Cap-Punc Pre-Test: Ellipses and Slashes

What is the primary purpose of using a slash in writing?

• To indicate a pause

• To separate alternatives or options

• To show possession

• To end a sentence

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a slash?

• I need to buy milk, bread, eggs.

• The meeting is scheduled for Monday/Tuesday.

• She said, "I will be there soon."

• He is taller than she is.

Identify the correct usage of an ellipsis in the following sentence: "I was thinking... maybe we could go to the park."

• To end a sentence

• To show excitement

• To separate items in a list

• To indicate a pause for effect

Which sentence correctly uses both a slash and an ellipsis?

• We can meet on Friday/Saturday... if you're free.

• I want to go to the store/market... and buy some apples.

• She said she would call me.../text me later.

• He likes to read books.../watch movies.

Explain why a slash is used in the following sentence: "Please bring your notebook/laptop to class."

• To indicate a choice between two items

• To show possession

• To separate clauses

• To emphasize the importance

In which situation would you use an ellipsis?

• To list items in a series

• To separate two independent clauses

• To indicate omitted text in a quote

• To show a question

Create a sentence using a slash to indicate alternatives.

• I will have coffee/tea with breakfast.

• I will have coffee, tea with breakfast.

• I will have coffee and tea with breakfast.

• I will have coffee or tea with breakfast.

Create a sentence using an ellipsis to indicate a pause for effect.

• I was thinking... we could go to the movies tonight.

• I was thinking we could go to the movies tonight.

• I was thinking, we could go to the movies tonight.

• I was thinking; we could go to the movies tonight.

Differentiate between the use of a slash and an ellipsis in the following sentence: "You can choose to write an essay/report... or take the test."

• The slash indicates a pause, and the ellipsis indicates alternatives.

• Both indicate alternatives.

• Both indicate a pause.

• The slash indicates alternatives, and the ellipsis indicates a pause.

Why might a writer choose to use an ellipsis in dialogue?

• To show a character's hesitation or trailing off

• To list multiple items

• To separate two complete thoughts

• To emphasize a statement