Basics of Punctuation

What is the primary purpose of punctuation in writing?

• To decorate sentences

• To clarify meaning and structure

• To make writing more complex

• To replace conjunctions

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

• I love pizza, I eat it every day.

• I love; pizza, I eat it every day.

• I love pizza, and I eat it every day.

• I love pizza; I eat it every day.

What is an independent clause?

• A. A group of words with no subject or verb

• B. A clause that cannot stand alone

• C. A clause that contains a subject and verb and forms a complete thought

• D. A phrase that modifies a noun at the beginning or end of the sentence

Which punctuation mark is used to introduce a list?

• Semicolon

• Colon

• Comma

• Dash

Which sentence correctly punctuates an appositive?

• My sister, Jane, is a great singer.

• My sister Jane is a great singer.

• My sister, Jane is a great singer.

• My sister—Jane—is a great singer.

Which sentence uses an Oxford comma correctly?

• I bought apples, bananas, and oranges.

• I bought apples, bananas and oranges.

• I bought apples; bananas, and oranges.

• I bought: apples, bananas and oranges.

Which of the following correctly combines two independent clauses?

• She was tired, she went to bed.

• She was tired: she went to bed.

• She was tired; she went to bed.

• She was tired—she went to bed.

Which sentence correctly uses a dash?

• My friend, who loves reading, recommended a great book.

• My friend—who loves reading—recommended a great book.

• My friend who loves reading -- recommended a great book.

• My friend; who loves reading; recommended a great book.

Which sentence uses correct apostrophe placement?

• The dogs leash was left outside.

• The dogs' leash was left outside.

• The dog's leash was left outside.

• The dog"s leash was left outside.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• She asked, “Where is my book?”

• She asked, “Where is my book”?

• She asked? “Where is my book.”

• She asked “Where is my book.”