Punctuation Challenge

When should you use a comma in a sentence?

• To separate items in a list, to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence, after a subordinating conjunction

• To separate items in a list, to separate dependent clauses in a compound sentence, before a subordinating conjunction

• To separate items in a list, to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence, after an introductory phrase, and before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.

• To separate items in a list, to separate independent clauses in a complex sentence, after an introductory word

What is the purpose of a colon in writing?

• To end a sentence

• To separate two independent clauses

• To introduce a list, explanation, or example

• To indicate possession

Give an example of a sentence using a semicolon.

• I have a big test tomorrow, I need to study all night.

• I have a big test tomorrow. I need to study all night.

• I have a big test tomorrow I need to study all night.

• I have a big test tomorrow; I need to study all night.

Explain the difference between an em dash and an en dash.

• An em dash is longer and is used to indicate a break in thought or to set off a parenthetical statement. An en dash is shorter and is used to indicate a range or connection between two items.

• An em dash is used for ending a sentence, while an en dash is used for starting a sentence

• An em dash is used for connecting words, while an en dash is used for separating words

• An em dash is used for multiplication, while an en dash is used for division

Where should you use a period in a paragraph?

• At the beginning of a sentence to indicate the start

• After a comma to separate clauses

• At the end of a sentence to indicate a full stop

• In the middle of a word to create an abbreviation

What is the correct way to use commas in a list?

• Use periods to separate items in a list.

• Use commas to separate items in a list.

• Use semicolons to separate items in a list.

• Use exclamation points to separate items in a list.

How can a colon be used to introduce a list?

• By using it to separate the items with commas

• By using it at the beginning of each list item

• By placing it in the middle of the list items

• By placing it at the end of the introductory phrase or sentence, followed by the list of items

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

• When separating a subject and a verb

• When separating a list of items

• When separating two independent clauses that are closely related.

• When separating a dependent clause from an independent clause

What is the purpose of an em dash in a sentence?

• To set off a phrase or clause for emphasis or to indicate a sudden break in thought

• To show possession

• To indicate a question

• To connect two independent clauses

Explain the difference between a semicolon and a colon.

• A semicolon is used to end a sentence, while a colon is used to connect two related clauses.

• A semicolon is used to introduce a list, while a colon is used to separate items in a list.

• A semicolon is used to indicate a pause, while a colon is used to show emphasis.

• A semicolon is used to separate independent clauses, while a colon is used to introduce a list or to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.