Ellipses for omissions - Grade 8 Assessment

Ellipses can be used to omit parts of a quote that are not necessary for understanding.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Ellipses are often used in writing to omit unnecessary parts of a quote without changing the overall meaning.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses ellipses to omit a part of the quote?

• "The weather was... not as expected," he said.

• "The weather was perfect... he said."

• "The weather... was perfect he said."

• "The weather was perfect he... said."

Answer explanation

Ellipses are used here to omit part of the sentence while maintaining the original context.

Complete the sentence with the most appropriate use of ellipses: "During the meeting..."

• we discussed the new project.

• we... discussed the new project.

• we discussed... the new project.

• we discussed the... new project.

Answer explanation

The ellipsis indicates that some text between 'discussed' and 'the new project' has been omitted.

Ellipses should be used at the beginning of a quote to show that the beginning of the sentence is omitted.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Ellipses are usually not placed at the beginning of a quote; they are used within or at the end to indicate omissions.

Identify the sentence that appropriately uses ellipses to omit information for brevity.

• She said that the event was... unforgettable.

• She said... that the event was unforgettable.

• She said, "The event was unforgettable..."

• She said that... event was unforgettable.

Answer explanation

The ellipsis omits part of the sentence for brevity while retaining the essential message.

Complete the sentence: "The scientist explained the complex theory... and the audience was intrigued."

• without any interruption

• ...

• in great detail

• with several examples

Answer explanation

The ellipsis indicates that part of the explanation is omitted.

Ellipses can be used to create suspense or hesitation in dialogue.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Ellipses are often used in dialogue to indicate a pause or trailing off for effect.

In which sentence is the ellipsis used to indicate a pause in thought?

• "I was considering... going for a walk."

• "I was thinking about... the new project."

• "I was unsure... whether to proceed."

• "I was wondering... if we should call him."

Answer explanation

The ellipsis here suggests a pause in thought, showing hesitation.

Complete the sentence: "He started to explain his decision... but then stopped."

• clearly

• ...

• hesitantly

• confidently

Answer explanation

The ellipsis indicates that the details of his decision are omitted.

Which sentence properly uses ellipses to omit unnecessary information in a quote?

• "He mentioned, 'We should... meet soon.'"

• "He mentioned, 'We... should meet soon.'"

• "He mentioned... 'We should meet soon.'"

• "He... mentioned, 'We should meet soon.'"

Answer explanation

The ellipsis omits part of the original quote for brevity.