GL English packs 1 and 2 - punctuation queries
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:46 am
I have realised that something is missing from my punctuation education as I cannot explain the questions below. I realise after typing this message that some of the explanations are about whether the adjectives are co-ordinate or not - see http://www.getitwriteonline.com/archive ... ordadj.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I was never taught this. Are primary school children taught this in SPAG these days or are the GL familiarisation questions beyond the school syllabus in parts?
PAPER 2
Question 34
We hunted around for the simplest yummiest cake to tempt all you cooks out there - and we think we've found it.
A comma is needed between simplest and yummiest. Why do some adjectives need commas between them and others do not?
Question 36
We know it's hard to believe, but the secret is mayonnaise.
Why is the comma needed before the but?
PAPER 3
Question 34
It was a cold, dark night up on the moor.
Why is the comma needed between these two adjectives?
Question 36
He wouldn't tell her that, though.
Why is the comma needed after "that"?
Question 41
The only sound was the quick, rhythmic pounding of his own heart.
Why is the comma needed between these two adjectives?
PAPER 4
Question 35
The single eye in the middle of its green, scaly forehead did not blink.
Why is the comma needed between these two adjectives?
PAPER 5
Question 44
Mardon Drama Club is looking for talented young people to join the cast of the next production.
Why isn't a comma needed between these two adjectives?
Question 48
You may also be selected to read a short piece from the script, but no preparation is necessary.
Why is a comma needed after "but"?
Question 50
The Pantomime of Snow White is a firm family favourite.
Why isn't a comma needed between the two adjectives?
PAPER 6
Question 38
Dave suggested a fancy meal, Charlie proposed a huge party for family, friends and neighbours, and Maisie's choice was a weekend by the sea.
Why is a comma needed after neighbours?
Question 40
Maureen's family gathered around a huge, circular table.
Why is a comma needed after huge?
PAPER 8
Question 30
She'd spent the afternoon separation raffle tickets, folding them into small squares and placing them all in a huge, empty biscuit tin.
Why is a comma needed between huge and empty?
PAPER 2
Question 34
We hunted around for the simplest yummiest cake to tempt all you cooks out there - and we think we've found it.
A comma is needed between simplest and yummiest. Why do some adjectives need commas between them and others do not?
Question 36
We know it's hard to believe, but the secret is mayonnaise.
Why is the comma needed before the but?
PAPER 3
Question 34
It was a cold, dark night up on the moor.
Why is the comma needed between these two adjectives?
Question 36
He wouldn't tell her that, though.
Why is the comma needed after "that"?
Question 41
The only sound was the quick, rhythmic pounding of his own heart.
Why is the comma needed between these two adjectives?
PAPER 4
Question 35
The single eye in the middle of its green, scaly forehead did not blink.
Why is the comma needed between these two adjectives?
PAPER 5
Question 44
Mardon Drama Club is looking for talented young people to join the cast of the next production.
Why isn't a comma needed between these two adjectives?
Question 48
You may also be selected to read a short piece from the script, but no preparation is necessary.
Why is a comma needed after "but"?
Question 50
The Pantomime of Snow White is a firm family favourite.
Why isn't a comma needed between the two adjectives?
PAPER 6
Question 38
Dave suggested a fancy meal, Charlie proposed a huge party for family, friends and neighbours, and Maisie's choice was a weekend by the sea.
Why is a comma needed after neighbours?
Question 40
Maureen's family gathered around a huge, circular table.
Why is a comma needed after huge?
PAPER 8
Question 30
She'd spent the afternoon separation raffle tickets, folding them into small squares and placing them all in a huge, empty biscuit tin.
Why is a comma needed between huge and empty?