Exploring Punctuation: Commas, Parenthesis, and Dashes

What is the primary function of commas in a sentence?

• To signal a pause or separation

• To connect clauses

• To introduce a quote

• To end a sentence

What type of sentence elements do commas separate?

• Essential elements only

• Phrases and dependent clauses

• Words or groups of words in a list

• Contradictory statements

Can removing non-essential elements separated by commas change the basic meaning of the sentence?

• Yes, but only in long sentences

• Yes, always

• No, it does not change

• Only if the sentence is complex

How do parentheses compare to commas in terms of emphasizing non-essential information?

• Parentheses make information more important

• Parentheses and commas have the same effect

• Parentheses are used for essential information

• Parentheses make information less important

What effect do dashes have in a sentence?

• They signal a list

• They introduce a strong interruption

• They connect two independent clauses

• They add extra emphasis to essential elements

In the example with Jane Goodall, what punctuation mark is used to indicate a sudden interruption?

• Comma

• Parenthesis

• Dash

• Colon

What should you add in the sentence about Jane Goodall's supplies to correctly punctuate it?

• Commas

• No punctuation needed

• Dashes

• Parentheses

Where should parentheses be added in the sentence about chimpanzees' diet?

• No parentheses needed

• Around 'bananas especially'

• After 'bananas especially'

• Around 'mostly fruits'

What punctuation is used to indicate a similar behavior between chimps and people regarding comfort?

• Comma

• Parenthesis

• Dash

• Exclamation mark

Which punctuation mark is used to separate items in a list within the sentence?

• Colon

• Dash

• Comma

• Semicolon