Punctuation Rules for Dashes

This video tutorial, part of the Accuplacer Next Generation Writing series, focuses on the use of dashes in writing. It explains that dashes are similar to parentheses, providing additional information in a sentence. The tutorial details when to use a dash followed by a period or two dashes, depending on the presence of a noun and verb before the first dash. Examples are analyzed to illustrate these rules, and the video concludes with a review of the key points. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe for more tutorials and are wished success in their Accuplacer exams.

What is the main focus of the Accuplacer writing series introduced in the video?

• Understanding punctuation marks

• Learning about dashes

• Improving vocabulary

• Enhancing reading skills

How are dashes similar to parentheses?

• They both indicate a pause

• They both add additional information

• They both end a sentence

• They both start a new paragraph

What is the purpose of using dashes in writing?

• To end a sentence

• To add additional information

• To replace a verb

• To start a new paragraph

When should you use a dash followed by a period?

• When there is no verb before the dash

• When there is a noun and a verb before the dash

• When there is a verb before the dash

• When there is a noun before the dash

What should you look for in a sentence to decide the correct use of dashes?

• The presence of a question mark

• The length of the sentence

• The presence of a noun and verb

• The number of commas

In the first example, why were two dashes used?

• Because there was a period before the first dash

• Because there was no noun before the first dash

• Because there was only a noun before the first dash

• Because there was a verb before the first dash

What was the noun in the first example before the first dash?

• Orange

• Apple

• Banana

• Nectarine

What is incorrect about using a dash followed by a semicolon?

• It is only correct in some cases

• It is always incorrect

• It is not a common practice

• It is grammatically correct

In the second example, what follows the dash?

• A comma

• A semicolon

• A period

• A question mark

What is required before a dash followed by a period to be grammatically correct?

• Neither a noun nor a verb

• A noun only

• A verb only

• A noun and a verb