Mastering Grammar and Punctuation, Part I

A student is writing a book report and wants to mention the title of a novel, a poem, and a magazine article. Which of the following correctly shows how the student should format each title in the report?

• Underline the novel, use italics for the poem, and quotation marks for the magazine article.

• Italicize the novel, use quotation marks for the poem, and quotation marks for the magazine article.

• Use quotation marks for the novel, underline the poem, and italics for the magazine article.

• Italicize all three titles.

You are editing a class newsletter. Which sentence correctly uses commas to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence?

• After the assembly we will return to class.

• After the assembly, we will return to class.

• We will, after the assembly return to class.

• We will return, to class after the assembly.

A teacher asks you to write a business letter to the principal. Which of the following correctly uses a colon after the salutation?

• Dear Principal Smith,

• Dear Principal Smith:

• Dear Principal Smith;

• Dear Principal Smith.

Read the following sentence: "Wow, I can't believe we finished the project on time!" Which word is functioning as an interjection, and what is its purpose in the sentence?

• "Wow," to show excitement or surprise.

• "can't," to show ability.

• "believe," to show doubt.

• "project," to name the task.

Which sentence correctly uses an indefinite pronoun and a possessive pronoun as an adjective?

• Everyone brought their own lunch to the picnic.

• Everyone brought his or her own lunch to the picnic.

• Everyone brought lunch to the picnic.

• Everyone brought themselves lunch to the picnic.

A student is writing an essay and wants to mention the title of a television show and a short story. Which is the correct way to format these titles?

• Italicize the television show and use quotation marks for the short story.

• Underline both titles.

• Use quotation marks for both titles.

• Italicize both titles.

Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off a question tag?

• You finished your homework, didn't you?

• You finished your homework didn't you?

• You, finished your homework, didn't you?

• You finished, your homework, didn't you?

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?

• Please bring: pencils, paper, and a ruler.

• Please bring pencils, paper, and: a ruler.

• Please bring the following: pencils, paper, and a ruler.

• Please: bring pencils, paper, and a ruler.

Which sentence uses the present perfect progressive tense correctly?

• She has been studying for the test all week.

• She is studying for the test all week.

• She studied for the test all week.

• She will be studying for the test all week.

Which sentence correctly uses a demonstrative pronoun as an adjective?

• This is my favorite book.

• I like this book.

• Book is this.

• This book is my favorite.