Mastering Punctuation

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

• To emphasize a word in a sentence.

• To replace a period in a sentence.

• To indicate a pause or separate elements in a sentence.

• To indicate the end of a sentence.

When should you use quotation marks?

• For indirect speech only

• Use quotation marks for direct speech, quotes, titles of short works, and to emphasize specific terms.

• To highlight important dates

• When writing formal letters

How do you show possession using an apostrophe?

• Add ' for all singular nouns

• Use 's only for plural nouns

• Add 's for singular nouns, ' for plural nouns ending in s, and 's for plural nouns not ending in s.

• Add 's for all nouns

What is the difference between a period and an exclamation mark?

• A period is used for questions; an exclamation mark is used for statements.

• A period is used in poetry; an exclamation mark is used in prose.

• A period is used for statements; an exclamation mark is used for emphasis or strong emotion.

• A period indicates excitement; an exclamation mark indicates calmness.

When should you use a colon?

• Use a colon to separate two unrelated sentences.

• Use a colon to introduce lists, quotes, explanations, or to separate related independent clauses.

• Use a colon to start a new paragraph.

• Use a colon to indicate a pause in speech.

What is the function of a semicolon?

• To indicate a question in a statement.

• To replace a comma in a sentence.

• To introduce a new paragraph.

• To connect closely related independent clauses and separate complex list items.

How do you properly use parentheses in a sentence?

• Use parentheses to enclose non-essential information or clarifications in a sentence.

• Use parentheses to emphasize the main point of the sentence.

• Always place parentheses at the beginning of a sentence.

• Parentheses should only be used in questions.

What is a hyphen used for?

• To separate sentences.

• To indicate a pause in speech.

• To emphasize a word or phrase.

• To connect words or parts of words.

Can you give an example of a sentence using a comma?

• She went to the store for milk

• The cat sat on the mat

• I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

• I enjoy reading books and magazines

How do you punctuate a direct quote?

• Place punctuation outside the quotation marks.

• Use parentheses instead of quotation marks.

• Omit punctuation altogether when quoting.

• Use quotation marks and place punctuation inside them.