Question

which sentence is punctuated correctly?

if it rains on saturday, hillarys baseball game will be canceled, and jakes basketball game will take place in the gym.
if it rains on saturday, hillarys baseball game will be canceled and jakes basketball game will take place in the gym.
if it rains on saturday hillarys baseball game will be canceled, and jakes basketball game will take place in the gym.
if it rains on saturday hillarys baseball game will be canceled and jakes basketball game will take place in the gym.

Explanation:

Analyze sentence structure

Using the Compound-Complex Sentences knowledge point, we identify that the sentence consists of an introductory dependent clause followed by two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Evaluate introductory clause punctuation

Using the Dependent Clauses and Punctuation Rules knowledge points:

• The introductory dependent clause is "If it rains on Saturday".
• When a dependent clause starts a sentence, it must be followed by a comma.
• Therefore, a comma is required after "Saturday". This eliminates the third and fourth options.

Evaluate independent clause coordination

Using the Coordinating Conjunctions and Punctuation Rules knowledge points:

• The two independent clauses are "Hillary's baseball game will be canceled" and "Jake's basketball game will take place in the gym".
• These clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction "and".
• A comma must precede a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses.
• Therefore, a comma is required before "and". This eliminates the second option.

Identify the correct option

Using the Punctuation Rules knowledge point, the first option correctly includes both necessary commas:

• A comma after the introductory dependent clause ("Saturday,").
• A comma before the coordinating conjunction joining the independent clauses (", and").

Answer:

• (A) If it rains on Saturday, Hillary's baseball game will be canceled, and Jake's basketball game will take place in the gym. (Correct answer)
• (B) If it rains on Saturday, Hillary's baseball game will be canceled and Jake's basketball game will take place in the gym.
• (C) If it rains on Saturday Hillary's baseball game will be canceled, and Jake's basketball game will take place in the gym.
• (D) If it rains on Saturday Hillary's baseball game will be canceled and Jake's basketball game will take place in the gym.