Comma Writing Exercises: Level B1-B2 (with Answers)

⏱ Time: 07:30 📝 Questions: 15 📊 Level: B1, B2 📚 Type: Writing ⭐ XP: up to +16 (on pass)

How well do you really know Comma? Find out with 15 exercises designed for B1-B2 learners. Instant scoring shows exactly where you stand, and detailed explanations turn every mistake into a learning moment. Retake any time to measure your improvement.

⏱ You have 07:30 to answer 15 questions. The timer only starts when you click Begin.

Q1  15
Q1 15

Question 1: What punctuation concept is demonstrated in the following sentence? "She bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes at the market."

Question 1 options
The sentence uses a serial comma (also called the Oxford comma), which is the comma placed before the conjunction 'and' in a list of three or more items.
Q2 15

Question 2: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank. "After finishing the long exam ___ the students celebrated with a trip to the café."

Question 2 options
A comma is required after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause. The introductory phrase 'After finishing the long exam' should be followed by a comma.
Q3 15

Question 3: A comma should always be placed before every use of the word 'and' in a sentence.

Question 3 options
This is false. A comma before 'and' is not always required. It is used before 'and' when joining two independent clauses or when using a serial comma in a list, but not in every case.
Q4 15

Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses commas to separate items in a list?

Question 4 options
The sentence 'We need flour, sugar, butter, and eggs for the recipe' correctly places commas between each item in the list and includes a comma before the conjunction 'and.'
Q5 15

Question 5: Match each comma-related term to its correct definition or example.

Question 5 options
Serial comma
Introductory comma
Comma splice
Parenthetical commas
Comma before 'and' in a list of three or more
Comma after an opening phrase or clause
Error: joining two sentences with only a comma
Commas around non-essential information

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

A serial comma comes before the final conjunction in a list. An introductory comma follows an opening phrase. A comma splice incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma. Parenthetical commas set off extra, non-essential information.
Q6 15

Question 6: Which sentence has a comma error?

Question 6 options
The sentence 'The weather was terrible, we decided to stay home' is a comma splice. Two independent clauses cannot be joined by a comma alone; a conjunction or semicolon is needed.
Q7 15

Question 7: Choose the best punctuation to fill in the blank. "The project was difficult ___ but everyone worked hard to finish it on time."

Question 7 options
When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction like 'but,' a comma should be placed before the conjunction to correctly separate the clauses.
Q8 15

Question 8: The following sentence contains a comma error: "The tall, building on the corner is being renovated." Which option correctly fixes the error?

Question 8 options
The comma between 'tall' and 'building' is incorrect because 'tall' directly modifies 'building' — they are not coordinate adjectives. Removing the comma fixes the error.
Q9 15

Question 9: Arrange the parts in the correct order to form a properly punctuated sentence with an introductory clause:

Question 9 options
  • the children ran outside
  • .
  • When the rain finally stopped
  • ,

Drag items or use arrows to arrange them in the correct order.

An introductory subordinate clause ('When the rain finally stopped') is followed by a comma, then the main clause ('the children ran outside'), and the sentence ends with a period.
Q10 15

Question 10: You are writing a formal report and need to list three departments involved in a project. Which sentence is most appropriate?

Question 10 options
In formal writing, items in a list should be separated by commas, and using a serial comma before the final item ensures clarity. The sentence 'The project involved the marketing, finance, and engineering departments' is correctly punctuated and appropriately formal.
Q11 15

Question 11: What is the difference between the following two sentences? 1. "My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor." 2. "My sister who lives in Paris is a doctor."

Question 11 options
Commas around 'who lives in Paris' in sentence 1 create a non-restrictive clause, meaning the information is extra and the writer has only one sister. Without commas in sentence 2, the clause is restrictive, identifying which sister the writer means, implying more than one sister.
Q12 15

Question 12: Which version is most appropriate for a formal business letter? "I would like to discuss the budget ___ the timeline ___ and the team allocation."

Question 12 options
In formal writing, items in a list should be clearly separated by commas, and a serial comma before 'and' improves clarity. The correct punctuation is a comma after 'budget,' a comma after 'timeline,' and no additional comma needed elsewhere.
Q13 15

Question 13: In British English, the Oxford comma is only required when omitting it would cause confusion about the meaning of a list.

Question 13 options
This is true. British English convention reserves the Oxford comma for cases where leaving it out would make the list ambiguous. American English, by contrast, typically uses the serial comma in all lists.
Q14 15

Question 14: Read the following sentence: "The old house, quiet and dark, stood at the end of the street." What effect do the commas create in this sentence?

Question 14 options
The commas set off the phrase 'quiet and dark' as a parenthetical element, adding descriptive detail without interrupting the main meaning. This creates a brief pause that emphasises the description, giving the reader a vivid image.
Q15 15

Question 15: Which is the best improved version of the following weak sentence? "She loves travelling she has visited France Spain and Japan."

Question 15 options
The original sentence is a run-on with no punctuation. The best version separates the two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction, and uses commas to separate the items in the list: 'She loves travelling, and she has visited France, Spain, and Japan.'