Mastering Semicolon Usage for SAT and ACT Success

Clay Cooper from Prep Expert explains the rules for using semicolons, emphasizing their importance in the SAT and ACT writing sections. He clarifies that semicolons are mostly used like periods to separate complete sentences. He also discusses the rare use of semicolons in lists with internal commas. The video concludes with practical examples and additional resources for further learning.

Why is it important to understand semicolons for the SAT and ACT?

• They are frequently tested in the math section.

• They are often used in the reading section.

• They are commonly tested in the writing and English sections.

• They are not tested at all.

What is the primary rule for using semicolons on the SAT and ACT?

• Semicolons are used to start a new paragraph.

• Semicolons are identical to commas.

• Semicolons are used to separate dependent clauses.

• Semicolons are identical to periods.

How can you test if a semicolon is used correctly?

• Replace it with a conjunction.

• Replace it with a comma.

• Replace it with a period.

• Replace it with a colon.

Why might students be confused about using semicolons in real life?

• Because semicolons are only used in poetry.

• Because semicolons are the same as commas.

• Because semicolons have stylistic uses that are not tested.

• Because semicolons are rarely used in real life.

What is a stylistic consideration when using semicolons in real life?

• Using semicolons to start a new paragraph.

• Ensuring the sentences are related.

• Ensuring the sentences are unrelated.

• Using semicolons to end a sentence.

What is the rare use of semicolons in lists?

• To separate items that contain periods.

• To separate items that contain commas.

• To separate items that contain colons.

• To separate items that contain conjunctions.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma in a list?

• When the list items are short.

• When the list items are numbers.

• When the list items are unrelated.

• When the list items contain commas.

What punctuation mark can be used to fix a comma splice?

• A comma

• A semicolon

• A colon

• An exclamation mark

Why can't you use a colon to separate an independent clause and a dependent clause?

• Because a colon can only be used to list items.

• Because a colon must be followed by an independent clause.

• Because a colon must be followed by a conjunction.

• Because a colon can only be used at the end of a sentence.

What is the correct way to connect two independent clauses?

• Using a period and a conjunction

• Using a comma alone

• Using a comma and a conjunction

• Using an adverb alone