commas.

Flashcard 25: What punctuation should you use to join two independent clauses without a conjunction?

Answer: Use a semicolon (;). Semicolons connect related independent clauses without coordinating conjunctions.

Flashcard 26: Which option correctly punctuates: "She brought three items a notebook a pen and a ruler"?

Answer: She brought three items: a notebook, a pen, and a ruler. Lists after complete clauses need colons for introduction.

Flashcard 27: What punctuation should you use between two coordinate adjectives (both modify the same noun equally)?

Answer: Use a comma between the adjectives. Coordinate adjectives can be reversed or joined by 'and' without changing meaning.

Flashcard 28: What punctuation sets off a nonessential (parenthetical) clause in the middle of a sentence?

Answer: Use two commas around the nonessential clause. Nonessential information needs commas on both sides.

Flashcard 29: Identify the correct punctuation: "She brought the essentials   water, food, and a map."

Answer: Use a colon: She brought the essentials: water, food, and a map. Complete sentence before colon introduces the list that follows.

Flashcard 30: Find and correct the punctuation: "The results—according to the report, were inconclusive."

Answer: Correct: "The results, according to the report, were inconclusive.". Mismatched punctuation (dash/comma) must match.

Flashcard 31: What punctuation should you use to connect two words that function together as one modifier before a noun?

Answer: Use a hyphen to form a compound modifier. Hyphens link words acting as a single adjective (well-known author).

Flashcard 32: What punctuation is used to set off an aside or nonessential information with a more formal tone?

Answer: Use parentheses ( ). Parentheses de-emphasize supplementary information.

Flashcard 33: Which punctuation correctly completes the sentence: "He had one goal   to win."

Answer: He had one goal: to win. Colon introduces the goal's explanation or definition.

Flashcard 34: Find and correct the punctuation: "I wanted to go, however I was busy."

Answer: Correct: "I wanted to go; however, I was busy.". Comma splice fixed with semicolon before conjunctive adverb.

Flashcard 35: What punctuation is used to introduce a list, explanation, or example after an independent clause?

Answer: Use a colon after a complete clause. Colons introduce what follows after complete sentences.

Flashcard 36: What punctuation is used to set off a strong interruption or emphasis within a sentence?

Answer: Use em dashes to set off the interrupting material. Em dashes create dramatic pause for emphasis or interruption.

Flashcard 37: Which punctuation correctly joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)?

Answer: Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. The comma prevents a run-on when using for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Flashcard 38: What punctuation sets off a nonessential (parenthetical) phrase in the middle of a sentence?

Answer: Use two commas, two dashes, or two parentheses. Paired punctuation marks enclose extra information.

Flashcard 39: What punctuation correctly sets off an interrupter like "however" in the middle of a sentence?

Answer: Use commas: "However," or "..., however, ...". Transitional words interrupt flow and need commas on both sides.

Flashcard 40: What punctuation is used for an interruption or strong break in a sentence?

Answer: Use em dashes (—) to set off the interruption. Em dashes create dramatic pauses or highlight interruptions.

Flashcard 41: Identify whether commas are needed: "My brother who lives in Miami visits."

Answer: No commas if the clause is essential (restrictive). Essential clauses identify which specific person/thing; no commas needed.

Flashcard 42: What punctuation is typically required between items in a list when items contain commas?

Answer: Use semicolons between the items. Semicolons prevent confusion when list items already contain commas.

Flashcard 43: Find and correct the punctuation error: "Because I practiced daily I improved."

Answer: Correct: "Because I practiced daily, I improved.". Introductory dependent clauses need commas before main clause.

Flashcard 44: What punctuation correctly forms a contraction of "do not"?

Answer: Use an apostrophe: "do not" → "don't". Apostrophes replace omitted letters in contractions.

Flashcard 45: What punctuation is used after an introductory word, phrase, or dependent clause?

Answer: Use a comma after the introductory element. Introductory elements need commas to separate from main clause.

Flashcard 46: Find and correct the punctuation: "It was a long exhausting trip."

Answer: It was a long, exhausting trip. Both adjectives equally modify 'trip'; comma separates them.

Flashcard 47: Identify the correct punctuation: "We visited Albany, New York __ Boston, Massachusetts __ and Portland, Maine."

Answer: Semicolons: "...New York; Boston, Massachusetts; and Portland, Maine.". Cities already have commas, so items need semicolons.

Flashcard 48: Identify the correct punctuation: "It was a long   exhausting trip." (coordinate adjectives)

Answer: It was a long, exhausting trip. Coordinate adjectives modify noun equally and independently.

Flashcard 49: What punctuation should NOT follow a verb or preposition directly when introducing a list?

Answer: A colon. Colons need a complete clause before them, not just a verb/preposition.

Flashcard 50: Find and correct the punctuation: "She said "I agree.""

Answer: Correct: "She said, "I agree."". Missing comma between "said" and quotation creates run-on.

Flashcard 51: Find and correct the punctuation: "She brought: pens, paper, and tape."

Answer: She brought pens, paper, and tape. No colon after verb; list follows verb directly.

Flashcard 52: Find and correct the punctuation: "We bought apples oranges and pears."

Answer: We bought apples, oranges, and pears. Commas separate each item in a series of three or more.

Flashcard 53: What punctuation should follow an introductory dependent clause or long introductory phrase?

Answer: Use a comma after the introductory element. This comma helps readers identify where the main clause begins.

Flashcard 54: What punctuation is used to set off an abrupt break or emphatic insertion in a sentence?

Answer: Use an em dash (—). Creates dramatic pause or emphasis for interruptions.

Flashcard 55: What punctuation is used to introduce a list after an independent clause?

Answer: Use a colon (:). Colons introduce what follows when preceded by a complete sentence.

Flashcard 56: Identify the correct punctuation: "a small wooden box" (comma or no comma?)

Answer: No comma: "small" and "wooden" are not coordinate. Cumulative adjectives build on each other; can't reverse order naturally.

Flashcard 57: What punctuation is used to join two or more words into a single modifier before a noun?

Answer: Use hyphens in a compound modifier: well-known author. Hyphenated words function as single adjective unit.

Flashcard 58: What punctuation is required before a FANBOYS conjunction joining two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a comma before the conjunction. FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) require commas when joining clauses.

Flashcard 59: Find and correct the punctuation: "She brought three things; pens, paper, and folders."

Answer: Correct: "She brought three things: pens, paper, and folders.". Colon introduces list after independent clause, not semicolon.

Flashcard 60: Which punctuation correctly introduces a quotation that is a complete sentence after a signal phrase?

Answer: Use a comma before the opening quotation mark. Signal phrases like 'she said' require commas before quoted complete sentences.

Flashcard 61: What punctuation is used to separate items in a series of three or more?

Answer: Use commas between items (including the Oxford comma if needed). Series items need commas; Oxford comma prevents ambiguity.

Flashcard 62: What punctuation is used to separate items in a complex list when items contain commas?

Answer: Semicolons (;). Semicolons prevent confusion when list items have internal commas.

Flashcard 63: What is the correct fix for a comma splice between two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a semicolon, a period, or a comma + conjunction. These options properly separate two complete sentences.

Flashcard 64: Choose the correct punctuation for coordinate adjectives: "a thoughtful caring teacher".

Answer: a thoughtful, caring teacher. Both adjectives equally describe "teacher," so use a comma.

Flashcard 65: What punctuation is used to set off a direct address in a sentence?

Answer: Use commas to set off the name or title addressed. Direct address interrupts the sentence flow.

Flashcard 66: What punctuation can replace parentheses to add emphasis to an interruption or aside?

Answer: Use em dashes in pairs: —aside—. Em dashes create stronger breaks than commas or parentheses.

Flashcard 67: What punctuation correctly fixes a comma splice between two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a semicolon or period, or add a coordinating conjunction. These options prevent run-on sentences.

Flashcard 68: Identify the correct punctuation: "I wanted to go __ but I was too tired."

Answer: Comma: "I wanted to go, but I was too tired.". Two independent clauses joined by 'but' need a comma.

Flashcard 69: What punctuation correctly forms the possessive of a plural noun ending in s (e.g., the dogs)?

Answer: Add an apostrophe only: dogs'. For plural possessives already ending in s, add only apostrophe.

Flashcard 70: Which punctuation correctly introduces a list after an independent clause?

Answer: A colon (:). Colons introduce lists only after complete sentences.

Flashcard 71: Which option correctly punctuates an interruption: "The solution however was simple"?

Answer: The solution, however, was simple. Interrupting transitions need commas on both sides.

Flashcard 72: Identify the correct punctuation for a nonessential clause: "My brother who lives in Miami is visiting."

Answer: My brother, who lives in Miami, is visiting. Nonrestrictive clauses add extra info and need commas.

Flashcard 73: Identify the correct punctuation: "She had one goal __ to finish early."

Answer: Colon: "She had one goal: to finish early.". Complete sentence before colon sets up the explanation that follows.

Flashcard 74: Find and correct the punctuation error: "The results were clear therefore we changed the plan."

Answer: The results were clear; therefore, we changed the plan. Needs semicolon before conjunctive adverb joining independent clauses.

Flashcard 75: What punctuation correctly introduces or ends a direct quotation?

Answer: Use quotation marks around the exact spoken words. Quotation marks enclose the speaker's exact words.

Flashcard 76: What punctuation rule applies to items in a simple series (three or more items) in PSAT writing?

Answer: Use commas between items; optional Oxford comma. Series punctuation separates parallel items; Oxford comma is style choice.

Flashcard 77: Find and correct the punctuation error: "My brother who lives in Denver is visiting." (He has one brother.)

Answer: My brother, who lives in Denver, is visiting. Nonessential info (only one brother exists) needs surrounding commas.

Flashcard 78: What punctuation introduces a list or explanation after an independent clause?

Answer: Use a colon after a complete sentence. Colons follow complete sentences to introduce what comes next.

Flashcard 79: What punctuation should set off a contrasting or interrupting phrase for emphasis?

Answer: Use em dashes (—) in pairs or a single dash at the end. Dashes create stronger emphasis than commas or parentheses.

Flashcard 80: What punctuation is used between two adjectives that can be joined by "and" (coordinate adjectives)?

Answer: Use a comma between coordinate adjectives. Test with "and": long and exhausting = coordinate adjectives.

Flashcard 81: What punctuation should join two independent clauses without a conjunction?

Answer: A semicolon (;). Semicolons connect complete thoughts without coordinating conjunctions.

Flashcard 82: Find and correct the punctuation error: "I bought apples, which were bruised and oranges."

Answer: I bought apples, which were bruised, and oranges. Missing comma after 'bruised' to close the nonessential clause.

Flashcard 83: Which option correctly punctuates the list: "I visited Albany New York, Trenton New Jersey, and Dover Delaware"?

Answer: I visited Albany, New York; Trenton, New Jersey; and Dover, Delaware. Cities and states need commas; semicolons separate these complex list items.

Flashcard 84: What punctuation should NOT be used to join two independent clauses by itself?

Answer: A comma (comma splice). Using only a comma between independent clauses creates a comma splice error.

Flashcard 85: Which punctuation correctly indicates a direct quotation introduced by a reporting verb?

Answer: Use a comma before the opening quotation marks. Comma separates the attribution from the quoted material.

Flashcard 86: What punctuation is used to mark an abrupt break or emphatic insertion?

Answer: Use an em dash: word—interruption—word. Em dashes create dramatic pauses or set off parenthetical info.

Flashcard 87: Find and correct the punctuation: "After the game we ate dinner."

Answer: After the game, we ate dinner. Introductory phrase needs comma before main clause begins.

Flashcard 88: What is the punctuation rule for two adjectives before a noun that cannot be reversed or separated by "and"?

Answer: Use no comma between cumulative adjectives. When order matters and "and" doesn't fit, skip the comma.

Flashcard 89: Find and correct the punctuation error: "My brother who lives in Denver is visiting." (Assume I have one brother.)

Answer: Correct: "My brother, who lives in Denver, is visiting.". "Who lives in Denver" is nonessential if you have only one brother.

Flashcard 90: Find and correct the punctuation: "The solution—according to the report, was effective."

Answer: The solution—according to the report—was effective. Matching dashes must be used for parenthetical elements.

Flashcard 91: Which punctuation is used to set off an essential (restrictive) clause?

Answer: Use no commas around an essential clause. Essential information needed for meaning is not set off by commas.

Flashcard 92: Find and correct the punctuation error: "The plan was simple we started early."

Answer: Correct: "The plan was simple; we started early.". Two independent clauses need semicolon or comma + conjunction.

Flashcard 93: Identify the correct fix for a run-on: "I studied I passed."

Answer: Add semicolon: I studied; I passed. Run-ons lack punctuation between independent clauses.

Flashcard 94: Which punctuation correctly separates items in a list when items contain internal commas?

Answer: Use semicolons between the list items. Prevents confusion when items already contain commas.

Flashcard 95: What is the rule for apostrophes in singular and plural possession?

Answer: Singular: add 's; plural ending in s: add only '. Most plurals ending in 's' take only an apostrophe.

Flashcard 96: What punctuation correctly forms the possessive of a singular noun (e.g., the dog)?

Answer: Add apostrophe + s: dog's. Shows ownership for one item or being.

Flashcard 97: What punctuation is used to separate items in a list when one or more items contain commas?

Answer: Use semicolons to separate the list items. Semicolons prevent confusion when list items already contain commas.

Flashcard 98: Identify the correct punctuation: "She brought three items __ pens, paper, and tape."

Answer: Colon (:). The independent clause before the list requires a colon.

Flashcard 99: What punctuation is used after an introductory word, phrase, or clause?

Answer: Use a comma after the introduction. Introductory elements need commas to separate from main clause.

Flashcard 100: Find and correct the punctuation: "My brother who lives in Denver is visiting."

Answer: Correct: "My brother, who lives in Denver, is visiting.". "Who lives in Denver" adds extra info, not essential.