Major Comma Uses - Post Test

 

To see how well you have learned the elements of sentence construction, complete the POST TEST below.  There is no checklist of answers for the POST TEST.  Instead, you are to have your response checked by the Writing Support Program office.

If the results of your POST TEST indicate that you need more work in some area of this chapter, the Writing Support Program office will direct you to additional material.  If you do well on the POST TEST, the Writing Support Program office will tell you that you have satisfactorily completed the unit.

POST TEST DIRECTIONS: The paragraphs below contain both correct sentences and sentences requiring commas.   Place commas only where needed.  If a sentence needs no commas, leave it blank.

You must print out a copy of this original page to complete the Post Test. Make your corrections right on the text; then bring your completed Post Test to the Writing Support Program office for evaluation and review so that you can take the final test in the office.

Link to printable post test

Post Test Passage

            History will ultimately judge the merits of John F. Kennedy’s presidency.  One measure however must certainly be the lasting impact of his death.  Even today the events surrounding his assassination are quite fresh in many ordinary citizens’ minds. 

            Kennedy the 35th president of the United States was popular.  He loved to mingle with crowds.  He had a sense of humor a winning smile and a friendly nature that endeared him to most Americans.  Even those who did not agree with the man’s political views usually appreciated his intelligence and charm.  However riding through Dallas on November 22, 1963 President Kennedy became the target for a killer.

            To enjoy the pleasant weather and the Dallas scenery the president and Mrs. Kennedy chose to ride in an open convertible.  Three shots rang out when the president’s limousine approached an underpass.  Two bullets hit Kennedy but for some time no one seemed to notice.  Finally realizing what had happened Secret Service men ordered the car to speed to Parkland Hospital.  Doctors worked feverishly but Kennedy who had sustained a fatal head wound died at 1:00 p.m.

            Safely aboard Air Force One at 2:39 p.m. Vice–president Lyndon Baines Johnson took the oath of office and was sworn in as the 36th president.  Standing beside him was Jacqueline Kennedy.  Still clothed in blood-spattered stockings and a bloody wool suit she was a stark reminder of the tragedy that had just taken place.

            Even today almost all who lived through those terrible shocking events can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the tragic news.

To reach the Writing Support Program, contact

Margaret L. Benner
Director, Writing Support Program
English Department
Towson University
benner@towson.edu 

410-704-2857

Copyright © 2005  2002  1987 Margaret L. Benner   All rights reserved.