Basic Punctuation Formative

Which of these requires a period at the end?

• a question

• a command

• an exclamation

• none of the above

Answer explanation

Two kinds of sentences - statements and commands - require periods at the end. A question needs a question mark, and an exclamation should end with an exclamation point.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

Which of the following sentences should have an exclamation point at the end instead of a period?

• Please come take this trash away.

• Watch out for that rattlesnake near your foot.

• I need a new set of earbuds.

• Let's meet back here in one hour.

Answer explanation

A rattlesnake could be very dangerous, so this would most likely be shouted as a warning. The other sentences don't contain information that would involve strong feeling.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

Which of the following sentences needs a question mark instead of a period?

• Please tell me what time you will pick me up.

• I don't know how to fix this bike.

• Do you think I can pass the test.

• Put the broom back in the closet, Alan.

Answer explanation

"Do you think"....this is a question starter and requires an answer of "yes" or "no". None of the other choices are asking something,

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

Which sentence contains a punctuation error?

• We picked beans, carrots, and tomatoes in the garden.

• Jessica, do you like cookies or cake.

• Michael left, but the rest of us stayed later.

• Hurry, we are about to miss the bus!

Answer explanation

Jessica is being ASKED if she likes cookies or cake - so this sentence should end with a question mark, not a period.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

Which sentence contains a punctuation error?

• The Declaration of Independence was signed on July, 4, 1776.

• Mars, Venus, and Mercury are all planets located in our solar system.

• Is the mayor of Chicago, Illinois a woman?

• Martin, someone just hit our car!

Answer explanation

The correct way to write this date would be July 4, 1776. Only one comma is needed in a full date - and it should be put between the day (4th) and the year (1776). No comma is supposed to be placed right after the month.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.2.2B

CCSS.L.3.2B

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

Which sentence contains a punctuation error?

• Participating in class and doing homework will help you be a better student.

• The wedding will be held on October 14 in Boston.

• Can you find Luray, Virginia on a map?

• We put raisins nuts, chocolate chips and coconut in the cookies.

Answer explanation

Raisins and nuts are two separate ingredients, and so the need to have a comma between them to show this.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Which sentence contains a punctuation error?

• Orlando, Florida is a popular place for people to visit.

• The team warmed up by running laps, stretching, and lifting weights.

• Tell your sister that I can't come to her party

• I missed the bus this morning, so my dad had to drive me to school.

Answer explanation

This sentence doesn't have any end punctuation mark - it is missing a period.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.2C

Which sentence contains a punctuation error?

• The dog wagged it's tail.

• My oldest sister, Katie, is a waitress at Olive Garden.

• What time do you want to leave for the concert?

• You're going to need your chrome book today.

Answer explanation

it's = "it is" ( a contraction)

It wouldn't make sense to say "the dog wagged it is tail. "

You need the possessive pronoun "its" (no apostrophe) which means "the tail that BELONGS to IT".

Tags

CCSS.L.2.2C

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.3.2D

Which sentence contains a punctuation error?

• If you see my missing backpack, will you please let me know?

• Don't forget to pack a raincoat and rain boots for our camping trip.

• Is San Diego California located on the Pacific coast?

• One member of the group is missing!

Answer explanation

A comma is needed between the city (San Diego) and the state (California). This comma is missing.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

Which sentence contains a punctuation error?

• My house, the one with black shutters and a red door, is the only home on the street with a pool.

• We hiked, fished, and kayaked yesterday afternoon.

• Logan showed Tyler how to change the water in the fish tank.

• I have basketball practice at the recreation center on Mondays Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Answer explanation

This sentence contains a list of the days that practice is held - so commas are needed between the days mentioned. Although there IS a comma after Wednesday, there is no comma after Monday. This is the mistake.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A