More Sentence Structure and Punctuation

Which of the following sentences is a statement?

• Can you help me with my homework?

• The sky is blue.

• Please close the door.

• What a beautiful day!

Answer explanation

A statement is a declarative sentence that conveys information. 'The sky is blue.' is a statement as it provides factual information, while the other options are questions or exclamations.

Identify the sentence that is a command.

• I wonder if it will rain today.

• The cat is sleeping on the sofa.

• Turn off the lights when you leave.

• How old are you?

Answer explanation

The sentence 'Turn off the lights when you leave.' is a command because it instructs someone to take action, unlike the other sentences which are statements or questions.

Which sentence is an example of an exclamation?

• I have a meeting at 3 PM.

• What time is it?

• Wow, that was amazing!

• Please pass the salt.

Answer explanation

The sentence "Wow, that was amazing!" expresses strong emotion and ends with an exclamation mark, making it an exclamation. The other sentences are statements or questions.

What is a minor sentence?

• A sentence that contains a subject and a verb.

• A sentence that is incomplete but still conveys meaning.

• A sentence that asks a question.

• A sentence that gives a command.

Answer explanation

A minor sentence is one that lacks a complete structure but still conveys meaning, such as "Hello!" or "Thanks!". This distinguishes it from complete sentences that have a subject and a verb.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates the use of a colon?

• She has three pets: a cat, a dog, and a rabbit.

• He was late; therefore, he missed the bus.

• I can't believe it—she won the lottery!

• The book (which was on the table) is mine.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'She has three pets: a cat, a dog, and a rabbit.' because it uses a colon to introduce a list of items. The other options do not use a colon.

Identify the sentence that uses a semi-colon correctly.

• I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

• She loves to read, she has many books.

• The weather is nice; but I have to work.

• He is tall; and he plays basketball.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.' because it properly connects two independent clauses with a semi-colon. The other options misuse punctuation or conjunctions.

Which sentence uses brackets correctly?

• The concert (which was amazing) ended at midnight.

• She said [that she would be late].

• He is going to the gym (and then to the store).

• I need to buy some groceries [milk, bread, eggs].

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The concert (which was amazing) ended at midnight.' because it uses parentheses to add non-essential information. The other options misuse brackets or parentheses inappropriately.

What is the purpose of an ellipsis in a sentence?

• To indicate a pause or break in thought.

• To show excitement or emphasis.

• To list items in a series.

• To introduce a quotation.

Answer explanation

An ellipsis is used to indicate a pause or break in thought, allowing the reader to sense an unfinished idea or hesitation. This makes the first answer choice the correct one.

Which sentence demonstrates the use of repetition for effect?

• She was very, very tired after the long journey.

• He went to the store, the bank, and the post office.

• The sun set over the horizon.

• Can you believe it?

Answer explanation

The sentence "She was very, very tired after the long journey" uses repetition of the word "very" to emphasize the extent of her tiredness, making it the best example of repetition for effect.

Identify the sentence that uses a dash correctly.

• I need to buy some groceries - milk, bread, and eggs.

• She is my best friend - we have known each other for years.

• He said he would call - but he didn't.

• The movie was great - I loved the ending.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'She is my best friend - we have known each other for years.' because it uses a dash to connect two related independent clauses, which is an appropriate use of a dash.