California High School Proficiency Exam California High School Proficiency Exam Language Mechanics

Question 1

Which sentence uses a comma correctly?

Accepted Answer

After the game, we celebrated at a restaurant.

Answer

She went to the store, and bought milk.

Answer

I like cats, but, I also like dogs.

Answer

The red, large, old barn stood at the edge of the field.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly punctuates an indirect question?

Accepted Answer

She asked whether I was ready.

Answer

She asked whether I was ready?

Answer

She asked whether I was ready!

Answer

She asked whether I was ready;

Question 3

Where should the apostrophe be placed to show that multiple students share books?

Accepted Answer

students' books

Answer

student's books

Answer

students's books

Answer

No apostrophe needed

Question 4

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Accepted Answer

She loves reading; she goes to the library every week.

Answer

I went to the store; and bought milk.

Answer

He ran; quickly down the street.

Answer

They ate dinner; but left early.

Question 5

Which sentence with dialogue is punctuated correctly?

Accepted Answer

"Come here," she said. "I need your help."

Answer

"Come here," she said, "I need your help."

Answer

"Come here" she said "I need your help."

Answer

"Come here", she said "I need your help."

Question 6

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

Accepted Answer

She had one goal: to graduate early.

Answer

I need: milk, eggs, and bread.

Answer

My favorite subjects are: math and science.

Answer

He: ran to the store.