Punctuation Quiz

What is a purpose of a comma in writing?

• To indicate a long pause

• To separate items in a list

• To show the end of a sentence

• To connect independent phrases

When should you use a comma to indicate a pause in a sentence?

• Before every conjunction

• After every preposition

• To separate independent clauses

• Between a subject and verb

Which sentence correctly uses a comma in a list?

• I need to buy apples bananas, and oranges.

• I need to buy apples, bananas and oranges.

• I need to buy apples, bananas, and oranges.

• I need to buy apples, bananas and, oranges.

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

• My brother who is tall: plays basketball.

• We are leaving at 3:45 this afternoon.

• We have to buy apples, oranges: and bananas.

• We are going to: South America.

An ellipsis (...) in the middle of a quote

• Emphasizes a point

• Indicates a pause in speech

• Shows an omission (leaving out) of words

• Separates items in a list

What is the purpose of using dashes in writing?

• To indicate a whisper

• To show a sudden break in thought

• To replace all other punctuation

• To connect words in compound adjectives

Which sentence correctly uses commas for a series of adjectives?

• The old, rusty car broke down.

• The old rusty, car broke down.

• The, old, rusty car broke down.

• The old rusty car, broke down.

Dashes can be used to:

• Replace periods in all sentences

• Indicate whispering in dialogue

• Set off a summary or explanation

• Separate every word for emphasis

Which sentence uses a comma correctly with a coordinating conjunction?

• I wanted to go to the party but, I had homework.

• I wanted to go to the party, but I had homework.

• I wanted to go to the party but I, had homework.

• I wanted to go to the party, but, I had homework.

Commas are used in dates to:

• Separate the day from the year

• Separate the month from the day

• Separate the year from the era (BC/AD)

• Separate each number in the year